6.1. EDSR 08-13-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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•July 17, 2001 INITIATIVE FOUNDATION Stephanie Klinzing, Mayor City of Elk River 13065 Orono Pkwy PO Box 490 Elk River, MN 55330-0490 RE: 2002 Budget Request for Initiative Foundation support "It takes a noble man to plant a seed for a tree that will someday give shade to people he may never meet."—David Trueblood Dear Mayor Klinzing & Members of the City Council, Since its inception in 1986, the Initiative Foundation has invested $1,178,715 into the Sherburne County economy in the form of grants to non-profits, local units of government, schools and loans for business start-up and expansion (see enclosed project list). Those "seed funds" have leveraged an additional $1,548,775, helped create or retain 201 jobs, and trained many community leaders. We have been and continue to work actively in economic and community development, leadership training and support to non-profits providing needed services to the residents and future residents of this county and your •ommunitY. A strong county provides the needed foundation for strong and healthy communities. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for residents in our service area through comprehensive and integrated community development. We really believe our five-year strategic direction,"To invest in well- planned collaborative community development endeavors that improve the economic vitality and overall health of communities..." captures the reason for the City of Elk River to support our work. One Cass County Commissioner put it this way when responding to the work the Initiative Foundation has done relative to county support "I wish we got this hind of return on all of our investments." As a result, they have increased their support to us significantly. Currently 13 of 14 counties and 114 of 160 cities value our work and choose to support us financially. Support of our foundation is based on Minnesota Statute 469.191 Contributions to regional or local organizations. That statute is attached for your reference. Much of the work we do would not be possible without the special partnership we share with city and county governments in the 14 counties of Central Minnesota that we serve. Our economic development efforts to help start-up and expand businesses relates directly to broadening the tax base. In addition we provide grant dollars to area non-profit organizations, schools and local units of government for projects such as development of comprehensive plans, housing studies, downtown revitalization efforts and intergenerational activities. The City of Elk River's support does have a direct impact as shown by these recent examples of projects we have funded: Recent Grant activity in Sherburne County includes: • Livonia Township; Zimmerman, Planning for "Green" Township Hall ($5,000) –to support the planning and design of a new township hall that will use recycled building products, recycles construction waste and incorporate energy efficiency into the design. Three Rivers Community Theatre (Elk River): Exterior paint for a mural to brighten a downtown building. (Picture-it-Painted Program) ➢ Elk River School District/Education to Employment Partnership; Youth Apprenticeship/Job Shadowing ($10,000) –to support youth apprenticeship and job shadowing with the technical trade. ➢ Big Lake Visioning Committee; Lakes Area Multi-Purpose (LAMP) ($5,000) –to support planning efforts for a multi-purpose, intergenerational recreation complex for community members.