A Joint Initiative Between     Heart of Wisconsin     Business & Economic Alliance and     Community Foundation of Greater     South Wood County

Home About Us B2B Club Breaking News Contact Donate Events / Programs Feedback Ideas Incubator Industry Clusters Links / Resources Progess Funds Progress Teams Public Art / Murals Publications		Breaking News July 29, 2004 - Nekoosa looks toward the future By Antoinette Rahn, Daily Tribune Staff Participants at the city's Make It Happen Rally on Wednesday night agreed not only on a potential vision statement for their community and its economy, but they already are planning a meeting for the 25-and-under crowd of the community. By sharing what brought them to the community, what they cherish about the city they call home and what they want to see in the future, the group of about 20 people was able to discuss its weaknesses and develop ideas to build on the community's strengths. "It's all in how you view yourselves and where you want to be heading," said David Beurle, rural leadership and development expert. "You've done great work here." Ideas included capitalizing on the city's position at the northern point of Lake Petenwell through increased efforts in tourism, outdoor recreational opportunities, keeping the processing of local agriculture within the community, working more as a Tri-City region, developing beautification efforts in the city, retaining and promoting the small town character, school system, family values and existing businesses. The rally is part of the three-year Community Progress Initiative - a collaborative effort of the Heart of Wisconsin Business & Economic Alliance and the Community Foundation of South Wood County. Questions that were asked of people at the rally were what brought people to the community, what they like about it and what they want to see as part of its future. Below are some of the responses. Melissa Loken, 30, of Saratoga What brought you to the community? I was born in Wisconsin Rapids and we chose to move here, to live in Saratoga, for the Nekoosa School District. What do you like about your community? The friendliness of the people and the school district. What would you like to see in your community's future? More retail stores. Cheyanne Finup, 9, of Saratoga What brought you to the community? I was born in Wisconsin Rapids and now we live here. What do you like about your community? I like the school. I like the different gas stations and I like the pool. What would you like to see in your community's future? Restaurants and more stores. Not change it a lot though, because I like how it is now. Mike Keyes, 42, of Nekoosa What brought you to the community? Location. Being centrally located and close to the Twin Cities and Chicago was a big reason with the business I'm in (North Country Adventure Television). And being close to the Petenwell Flowage. What do you like about your community? I like the natural resources, because of my background that's important. Plus, the school system here is very good. What would you like to see in your community's future? I would like to see the kind of community we're talking about here. To see our community build on more tourism and business. When I first came up here it was disturbing to see being based one main business. Being an entrepreneur I think we have to start thinking ahead and as the old clichˇ goes, not putting all our eggs in one basket.
		Copyright © 2005, Community Progress Initiative, South Wood County & Town of Rome