Entries by Region Nine

Growing the local foods economy

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This time of year, the farmers’ markets are rich with local vegetables, berries, meats, breads and jams. It’s a visual testament to the abundance of our region and the ever-growing local foods economy that is sustained by consumers who want to buy directly from area farmers. At Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), we have been […]

Effects of Del Monte closing ripple through Sleepy Eye

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SLEEPY EYE — The announcement Tuesday that Del Monte would shutter its sweet corn and pea canning plant in Sleepy Eye is reverberating throughout the community. “We had no idea it was coming. It was just a real unpleasant surprise,” said Kurk Kramer, economic development coordinator for the city. “There’s going to be a big […]

Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities honors area leaders

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Eagle Lake’s city administrator and the executive director of Region Nine Development Commission were among the Greater Minnesota leaders who received recognition during a July 25 conference in Bemidji. City Administrator Jennifer Bromeland was presented with the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities’ annual Excellence in Service Award.   The annual award is given by the […]

Region 9, Sleepy Eye awarded grant initiative

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SLEEPY EYE, Minn. (KEYC) – Region Nine is awarded a $200,000 grant from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation. The grant will be put into a two year project, which will work with two different communities starting with the city of Sleepy Eye. Representatives say, Sleepy Eye was chosen for reasons including […]

Nicole Griensewic Mickelson receives ‘Friend of the CGMC’ award

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Region Nine Development Commission Executive Director Nicole Griensewic Mickelson received the “Friend of the CGMC” Award from the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC) July 25 during the Coalition’s three-day summer conference in Bemidji. The Friend of the CGMC Award recognizes individuals and organizations that have helped advance the interests of Greater Minnesota. In addition […]

Rural equity project turns focus to Sleepy Eye

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SLEEPY EYE — An initiative aimed at promoting inclusivity in rural communities will expand into Sleepy Eye this year. The Rural Equity Learning Community — a partnership between nonprofit Region Nine Area Inc., Greater Mankato Diversity Council and the University of Minnesota Extension Center for Community Vitality — received a $200,000 grant this week from […]

REGION NINE AWARDED GRANT THROUGH BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD

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Region Nine Development Commission’s nonprofit Region Nine Area Incorporated was awarded a $200,000 grant from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation. The grant will help create and nurture more connected, resilient, and inclusive communities where all people have the support and resources to reach their full health potential. It will be used […]