President/CEO Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation Anyone who knows me well knows that I regularly champion the benefits of living in rural Minnesota. Not only was I born and raised here, but I have served Greater Minnesota for many years, first during my time in the U.S. Congress and now as the president and CEO of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF). Now … [Read more...]
Making a difference in southern Minnesota
President/CEO Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation This past year has shown all of us what it means to serve others. Southern Minnesotans have stepped up to stock food shelves, provide support for children during distance learning and find creative ways to support businesses and nonprofits that are struggling. At Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) we work … [Read more...]
Recognizing our region’s entrepreneurs
President/CEO Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation National Entrepreneurship Week takes place each year in late February. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the entrepreneurs that are such a vital part of our economy and communities here in southern Minnesota. At Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), we are excited to celebrate the well-deserved … [Read more...]
Gratitude
By Tim Penny President/CEO Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation With the new year just days away, I have been taking some time to reflect on this past year. While 2020 has been incredibly challenging, I have found myself focusing on the bright spots. It was a year filled with incredible stories of people doing amazing things to help those hit hardest by the pandemic. I … [Read more...]
Support local businesses this holiday season
By Tim Penny - President/CEO Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation This time of year is traditionally a time of giving. Minnesotans in particular are known for their charitable contributions – a fact that was solidified recently during Give to the Max Day when Minnesotans set a record by giving more than $30 million to local schools and nonprofits. In addition to November … [Read more...]
Building connections for a stronger southern Minnesota
President/CEO Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation Autumn, with its changing colors and temperatures that encourage us to move indoors, is a natural time to slow down and contemplate life. At Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), we use this time each year to reflect on the partnerships that have resulted in a stronger southern Minnesota. We do this by … [Read more...]
Quality trainings for personal and professional growth
In this new virtual world we find ourselves in, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of online events, gatherings and trainings that are being offered on a seemingly daily basis. However, connecting virtually has its benefits and can open doors to exploring new ways of learning and building relationships. At Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), offering … [Read more...]
A rural perspective
“Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God’s children.” I grew up in the 1960s inspired by these words from the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. Yet, I am heartsick that today, over 50 years later, racial injustice continues to be a stain on our national character and a strain on our national unity. Recent tragedies have highlighted how far we have yet to travel … [Read more...]
Supporting our smallest communities
Central to Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation’s (SMIF) current strategic plan is a strengthened commitment to look ahead at the future of rural Minnesota. While we continue to make our programming and resources accessible to communities of all sizes in our 20-county region, we know that many of our smaller towns lack sufficient financial resources to help them grow and … [Read more...]
Growing season
Growing up near Kiester, my family had beautiful vegetable gardens. Between my mom, my aunt and grandfather, we grew tomatoes, carrots, onions, rhubarb, potatoes – pretty much anything you can think of that could end up as a meal on our plates. Every spring, summer and fall, the garden and its cycles of growth and nourishment was a constant presence in our lives, regardless of … [Read more...]