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Stewards are leaders who cross boundaries, take an integrated approach, and build coalitions for action.  They have 360 degree vision, recognizing the interdependencies between the economy, the environment, and social equity.  Stewards operate at the center of tough issues, not on the edges.  They are risk takers, they are passionate and energetic.  They are people of vision.

 

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Alex Area Stewards Publication

Alex Area Stewards - Destiny Drivers

The following Destiny Drivers have been identified by the Alex Area Stewards as areas of focus to strengthen our greater community for the future.  Direction in the creation and direction of these Destiny Drivers was received from the 1,050 Community Perception Surveys that were completed from throughout the region and from the numerous Community Conversations that were held during late 2008 and early 2009.

Destiny Drivers Kickoff Article - Al Edenloff, Echo Press

  1. Form a Regional Collaborative to create a culture of cooperation and communication.
    Champion: Alex Area Stewards Group
     Article 1

    January 2011 Driver Update:
    Small groups of Stewards met with business and community leaders from Glenwood, Brandon and Osakis (twice) during 2010.  There was a strong desire for our communities to work together from all meetings.

     

  2. Increase volunteerism region-wide by 20%.
    Champion: United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties
     Article 2

    January 2011 Driver Update:
    The United Way is currently compiling a report on the increase in volunteerism that will be released at an upcoming Stewards meeting.

     

  3. Enhance our existing Central Lakes Trail trailheads, in collaboration with key stakeholders, to better integrate the system as a feature of each of the connected communities.
    Champions: Central Lakes Trail Group, Mark Grandgenett, Tam Bukowski, Douglas County Trails Association, Active Living
    Article 4

    January 2011 Driver Update:
    A number of groups are working on this Driver and a wording change has taken place because each community has a trailhead, now the effort is more along the lines of improvement and information distribution.  Mark and Tam are working with groups including Active Living and the Douglas County Trails Association on this effort.

    Options for some type of trail mapping system are being discussed along with funding options for improvement efforts.

     

  4. We will consistently stock up to 100,000+ walleye fingerlings in the regional lakes on an annual basis.
    Champion: Viking Sportsmen, Rick Paulsen
    Article 5

    January 2011 Driver Update:
    The support for the walleye fingerling program has been fantastic.....over $180,000 has been invested into this program over the past three years.

    Approximately 20 different lakes in Douglas County have received the fingerlings with an emphasis on stocking the Alexandria "Chain of Lakes."


    Sources of funding have been -

    Alexandria Hospitality Association - The Alexandria Hospitality Association has followed through on a 3 year commitment to jump start this program by providing matching funds.  The matching funds have been the catalyst to encourage fund raising activities for Lake Associations and / or Lake property owners.  The match has been a dollar for dollar match - for each dollar raised by a Lake Association, $1 has been matched by the Hospitality Association.   Thank the Hospitality Board

    Members and Lodging Owners, and encourage future support.  Viking Sportsman - The Viking Sportsman have been the brains and backbone of the program by working with the Hospitality Association, Lake Associations, fingerling supplier, and DNR.  The Viking Sportsman have also helped with fund raising events like the fish fry at Douglas Machine.  Please support the Viking Sportsman and their fund raising efforts! 
    Lake Associations and Lake property owners - Lake Association and Lake property owners have been receptive and have "skin (fish scales?) in the game".   This should make the annual fund  raising at the Lake Association a routine.

     

  5. The Alexandria area will establish a new industrial park by 2011.
    Champion: Industrial Park Committee
     Article 6
     

  6. Support the startup, expansion, and growth of new and established business each year in the Alexandria region.
    Champion: Alexandria Area Economic Development Commission
     Article 7

    January 2011 Driver Update:
    The AAEDC is preparing to publish its Annual report which will highlight a number of projects that have taken place or are currently underway throughout the community along with details on other commercial building projects.

     

  7. Regional manufacturers, economic development partners, higher education, and K-12 will create a model system for career pathways to develop, attract, and sustain a highly skilled workforce by 2010.
    Champion: Manufacturing Association & RAED
     Article 8

    January 2011 Driver Update:
    The October 30th Tour of Manufacturing event was a great success with over 2,200 people participating in tours of 8 manufacturing companies in Douglas and Pope Counties.

    The Packaging Machine Manufacturers Consortium (PMMC) is working to promote the region as the leading packaging machine manufacturing cluster and will have a website launched soon that highlights information on companies and career opportunities.  Currently the group is focusing on partnerships with District 206 students/teacher/classes but will likely spill over into the surrounding districts in the future as successes are built.

     

  8. Develop regional partnerships for students with educational providers and businesses to create four distinct career pathways by 2014.
    Champion: Dr. Kevin Kopischke, Chad Coauette, Brian Baustian
     Article 11
     

  9. Build a new high school with a regional auditorium for Alexandria area students and communities by 2014.
    Champion: District 206
     Article 13

    January 2011 Driver Update:
    District 206 is moving forward with a number of information gathering processes to address the needs and possibilities for a new high school.  Due to the early stage of information gathering and modeling, specific details on facility size and cost along with other details are unknown.  The referendum vote is still being targeted for the fall of 2011 – the School Board will make the final decision on whether or not to move to the vote in the summer of 2011.