IQ Magazine - Fall 2007

Cover1.IQ.Fall07 9/13/07 12:43 PM Page 1

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01 IQ.Fall07_1-11 9/13/07 12:54 PM Page 1

2 Initiative Quarterly • IQmag.org

FALL 2007

CONTENTSFEATURES

12Inside Minnesota NiceWhat inspires us to give back?

16OutstandingYouth

18OutstandingCommunity

20OutstandingVolunteer

22OutstandingNonprofit

24OutstandingGreen Venture

26OutstandingEnterprise

INITIATIVE FOUNDATION GOALS

Strengthen Economic Opportunity

Preserve Key Places and Natural Resources

Support Children, Youth, and Families

Build Organizational Effectiveness

Encourage the Spirit of Giving

C A S SC A S S

C R O WC R O WW I N GW I N G

M O R R I S O NM O R R I S O NT O D DT O D D

W R I G H TW R I G H T

BENTONBENTON

S H E R B U R N ES H E R B U R N E

I S A N T II S A N T I

C H I S A G OC H I S A G O

S T E A R N SS T E A R N S

WADENAWADENA

P I N EP I N E

K A N A B E CK A N A B E CM I L L EM I L L EL A C SL A C S

ST. CLOUD

BRAINERDBAXTER

CAMBRIDGE

LITTLE FALLS

NORTHBRANCH

SARTELL

BIGLAKE

ELKRIVER

ST. MICHAEL

BUFFALO

MONTICELLO

SAUKRAPIDS

WAITEPARK

Nisswa

Wadena

Menahga

Long Prairie

Melrose

Sauk Centre

Paynesville

Cold SpringZimmerman

Albertville

Rockford

Delano

Montrose

Maple LakeAnnandale

HowardLake

Cokato

Albany

St. Joseph

Foley

Pierz

Crosby

Sandstone

Mora

Milaca

Princeton

Braham

Isanti

Stacy

Wyoming

Chisago City

Lindstrom

Pine City

Rush City

Crosslake

Wilkinson

Leech Lake

Walker

Ah-Gwah-Ching

Onigum

Whipholt

Brevik

Hackensack

Longville

Inguadona

Boy River

Federal Dam

Bena

Schley

Tobique

Remer

Nickerson

Duquette

Kerrick

Bruno

Kingsdale

Cloverton

Duxbury

Cloverdale

Markville

Denham

Ellson Willow River

Rutledge

FinlaysonAskov

Groningen

FrieslandKroschelWarman

Quamba

Ogilvie

Bock

Foreston

Pease

Long Siding

Carmody

Dalbo

Day

Springvale

Walbo

West PointBradford

Bodum

Weber

Blomford

Edgewood

Spring Lake

Stark Harris

Sunrise

Almelund

PalmdaleCenter

CityShafer

Taylors Falls

Franconia

Rush PointGrandy

Stanchfield

Oxlip

Crown

SpencerBrook

Pine BrookWyanett

Estes Brook

Glendorado

OakPark

Ronneby

Duelm

CablePalmer

Clear Lake

Hasty

Enfield

Silver Creek

Waverly

OsterRice Lake

HighlandAlbright

Knapp

Georgeville

Belgrade

Brooten

Elrosa

Padua

Sebeka

Blue Grass

Leaf River

Verndale

West Union

Stockholm

Albion Center

WestAlbion

FrenchLake

Becker

Orrock

Santiago

Coin

Brunswick

Hinckley

Beroun

Henriette

GrasstonWest Rock

GreeleyRock Creek

Brook Park

Sturgeon Lake

Opstead

Isle

WahkonBayview

Cove

Onamia

Hillman

Harding

LastrupFreedham

Genola

Buckman

MorrillRamey Granit

LedgeBrennyville

Novak's Corner

JakevilleGilman

RumRiver

Little RockRoyalton

Gregory

Darling

Randall

Cushing

Lincoln

Browerville

Motley

Philbrook

North Prairie

BowlusElmdale

Burtrum

Round Prairie

Little Sauk

GutchesGrove

Clotho

Clarissa

Eagle Bend

Bertha

Hewitt

Grey Eagle

St. Rosa

St. Francis

St. WendelSt. Anna

AvonCollegeville

St. Anthony

Freeport

NewMunich

Greenwald

Meire Grove

Spring Hill

Lake Henry RoscoeRichmond

FarmingSt. Martin

St. Nicholas

Eden Valley WatkinsKimball

Maine Prairie

Marty

Luxemburg

St. Augusta

Clearwater

Rockville

Jacobs Prairie

Fair Haven

South Haven

St. Stephen

Rice

Watab

Mayhew

SilverCorners

PoppleCreek

OpoleHoldingford

Ward Springs

Swanville

SobieskiFlensburg

Upsala

Vineland

Huntersville

Nimrod

Oylen

Aldrich

Leader

Pillager

Oshawa

Backus

Pontoria

Pine River

Jenkins

Lake Shore Lake Hubert

Legionville

Merrifield

E Gull Lake

Fort Ripley

Camp RipleyJunction

Barrows

Shephard

Pine Center

Garrison

Bay Lake

DeerwoodIronton

Riverton

TrommaldCuyuna

Pequot Lakes

Breezy Point

ChickamawBeach Swanburg

ManhattanBeach

Fifty Lakes

Outing

Emily

Cass Lake

4 BeginningsService

6 Let’s Transform the FutureInitiative Foundation Unveils its Next Five Years

8 Hometown Energy Initiative Foundation Accepts Challenge fromMcKnight

29 Keynotes NewsletterHonors from the Governor

33 Annual ReportOur 2006-2007Year in Review

44 Guest EditorialBlue-Chip Philanthropy

Winners receive stunning sculptures by glass-recycling artist,Michael Tonder, and $1,000 for their favorite charities.

DEPARTMENTS

COVER

“Our mission is to unlock the potential of the people of central Minnesota to

build and sustain healthy communities.”

2 0 0 7 I N I T I A T I V E A W A R D W I N N E R S

01 IQ.Fall07_1-11 9/13/07 1:00 PM Page 2

St. Cloud State University might be right here in Minnesota, but we’re leaving our mark all over the world. St. Cloud State is

home to nearly 1,000 international students from more than 80 countries. Each year, hundreds of St. Cloud State students

study abroad in 20 countries—from England to South Africa—while earning credits they can use to complete their degrees.

We have nationally and internationally known faculty teaching in our highly accredited undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

St. Cloud State—a smart investment in a global education.

www.stcloudstate.edu • 877.654.SCSU

01 IQ.Fall07_1-11 9/13/07 12:54 PM Page 3

“Attention, staff: The returning National Guard troops will be driving by our office in afew minutes.” The message came over the foundation’s intercom. We hurried outside andstepped back in time.

Reliving a scene from past generations, we lined the streets. It was tense. We heard thesharp sirens first, and then they turned the corner—a parade of silver buses filled withawestruck faces, tight haircuts, and desert camouflage. We waved and cheered. I cried. Anentire community came together to honor service and sacrifice.

One of our staff members, MaryAnnLindell, waited twenty-two months for thisday, when her brother and friend wouldcome home. With 2,500 other Minnesota sol-diers, Gregg left behind his wife and threechildren. When the “stand down” commandfinally came at Camp Ripley, his familysprinted to him. Pride, tears, relief, joy,love—the emotions were overwhelming.

For MaryAnn, it was one of those fewfrozen moments of a lifetime.

On the home front, there is no moreimportant endeavor than serving others.Heroes come from all walks of life, and every

one deserves our thanks and recognition. In this issue of IQ, we reveal the six winners of our2007 Initiative Awards. We believe that honoring outstanding community service inspiresmore of it.

But IQ is only the first step. Please join us on October 26th to honor the people behindthe stories. Thanks to our generous sponsors, each award winner will receive a commissionedglass sculpture (pictured on the cover) and $1,000 for the charity of their choice. Every herodeserves a homecoming.

Enjoy the magazine!

Kathy Gaalswyk, PresidentInitiative Foundation

P.S. To reserve your seat at the 2007 Initiative Awards, see pg.10.

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01 IQ.Fall07_1-11 9/13/07 1:00 PM Page 4

INITIATIVE FOUNDATION

Executive Editor & Director of Communications / MATT KILIAN

Communications Associate / ANITA HOLLENHORST

PUBLISHERS

Evergreen Press / CHIP & JEAN BORKENHAGEN

EDITORIAL

Editorial Director / JODI SCHWEN

Assistant Editor / TENLEE LUND

ART

Art Director / ANDREA BAUMANN

Graphic Designer / BRAD RAYMOND

Senior Graphic Designer / BOB WALLENIUS

Production Manager / BRYAN PETERSEN

Lead Photographer / JIM ALTOBELL

ADVERTISING / SUBSCRIPTIONS

Business & Advertising Director / BRIAN LEHMAN

Advertiser Services / MARY SAVAGE

Subscriber Services / MARYANN LINDELL

IQ EDITORIAL BOARD

Initiative Foundation President / KATHY GAALSWYK

Program Mgr. for Community Development / DAN FRANK

V.P. for Donor Services / CURT HANSON

Sr. Program Mgr. for Organizational Effectiveness / CATHY HARTLE

Program Mgr. for Planning & Preservation / DON HICKMAN

V.P. for Finance & Operations / LYNN HOULE

V.P. for Economic Development / JOHN KALISZEWSKI

Program Mgr. for Children, Youth & Families / LINDA KAUFMANN

Initiative Foundation405 First Street SELittle Falls, MN 56345320.632.9255www.ifound.org

IQ is published by the Initiative Foundation in partnership with

Evergreen Press of Brainerd, Minnesota. www.evergreenpress.net

For advertising opportunities, contact:Lois Head 320.252.7348, [email protected] Lehman 218.828.6424 ext. 25, [email protected] Rothstein 320.251.5875, [email protected]

> VOLUME 6, FALL 2007

5Fall 2007

01 IQ.Fall07_1-11 9/13/07 12:54 PM Page 5


population increase by 2030,which the foundation translatesinto a crystal-clear message forcommunities: Plan for thefuture. Now.

“Our challenge will be towelcome a population nearlydouble our existing levels, whilepreserving natural resources,rural character, and vital down-towns,” says Don Hickman, program manag-er for planning and preservation. “We willinvest heavily in citizens planning for thebest possible future.”

This focus on planning and preserva-tion will be carried by two main programs:the Healthy Communities Partnership andHealthy Lakes & Rivers Partnership.

Organizational EffectivenessCentral Minnesota is home to more than fivehundred nonprofits that strengthen commu-nities from the inside out. With $5 million innonprofit grants planned through 2012, thefoundation will depend on them to carry outimportant work.

Today, many nonprofits are faced with adilemma: Spend time and money on stafftraining, or sacrifice internal operations tofocus on community services. That’s why thefoundation will continue to offer its HealthyOrganizations Partnership (HOP) program.HOP trains nonprofit leaders to run moreeffective organizations.

“Every community needs strong non-profits, and we can all point to one or morethat have touched our lives,” says CathyHartle, program manager for organizationaleffectiveness. “We will also work with school

ROADMAP

Let’s Transform the FutureInitiative Foundation Unveils its Next Five Years

Since the mid-1980s, the InitiativeFoundation has worked alongside cen-

tral Minnesota’s hometowns to build abrighter future. As the foundation launchesits five-year plan into action (2007–2012),here’s a look at what you can expect from theteam in Little Falls…

Economic OpportunityUnfortunately for many, it’s not easy being aworking family in central Minnesota. Eight ofthe region’s fourteen counties rank in the bot-tom half of the state in poverty level, accord-ing to 2004 United States census data. TheMinnesota Department of Employment andEconomic Development (DEED) estimatesthat 30 to 40 percent of all central Minnesotajobs still pay less than $10 per hour.

That’s why the foundation says it willcontinue to support local businesses thatpay living wages in the hometowns thatneed them most. By investing in 150 newbusinesses, the foundation plans to securemore than 1,400 quality jobs that pay atleast $15 per hour, including benefits.Minority-owned and green businesses willalso be a priority.

“We all want to own homes, have goodinsurance, save for the future, and eventual-ly give something back,” says JohnKaliszewski, vice president for economicdevelopment. “Strong local businesses helpprovide these opportunities.”

Key Places & Natural ResourcesThere is something that nearly all of centralMinnesota has in common—booming pop-ulations. The Minnesota DemographicCenter forecasts a whopping 40 percent

boards and government agencies.”

Children, Youth, and FamiliesThe Minnesota Department of Educationestimates that less than 50 percent of pre-school children enter kindergarten fullyprepared to succeed. According to the2004 Minnesota student survey, more than50 percent of east-central Minnesota youthreported that they spend no time in clubs,sports, community service, or out-of-school activities.

The foundation will recommit itsefforts in early childhood and youth engage-ment. It plans to add ten new coalitions tothe Minnesota Early Childhood Initiative, astatewide program that rallies communitiesto make their youngest children a top prior-ity. The foundation also hopes to engagefour hundred youth in community serviceand leadership activities.

“We realize that birth-to-five are themost crucial years of human development,says Linda Kaufmann, senior program man-ager for children, youth, and families, “butit’s also important to give older kids thoseleadership and service opportunities thatthey will always remember and pass on.”React at IQMAG.ORG

BY MATT KILIAN

CH

RISM

CALLISTER

01 IQ.Fall07_1-11 9/18/07 11:18 AM Page 6

Fall 2007 7

01 IQ.Fall07_1-11 9/13/07 12:54 PM Page 7


“Over time, the founda-tions have proven to be asuccessful mechanism forlocal people to act uponlocal issues. Of particularnote, the InitiativeFoundation’s HealthyCommunities Partnership(HCP) has emergednationally as a success.”

Cambridge is a goodexample. In the mid-1990s, a volunteer groupcalling itself, “Leaders fora Positive Cambridge,”enrolled in the foundation’s HCP pro-gram, seeking ways to improve their city’simage. John Schlagel, Cambridge CityCouncil member and InitiativeFoundation trustee, likens the process toa tree, where the foundation’s “seedmoney” takes root and branches intomany different successes.

“Through HCP, you look at the goodthings you have in your community andlearn how to build on them,” saysSchlagel. “You also invite people from thecommunity to express what they thinkshould be done.”

Since 1999, the foundation has helpedcitizen volunteers create a comprehensiveplan for Cambridge, including parks, down-town revitalization, and affordable housing.It also awarded more than sixty-nine grantstotaling $227,000 for projects addressingearly childhood, methamphetamine, youth,seniors, social services, natural resources,and economic development.

Foundation business financing pro-

GENEROSITY

Hometown EnergyInitiative Foundation Accepts Challenge from McKnight

Motion generates energy that can betransferred to neighboring objects,

causing them to move and create theirown energy. For twenty-one years, theInitiative Foundation has been settingthings in motion in central Minnesota byempowering and energizing local resi-dents who want to improve the quality oflife in their communities.

Recently, The McKnight Foundationawarded a five-year grant totaling $7.2million to continue to support—and chal-lenge—the Initiative Foundation and itssupporters. Now, the Initiative Foundationis mounting a five-year campaign to raise$1.8 million for endowment funds and$7.8 million for programs.

“McKnight has been very clear thatthey will continue to invest in us only iflocal people demonstrate their commit-ment,” says Kathy Gaalswyk, InitiativeFoundation president. “If you’re a personwho cares about the future trends on thenews and want to ensure that your town isprepared to thrive, this campaign offers alot of value. Your gift impacts many issuesand it’s doubled through McKnight’s dol-lar-for-dollar match.”

The Initiative Foundation began as agrand experiment in 1986 when TheMcKnight Foundation, Minnesota’s largestprivate foundation, set up six MinnesotaInitiative Funds in response to the crisisthat crippled the state’s economy.

“McKnight wanted to establish aregional strategy that would foster ongoinglocal responsibility for the long-term wel-fare of each region,” says Kate Wolford,president of The McKnight Foundation.

THE PRESIDENTS: Kate Wolford and Kathy Gaalswyk renewedtheir foundations’ 21-year partnership with a dollar-for-dollarchallenge in central Minnesota.

BY TENLEE LUND

grams have also helped secure sixty liv-ing wage jobs by helping start or expandfive Cambridge area businesses. Thefoundation and the State of Minnesotarecently joined forces to encourageWater Works, a St. Louis Park company,to purchase Cambridge Metals andPlastics. The venture saved more thanone hundred jobs.

“Our goal is to help every one of ourcommunities plan for a brighter future andthen take steps to make it happen,” saysCurt Hanson, the foundation’s vice presi-dent for donor services. “Our donors tell ushow they want to change the world and wefind a way to do it together.”

With the generosity of local people,The McKnight Foundation’s ongoingcommitment, and a focus on the future ofcentral Minnesota, the InitiativeFoundation says it will continue to setprograms in motion, empowering peopleand enhancing lives today and for gener-ations to come. React at IQMAG.ORG

01 IQ.Fall07_1-11 9/18/07 11:18 AM Page 8

403 Fourth Street NW, Suite 310 • Bemidji, MN • (218) 444-4732 www.stewardacademy.com

Successful CommunitiesAre Built, Not Born

Jump-start the success of your community by empowering its most powerful asset, its leaders. The Center for Community Stewardshipplayed a major role in such civic success stories as Bemidji Leads!,Progress Park Rapids, The Seventh Generation Initiative (Mahnomen,MN) and more. Our Steward Academy teaches leaders how to rallyand focus their community on progress, innovation and success. Findout for yourself – visit us online at www.stewardacademy.com.

9Fall 2007

01 IQ.Fall07_1-11 9/13/07 12:54 PM Page 9

�et the Joyous �ews be �pread!

Follow the yellow-brick road with the Initiative Foundation and six magical

award winners who braved the tempest to transform our world.

A Technicolor production featuring musical accompaniment by the Cedar Avenue Big Band!

Madden’s Resort on Gull Lake, BrainerdFRIDAY, OCTOBER 26 TH5:00 Social ❁ 6:00 Banquet & Awards$45 PER GUEST ❁ Register by Oct. 20th at www.ifound.org/awardsomewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue . . . And the dreams that you dare to dream . . . Really do come true. �

01 IQ.Fall07_1-11 9/13/07 1:00 PM Page 10

Because, because, because, because,because . . .

OUTSTANDING YOUTHRochelle Olson & Christy Trettel, Little Falls (SEE PG. 16)

OUTSTANDING COMMUNITYCold Spring, Minnesota(SEE PG. 18)

OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEERMark Wood, Little Falls (SEE PG. 20)

OUTSTANDING NONPROFITPine River-Backus Family Center (SEE PG. 22)

OUTSTANDING GREEN VENTUREEtoc Development, Nisswa (SEE PG. 24)

OUTSTANDING ENTERPRISE MINPACK, Pine City (SEE PG. 26)

�WARD WINNERS & MAJOR SPONSORS

�MERALD TABLE SPONSORS

Altobell Imagery

Anderson BrothersConstruction Company

Brain Magnet Industries

Brainerd Lakes Chambers ofCommerce

Brainerd Lakes AreaDevelopment Corporation

Cass County

City of Pine City

Close~Converse

Continental Press

DeGraaf Financial, Inc.

Eich Motor Company

Etoc Development/ Grand View Lodge

Evergreen Press

First National Bank of Cold Spring

Gold'n Plump

HBH Consultants

HDT/Hunt Utilities Group

Horizon Bank

IPEX

Little Falls Orthopedics

Mahowald Insurance

Mark Wood Foundation

MINPACK

Minnesota Business Finance Corporation

Morrison County

Morrison CountyMethamphetamine Task Force

NOR-SON, Inc.

Northern TechnologyInitiative

Pine River-Backus Schools

Pine River-Backus Working Together Group

State Bank of Cold Spring

01 IQ.Fall07_1-11 9/13/07 12:55 PM Page 11


Bonnie Schlagel was on vacation in Mexico when she noticedthem— as if any tourist could have missed the crowd of grubby-

faced children with outstretched hands. Some were shamefully young,their clothes threadbare. She looked down the street for their parents.No one looked back. Asking around, Bonnie was led to a local orphan-age run by nuns. The need was great and she was moved—deeply.

Bonnie’s most recent volunteer trip to the orphanage was in Aprilto do some painting. At her home in Cambridge, she admits to draw-ers stuffed with fundraiser candy and a freezer stocked with Girl Scoutcookies. She and her husband, John, serve on too many nonprofitboards to name, including one of Bonnie’s favorite endeavors—chair-ing the Snowflake Days parade. Eight years ago, the couple spent partof their honeymoon making a list of their philanthropic efforts.

“If we see a need, or if we are asked,” says John, “my own per-sonal belief is that you give because you are supposed to, of yourmoney and time.” With help from the Initiative Foundation, theSchlagels created an endowment fund to ensure that their generositycontinues indefinitely.

Minnesotans are giving more. That’s the upshot of the most recent“Giving in Minnesota” report from the Minnesota Council onFoundations. Total giving rose by 9 percent in 2004, the most recentstatistic available from the largest grant-makers in the state. Since 9/11,individual giving has continued to rise while corporate and foundationgiving broke the $1 billion threshold.

Like the Schlagels, who have given from both personal andbusiness assets, many residents give because it feels good. Personalvalues and faith support a statewide philosophy of giving time, tal-ents, and treasures. But what else brings out the trademark nicenessin Minnesotans?

By Christine Hierlmaier NelsonPhotography by Jim Altobell

02 IQ.Fall07_12-15 9/13/07 1:06 PM Page 12

13Fall 2007

CARING COUPLE: Bonnie and John Schlagel, Cambridge

02 IQ.Fall07_12-15 9/13/07 1:07 PM Page 13


That Warm GlowThe Schlagels are quick to point out the

spiritual and emotional returns on their invest-ments. Giving, they say, brings lifetime fulfill-ment and joy that could not be replaced byother activities. That sense of satisfaction iswhat economist James Andreoni calls the“warm glow.” The feeling comes from withinand is not driven by recognition or personalrewards. For the Schlagels and many others, itsimply means that there is no substitute for per-sonal giving. And that includes volunteering.

The Minnesota Association for VolunteerAdministration reports that volunteer time inMinnesota is valued at about $7.9 billion. About67 percent, or 2.4 million Minnesotans over theage of eighteen, volunteered their time in 2004.That’s a 1 percent increase since 2000 and theamount continues to climb.

“Giving is important, however it’s done,”says John. “When I die, I expect to be able toanswer the question, ‘Did I help anyone?’”

Leaving a LegacyThe idea of honoring a life through char-

itable giving is another reason whyMinnesotans give. According to the Chronicleof Philanthropy, gifts from donor-advisedfunds soared more than 40 percent in 2005.By creating a permanent, named fund forthemselves or a loved one, donors are able togive back to their communities through annu-al grants and scholarships.

Donors choose the criteria for the awardsand may involve their families or employeesin recommending recipients. Because only theearned interest of the fund is spent, the givinggoes on for generations. For Gene Menzel, itwas also part of his healing process.

A lifetime of love and fond memoriesfrom the Iron Range resulted in Gene’s deci-sion to establish the Betty Ford MenzelScholarship Fund in his wife’s memory. Eventhough the Menzels’ permanent home was inthe Twin Cities, they maintained ties to therural area.

“I was looking for a memorial to giveback to the local community,” says Gene.“Betty went to school in Crosby and I was inAitkin. I played basketball and Betty soldcandy to raise money for the local 4-H. I askedBetty for a first date right after her sixteenthbirthday, not knowing her parents told herthat she couldn’t date until she was sixteen. It

was great timing and fate.”They were married for fifty years and

had three children. When Betty began tolose her battle with cancer, Gene workedwith her sister, Shirley, and the InitiativeFoundation to establish an endowed fund toaward one scholarship each year at Crosby-Ironton High School.

The first scholarship was awarded thisspring to a young woman who, like Betty,grew up on a farm. Gene’s goal with the schol-arship is to support young people whodemonstrate resilience and a communitymindset, values he and Betty shared.

“It’s more of a legacy that way,” he says.

UNENDING LOVE: By creating a scholarship fund in their hometown, Gene Menzel ensured that Betty’sspirit and values live on.

02 IQ.Fall07_12-15 9/13/07 1:07 PM Page 14

Why People DON’T GIVEFinancial Limitations“I don’t have enough money to give to charity.”

Drop in the Bucket“My gift won’t make a difference. All the charity work in Africa hasn’t helped—there are still millions of people starving.”

Denying Reality“There is no need for anyone to be homeless. There are plenty of jobs around.”

Diverting Attention“What right do pop stars have to ask us to give? They should give away some of their millions.”

Higher Loyalties“My priority is to look after my family. Charity begins at home.”

Why People GIVEAltruism“Giving is the right thing to do and it makes me feel good about myself.”

Needs & Results“I know women who go to the domestic violence center. My gift helps them get their lives back.”

Financial & Personal Benefits“My gift gets me a tax deduction and I might need blood from the Red Cross someday.”

The Simple Request“A church volunteer sent me a letter and asked for $50. I can do that.”

Prestige & Social Pressure“I like being recognized in front of my business associates. What would they think if I didn’t give?”

Besides individual giving, many nonprofitorganizations rely on the generosity of busi-nesses. Business giving is influenced by profits,in-kind opportunities, and the values of own-ers and managers. Many business leaders alsoconsider returns on their investment in com-munity growth, employee retention, andappreciative customers.

“Your business is only as healthy as thecommunity it serves. If the community isdepressed, your chances of growing a businessare slim,” says Bill Casto, former president ofSt. Cloud Wireless Holdings, a wirelesstelecommunications company that was recent-ly acquired by Sprint.

Research by the New York-basedCommittee Encouraging CorporatePhilanthropy noted an average overall increasein corporate giving by 4.7 percent last year, par-ticularly by profitable, service-based industries.

In 2006, Sprint’s total volunteer hourswere equal to two full-time positions, notcounting the hours Casto gave personally. Hecredits a family tragedy with his drive to builda giving culture over the past thirteen years.

“It was a slap in the face to lose our sonin a motorcycle crash,” says Casto. “It rein-forced my need to get out there and do some-thing good. If people are proud of what theydo at work and in the community, the compa-ny will always be more successful.”

Research backs him up. A New YorkUniversity study of more than 250 corporatedonors between 1989 and 2000 suggestedthat every dollar given to charity can increasea company’s profits by $2 to $3.

“If you do the right things longenough,” adds Casto, “the right things willhappen—for companies and individuals.”React at IQMAG.ORG

WIRELESS GENEROSITY: Under the leadership of Bill Casto (right), St. Cloud Sprintemployees branded their company around community service.

Return on Investment

Sources: Economic and Social Research Council, National Council for VoluntaryOrganizations (U.K.), Vrije Universiteit (Amsterdam), Initiative Foundation

02 IQ.Fall07_12-15 9/13/07 1:05 PM Page 15


By Britta Reque-Dragicevic

Photography by Jim Altobell

03 IQ.Fall07_16-19 9/13/07 1:12 PM Page 16

Fall 2007

Their voices quaked and their heartsthumped. “Thirty seconds—you girls

ready?” said KLTF’s Party Line host as he grinnedbetween his earphones. “Just talk right in themic and relax. You’re gonna be great.” RochelleOlson and Christy Trettel, Little Falls HighSchool juniors and perhaps the most unlikelyanti-drug crusaders, each took a deep breath.This was it, their best chance to tell MorrisonCounty that meth kills.

It didn’t take long for Rochelle and Christyto fall into an easy conversation. Their commit-ment to raising awareness about the dangers ofmethamphetamine had taken them on a journeythat even some adults may find intimidating.

It began with Christy’s sister, Amy, whobegan a meth awareness campaign in 2006before she graduated from Little Falls HighSchool. As Rochelle and Christy brainstormedprojects for their DECA program (a business-marketing club for students), it became clearthat building on Amy’s work held the greatestpotential for changing and saving lives.

“It turned out to be much more thanjust a high school project,” says Christy. “Itturned into a passion.” This particular pas-sion took them beyond the safety of locker-lined walls and into the “real world” of gov-ernment crisis, scared parents, and formeraddicts. They joined Morrison County’sMethamphetamine Coalition—the firstcounty meth effort in the state.

“One of our highest priorities was to edu-cate and protect our youth,” says Tim Houle,Morrison County Administrator. “Almost oncue, two teenagers show up at an adult meetingand ask, ‘What can we do to help?’ They hadleadership and courage.”

And they always showed up. They partici-pated in task force meetings and discussions,providing the student perspective. They becameyouth spokespersons on radio and cable access

shows and helped plan a meth awareness videofor junior high school students. After school andon weekends, they handed out posters,brochures, and a special meth issue of IQMagazine to schools and businesses throughoutthe county. They rallied their whole high schoolaround “Meth Awareness Week” last February.

“We had a very positive response from thecommunities. People were very open to learningmore,” says Rochelle. “Even our classmates wereenthusiastic about learning more.”

During Meth Awareness Week, the girlspersuaded every academic department to exam-ine meth through its own lens. Social studiesteachers discussed meth’s economic impact.Science teachers broke down the chemicals usedto manufacture the drug. Students were rivetedand the life-or-death message crystallized.

To ensure the point hit home, Rochelle andChristy hosted a raw discussion with a localhigh-school senior who was recovering frommeth addiction.

“I’ve never seen a reaction like that,” saysRochelle. “Mouths were gaping open and every-one was perfectly still. She was very brave whenshe told her story. Afterward, everyone had tonsof questions. It was amazing.”

Linda Kaufmann, the InitiativeFoundation’s senior program manager for chil-dren, youth, and families, believes that “peers

talking to peers” is the best way to raise aware-ness and inspire behavior change among youth.Through its Minnesota ICE initiative, the foun-dation has launched twelve regional coalitionsand invested more than $236,000 in interven-tion, recovery, and education efforts.

“If you remember high school, the lastthing you wanted to do was to stand out too farfrom the crowd,” says Kaufmann. “These girlstook a risk and they gave up hundreds of hoursto take on one of the defining menaces of ourtime. I believe they saved lives—that’s why theywon our award.”

Stepping out is something neither girl isafraid to do. Both come from families that havetaught them to get involved. In addition to high-school band and student council, Rochelle vol-unteers for the United Way, Youth as Resources,the MS Walk, and Relay for Life. In spite of hernonstop sports schedule, Christy still finds timefor youth ministries, hospital volunteerism, KeyClub, and other anti-drug groups.

As much as the girls have taught others,they’ve also learned. “What I’ve learned the mostis that one person really can make a difference,”says Christy.

And Morrison County has learned never tounderestimate the power of youth.

Post congratulations for Rochelle and Christyat IQMAG.ORG

“These girls took a risk, andthey gave up hundreds of hoursto take on one of the definingmenaces of our time. I believethey saved lives.”

03 IQ.Fall07_16-19 9/13/07 1:12 PM Page 17


HOMETOWN HEROES: Larry Lahr, Duane Kuss, Ken Wendinger, and Nadine Schnettler.

03 IQ.Fall07_16-19 9/13/07 1:12 PM Page 18

Citizens of Cold Spring have a long history of takingleaps of faith to keep their community alive. In the

1870s, distraught citizens were at a loss to fight offplagues of grasshoppers that devoured crops for two yearsin a row. Reverend Leo Winter told the town’s leaders toerect a chapel in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary andvow to hold services there for the next fifteen years. Theydid and the grasshoppers disappeared. Years later, a torna-do tore through and sent the chapel flying into nearbytrees. Citizens finally rebuilt the chapel in 1951, this timewith granite. Today, it stands as a testimony to the powerof faith—and community.

In 2003, Cold Spring citizens were again faced withchallenges they weren’t sure how to address. The historicGluek Brewery, a mainstay of the community’s economy,needed to expand out of its downtown location. The ColdSpring Granite Company, another cornerstone employer,made plans to vacate another thirty downtown acres.Parks and green space had been overlooked. Senior citi-zens needed help. A growing Latino population presentedopportunities and challenges. Lots ofgood work happened, but it seldomhappened in concert.

“There was a lot of restlessness,”says Larry Lahr, Cold Spring cityadministrator. “Groups of people werefrustrated with changes while, at thesame time, others were excited aboutnew opportunities.”

That’s when the InitiativeFoundation selected Cold Spring to participate in its HealthyCommunities Partnership (HCP) program. HCP has helpedgalvanize more than eighty central Minnesota communitiesby bringing residents together for “visioning” sessions.During a town-hall-style meeting, citizens envision the bestpossible future, learn the results of surveys, and vote on pri-orities for their community. The foundation trains a localleadership team and helps with planning and grants.Volunteer task forces turn ideas into action.

“We named our visioning team the 20/20 VisionGroup, and three years later, they’re still going strong,” saysLahr. “We’ve accomplished many of our first goals and arenow in the second phase.”

The Minnesota Design Team, a traveling group of vol-unteer architects and community planning experts, alsospent a weekend in Cold Spring to sketch out what the towncould look like with a little forethought and creativity.Residents liked what they saw. After HCP and the MinnesotaDesign Team’s visit, they prioritized downtown design, artsand culture, natural resources, social services, and tourism.

Today, their grassroots successes include downtown

streetscaping, transportation planning, and tourism market-ing. Other volunteer task forces are responsible for new wel-come signs, a visitor center, historical society, picturesqueparks, and a trail system that links three communities.Residents carried forward those projects that make a goodcommunity great, such as a a winter sledding hill, a commu-nity big band, and city flower gardens.

“The visioning process brought new faces to thetable—ones you may not ordinarily see in communitydevelopment,” says Lahr. “After the first phases were com-pleted, everyone took a breather. The energy level is nowway up there again.”

After gaining its second wind, Cold Spring’s church-es launched a Faith in Action program, where local vol-unteers assist seniors with transportation, meals, andshopping—all in an effort to keep aging residents livingin their homes longer. Leaders have also reached out tothe community’s newest Latino residents, seeking adviceand participation. Informational brochures are printedand distributed in Spanish.

“One of our results has been a bilingual nursing assis-tant training program,” says Duane Kuss, a Cold Springbusiness owner and 20/20 Vision Group leader. “TheCatholic Church also holds mass in Spanish every week.”

The future of Cold Spring will reveal a vastly differentdowntown than the one that visitors have come to know onthe Horseshoe Chain of Lakes. Instead of the massive gran-ite company that welcomed visitors to town, new shops,parks, and maybe even an old-fashioned boardwalk willsprout up on the historic site. The city has worked closelywith Cold Spring Granite to accommodate its relocationneeds and ensure the thirty-acre riverfront becomes a sourceof pride and hometown identity for future generations.

“What’s impressive to me is Cold Spring’s persist-ence, as well as the sheer number and variety of the proj-ects they have completed,” says Dan Frank, InitiativeFoundation program manager for planning and preserva-tion. “If anyone deserves the title of ‘OutstandingCommunity,’ it’s them.”

Post congratulations for the City of Cold Spring atIQMAG.ORG

“Residents carried forwardthose projects that make agood community great.”

By Britta Reque-Dragicevic • Photography by Jim Altobell

03 IQ.Fall07_16-19 9/13/07 1:12 PM Page 19


By Britta Reque-DragicevicPhotography by Jim Altobell

GIVING SPIRIT: Mark Woodcontinues to touch the lives ofLittle Falls kids like Chris.

04 IQ.Fall07_20-23 9/13/07 1:19 PM Page 20

Mark Wood was a physical therapist, an out-doorsman, and an inspiring mentor to

Little Falls kids who needed a friend more thananything. Because of leukemia, he became a phi-lanthropist. Every person who battles terminalcancer must decide when enough is enough—when it comes time to manage pain instead ofaccepting more. That moment happened on adrive back from St. Cloud, when Markdecided against dialysis. He told hisfather to stop at the attorney’s office andmade arrangements to donate everythingto form a foundation for kids. When heshuffled outside, he looked at his dadand spoke four words: “Now, I can die.”

His legacy began in 2003, threeyears after Mark was diagnosed withleukemia. His cancer was in remissionand he was feeling better. When he heardabout a new mentoring program, Markwalked into Lincoln Elementary Schooland asked how he could help. He longhad a passion for working with children,including spending time mentoringthrough Kinship Partners and summersas a camp counselor for deaf children.

Little Falls teachers welcomed thenew volunteer and paired Mark withfour young boys who were struggling with socialskills, homework, and self-esteem. He droppedby a few times each week, often with a new toyor game for fun’s sake, and always with encour-aging words and gentle direction.

“Mark’s interaction with those boys waspure magic,” says Marge Rakow, a schoollibrarian and family friend. “He was so real, sogenuine, and he made their time fun. He hada way of reminding people about what’simportant in life.”

She remembers that one of the boys hardlyspoke a word to anyone. “After spending timewith Mark, he became a different person,” sheadds. “He would smile, walk up to you, andactually volunteer information.”

Even though Mark was soon battling can-cer again, he continued to work at Little FallsOrthopedics and mentored the boys eighthours each week for three years. He sharedwith them his love for remote control cars,kites, and board games, but most of all, hebelieved in each child. Grades and behaviorimproved and so did their self-esteem.

“Mark had a very powerful and positiveimpact on the four boys he mentored. He pro-vided unconditional time and attention,” saysAnita Larsen, a social worker at LincolnElementary School. Mark wrote letters to theboys from the hospital and even asked Larsen tohave the boys visit him when he was too ill towalk any longer. He never let on that anythingwas serious.

On one of Mark’s sickest days, one of theboys showed up on his doorstep and asked ifMark wanted to go to the beach. The boy wasovercoming shyness and hardly ever left hishouse. Mark had difficulty standing and walk-ing, but he knew the boy had biked across townfor the first time.

“If he could make it across town, then Iknew that I could make it to the beach,” he toldhis brother, Dave. They spent the afternoon toss-ing rocks into the late-summer water.

“When it became clear that he wouldn’t bewith us for much longer,” says Dave, “he founda way to continue what he felt most passionateabout—giving back to the kids who needed a

friend the most.”Before he died, and with the help

of the Initiative Foundation and LittleFalls Area Foundation, Markbequeathed his entire estate to formhis own foundation that funds a men-toring program for at-risk students inthe Little Falls school district. TheInitiative Foundation works withdonors to form charitable, memorial,and scholarship funds that benefit cen-tral Minnesota communities.

One of Mark’s most memorablequotes still echoes through those thatknew him: “It’s not about me.” In fact,Dave keeps those words at his desk andon his refrigerator door.

“Mark just had a different perspec-tive,” says Dave. “He had this attitudethat you give back and that you do

whatever you can to help others. And you don’tmake a big deal out of it.”

Since Mark died in 2005, the LincolnElementary mentoring program has grown fromjust a handful of adult mentors to nineteen andcounting. Many volunteers were inspired byMark. Some were simply inspired by his story.Teachers have received calls from others whohave heard about the program and want to repli-cate it in their schools.

“Working with Mark’s family to bring hisdream to life has been an honor for all of us,”says Curt Hanson, the Initiative Foundation’svice president for donor services.

Post congratulations for the family of MarkWood at IQMAG.ORG

“He found a way to continue what

he felt most passionate about—giving back to thekids who needed afriend the most.”

04 IQ.Fall07_20-23 9/13/07 1:19 PM Page 21


The door inched open and a windswept moth-er ushered four young children into the

Hidden Jewels Thrift Store. Like dozens ofunsure customers before her, she could notafford new clothes for her children. And she wasexpecting another. She hid behind one of theracks and fidgeted through the used shirts andjackets—fifty cents here, one dollar there.Impossible as it seemed, she found a season’swarmth within her pocketbook, thanks to thePine River-Backus Family Center, legions of vol-unteers, and the generosity of local people.

Nancy Wood is Hidden Jewels’ manager,a volunteer magnet, and one of those small-town therapists who can get anyone to openup. For the young woman, it took little morethan Nancy’s friendly question, “Say, whatkind of accent is that?” She replied that shewas German, new to the area, and after a fewminutes, she confessed that she was exhaust-

ed, lonely, and homesick.With Nancy’s friendship and knowledge of

the family center’s services, the struggling moth-er found sources of assistance and activities forher children. A home visitor dropped by weekly.Since she didn’t drive, volunteers helped get thechildren to summer programs. The story of peo-ple helping people is told again and againthrough the 386 adults and 732 children thefamily center touched in 2006.

The concept of a community-based familycenter began in 1994, when Pine River residentsgrew alarmed at the rising teen pregnancy rate.They formed a task force to address the issueand, out of it, grew the Pine River-Backus FamilyCenter—one of five family centers now attachedto each school district in Cass County.

The Pine River-Backus Family Center hasseen unusual success—enough that other non-profits are calling to discover what makes it

work. Its core programs include drug preven-tion and education, youth summer programs,parent education, home visitation, and basicfamily support. Many clients face poverty orcrisis situations.

“We listen to what the community needsand respond,” says Leslie Bouchonville, the fam-ily center’s executive director since 1996. “It’s aconstant evolution as we incorporate new pro-grams as needs arise.”

The family center had already matured intoa successful organization when Bouchonville andboard officers were invited to participate in theInitiative Foundation’s Healthy OrganizationsPartnership (HOP) program in 2002. HOP trainsnonprofit leaders to run effective organizationsthat achieve greater results in their communities.

Cathy Hartle, the Initiative Foundation’ssenior program manager for organizational effec-tiveness, believes the family center has seen con-

LINKED: Leslie Bouchonville(left) and Family Center friends.

04 IQ.Fall07_20-23 9/13/07 1:19 PM Page 22

siderable success because of its culture of team-work and ability to listen and respond.

“They stay focused on the people theyserve,” says Hartle. “They have an activelyengaged board and staff who work hard to eval-uate the effectiveness of their programs, andthey are in a constant improvement mode.”

One example is Terrific Tuesdays, a pop-ular summer program designed for kinder-garteners to sixth-graders. When familiesasked for a similar preschool program, staffand volunteers put their heads together to cre-ate Wonderful Wednesdays. Both focus onkid-friendly educational activities, parentingsupport, and positive social experiences thattranslate to school success.

When youth substance abuse became acommunity concern, the “Alcohol, Tobacco,and Other Drug” program trained teachers touse a drug prevention curriculum in the district

schools. The center also works closely with theCass County Methamphetamine Coalition.

“A strong, effective organization requiresboth a competent board and staff working as ateam,” says Hartle. “That’s why we recognizedthe family center as our 2007 OutstandingNonprofit Organization.”

In rural areas such as Cass County,transportation can be a major hurdle forfamilies facing financial challenges. Thefamily center bridges the distance-gap byserving as a satellite office for Cass CountySocial Services and a distribution center forthe Second Harvest food bank. MinnesotaRural Centralized Employment Program(CEP) also uses their facility to meet withclients and many begin their first jobs at thethrift store.

The center was originally establishedwith funding from the Initiative Foundation

and continues to receive its support. Theyalso receive support from the Cass CountyLeech Lake Children’s Initiative, whichestablished the five family centers. Thatfunding is being reduced and will be goneby 2010.

“That’s one of the things that promptedus to open the thrift store. We are looking atcreative ways to generate revenue and becomemore self-sustaining,” says Bouchonville.

Bouchonville credits twenty staff mem-bers and 350-plus volunteers as the center’sgreatest strength.

“Our people are passionate about whatthey do and they’re committed to caring,” saysBouchonville. “Our volunteers are loyal andthey want to make their time valuable. It real-ly makes a difference to the people we serve.”

Post congratulations for Pine River-BackusFamily Center at IQMAG.ORG

“We listen to what the community needs and respond.”


04 IQ.Fall07_20-23 9/13/07 1:19 PM Page 23


THE NATURAL: Mark Ronnei at Fawn Ridge.


05 IQ.Fall07_24-27 9/13/07 1:24 PM Page 24

Following a trail that tunnels through tower-ing birch and aspen, land-developer Mark

Ronnei pauses near an undeveloped lake.“Listen,” he whispers. “You hear that?” A fewseconds pass. No weed-whackers. No hum oftraffic. No faint mumble of television. “That’swind, water, and trees,” he says. “That’s howyou can design a neighborhood.”

Ronnei is the CEO of Etoc Development,a division of Cote Family Companies, knownregionally as the owners of Grand View Lodge.Down the road in Nisswa, Ronnei’s FawnRidge gave conservationists a case-in-pointexample of how textbook management prac-tices could be brought to life as a profitable,next-generation neighborhood.

“Our goals for creating Fawn Ridge weretwo-fold,” he says, “to make a statement and saythis is who we are as a developer, and because itwas the right thing to do.”

Fawn Ridge abandoned the cookie-cutterapproach in favor of “conservation design,” away of developing land that minimizes humanimpact while allowing more people to ownproperty. Common features of this design aresmaller lots with clustered homes and sewersset back from lakes and rivers, roads anddriveways that respect natural terrain, and thepermanent preservation of large swathes ofshared land.

“Any developer can cut up a piece ofshoreline to create a subdivision with homesevery hundred feet,” says Paul Radomski,Minnesota DNR research scientist.“[Conservation design] takes a little morethought and time, but clustering homes and

preserving natural areas have benefits—lowerinfrastructure costs, preservation of wildlifehabitat, and far less polluted runoff into lakes.”

In Fawn Ridge, no one has a ten-acre lot oran exclusive, million-dollar view of Fawn andEdna Lakes. Instead, winding roads lead tosemi-private homes that are nestled within thetrees. Walking trails connect neighbors andnature. Even the lakes have shared docks toreduce the human imprint.

“When I look out my window, I can’t seethe neighbor’s house, even though each lot isonly half an acre,” says Renee Johnson. Sheand her husband, Gary, were the first to builda home there. “And when I’m out on thenature trails, I enjoy such a sense of peace andsolitude. We’re just so glad that someone hadthe sense to put value in the property and notjust cash in on it.”

But profit potential drives business deci-sions. Developers often ask whether conserva-tion-designed developments are as lucrative astraditional ones. Consider this: Developers cancarve-up two hundred acres into one hundredlarger lots; or they can take two hundred acres,set aside one hundred acres in permanentpreservation, and sell the same number ofsmaller lots—often for a premium price.

“We were able to create sixteen homesites at Fawn Ridge and preserve more thanthirty acres,” says Ronnei. “If we had devel-oped this traditionally, you would have per-haps five homeowners, so we’ve created a 300percent increase in how many people get toenjoy the shoreline.”

The community mindset is also an aspect

he highlights as having a positive impact onnatural resources.

“When homeowners have to make deci-sions on land-use as a group, the impact on theland is far less than when landowners are free toalter their property however they wish,” saysRonnei. “What it really creates is a mindset thatthis is ‘our property’ instead of ‘my property.’”

Besides earning recognition as theInitiative Foundation’s 2007 Outstanding GreenVenture, the 1,000 Friends of Minnesota hon-ored Fawn Ridge with a “Lake-FriendlyConstruction Award.” The City of Nisswa alsochanged its ordinances so that Ronnei and otherenvironmentally minded developers couldexperiment with conservation designs.

“Many central Minnesota counties antici-pate population growth as great as 40 percentover the next twenty years,” says DonHickman, Initiative Foundation program man-ager for planning and preservation. “Etoc isour 2007 Outstanding Green Venture becausetheir ideas show how our region can accom-modate growth while preserving high-qualitynatural resources.”

Ronnei says Etoc Development’s vision isto help welcome the region’s new neighborswhile preserving the Minnesota dream.

“Minnesota lakes are public waters, butour concept of private ownership has really pri-vatized our lakes,” adds Ronnei. “Unless weplan carefully and make sure everyone has theright and opportunity to enjoy them, fewer peo-ple will experience life at the lake.”

Post congratulations for Mark Ronnei and EtocDevelopment at IQMAG.ORG

Fawn Ridge abandoned the cookie-cutter approach in favor of “conservation design,” a way of developing land that minimizes human impact.

05 IQ.Fall07_24-27 9/13/07 1:24 PM Page 25


By Britta Reque-DragicevicPhotography by Jim Altobell FORESIGHT: Bob Thompson saved one hundred jobs.

05 IQ.Fall07_24-27 9/13/07 1:25 PM Page 26

The writing was on the wall, as if it were printed on thethousands of iridescent Post-It™ Notes that employees

affixed to retail displays. Call it what you will—downsizing,right-sizing, or a sad casualty of global competition—therewas little consolation for three generations of blue-collarworkers. Whispers travel fast, especially in small work-places. The microfilm manufacturer and 3M outsourcingplant would soon be mothballed, and with it, one hundreddeep-rooted jobs—an action that would surely force familiesout of Pine City.

Bob Thompson had been preparing for this day foryears. Instead of allowing the plant to vanish, he bought itwith financing from the Initiative Foundation in 2005.Reformed as MINPACK, Inc., the company is one ofAmerica’s largest high-tech manufacturers of microfilm,and a key supplier to household names like 3M, NASA,and Boeing.

“Bob’s purchase of MINPACK is the best thing thatcould have happened to Pine City,” says Mayor JaneRobbins. “The loss of this plant would have meant the lossof a quality employer, one hundred employees, the tax-base, and what no community wants to experience—theempty buildings.”

Thompson began his career at 3M and holds twoUnited States patents. He relocated to the Pine City facilitywhen the former 3M plant spun off as Imation, thenDecisionOne. Thompson asked for the first right of refusalshould they ever sell. His foresight and relationship-buildingwere key to extending the plant’s record for continuousoperation since 1968.

“My primary motivation to create MINPACK was toretain one hundred-plus jobs,” says Thompson.

The impact on the city of just over three thousand hasbeen huge. An ideal location for manufacturing, Pine City isa rural oasis on Interstate 35, just sixty miles from the TwinCities and ninety miles from Duluth. Because 40 percent ofresidents reluctantly commute, MINPACK’s employmentopportunities are valued at a premium.

“Our business has grown 30 percent in the last eight-een months. I would love to take full credit, but the realityis that MINPACK employees continue to deliver signifi-cant value for our customers,” explains Thompson. “Ourcustomers now know that we’re not going away. We are

steadily adding more employees, including professional jobsin finance, sales, and marketing.”

The benefits of high-tech firms operating out of ruralareas go both ways. Employers gain a reliable, productiveworkforce, and communities prosper from better-payingjobs and the ability to keep people close to home.

Economic success is not the only asset Thompson hasbrought to Pine City. As a resident and community leader, heinvests in the community’s future through the Pine City AreaEarly Childhood Coalition. Partnering with the InitiativeFoundation, the coalition helps provide quality care andlearning opportunities for children age five and younger.

“I recognize how difficult it can be for young parents tohave quality time with their children,” says Thompson, not-ing that MINPACK runs three shifts a day. “At MINPACK, wewant to help employees balance their work schedules withfamily time.

“The norm is both parents working, or in many cases,single parents working more than one job to make endsmeet. My role in early childhood is to help provide theopportunity for early learning for all children. It just makessense—our children are our future.”

With $27.6 million in business financing that has cre-ated 8,500 living-wage jobs (paying more than $15 perhour, including benefits), the Initiative Foundation alsohelps families by investing in locally owned businesses. Thefoundation’s Technology Capital Fund is designed to meetthe needs of high-tech firms such as MINPACK.

“Small towns need strong, local businesses that careabout their communities,” says Sandy Voigt, the InitiativeFoundation’s program manager for technology finance.“They also need local jobs that pay good wages so that fam-ilies can afford homes, get involved, and give back. MIN-PACK provides these opportunities for Pine City, and that’swhy we chose them as our 2007 Outstanding Enterprise.”

Post congratulations for Bob Thompson and MINPACKat IQMAG.ORG

“Small towns need small, localbusinesses that care about theircommunities.”

05 IQ.Fall07_24-27 9/13/07 1:25 PM Page 27

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> I N N O V A T I O N

SUN SENSEVISTA Shines Light on Home Solar Collector

For those struggling to make ends meet, acold Minnesota winter can be impossible.

Energy assistance programs are essential, butwhat if the solution went beyond governmentaid? What if it included an inexpensive, environ-mentally friendly device to help heat homes?

Those questions rattled within the inven-tive mind of Graham Wright, an engineer andVISTA volunteer with the Rural RenewableEnergy Alliance (RREAL) in Backus. TheInitiative Foundation administers the nationalVISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) pro-gram in central Minnesota.

“I believe in national service and I wantedto make a career change to renewable energy,”says Graham, who made a one-year volunteercommitment to the VISTA program. “Helping

with the solar collector was very well-suited forme. It has been a great experience.”

He is helping to perfect RREAL’s residentialsolar collector, a sidekick to a home heating sys-tem. The side-mounted box with a solar-absorbent covering heats air naturally beforeblowing it into a home. When it’s rolled out in2008, the collector could save budget-chal-lenged families up to 25 percent in heating costswhile reducing carbon emissions.

The Initiative Foundation partners with theVISTA program to reduce poverty. In the pastyear, fifteen VISTAs have provided 14,000 vol-unteer hours and raised $250,000 for their non-profit organizations.

For more information, visit www.rreal.org.React at IQMAG.ORG WARM WELCOME: Wright installs a solar unit.

JIM ALTOBELL

29Fall 2007

06 IQ.Fall07_28-36 9/13/07 2:06 PM Page 29

Linda Eich DesJardins, president of EichMotor Company in St. Cloud, knows what

to do behind the wheel. As a new trustee, she’sready to drive the Initiative Foundation throughits five-year roadmap to strengthen centralMinnesota communities.

“Every board I’ve served on has beenhelped by the Initiative Foundation,” saysLinda. “They’ve made a huge impact on thenonprofits I’ve been involved with, in every-thing from board training to grants. That’s howI first came to understand the huge impact thefoundation has on our community.”

Eich DesJardins has served several St.Cloud area nonprofits since she joined EichMotor Company in 1990. These include

the St. Cloud Technical College Foundation,Stearns History Museum, and Hands acrossthe World.

She holds an MBA from Drexel College andhas completed PhD coursework in InternationalManagement and Macroeconomics at TempleUniversity. Her business has also earned numer-ous awards and certifications from Volkswagenand Mazda.

“We are very excited about Linda,” saysKathy Gaalswyk, Initiative Foundation presi-dent. “Her broad background in business andfinance, coupled with her community involve-ment and passion for people, will bring impor-tant insights to our board of trustees.”

The board of trustees also elected new offi-

cers: Chair Gene Waldorf, retired MinnesotaSenator (Grey Eagle); Vice Chair Lee Hanson,Gray Plant Mooty (St. Cloud); andSecretary/Treasurer Mary Sam, Mille Lacs Bandof Ojibwe (Onamia). React at IQMAG.ORG

> L E A D E R S H I P

IN THE DRIVER’S SEATEich Motor Company President Joins Board

Initiative Quarterly • IQmag.org

FIRST GEAR: New Trustee LindaEich DesJardins.

30

06 IQ.Fall07_28-36 9/13/07 2:06 PM Page 30

Fall 2007

When methamphetamine tore throughthe fabric of rural Minnesota, the

Initiative Foundation was among the first totake notice and take action. That initiative hasnow been recognized by Gov. Tim Pawlentyfor its powerful impact.

At the White House Regional Conferenceon Faith-Based and Community Initiatives inAugust, Gov. Pawlenty honored the founda-tion with a 2007 Faith and CommunityService Initiatives Best Practices Award. Theawards recognized nine organizations thatjoined forces to make positive changes forindividuals and communities.

“The Initiative Foundation’s program isso far-reaching, and the impact is beyond just

one community,” says Lee Buckley,Governor’s Council on Faith andCommunity Service representative.“We appreciate that the foundationwas able to pull this together and com-municate how we can prevent the use of methin our state.”

In 2005, the foundation launched itsMinnesota ICE initiative with the HazeldenFoundation and the five other MinnesotaInitiative Foundations. The aggressive pro-gram began with a statewide conference andpublic education efforts that introduced theissue to rural Minnesotans.

The foundation then formed ten countycoalitions that united concerned citizens, law

enforcement, healthcare, education, and busi-nesses around meth intervention, recovery,and education. It also invested more than$236,000 in meth-related grants.

“This is a tremendous honor,” says LindaKaufmann, the foundation’s senior programmanager. “Our biggest reward is knowing thatthis program saved lives.”

For more info on the awards, visitwww.faithandcommunity.state.mn.us.React at IQMAG.ORG

> H O N O R S

MINNESOTA’S BESTGov. Pawlenty Honors Anti-Meth Initiative

AWARDED: Gov. Pawlenty with Cathy Hartle, Kathy Gaalswyk, and Linda Kaufmann.

From

concept

to

Orchestrating a building project is a big job. Make it a little easier with one companythat can do it all and do it well. Designers, craftsmen, project managers. They’reall right here, under one roof.

completion.

2 1 8 . 5 6 8 . 6 1 6 0 • w e b : w w w . d o t t y b r o t h e r s . c o m

31

06 IQ.Fall07_28-36 9/13/07 2:06 PM Page 31


06 IQ.Fall07_28-36 9/13/07 2:06 PM Page 32

AnnualRpt_Fall07_33-40 9/13/07 2:58 PM Page 33

34 Initiative Quarterly • 2007 Annual Report

MISSIONUnlock the potential of the peopleof central Minnesota to build andsustain healthy communities.

WHO WE ARE Created in 1986 by local leaders and TheMcKnight Foundation, we were one of sixMinnesota Initiative Foundations estab-lished to counter an economic crisis thatcrippled cornerstone industries like farm-ing and mining. This crisis led to ruralflight, poverty and downtown decline.

Today, central Minnesota is strong andprosperous. And the Initiative Foundationis future-focused. We look beyond thehorizon to share the social and economictrends that will challenge and benefit ourcommunities. Through leadership pro-grams, grants and business investmentspowered by local generosity, we unlockthe promise of people to create the bestfuture for central Minnesota.

GOALS • Strengthen Economic Opportunity • Preserve Key Places and Natural Resources • Support Children, Youth, and Families • Build Organizational Effectiveness • Encourage the Spirit of Giving

SERVICE AREA


35Fall 2007

KKaatthhyy GGaaaallsswwyykkPresident

BBeetthhaannyy CCaarrllttoonnDonor Services Clerk

CChhrriiss FFaassttnneerr VISTA Program Manager

DDaann FFrraannkk Program Manager forCommunity Development

SShhaarroonn GGoottttwwaalltt Business FinanceAssistant

CCuurrtt HHaannssoonn Vice President for Donor Services

CCaatthhyy HHaarrttllee Senior Program Managerfor OrganizationalEffectiveness

DDoonn HHiicckkmmaann Program Manager forPlanning & Preservation

TTrriicciiaa HHoolliigg Program Assistant forGrants & Training

AAnniittaa HHoolllleennhhoorrssttCommunications Associate

LLyynnnn HHoouullee Vice President for Finance & Operations

JJoolleennee HHoowwaarrdd Program Assistant forGrants & Training

JJoohhnn KKaalliisszzeewwsskkii Vice President forEconomic Development

LLooiiss KKaallllsseenn Office & FacilitiesCoordinator

LLiinnddaa KKaauuffmmaannnn Senior Program Managerfor Children, Youth &Families

MMaatttt KKiilliiaann Director ofCommunications

PPaauull KKlleeiinnwwaacchhtteerr Business FinanceAssociate

KKrriiss KKoowwaallzzeekk Finance Assistant

MMaarrkk LLeeaassee Donor Services Officer

MMaarryyAAnnnn LLiinnddeellll Executive Assistant

LLeeaahh PPoosstteerriicckk Program Assistant forGrants & Training

MMaarryyAAnnnn SScchheeffeerrss Finance Assistant

AAsshhlleeyy VVaarrggoo Business Finance Officer

SSaannddyy VVooiiggtt Program Manager forTechnology Finance

GGeennee WWaallddoorrff CHAIR Retired, 3M

Former Minnesota

Legislator

LLeeee HHaannssoonn VICE-CHAIR Gray Plant Mooty

MMaarryy SSaamm SECRETARY/TREASURER Mille Lacs Band

of Ojibwe

BBaarrbbaarraaAAnnddeerrssoonnSt. Joseph’sMedical Center

JJiimm AAnnddeerrssoonn AndersonBrothersConstructionCompany

CChhuucckkCChhrriissttiiaann Retired, ChristianBuilders

GGlloorriiaaCCoonnttrreerraass EEddiinnCentro Legal

LLiinnddaa EEiicchhDDeessJJaarrddiinnssEich MotorCompany

DDaavvee GGrruueenneessStearns ElectricAssociation,FormerMinnesotaLegislator

AArrnniiee JJoohhnnssoonn JohnsonEnterprises

JJaanneett MMoorraann Retired

SStteevvee SShheelllleeyy Shelley FuneralChapels

GG.. GGeeoorrggeeWWaalllliinn,, PPhh..DD..Connections, Etc.

BBooaarrdd ooff TTrruusstteeeess

IInniittiiaattiivvee FFoouunnddaattiioonn SSttaaffff


36

FFIISSCCAALL YYEEAARR 22000077 FFIINNAANNCCIIAALL SSUUMMMMAARRYYJJuullyy 11,, 22000066 ttoo JJuunnee 3300,, 22000077

SSOOUURRCCEESS OOFF FFUUNNDDSS:: $$1111..55 MMiilllliioonn■ Investment Income ..............................$5,305,860

■ Business Financing Revenue & Repayments ......................................$3,605,709

■ Grants & Contributions ........................$2,402,121

■ Other Operating Revenue ......................$229,578

UUSSEESS OOFF FFUUNNDDSS:: $$66..77 MMiilllliioonn ■ Business Investments ..........................$3,231,911

■ Grants & Scholarship Activity ............$1,189,456

■ Training & Programs ............................$1,111,428

■ Foundation Operations ........................$1,166,355

■ Special Projects & Other............................$27,703

GGRRAANNTTSS Unlocking the Power of People

IInnvveessttmmeenntt TToottaall $$11,,112266,,993311

■ Children, Youth & Families ....................30% ■ Economic Opportunity ............................19% ■ Community Planning ..............................14% ■ Hometown Improvement ........................10% ■ Community & Donor Funds ....................10% ■ Natural Resources Preservation................9%■ Organizational Effectiveness ....................8%

BBUUSSIINNEESSSS FFIINNAANNCCIINNGGLocal Owners, Quality Jobs

IInnvveessttmmeenntt TToottaall $$22,,558844,,000000

■ Manufacturing................................36% ■ Technology ....................................22% ■ Service ............................................21% ■ Small Business Guaranties ..........15% ■ Environment/Agriculture ................5% ■ Retail ................................................2%

TToottaall EEnnddoowwmmeenntt VVaalluuee:: $$3333 MMiilllliioonn // TToottaall AAsssseettss:: $$4488 MMiilllliioonn

A complete audit report prepared by LarsonAllen, LLP is available upon request.

AnnualRpt_Fall07_33-40 9/18/07 11:33 AM Page 36

37Fall 2007

FFRROOMM 11998866--22000077• Made 22,,668866 ggrraannttss totaling $$1177..77 mmiilllliioonn

• Invested $$3300..55 mmiilllliioonn in 777788 locally owned businesses

• Awarded 446666 sscchhoollaarrsshhiippss totaling $$335500,,775555

• Created or sseeccuurreedd 99,,000088 lliivviinngg--wwaaggee jjoobbss

• Trained 11,,339911 lleeaaddeerrss from 112255 communities to plan and achieve a brighter future

• Trained 11,,222266 lleeaaddeerrss to improve the water quality of 117744 llaakkeess aanndd rriivveerrss

• Trained 771199 lleeaaddeerrss from 8833 nnoonnpprrooffiittss to manage more effective organizations

• Trained 338800 lleeaaddeerrss from 1111 ccoommmmuunniittiieess to prepare young children for lifetime success

• Trained 220000 lleeaaddeerrss from 1111 ccoouunnttiieess in the battle against methamphetamine

• Deployed 7755 ffuullll--ttiimmee VVIISSTTAA vvoolluunntteeeerrss to reduce poverty in central Minnesota

RREETTUURRNN OONN IINNVVEESSTTMMEENNTT

Benton $227,000 $2.6 Million 1,052%

Cass $454,000 $2.8 Million 515%

Chisago $300,000 $1.8 Million 512%

Crow Wing $913,000 $6.9 Million 657%

Isanti $983,000 $1.3 Million 34%

Kanabec $74,000 $699,000 848%

Mille Lacs $459,000 $2.6 Million 456%

Morrison $874,000 $3.3 Million 283%

Pine $374,000 $1.7 Million 346%

Sherburne $608,000 $3.0 Million 387%

Stearns $821,000 $9.4 Million 1,039%

Todd $672,000 $2.5 Million 278%

Wadena $244,000 $2.3 Million 849%

Wright $407,000 $3.6 Million 790%

TToottaallss $$77,,441111,,000000 $$4444..55 MMiilllliioonn 550011%%

*Rounded numbers include individual, business, government and utility donations. **Rounded numbers include nonprofit grants, business financing investments and scholarships.

IInniittiiaattiivveeFFoouunnddaattiioonn

IInnvveessttmmeennttss**** iinn CCoouunnttyy RROOIICCoouunnttyy

RReessiiddeennttDDoonnaattiioonnss** ttoo IInniittiiaattiivveeFFoouunnddaattiioonn


38 Initiative Quarterly • 2007 Annual Report

GGoolldd KKeeyymmaasstteerr (($$5500,,000000 oorr mmoorree))Anderson Brothers Construction

CompanyThe Bush FoundationCalvert FoundationCommunity Development Financial

Institutions FundCity of Little FallsCorporation for National &

Community ServiceCounty of Cass County of Crow Wing County of Isanti County of Sherburne County of Stearns East Central Energy Emma B. Howe Memorial FoundationHunt Family of CompaniesThe Jay & Rose Phillips FoundationThe Laura Jane Musser FundThe McKnight FoundationMinnesota PowerMN Dept of Employment &

Economic DevelopmentMN Pollution Control Agency Northwest Area Foundation Otto Bremer FoundationUSDA Rural DevelopmentWells Fargo Community Development

CorporationWilliam Randolph Hearst Foundation

KKeeyymmaasstteerr (($$2255,,000000 ttoo $$4499,,999999))Bremer BanksCity of CambridgeCity of St. CloudConnexus EnergyCounty of BentonCounty of ChisagoCounty of MorrisonCounty of TodddiversiCOM/Melrose

Telephone CompanyFirst National Bank of MilacaGreat River EnergyEugene & the late Betty Ford MenzelRobins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P.

Foundation for Education, PublicHealth & Social Justice

Rural Cellular CorporationSchlagel, Inc.Stearns Electric AssociationUS Bancorp FoundationWest Central Telephone AssociationXcel Energy Foundation

PPoorrttaall (($$1100,,000000 ttoo $$2244,,999999))American Heritage National BankThe Bank of Elk RiverBank of the WestBlandin FoundationBuuck Family FoundationCity of BaxterCity of BrainerdCity of Elk RiverCity of PrincetonCity of SartellCity of Sauk RapidsCity of St. MichaelCity of WadenaConsolidated Telecommunications

CompanyCounty of Mille LacsCounty of PineCounty of WadenaCounty of WrightEnvironmental Protection AgencyFirst Integrity Bank of StaplesFirst National Bank of DeerwoodFirst State Bank of WyomingLake Country State BankGary LyallManufacturing Fund of Central

MinnesotaMid-Minnesota Federal Credit UnionGladys & the late Leonard PaulsonJohn & Bonnie SchlagelSchlenner, Wenner & Co.The Sheltering Arms FoundationSprint/Northern PCS ServicesTEAM FoundationWells Fargo Banks

GGaatteewwaayy (($$55,,000000 ttoo $$99,,999999))American National Banks of MNPete & Thora AllenBenton Cooperative Telephone

CompanyBrainerd Insurance Agency, Inc.Brunswick Corporation - CrestlinerCambridge Medical CenterCambridge State BankCitizens State BankCity of AnnandaleCity of BuffaloCity of CokatoCity of Cold SpringCity of CrosslakeCity of Eden ValleyCity of Howard LakeCity of LindstromCity of Long Prairie

City of Maple LakeCity of MelroseCity of MoraCity of NisswaCity of PaynesvilleCity of Pine CityCity of SandstoneCity of StaplesCity of Waite ParkCity of ZimmermanClow Stamping CompanyVernon DahlheimerEast Central Energy TrustDonald & Deanna EngenFirst National Bank of MenahgaFirst National Bank of WalkerFreeport State BankKathy & Neal GaalswykHazelden FoundationHoliday Inn Hotel & Suites of

St. CloudIndependent Order of Foresters—

Branch 1298Kraus-Anderson Construction

CompanyLakeland Mold Company, Inc.Lakes PrintingLarson/Glastron/Seaswirl, Inc.Leech Lake Area Watershed

FoundationThe Little Falls Area Chamber

of CommerceMARCO, Inc.Mardag FoundationMedica FoundationThe Minneapolis FoundationDr. John & Janet MoranNOR-SON, Inc.North American State BankPark Industries, Inc. Fund of the

Central Minnesota CommunityFoundation

Peoples Bank of CommercePequot Tool & Manufacturing, Inc.Pine Country BankPiper Jaffray FoundationStephen & Gwyn ShelleyState Bank of KimballTri County HospitalUniversity of Minnesota Office of the

Board of RegentsViking Label & Packaging, Inc.Wadena State BankEugene & Bernadine WaldorfXcel Energy

CCoorrrriiddoorr (($$33,,000000 ttoo $$44,,999999)) Brock White Construction MaterialsCity of Big LakeCity of BrowervilleCity of Chisago CityCity of ClarissaCity of DelanoCity of FoleyCity of IsantiCity of MenahgaCommunity Federal Savings & Loan

AssociationCrow Wing PowerFirst National Bank of Sauk CentreFirst National Bank of SebekaGray, Plant, Mooty, Mooty & Bennett,

PADon Hickman & Sandra KaplanHorizon BankLynn & Tim HouleJohn & Gloria KaliszewskiMatt & Jeanne KilianKuepers, Inc. Architects & BuildersLakes State BankLong Prairie Memorial Hospital &

HomeMcDowall CompanyRandall State BankRobert & Sarah-Maud SivertsenEverett & Rita SobaniaSt. Cloud Times/Gannett FoundationSTAR BANK, National AssociationState Bank of DelanoThelen Heating & Roofing, Inc.Todd-Wadena Electric CooperativeUnity Bank CentralThe Whitney FoundationWidseth Smith Nolting & Assoc., Inc.Woodlands National Bank

PPaassssaaggee (($$11,,000000 ttoo $$22,,999999))Altobell Imagery, LLCJames & Linnea AndersonAnnandale State BankThe Antioch CompanyArchitecture OneChad & Paula BeckerBercher Design & Construction, Inc.Blueberry TownshipRobert J. BungerCenter for Rural Policy &

DevelopmentCentral Minnesota Community

FoundationCentral Minnesota Federal CUCentral MN Council On Aging

To our donors, we say thank you. We value each gift for the special reasons it was given and for the trust you have placedin our foundation. The following are our program and endowment gifts received between July 1, 2002 and June 30, 2007.


39Fall 2007

Central MN Jobs & Training ServicesGloria M. CessnaCharles & Barbara ChristianCity of AlbertvilleCity of AvonCity of BackusCity of BeckerCity of BelgradeCity of BerthaCity of BrahamCity of Breezy PointCity of Cass LakeCity of Center CityCity of Chickamaw BeachCity of CrosbyCity of Eagle BendCity of East Gull LakeCity of EmilyCity of FinlaysonCity of GarrisonCity of GrasstonCity of Grey EagleCity of HanoverCity of HinckleyCity of KimballCity of Lake ShoreCity of MontroseCity of MotleyCity of OgilvieCity of OnamiaCity of Pequot LakesCity of PierzCity of Pine RiverCity of RandallCity of RiceCity of RichmondCity of RivertonCity of Rock CreekCity of RockfordCity of RockvilleCity of RoyaltonCity of Sauk CentreCity of SebekaCity of St. JosephCity of St. StephenCity of SwanvilleCity of Taylors FallsCity of VerndaleCity of WalkerCity of WaverlyCity of WyomingCoborn’s, Inc.Gloria L. Contreras-EdinCuyuna Regional Medical CenterD H Blattner & Sons, Inc.

DeGraaf Financial, Inc.Diamond Tool, Inc.The Eddy Family FoundationFalcon National BankFarmers & Merchants State BankFirst National Bank in WadenaThe First National Bank of

Cold SpringFirst National Bank of Elk RiverFirst State Bank of SwanvilleDan & Annette FrankFunders’ Network for Smart Growth

& Livable CommunitiesGold’n Plump PoultryGreater Twin Cities United WayCurt & Mary Beth HansonCathy Hartle & Doug LarsenHeritage House of SebekaJohn & Debra HoefsCatherine E. JacksonKern, DeWenter, Viere, LTDKristine & Kenneth KowalzekBradley Kruse & Kimberly FaurotLake Sullivan Association, Inc.Landecker & Associates, IncLandmark Community Bank, N.A.LarsonAllen LLPMark A. LeaseLindar CorporationLittle Falls OrthopedicsMattson Lumber CompanyIn Memory of Helen K. (Wolf) Mills

AnonymousMinnesota Teen ChallengeNemadji Research CorporationNorthern Technology InitiativeNorthland FoundationIn Memory of Leonard Paulson

Russell W. LindquistGladys M. Paulson

Peoples National Bank of MoraPlaza Park BankQuinlivan & Hughes, PARegion 5 Development CommissionResource Training & SolutionsReverence for Life & Concern for

People, Inc.Rice Building Systems, Inc.Rinke-Noonan, LtdRichard & Margaret RoeslerRosenmeier, Anderson & VogelKarl & Gail SampSecurity State Bank of Maple LakeDorothy & Mike SimpsonSouthwest Initiative Foundation

St. Cloud Hospital/CentraCare HealthSystem

State Bank of Cold SpringTastefully Simple, Inc.Venture Allies Fund of the Central

Minnesota Community FoundationVerndale Custom Homes, Inc.Sandy VoigtW.F. Scarince, Inc.Wright County Federation of

Sportsmen’s Clubs

AAcccceessss ((UUpp ttoo $$999999))Anonymous Robert Abel of East Gate Business

CenterAccountAbility Solutions, LLCJohn & Phoebe AldenAllina Health SystemAmerican Legion Post No. 211Jerry R. AmundsonAnakkala, Berns, & Co, PLLPBarb & Duane AndersonAnn Lake Sportsmans ClubBank ForwardKay & the late Don BargenIn Memory of Don Bargen

Work Smart, Inc.Mary Bauer & Brad HansenBay Lake Area Lions Charities, Inc.Lonna & Kurt BeckerMichner BenderBlue Cross Blue Shield of MinnesotaKaren BobeldykHoward & Teresa BohnenIn Memory of Dellie Brausen

Blain FowlersBromelkamp CompanyIsobel BrownMs. Kay Browne & Mr. C.J. BrowneBusiness Machines PlusThomas & Katie BussRenee CardarelleBrad & Debbie CarlsonE. David Cater & Jean Soper CaterCentral Lakes Medical Center PACentral Marble Products, Inc.Central MN Housing PartnershipChristenson AgencyCity of AldrichCity of AskovCity of Boy RiverCity of BuckmanCity of BurtrumCity of DenhamCity of Elmdale

City of Federal DamCity of Fifty LakesCity of HackensackCity of HardingCity of HenrietteCity of HewittCity of HillmanCity of HoldingfordCity of IsleCity of JenkinsCity of LastrupCity of LongvilleCity of Manhattan BeachCity of PeaseCity of PillagerCity of QuambaCity of RemerCity of South HavenCity of St. MartinCity of St. RosaCity of Sturgeon LakeCity of UpsalaCity of WahkonCold Spring SuperValuCollaborative Work SolutionsCommunity Development of

Morrison County, Inc.Helen L. ComnickContinental Press, Inc.Cook’s World of WaterCragun’s Conference CenterCrystal-Pierz Marine of St. CloudD. J. Bitzan Jewelers, Inc.Diversified Media Resources, Inc.Gerald & Jean DubanEast Central MN Workforce

PartnershipEast Side BoostersECM Publishers, Inc.Effective Living CenterEIS, LLCEnSearch, Inc.Susan Fairchild & Steven WinnChris Fastner & Kathy Hakes-FastnerFirst National Bank of CrosbyFirst State Bank of Sauk CentreJennifer & Bryan FitzpatrickMargaret FlolidBruce & Mary FogleCurt & Judy ForstCoralee M. FoxDr. David & Mary FreemanLyle & Lorrretta FreiderichJames & Helen GaiserRonald & Sharon Gilsrud

Mike Markman, U.S. Bank Jim & Linnea Anderson Family Gladys Paulson Jack & Betty Thomas


Initiative Quarterly • 2007 Annual Report40

Glenn Metalcraft, Inc.Gluek Brewing CompanyGoeman Realty, Inc.Goldeneye Solutions, Inc.Goldsmith JewelersSharon & Chuck GottwaltMary Beth GramsGreater MN Credit UnionDavid GruenesHackensack Chamber of CommerceBruce & Marcia HansonThomas E. HartmanDonald P. HelgesonFlora HendricksonBarbara A. HermanJack Heule & the late Kathy BussardHoldingford Commercial ClubAnita & Brad HollenhorstWilliam & Sherry HolmgrenJolene HowardIndependent News Herald &

Benning PrintingIntegra TelecomIPEX, Inc.William D. IsraelsonPeter & Lynne JacobsonRonald & Rebecca JonesMarian KapustaLinda KaufmannDouglas & E. Lorraine KeisterKingdom Hall of Jehovah’s WitnessesNorman & Julie KrauseStephanie J. KrayGary W. Y. KwongLake Country DrugLake Country JournalLake Hubert Conservation Assn.Lakeland Veterinary HospitalLakewood Health SystemColleen H. LeBlancLeech Lake Association, IncJohn & Arlene LeisenMaryAnn & Pete LindellLine’s Building Center, Inc.Locke Lake Property Owners, Inc.Log Homes Minnesota, Inc.Long Prairie Packing CompanyLongville Area Community

FoundationPhilip & Margaret LordDale & Lora LorenzCarol LovdahlMahowald Insurance AgencyKeith MakiConnie & Alan MarcyesJerry & Linda MartinGlenn & Martha MasdenMelrose Area HospitalMelrose Dairy Proteins LLCDiane Mendel

The MIDCO GroupMille Lacs Band of OjibweMille Lacs Health SystemDaniel MillerMinnCo Credit UnionEd & Cheryl MinnemaMinnesota Campus CompactMINPACK, Inc.Miracle GroupMN Business Finance CorporationLee & Judy MoeningIn Memory of Eugene Monson

Kevin & Rhonda KrenosJerome Muggli, CPAWalter & Adele MunstermanProf. A. I. MusahHerbert & Lori NelsonWilbur & Jane NemitzNorth Fourth, Inc.Northland LionsNorthwest Minnesota FoundationRobert & Marilyn ObermillerMichael & Connie O’BrienDennis O’Donnell & Blanche SmithOpatz MetalsOut of the Woods ConsultingClarence PaynePaynesville Area Health Care SystemRobert Peichel/Edward Jones Donald & Cindi PetersonPierz LionsPiper JaffrayGeri PohlkampJerome D. Poland, M.D.Portage Crooked Lakes Improvement

Assn.Leah & Dennis PosterickAmy Rantala & Thomas SavalojaRay’s Construction Inc of Cold SpringRemer Chamber of CommerceSalem Lutheran ChurchSand Lake AssociationHelen SchaeferMaryAnn SchefersJeff & Nancy SchoenwetterMary SchwartzSCSU Foundation, Inc.Sibley Lake Association, Inc.Pat SkeltonCarol M. SmithRande & Brenda SmithDave O. SolbergSoutheast Brainerd Residents

Association

Southern MN Initiative FoundationPat & Guy SpenceSt. Cloud Area Eco Dev PartnershipSt. Cloud Technical CollegeTom & Geri StaleyStaples ‘93 Lions Club$taples Dollar $toreStaples Host Lions ClubStaples-Motley Area Chamber

of CommerceStaples Rotary ClubState Bank of CokatoStearns Bank Holdingford N.A.Stearns, Inc.Stern Rubber CompanyCatherine A. StochSunray Printing SolutionsCharles & Penny SwanumTeal’s Super-ValuJim & Liz TharesThirty Lakes Watershed DistrictDennis & Pam ThomsenChristopher & Beth ThorsonTischler Wood Products, Inc.In Memory of Malinda Tjelta

Len & Lois KallsenTrademark Homes of MN, Inc.Tri-County Young Parents ProgramTimothy & Carrie TrippBeth Trout, On behalf of

Hackensack TrailblazersTwo Rivers Enterprises, Inc.United Way of Central MinnesotaUnited Way of Crow Wing CountyUnited Way of Morrison CountyUnity Family HealthcareUpfront ConsultingRochelle M. UrnessUS Cable of Coastal-Texas, L.P.Joseph & Diane VanBeckAshley VargoGeorge & Elizabeth VilfordiDr. Joan & the late Donald VolkmuthWalleye Dundee’s, Inc.Dr. George & Raquel WallinDonald R. WatkinsPastor Angela WayThe Wendel Group, Inc.Wenner CompanyWenner Gas Company, Inc.West Central InitiativeWillenbring, Dahl, Wocken &

Zimmermann, PLLCPaul & Alice WirthWm. D. Scepaniak, Inc.Women of ELCA NE Heartland

ConferenceTina Yorek

PPLLAANNNNEEDD GGIIFFTTSSGloria M. CessnaGloria L. Contreras-EdinGladys M. PaulsonThe Mark A. Lease FamilyFran & Mil Voelker

CCOOMMMMUUNNIITTYY && AAFFFFIILLIIAATTEEDD FFUUNNDDSSGreater Pine Area EndowmentIsle Area Community FoundationLittle Falls Area Foundation

Hanowski Family Fund*Mark Wood Foundation

Staples Community FoundationJulius & Tracy Kurpius Family Fund

for the Living Legacy GardensLoren & Kathy Morey Family FundStaples/Motley Dollars for

Scholars FundStaples Knights of Columbus—Lloyd &

Marion Giddings Scholarship FundSacred Heart—Knights of

Columbus FundThree Rivers Community

FoundationArchie & Isabelle Powell Family

Memorial Scholarship FundCharity Evenson Memorial ScholarshipChuck & Barbara Christian Fund Friends of the Elk River Library FundJeanette & Mel Beaudry FundJosh Richardson Youth Arts FundZimmerman PTO—Lions

Scholarship Fund

NNAAMMEEDD && AAFFFFLLIIAATTEEDD FFUUNNDDSSAlternative Sources of Energy FundAnderson Brothers Family FundBetty Ford Menzel Scholarship Fund*Bob & Pauline Johnson Memorial

Scholarship FundBob Wright Memorial IFPA

Scholarship FundBob & Marsha Bunger

Endowment FundFamily Farm FundJohn & Bonnie Schlagel FundsLeech Lake Area Watershed

Foundation Minnesota Pioneer Park

Endowment FundShawn Grittner Scholarship/

Memorial FundWilliam & Ethel Nelson Zimmerman

Memorial Scholarship FundWright County Historical Society

LLOOAANN FFUUNNDDSSPrinceton Loan FundTodd-Wadena Loan FundMenahga Loan Fund

Gloria CessnaMark Wood Foundation

*New funds established during 2007 fiscal year.

AnnualRpt_Fall07_33-40 9/18/07 11:33 AM Page 40

Fall 2007

Of the 55,000 served last year, nearly half were children

40 programs in 16 counties ofCentral Minnesota

Serving all faiths

With your help, Catholic Charities answers the cries of children

providing help and creating hope for a brighter future.

Jesus said, “Let the children come to me” (Matthew 19:14)

911 18th St. N / PO Box 2390St. Cloud, MN 56302-2390

320.650.1550 - 800.830.8254www.ccstcloud.org

41

06 IQ.Fall07_28-36 9/13/07 2:07 PM Page 41


06 IQ.Fall07_28-36 9/13/07 2:07 PM Page 42

43Fall 2007

Tri

llium

, Mon

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ery

Farm

, 200

7—Jo

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son

ERICKSONPEARSON

&AANESLAW OFFICES

BBrraaiinneerrdd ((221188)) 882299--77885522EErriicckkssoonnPPeeaarrssoonnLLaaww..ccoomm

www.regionfive.org218.894.3233

Neil LinscheidEconomicDevelopmentDirector

EconomicDevelopment• Research capabilities• Strategy assistance• Contractual needs • Community

group alignments• Feasibility studies

ProvidingRegional• Commercial GAP

financing for new or expanding business

• JobZ administration• Comprehensive

Economic Development Strategy

• Access to Federal ED funding for identified projects

• Entrepreneurial networks

Five Counties,One Vision, One Source.

06 IQ.Fall07_28-36 9/13/07 2:07 PM Page 43


GUEST EDITORIAL

Blue-ChipPhilanthropyRetired Dain Rauscher Corporation CEO: Initiative Foundation is a Can’t-Miss Investment

In the 1980s, the people of greaterMinnesota faced a lot of challenges: rapid-

ly declining demands for farming, mining,and lumber, and the disappearance of entireeconomic markets. Around the state,economies suffered, communities suffered,and families suffered. With the help of TheMcKnight Foundation, the six MinnesotaInitiative Foundations have fostered growthand vitality in their regions while bolsteringthe economic health of our entire state.

I joined The McKnight Foundation’sboard of directors in 2005. I have had manyofficial opportunities to visit several of theMinnesota Initiative Foundations estab-lished and funded by McKnight, includingthe Initiative Foundation of centralMinnesota. Last winter, in a two-day tour, Ivisited social service and business sites withKathy Gaalswyk and her dynamite staff.Among those we toured was St. Cloud’sNetgain Technology, a small IT companythat received start-up financing from theInitiative Foundation. Netgain and otherfoundation start-ups play a key role instrengthening the region’s overall economy.

Clearly, times have changed since1986. When they created the InitiativeFoundation, for example, McKnight’s boardmay not have envisioned the ever-presentrole technology plays in our lives today.Despite the changes, the InitiativeFoundation’s mission rings true to TheMcKnight Foundation’s goals of so manyyears ago. Now, as then, they are in thebusiness of unlocking potential to buildand sustain healthy communities.

Today, throughout the central region,communities face variations in growth—

things—that’s why we have supported themfor more than two decades. As part of ourfunding commitment, we ask them to raiseadditional money within their own commu-nities. With this “challenge grant,” McKnight,in turn, matches the local donations, gener-ally dollar for dollar up to $1.8 million.

But the potential of the InitiativeFoundation isn’t only McKnight’s to unlock.By supporting the Initiative Foundationyourself, you also become part of the solu-tion to the challenges facing centralMinnesota today.

Every central Minnesota communitybenefits from the smart, strategic work ofthe foundation. Because of its staff, part-nerships, resources, and knowledge base,this one organization holds amazing prom-ise to turn investments—including yours,if you choose—into a stronger economyand healthier families throughout theentire region.

The Minnesota Initiative Foundationscame into existence through the vision ofVirginia McKnight Binger, daughter offounder William L. McKnight, and RussEwald, the Foundation’s first executivedirector. Virginia and Russ felt called to beresponsive to the challenges facing outstateMinnesota. I am sure they would be veryproud of what has been accomplished bythe Initiative Foundation and the five oth-ers. React at IQMAG.ORG

BY RICHARD D. MCFARLAND

from massive expansion in some urban areasto dwindling populations in smaller towns.At the same time, Minnesota’s diversity con-tinues to increase, with a growing immigrantworkforce and new citizens committed tostrengthening our state. Throughout theregion, especially in emerging tech fields,greater Minnesota suddenly finds itself fac-ing unprecedented global competition in theproduction of goods and services.

How fortunate that despite unforeseenchallenges in demographics, workforce, andtechnology, the Initiative Foundation—likeits regional counterparts throughout thestate—continues to respond innovativelyand effectively. Its programs bolster localcommunities through diverse efforts inhuman services, employment support, lead-ership development, and community build-ing. After twenty-one years of connecting tocommunities and unlocking economic andsocietal potential, no one is better positionedthan the Initiative Foundation to invest andserve those in our state’s central region.

Obviously, we at McKnight believe theInitiative Foundation is doing phenomenal

ILLUSTRATION BY CHRIS MCALLISTER

Richard D. McFarland is amember of The McKnight

Foundation’s board of directors and retired CEO

of Dain Rauscher Corporation.

“This one organizationholds amazing promise

to turn investments into a stronger economyand healthier families

throughout the entire region.”

06 IQ.Fall07_28-36 9/13/07 2:07 PM Page 44


Working closely with current andformer city officials to meet the needsof growing communities, NOR-SON

provides comprehensive, clientcentered Construction Managementservices for publicly funded projects.

218-828-1722 • www.nor-son.com

Harold KrausMayor 1998 - 2006

Brian LehmanMayor 2007- Present

Nisswa City Hall & Law Enforcement Center - completed in 2006, Ankeny Kell Architects, St. Paul


Documents

IQ Magazine - Fall 2007