Free Paint Available for Community Restoration Projects

BEMIDJI, MN—Jan. 13, 2014— A fresh coat of paint can make a remarkable difference in the appearance of community structures, neighborhood facilities and parks.  While adding to a sense of civic pride, this agreeable task is again being made very affordable. For the 17^th consecutive year, the Northwest Minnesota Foundation (NMF) announces the availability of free paint for community fix-up and restoration projects.

In partnership with the Valspar Corporation and the Minnesota Beautiful Program, help will be given to towns and organizations to obtain the paint and other coating materials required for selected projects.

 “Over the years, visual improvements all around the region have resulted from the Minnesota Beautiful Program. Literally thousands of gallons of paint have been given for a wide range of projects,” said Nancy Vyskocil, NMF president.  “We’re pleased to be working with Valspar once again to help bring the Minnesota Beautiful project to our communities.”      

Free paint will be made available by NMF and Valspar in support of projects that best meet certain eligibility criteria.  Selection will be based on the visual impact of the proposed projects, potential advantages to the public, volunteer participation and support, current and/or intended use of the structure to be refurbished, and benefits to those in need.

Qualifying projects might include, but are not limited to, those involving historic structures, senior citizen and community centers, facilities for the disabled, publicly owned buildings, and murals or other visual-impact designs.  Projects that would not qualify include those involving denominational churches, city maintenance, private properties, or school projects (except for murals).

This year, Valspar and NMF are requiring applicants to submit tax-exempt qualifying documentation. In addition, projects using less than 15 gallons of paint will not be considered and all projects must be able to be completed within the calendar year.

Minnesota Beautiful applications are due by Monday, March 3^rd, by 5:00 PM, with awards announced the week of March 17^th. Applications are available for downloading at www.nwmf.org, or by calling NMF at 218-759-2057 or 800-659-7859. 

  “Many towns and organizations will compete for this chance to renew or preserve a community asset,” said Vyskocil.  “We encourage all applications and appreciate the spirit shown for the projects.” 

The Northwest Minnesota Foundation invests resources, creates opportunities and promotes philanthropy to make the region a better place to live and work.

NMF LeaderImpact Program Registration Open

Bemidji, MN­­—July 2012 —The Northwest Minnesota Foundation LeaderImpact program is providing leadership training for people with a desire for greater impact in the world. Individuals seeking ways to make positive changes in the effectiveness of their work or business and how it affects their lives will benefit from this program.

NMF LeaderImpact consists of two experiential, competency-based leadership retreats separated by twelve weeks of interactive learning and professional coaching.  The first session takes place October 24-26, 2012 with the second session held on February 6-8, 2013. Participants commit to attending both sessions.

LeaderImpact will be held in the Lodge at the Hiawatha Beach Resort near Walker, Minnesota.  Each person has their own bedroom in one of eight units in the Lodge. The units, with up to four bedrooms, include a living room, fully equipped kitchen and balcony or fireplace.  

Applications must be received by August 13^th and a fee of $100 is required with the completed application, which is deducted from the tuition.  Costs for this program are $1,000. Scholarships reduce the cost to $200 for persons in rural Northwest Minnesota. The fee is $2,500 for people residing outside this region.

The tuition includes all training, food and lodging, along with six sessions of personal/professional coaching, which is equivalent to three months of consultation with a private coach.  Coaching has proven to help ensure that participants will have the best possible experience and understand how they can create a positive impact.

LeaderImpact uses self-awareness tools and activities to enhance leadership capabilities, according to Dawn Ganje, NMF program officer for training, who coordinates the program. She said, “You will learn strategies for continuous development through extensive assessment, group discussions, self-reflection, small group activities and professional coaching.

 “The coaching aspect is a key difference from other trainings available.” Ganje added. “Extensive evaluations have proven that the coaching component, which is not included in most leadership programs, greatly enhances the learning and application of newly strengthened skills at work, at home and in the community.”

Contact Dawn at 218-759-2057 or 800-659-7859 with questions. For more information or to download an application, visit www.nwmf.org.

Does LeaderImpact work? Recent participants describe LeaderImpact as the one experience that has changed them the most, both personally and professionally.         

According to Robin Wold, executive director of Hope House in Bemidji, LeaderImpact took her to the next level. She said, “It is a life-changing, whole person program that developed and continues to develop people beyond the initial time invested in the actual training.  

“I am now a stronger and more supportive person with staff at work,” Wold said. “I have been able to make difficult and necessary decisions without wavering. And I have a solid support system of other directors who are there when I need an idea or a reality check.”

Steve Muzzy, controller of Central Boiler in Greenbush said, “This training is on the leading edge of what is available out there,” said Muzzy. “It really covered a wide gamut of topics and was structured to get the most out of the time required. The two-and-a-half day session covered ten times what is usually done in a one-day class.  This makes really good use of time for participants and the trainers.”

Muzzy stated, “For some training sessions, you spend as much time traveling as you do in class. Although some people still travel a distance to the site, they get a lot for their time and they don’t have to worry about paying extra for lodging and meals.”  He added, “No matter what your level of leadership experience, everyone contributes to helping each other learn.”    

      

The Northwest Minnesota Foundation is a public charitable community foundation that invests resources, creates opportunities and promotes philanthropy to make the region a better place to live and work.

NMF Purchases Wells Fargo Building in Bemidji for New Headquarters

Northwest Minnesota Foundation Board Chair Gary Purath announced that the foundation has purchased the Wells Fargo building in Bemidji. “We are about to rehabilitate a historic downtown Bemidji building on the corner of Third and Beltrami Avenues and adapt it to meet the needs of our organization,” Purath said. Originally built as the Lumberman Bank, it is located in the heart of the city, two blocks from the lakefront and the Paul and Babe statues.

The Board of Directors agreed that change is necessary since the current office has been outgrown. Constructed in 1999, the space could be expanded, however, a redesign and remodel that matches the existing building is very costly and would not adapt well to current and future needs.

NMF President Nancy Vyskocil said they began looking for a space to build or existing structure to purchase more than two years ago. “After a long search and deliberative process involving the board and staff, we determined that the Wells Fargo building is our best option,” she said. “It has the space needed for o ur current office staff, for storage, for future expansion, and there is a spacious area with easy access in which to incorporate comfortable, efficient meeting and training rooms.

“Several regional architecture firms experienced with renovation projects were sent requests for proposals to do a feasibility study. The firm of Mutchler Bartram from Fargo, ND was selected. Based upon their findings, the decision was made to proceed,” Vyskocil said.

“Not only will we have the kind of office required to conduct business, we are adding vitality to downtown,” she said. “We are repurposing a historic, vacant structure. We are adding value for nonprofits and other partners in the area who are in need of a versatile, convenient meeting place. And most importantly, the new location will make NMF more visible and accessible to the entire region.”



The Northwest Minnesota Foundation is a charitable foundation committed to

improving the quali ty of the places in twelve counties of northwest Minnesota by

investing resources, creating opportunities and promoting philanthropy.

Free Paint Available for Community Restoration Projects

BEMIDJI, MN—Jan. 18, 2012— A fresh coat of paint can make a remarkable difference in the appearance of community structures, neighborhood facilities and parks. While adding to a sense of civic pride, this agreeable task is again being made very affordable. For the 15th consecutive year, the Northwest Minnesota Foundation (NMF) announces the availability of free paint for community fix-up and restoration projects.
In partnership with the Valspar Corporation and the Minnesota Beautiful Program, help will be given to towns and organizations to obtain the paint and other coating materials required for selected projects.

“Over the years, visual improvements all around the region have resulted from the Minnesota Beautiful Program. Literally thousands of gallons of paint have been given for a wide range of projects,” said Nancy Vyskocil, NMF president. “We’re pleased to be working with Valspar once again to help bring the Minnesota Beautiful project to our communities.”

Free paint will be made available by NMF and Valspar in support of projects that best meet certain eligibility criteria. Selection will be based on the visual impact of the proposed projects, potential advantages to the public, volunteer participation and support, current and/or intended use of the structure to be refurbished, and benefits to those in need.

Qualifying projects might include, but are not limited to, those involving historic structures, senior citizen and community centers, facilities for the disabled, publicly owned buildings, and murals or other visual-impact designs. Projects that would not qualify include those involving denominational churches, city maintenance, private properties, or school projects (except for murals).

This year, Valspar and NMF are requiring applicants to submit tax-exempt qualifying documentation. In addition, projects using less than 10 gallons of paint will not be considered and all projects must be able to be completed within the calendar year.

Minnesota Beautiful applications are due by Tuesday, March 6th, by 5:00 PM, with awards announced on March 28th. Applications are available for downloading at www.nwmf.org, or by calling NMF at 218-759-2057 or 800-659-7859.

“Many towns and organizations will compete for this chance to renew or preserve a community asset,” said Vyskocil. “We encourage all applications and appreciate the spirit shown for the projects.”
The Northwest Minnesota Foundation invests resources, creates opportunities and promotes philanthropy to make the region a better place to live and work.

NMF Board of Director Elections

Tom Anderson, Pete Haddeland and Jon Linnell have been elected to the Northwest Minnesota Foundation Board of Directors for terms of four years.

Tom Anderson, from Clearbrook, is a lifelong farmer in Clearwater County and farms in partnership with his son. He recently served eight years as a County Commissioner. Tom serves on the Clearwater Health Services Board, the Clearwater County FSA Committee, and is an active member of his church.

Pete Haddeland, from Mahnomen, is President/CEO of the First National Bank in Mahnomen. He serves on the Northern Lights Council Advisory Board for the Boy Scouts of America, as a board member of Independent Bankers Association of America (ICBA) National Board of Directors, is Chair of the Agriculture/Rural Committee for ICBA and a member of the NMF business finance loan committee.

Jon Linnell, from Warren, is the CEO/Executive Director of North Region Health Alliance and former North Valley hospital administrator. Jon was involved in the region for 30 years as a volunteer EMT and previously served on the Governor’s Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board. He is currently involved with the Warren Economic Development Authority and broadband initiatives for Blandin Foundation, the Greater Minnesota Telehealth Broadband Initiative and IMPACT 20/20 Task Force for Broadband.

Grant Seeking for Beginners Workshop

Northwest Minnesota Foundation is hosting Grant Seeking for Beginners, to be held July 27, 2011 from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm at the Sanford Events Center in Bemidji.

Learn the basics of effective grantseeking from the premier source of Minnesota grantmaking information and knowledge!

At this popular Minnesota Council on Foundations seminar, you'll gain essential information and insight from experts and leaders in Minnesota's grantmaking field. MCF is a well-known and highly regarded source of information and knowledge on the grantmaking field and the grantseeking process and has been offering grantseeking seminars for more than 15 years.

The registration fee is $95 and late registration (after July 20) will be $125. A limited number of $50 scholarships are available to individuals attending this program who reside in or work for a nonprofit located in the 12-county service area of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation. Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come-first-request basis.

To register, go to the Minnesota Council on Foundations website event calendar (www.mcf.org/events) and download the registration form. Print and submit with complete information and payment.

The Grantseeking for Beginners seminar will help you:
•Be more effective in researching potential sources for grant support
•Gain an understanding of good proposal development processes, and pinpoint key elements and information to include in your grant proposals
•During a grantmaker panel discussion, see the proposal review and decision-making process from a grantmaker's point of view

Speakers are Lori-Anne Williams, Lori-Anne Williams Writing Services; and, Chuck Peterson, vice president of member relations, Minnesota Council on Foundations. Panelists are Ashli Bowen, executive director, United Way of Bemidji Area; Jim Steenerson, NMF senior program officer – grants; and, Peggy Crandall, NMF grants service associate.

Register now and get more discounts! All Beginning Grantseeking seminar participants also receive discounts on subscriptions to Minnesota Grantmakers Online (MGO), the largest, most comprehensive database of Minnesota grantmakers and grants.

For more information, contact Jane McKelvy (phone 218-759-2057, e-mail janem@nwmf.org.

NMF Offers “Understanding Polarity Thinking” Workshop

NMF is offering a workshop to assist in making unsolvable problems manageable. The framework being introduced is based in Polarity Thinking and will benefit organizations, groups and individuals.

Unsolvable problems represent two seemingly opposing ideas, with both being true. Some examples of polarities include: neglect of the customer / focusing on the customer; indivdual / team; centralization / decentralization.

The session will be held in Bemidji at the Sanford Events Center on Monday, June 13th from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. There is no charge for the workshop and lunch is included; space is limited and pre-registration on the NMF website (www.nwmf.org) is required.

Managers from all sectors will benefit from learning about Polarity Management concepts, which help to distinguish problems that can be solved from those issues that are actually polarities, which need to be managed.

Participants will increase their ability to manage the 5 “Cs”: complexity, change, conflict, chronic issues and cross cultural issues, through learning how to apply the concepts of polarity thinking.

Through NMF’s Nonprofit Excellence program, workshop attendees will be offered the opportunity to work with consultants to assess their organization’s polarities.

For more information, contact Jane McKelvy (218-759-2057, e-mail janem@nwmf.org).

Mortensen to Present Keynote Address at IDEA Competition Awards Banquet

BEMIDJI, MN -- April 14, 2011 -- Minnesota native David Mortensen, founder and president of Anytime Fitness, will be presenting the keynote address at the IDEA Competition Awards Banquet on May 17, 5:00-8:30 p.m. at the Bede Ballroom on the University of Minnesota, Crookston campus.

Under David Mortensen’s leadership, Anytime Fitness has become the #1 fitness club franchise and was recently named the “Fastest Growing Fitness Club in the World,” by Club Business International. The business has quite a bit to celebrate: they have opened 642 clubs over the past two years, they have been ranked #18 in the top 500 franchises, they are #13 in the fastest-growing franchises, and MoneySense ranked Anytime Fitness #6 on its list of “Top Global Franchises Under $50k.” As part of his keynote address, Mortensen will share his success story of and the lessons he has learned along the way.

Following Mortensen’s keynote address, up to five IDEA Competition winners will be announced. Each winner will receive $10,000 in cash to advance their innovative business idea. For more information on the IDEA Competition Awards Banquet or to register, go to www.ideacompetition.org.

IDEA financial sponsors are Bremer Banks of Crookston and Warren, Midwest Minnesota Community Development Corporation, the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, University of Minnesota, Crookston, 360º Center for Manufacturing and Applied Engineering Center of Excellence and the Northwest Regional Small Business Development Center. IDEA was made possible through a generous grant from the Blandin Foundation.