May 7, 2015 at 2:52 p.m.
Chisago Lakes corridor community revitalization effort wins grant; still in race for millions
Chisago Lakes corridor community revitalization effort wins grant; still in race for millions
All three are sponsors of the America’s Best Communities (ABC) campaign, and they have given the greater Chisago Lakes Highway 8 corridor a big boost towards enhancing the area’s economic activity.
The Chisago Lakes Chamber of Commerce was recently awarded $50,000 from an ABC competition, meant to be used towards successful implementation of plans to become one of “America’s Best Communities.”
The $50,000 award breaks down to $15,000 for an adopt a community mentor and $35,000 from the ABC Prize Contest. The Chamber was informed that this is the “quarter finalist” phase of the contest. There were 50 communities making it into this round.
The local award recognizes a combined countywide effort of numerous partners, from Taylors Falls to Wyoming. Quarter finalist communities now have six months to complete their Revitalization Plans.
The next level is the selection of 15 finalists.
In early 2016 these finalist communities will be presenting their strategies and of these, eight will win $100,000 to continue on with their efforts. In April 2017 a final $3 million will be awarded to the initiative that “wins” the contest; with $2 million for second place and $1 million for the third place finisher.
America’s Best Communities is designed to infuse capital into planning projects meant to improve local economics.
In a press release, Frontier Communications Executive Chairman Maggie Wilderotter said, “We launched America’s Best Communities to inspire innovation and foster sustainable local growth while driving increased investment in rural economies. We congratulate the 50 winning communities (Chisago Lakes chamber’s application is the only one in Minnesota) that have proven they have what it takes to be America’s Best.”
Frontier General Manager, who presented the award to local officials April 29, said, “The victory in the first round of the competition is proof the CHisago Lakes Area has what it takes...with continued support from neighbors I am sure there are many more good things to come from this great community. We extend our congratulations and wish the Chisago Lakes Area the best of luck in the semi-finals.”
Comments:
Commenting has been disabled for this item.