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probably along with the rest of the teams in the conference--to build up the economy of the entire region.
• At least, that's the contention of several research projects conducted in the last decade that suggest that the best way for rural places to compete in a global economy is to work together as regional partners.
• "Only by combining their forces to create new businesses and good jobs at home will the towns and counties of the rural Midwest compete and thrive in a global economy where this sort of collaboration is fast becoming the norm," wrote Mark Drabenstott in a report titled "Past Silos and Smokestacks: Transforming the Rural Economy of the Midwest."
• Several organizations in the James River Valley have recognized the benefits of thinking regionally, and have stretched their traditional boundaries to do economic development work that benefits a larger area--countywide versus town by town. And many of those organizations recently joined forces to take part in a regional economic development effort called South Dakota Prairie Gateway, which combines efforts in website development, training and more. Other regional efforts are in the works.
• Paula Jensen of Langford holds positions in two organizations with a regional focus: She's president of Glacial Lakes Area Development (GLAD), which represents communities in Greater Marshall County, and she's also funds development director at GrowSD, which has served as the coordinating organization for the SD Prairie Gateway initiative.
• "The regional development framework helps rural communities focus on not just their own successes, but also the success in surrounding communities, which can positively impact the entire region," Jensen said. "The GLAD philosophy has always (Continued on page 4)
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