The Partership Building and Regional Collaboration project will kickoff with a convening of key institutions in each of four federal regions.  Conference outcomes will form the basis for Regional Collaboration Plans, with specific objectives and major actions, partners, timeframes, benchmarks and other performance measure. The North Central Region includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio and Wisconsin.

The North Central region convening will be held May 4 and 5 in madison Wisconsin, and will focus on USDA key priorities that are also critical issues facing the region.  The goal is to address these issues with a local and regional strategy to:

• Promote the creation of new partnerships and regional collaboration

• Enable regions to share “best practices”

• Focus on utilizing regional partnerships to enhance rural program delivery and shape rural economic development policy

Participation is key – this is a great opportunity to ensure USDA hears local views and concerns.  Help ensure the regional convening is a success by attending and encouraging participation from key individuals and organizations. 

For more information on the project contact Wisconsin Rural partners Executive Director Ricky Rolfsmeyer at 608-967-2322 or ricky@wirural.org.

For more information on the kickoff event in Madison, please see the article accompanying article on this website.