CRES Seeks Partners on Class Projects

CROOKSTON, Minn. – Entrepreneurs and small business owners can receive valuable assistance through an opportunity offered by the Center for Rural Entrepreneurial Studies (CRES) at the University of Minnesota Crookston. CRES is seeking regional entrepreneurs and small business owners interested working with UMC students on a class project for their business.  Potential projects may include, but are not limited to, marketing and management strategies, business plans, assistance with accounting software, marketing research, competitive analysis, social media marketing, and other projects identified by the client.  All projects are completed by U of M Crookston students under the guidance of qualified faculty at no cost.

Each semester, both spring and fall, CRES integrates projects into courses offered on campus. These projects become an integral part of the course curriculum and are designed to benefit small business owners and entrepreneurs while providing students with real-world business experiences.

Applications for the program are accepted anytime; however, priority is given to applications received prior to the due dates. The 2018 spring semester application deadline is Friday, December 15, 2017. Interested individuals and business can apply for assistance at www.umccres.org/apply.  All applications are screened by CRES and the projects that best fit the mission of CRES and enhance the learner outcomes for the course will be contacted for a follow-up meeting to determine guidelines, client expectations, and to review other relevant information regarding participation.

For more information about the opportunity, contact Rachel Lundbohm, director of CRES at 218-281-8190 (rlundboh@umn.edu) or visit the CRES Web site at www.umccres.org. The CRES office is located in Dowell Hall 117 on the Crookston campus.

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.

Play Space Community Workshop at UMC

CROOKSTON, Minn. – A day of discussion and presentations on creating nature-based community play spaces will be held at the University of Minnesota, Crookston on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center. A $15 registration fee includes lunch and participants may complete their registration online at http://z.umn.edu/NaturalPlaySpace. The workshop runs from 9am to 3pm

The morning offers presentations by staff from the U of M, Crookston and local partners covering planning, installation, and the programming aspects of nature-based play spaces. In the afternoon, break-out discussions will address specific areas of interest to help move projects forward no matter what stage they are in currently.

For more information, contact Marlene LeBlanc at the Extension Regional Center at 218-281-8696 or mleblanc@umn.edu.

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers 26 bachelor’s degree programs, 18 minors, and 39 concentrations on campus--as well as 10 degrees online--in the areas of agriculture and natural resources; business; liberal arts and education; and math, science and technology.  With an enrollment of 1,800 undergraduates from 25 countries and 40 states, the Crookston campus offers a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that leads to a prestigious University of Minnesota degree.  “Small Campus. Big Degree.”  To learn more, visit www.umcrookston.edu.