Our southwest Minnesota region lost another outstanding leader with the death of founding SWIF board member Elroy Burgeson two weeks ago. He and his wife Nita of Granite Falls were featured in our latest issue of Looking Forward, Giving Back, and I’m so glad we were able to share their story and lift up the incredible impact Elroy had on our organization and region.

Here’s an article from the Advocate Tribune with more “Burgie” memories. He is an inspiration to the Granite Falls community and far beyond.

Southwest Minnesota loses a great one in Elroy Burgeson
By Scott Tedrick, Editor
Advocate Tribune

Granite Falls, Minn. — The City of Granite Falls lost one of its greatest leaders and advocates with the passing of Elroy Burgeson on Friday, April 27. He was 82.

Burgeson, known affectionately to many as “Burgie,” arrived in Granite Falls with his wife Nita in 1960 and over the next several decades either developed or played an integral role in an overwhelming number of community initiatives and institutions that impacted not only Granite Falls but much of southwest Minnesota.

Burgeson would serve as the Director of the Granite Falls Area Vocational Technical Institute –– now the Granite Falls Minnesota West Community and Technical College campus –– was a founding member of the Southwest Initiative Fund (SWIF) –– later renamed the Southwest Initiative Foundation –– and was co-chair of the 1979 Granite Falls Centennial Celebration, which served as the basis for the annual city celebration we know today as Western Fest.

Burgeson would also serve as president of the local Kiwanis Cub, the Chamber of Commerce and the Granite Falls Lutheran Church Council in addition to two terms as a city council member and two terms as Granite Falls mayor.

“Once he moved here Granite Falls was his home, and he cared about it,” said Nita, his wife of 58 years. “I was amazed at all of his energy. He just cared. He was a giver and not a taker.”
Burgeson was born in 1930 in Ladysmith, Wisconin. After attending high school in Mankato he joined the U.S. Army where he served as a medic during the Korean War. In 1955 he graduated from Mankato State College, where he later returned to receive his Master’s Degree in 1962.

For five years Burgeson taught High School Business Education in Butterfield before his move to Granite Falls. In Granite, he taught business classes at the local high school briefly until his acceptance of an administrative post at the Area Vocation Technical in 1963. There, he would remain until his retirement in 1986.

Dick Pooley was a friend and colleague to Burgeson during much of that tenure and would go on to succeed him as director. Together they helped grow the school from around one hundred students to its historic maximum of over 500.

“He really had a love for education, his staff and his students,” he said. “Overall, I think he was just a really good administrator.”

Pooley cited the 27-day teacher strike in the fall of ‘81 as one instance where the unique manner in which Burgeson treated his staff was on display. He recalled how teachers picketed outside the college and how, rather than just drive through the line, the vocational school director made an effort to walk amongst the crowd and hear his staff’s side of things.

“It was a tough time we all went through back then,” Pooley said. “But because of the way he was when we came back to work our staff continued to function really well together.”

His sense of humor was another trait that Pooley said was fundamental to Burgeson’s character. He couldn’t help but chuckle as he recalled one occasion where a school secretary was left to question her sanity when Elroy had his identical twin, Leroy, enter the college, say hello and then go sit in the director’s office––only to enter the office moments later himself and repeat the scene.

And yet, of all his attributes, Pooley said the one that he enjoyed the most was Burgeson’s knack for seeing what was to come. “He seemed to be able to look into the future and see what was going to happen. I really like that about him,” he said.
One might argue as to whether Burgeson saw the future, or just created it. Most likely, it fell somewhere in between.

Sherry Ristau met Burgeson shortly after she moved to Clarkfield in the late 1980s, and has had a front row seat to witness the evolution of the proposal submitted by Burgeson and Mark Loftus of Southwest Minnesota State University to the McKnight Foundation that would lead to the creation of SWIF.

Burgeson was on the board that hired Ristau as a Grant Program Manager. Today, she is SWIF President and CEO.

“He had a huge heart for people and their needs. He was such a positive thinker and always had something positive to say,” Ristau said. “Anybody who ever got to interact with Elroy is a better person today … and I’m not just saying that, I really mean that.”

Ristau went on to discuss the impact of SWIF, and further emphasized how it was the infusion of Elroy’s ideals into the foundation that have allowed it to be such a huge benefit to the community today and in perpetuity.

“It’s not about [me], the staff or the board or any of that. [SWIF] has been established on a set of values possessed by Elroy Burgeson and those like him. His legacy will be felt in southwest Minnesota forever, based on what he did 25 years ago.”

The specific instances and organizations that speak of Burgeson’s contributions go on and on and remain as a testament to the man who so sincerely devoted his life to all those he so deeply loved, which appeared to be everyone he came into contact with.

“He just liked people,” said Nita. “He was interested in them, he didn’t judge them and he listened to what they had to say. If he could offer some advice he would, and if it wasn’t he called for he didn’t. He was just an amazing man and I was lucky to be his wife.

I may sound like a broken record, but each and every time our SWIF Board of Directors meets, we have an incredible day. Last week’s meeting in Pipestone was no exception, thanks to our great group of volunteer board members and the community leaders who spent time with us. SWIF has a long history of successful partnerships in this community. Pipestone was one of the first cities to support building our SWIF General Endowment to create a permanent regional resource and was also one of our first community foundation partners. More recently, they hosted our economic development team’s Business Blitz to connect and support local businesses.
 
Bob Taubert, managing partner at New Horizon Farms, started our day with an overview of his business—expansions, changes, and future outlook of this hog operation are on his mind daily. From first-class production to research, this southwest Minnesota business is a great example of our region playing a major, leadership role in providing what the entire world needs: food.

Speaking of food, thanks to Lange’s Café – Steve and Peg Lange – for a delicious lunch, including their famous and award-winning sour cream raisin pie. I am STILL trying to walk it off!  It was served to us on the stage of the Pipestone Performing Arts Center where we had lunch with community leaders. The Center is an absolutely awesome asset to the Pipestone community and region. And lunch on a stage was a first!
 
Another highlight of the day was our group discussion about local assets and future opportunities with a group of community leaders over lunch. The agricultural economy and tourism were highlighted by guests as two economic constants in the community. In addition, guests noted the futurist visioning taking place through various projects and provided a long list of things thay are excited to have happening in their community, including:

• Strong agricultural businesses like New Horizon Farms, Ellison Meats, the Pipestone System/Vet Clinic, Bioverse (a former SWIF loan client) and others
• Strong family-owned businesses, including Lange’s Café which has been in Pipestone for more than 50 years
• Chamber’s business retention committee
• Pipestone Active Living, a community collaborative to improve overall community wellness
• Fresh foods, outdoor classroom and use of technology at the school
• Bike trail improvements and paths throughout town – the goal is to connect trails so bikers can go from Sioux Falls to Redwood Falls!
• Harmon Park renovations, made possible by the Pipestone Area Community Foundation, a SWIF partner
• Center for Performing Arts which has more 60 events per year
• Community festivals and new things coming up for the Song of Hiawatha grounds
• Strong county-owned hospital 

Just like in other communities in our region, good, committed, hard-working people were also noted as the main reason Pipestone is a vibrant and attractive community. I’m excited to see where Pipestone’s visionary leaders take their community next!

Jeannine Rivet pictured during the honoree parade. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Pavlenko and Girl Scouts River Valley.

Saturday night, my husband I had an incredible, humbling and inspiring experience as guests of one of the 100 women honored at the Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valley Centennial Awards Gala. This is a shining example of how one organization can touch so many individuals and create a lasting impact. Not to mention, 100 years as a successful organization is a huge milestone!

Everything about this event was a ‘wow’ for me:

• The parade of 100 women being honored that kicked off the event among the beautifully decorated banquet tables.
• Our table host and honoree Jeannine Rivet, Executive Vice President, United Health Group, who along with her husband, Warren Herried, received the Southwest Initiative Foundation 25th Anniversary Philanthropy Award for their generous giving to beautiful projects in Luverne and the Southwest Initiative Foundation Growing Home Circle.
• Marilyn Carlson Nelson, Chairman and Former CEO of Carlson, who received the Distinguised Alumna Centennial Champion Award and whose story and remarks were absolutely inspirational.
• And each of 100 honorees, wonderful musical entertainment and silent auction funds raised for Girl Scout programming.

As I sat surrounded by so many incredible women leaders who have been impacted by their experience with Girl Scouts, I thought back to my own days as a Brownie and then Girl Scout. The skills, confidence and encouragement this program provided me and so many girls and women is truly making a difference in many lives. We’re in good company, since 25 percent of American women are Girl Scout alumnae. The number is even higher for professional women—80 percent of female business owners and two out of three women in Congress, just as a couple of examples.

We took a quick poll and many SWIF staff were in Girl or Boy Scouts. A number expressed how scouting has been a great experience for their children and some of our staff are/were troop leaders themselves. I know there are many great examples throughout the region of these organizations’ impact through participation, skill building and service projects.

I want to call special attention to a number of our own southwest Minnesota Girl Scout alumnae who were recognized with awards during the gala Saturday night along with Jeannine. My sincere congratulations goes to these women for their leadership and achievements. Our region should be very proud of what this group of honorees represents!  

Community Champion Honorees
Community Champions are alumnae who have made significant contributions as volunteers within their own communities or on regional or national levels.
Sharon Hollatz – Commissioner, District 5, Redwood County
Nancy Wepplo – Campus Administrator, Good Samaritan Society, Windom

Forever Green Honorees
Forever Greens are alumnae who have demonstrated outstanding commitment, exceptional service and extraordinary dedication to the Girl Scout Movement.
Bonnie Elfering, Community Volunteer, Bird Island
Robin Stegner, Retired President, RVI, Inc., Redwood Falls

Guide Honoree
Guides are alumnae who have distinguished themselves as mentors to others.
Marlys Knuth, Adjunct Educator, Shire Equestrian Breeder, Sudden Creek Shires, Slayton

Trailblazer Honoree
Women whose pioneering efforts have opened doors for other women.
Jeannine Rivet, Executive Vice President, UnitedHealth Group, Luverne connections

Women of Promise Honoree
Women of Promise are alumnae, age 35 and under, who have distinguished themselves in their professions or communities.
Lindsay Whalen, Professional Athlete and National Champion, Minnesota Lynx, Hutchinson native

Learn more about these women and their awards here: http://www.girlscoutsrv.org/alumnae/centennial_award_honorees

How has scouting impacted your life? Share your stories by posting a comment!

While traveling along Highway 212 in Renville County, I’ve noticed more than field work as a sign that our agricultural industry is moving forward this spring. On the east end of Buffalo Lake, construction crews have been busily working at the former North Star Beef facility, which has been a quiet place after closing in 2009.

It was recently announced that Triple J Family Farms, LLC, will be opening a beef harvest and processing facility in this location. About 80 jobs will come with the first phase of this project, with projections to hire an additional 150 during a following phase. This would place the number of jobs at or above what they were before the previous business closed—and more than 200 jobs in a community of just over 700 is big news. The new facility will draw a workforce from many surrounding small communities and I can only imagine we’ll feel the rippling effects of more people and families staying or moving here for new job opportunities.

Beef processing has a long history in this community. Early in our history, Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) made loans to Minnesota Beef Industries located in Buffalo Lake to support business operations. Both the facility and SWIF have seen many changes since making those loans in 1989-90. The facility has had a major impact on the local economy through the years, and we’re please to see this new opportunity arise for it. I know that much work was needed by community and business leaders to make this happen. This is a great example of the hard work put into economic development, regardless of a community’s size.

As we’ve shared with other stories, we don’t know what will come of the investments SWIF makes—through loans, grants or other support. We can only trust that the people we partner with will make good decisions and a lasting impact. This is an example of SWIF being available and willing to be present and involved when we can help make a difference, whether it’s today or many years into the future.

How does your community feel the impact of SWIF’s investments? Share your stories with us!

Our entrepreneurship/microloan team never slows down, which is good news for our SWIF loan clients. When I stop to think about the number of people we’ve helped start, expand or transition from their business through this program, I’m amazed. From bakeries, floral shops and theaters to manufacturers, landscapers and computer technicians—SWIF’s microloan program touches all types of businesses that provide services we need in our communities. Not to mention, SWIF’s microloan clients make up some of my favorite places to stop for coffee or lunch and/or do a little shopping when traveling throughout our region!

Congratulations are in order for our team this week, as they’ve received exciting news that speaks to the level of their work with entrepreneurs in our region. First, Program Coordinator Berny Berger was selected to serve on a panel at the SBA Conference this week. Second, Berny, Kurt Thompson, Jackie Turner-Lovsness, and Greg Jodzio were selected to present at the upcoming AEO (Association for Enterprise Opportunity) National Conference. Topics will include SWIF’s Encore Entrepreneurship program and CORE website.

And, in case this isn’t enough to make you a believer in our program, the team recently interviewed a number of clients to get a first-hand perspective of SWIF’s impact on their business. I hope you’ll be as inspired as I was seeing and listening to them share comments. Southwest Minnesota can be proud of the many business owners making a difference in our communities!

 Watch the video now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ik6zZtLGiKg&feature=youtu.be

Leaders like the late Sen. Kubly (right) can inspire all of us to get more involved in our communities.

Last month, our region lost a great leader in Senator Gary Kubly. For years, and even through his recent battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease, Sen. Kubly worked hard to represent much of our southwest Minnesota region and make a difference in our corner of the state. He was actively engaged in this region, including in his community, and was a strong supporter of SWIF and our programs—from our local Granite Falls Area Community Foundation to our statewide Early Childhood Initiative.

I know other regional communities have also recently lost notable leaders and we could easily get wrapped up in sadness and grief. But instead, I want to challenge all of us to look back at the many positive things that have happened because these people chose to make southwest Minnesota their home. They gave of their time, talent and resources to make our communities and businesses stronger, more vibrant and more welcoming. They did it because they, like so many of us, care deeply about our region and those who live here.

I also want to challenge all of us to be inspired by the legacy so many leaders in our communities have left—and are still creating today. As we consider the demographics of our region, we need more and new people to step up. We need more and new people to take note of the opportunities and issues facing our region. We need to help equip and inspire people to get involved—both in formal leadership roles and informally by simply taking an active role in our communities.

Where do you see gaps in your community? What can you do to inspire others or get more involved yourself? Consider becoming a mentor, volunteering, running for an elected position—anything you feel could help you make a difference. We all benefit when we all get involved!

Volunteers from the Mountain Lake Food Shelf accept a check from SWIF Program Specialist Becca Bell.

The work our staff does on a daily basis is so important for people in southwest Minnesota—from donors to business leaders to our youngest children and many others. But this week, our staff and a number of current and former board members started something very special to help those in need in our communities.
 
SWIF began awarding Local Impact Grants, which represent a one-time opportunity for SWIF to support our southwest Minnesota nonprofits and address critical needs of the people they serve. Over the course of the next few months, we’ll be awarding $1,000 Local Impact Grants to 100 nonprofit organizations for a total of $100,000. There are ‘no strings attached’ to these grants. We are so grateful for the important role these nonprofits play in our communities and want to help them build capacity and leverage funds to make an even greater impact. Grant recipients are selected by SWIF (there is no application process) and will be awarded to nonprofits that address crisis assistance, diversity, environment, human services, youth and other regional needs. Funding for these grants was provided through a gift from the Minnesota Community Foundation as a way to help serve critical needs in Greater Minnesota. SWIF is distributing 100 percent of these funds directly to nonprofits in our region.
 
To start this effort, we’re giving $1,000 to every food shelf in our region. As part of the March FoodShare Month, many food shelves are able to leverage, often even double, the gift. There is an incredible need for food shelves throughout our entire region. While the number of people and families served varies by each location, stories shared by food shelf staff and volunteers have been similar from one community to another. Here are a few striking examples that were shared this week:

• As expenses—including food costs—rise and wages stay flat or even decrease, more people are living on very tight budgets. About 90 percent of Minnesotans are only two paychecks away from needing food shelf services.
• Rising gas prices have an impact on all of us, but especially those with lower incomes. How do you decide between being able to drive to work or purchase food for your family? Many people in our own communities are faced with this decision.
• With schools out for the summer, June, July and August become the busiest months for many food shelves with families having more mouths to feed all day. Gifts received now make a huge impact, but food shelves are already looking ahead to how they will meet needs in coming months. 

Delivering these checks has been a humbling experience for many of us. While there are so many great things happening around us, there is still much we can do to help those in need. With just $5, a food shelf can usually provide about a week’s worth of food. A sincere thanks goes to all food shelf board members, volunteers and staff in all corners of our region. You are all leaders and are truly making a difference in our communities!

Enjoy this guest post from SWIF Program Officer Cheryl Glaeser.

SWIF Program Officer Cheryl Glaeser

I imagine that if each of us was asked to think of someone who works in manufacturing, it wouldn’t take much time to come up with a list; not just one person, but a list. My husband, two of my children, my son-in-law, and three siblings work for companies that do at least some form of manufacturing…just in my immediate family. According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, manufacturing in southwest Minnesota accounts for over 18 percent of all jobs. Our region boasts a strong industrial base with varied manufacturing from food to high technology and everything in between. Consider the things we need and use every day…we literally can’t live without manufacturing.

The Southwest Initiative Foundation has sponsored regional focus groups for Enterprise Minnesota’s State of Manufacturing® for the past few years. The 2012 survey was recently completed and interested business, education, and economic development representatives attended a roll-out of the results in Redwood Falls.

SWIF loan client Jonti Craft, located in Wabasso and owned by Don and Cathy Schwarz, is just one example of the region's many successful manufacturers.

Here are a few key points that stood out in my mind from the presentation, many of which resonated with those in attendance:

• Good news first: 82 percent are confident from a financial perspective about the future for their companies.
• The top four concerns for manufacturers were: health care coverage, government regulations/policies, taxes, and finding and retaining the workers they need.
• Health care costs are by far the top concern—as it has for four years in a row—and is strongly tied to recruiting new workers.
• Nearly six of 10 executives say it is difficult to attract qualified labor.
• Succession planning is important to companies, but the interest is not only for executive levels.   There is growing concern about replacing all levels of employees with long-term knowledge/skills as they retire.
• 69 percent say recycling/reuse is important to their manufacturing processes and 18 percent plan to somewhat increase “green” initiatives. Larger firms are doing it because it makes economical sense and smaller ones because they feel it’s the right thing to do. 

It’s encouraging that financially speaking, our manufacturers are confident about the future. I hope that decision makers and thought leaders from across our region and the state take the time to review the information gathered through this survey. The executives of manufacturing companies have offered valuable insight. Let’s use it!

A group of SWIF microloan clients and staff gathered last year to network and share stories about their businesses.

SWIF has always been committed to supporting entrepreneurs and economic development. We know that the health of our entire region relies on a strong economic base. And, we always hear stories about the amazing things our loan clients and other businesses are able to do from right here in southwest Minnesota. Lately, others have been taking note of these stories, too.

Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) has been running a series called Ground Level: Entrepreneurship and I’m so excited that many of these stories feature southwest Minnesotans. I believe there is no better place to do business. Our rich history of agriculture and innovation directly ties to our strong entrepreneurial spirit. Our region is home to smart, capable, creative and hardworking people who are willing to take risks to make things better for themselves and their families, businesses and communities—and we’re all better because of it!

Check out these stories that have a direct tie to our entrepreneurship and microlending programs:

• “Microloans and a hand to hold fill gap for startups” featuring SWIF’s microloan program and microloan client Chant and Amy Sinvongsa’s Jackson-based Wishy Washy Laundromat
• “Older, wiser Minnesotans turn to self-employment” featuring SWIF microloan client Chester Hoernemann and his Glencoe-based therapy practice, Step by Step Behavioral Counseling, and Greg Jodzio, former SWIF microloan client-turned staff member for our entrepreneurship and development teams
• “When starting a business is the only choice” featuring SWIF microloan client Greg Jenum and his Hutchinson-based business Atomic Tarp. The exercise studio and graphics company mentioned in the story are also SWIF microloan clients—Sarah Popp’s CORE Exercise Studio and AJ and Jessica Forcier’s Crow River Signs.

Many others in the region receive mention in the stories so far, including Granite Falls artist Brad Hall, Montevideo-based CURE, Worthington-based Newport Laboratories and Lac qui Parle EDA Pam Lehmann.

These stories also offer a perfect opportunity to recognize SWIF’s economic development team for their daily work to support businesses in our region. Our staff’s expertise, experience, support and connections help so many entrepreneurs through the many stages of doing business. Take a moment to thank our team next time you connect with them—Berny Berger, Greg Jodzio, Karen Larson, Scott Marquardt, Janet Menton, Kurt Thompson, Jackie Turner-Lovsness and Amy Woitalewicz.

What do you think makes southwest Minnesota a good place for entrepreneurs? Leave a comment to share your thoughts!

Over the last few months, I’ve shared highlights from community and business leaders about new things happening throughout southwest Minnesota. From bringing natural gas service to the Clara City area to capitalizing on Marshall’s Regional Amateur Sports Commission designation, our communities are tackling issues that affect so much in our rural region.

Our leaders are preparing for success by thinking not only about our needs today, but also about what we’ll need in the future—to attract new businesses, meet workforce needs, and provide reasons for families to stay. This means our communities need to be able to meet basic needs like good housing, schools and support services. It means our communities need to have good jobs available. And it also means our communities need to speak up about great local recreation and entertainment.

What’s so exciting to me is that I already see these things happing throughout our region! Our communities of course face challenges, but I believe they are outweighed by the opportunities and more importantly, the committed and capable leaders who are ready and willing to meet both head-on. 

Here’s your chance, as leaders, to share what makes your own community a great and important part of rural southwest Minnesota. Post a comment telling us what’s new and/or exciting in your community, and we’ll feature it as a future Believe In Southwest blog post!