Benya Kraus from Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation-
She shared how Rotary brought her father, on a scholarship, to Thailand where he met her mom. They snail mailed for 5 years and eventually got married. She was born there. She grew in Thailand and Waseca. While visiting Waseca she realized she wanted to live there and be a part of what’s happening there. Attended Business school in Chicago. Vision and mission- Southern MN will be a prosperous and growing region with vibrant communities, innovative and successful economies and engaged and valued citizens. Focus- Early Childhood, Entrepreneurship programs for small businesses, and Community vitality.
Some of the trends she is seeing in this region includes rural communities are aging, but so all areas of America. Birth rates vs. deaths. Rural communities are aging but not dying. Domestic or International-who is driving rural growth? International migration has been growing. Domestic migration- moving from one MN home to another- is between ages 30-49. Domestic migration makes up a large part of domestic growth. A question to ask is What do these two demographics need? Housing, childcare and a sense of place, thriving downtown, an identity to be proud of and being proud of where you are going.
She gave an example of how a New Ulm turns their downtown into a sand filled volleyball event. This brings in tons of revenue and brings the downtown to life. It’s important to know your neighbor, own your future and lead your community. We are meant to be known. Thriving communities don’t happen by accident.
