David's Blog

Monday, July 30, 2012

A Private Solution to a Public Disaster


It has been heartwarming and uplifting to witness our community's shared positive and powerful response to the recent flooding in northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. Our elected officials have effectively marshaled public sector resources in a concerted effort to provide relief. They have provided bold leadership while clearly illustrating their commitment to our region's citizens. Yet, we cannot depend solely on a public sector solution to our shared challenges; we, too, need a private solution to this public disaster.

Thankfully, local community leaders, who lead private organizations, have orchestrated a concerted private response to address the needs of our businesses and families. Specifically, two organizations are marshaling the generosity of several local businesses and organizations into two bold and beautiful relief efforts. Praise and honor should be bestowed upon these two community treasures: the Northland Foundation and the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation.

Shortly after the flood, the Northland Foundation established their Business Flood Recovery Fund to assist organizations in northeastern Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin with recovery from flood damage. Grants up to $5,000 each are being focused on the replacement or reconditioning of tangible assets including inventory, equipment, furniture and supplies, along with building and site repair. These dollars are being allocated to businesses that sustained flood damage that focus primarily on: Aitkin, Carlton, St. Louis, Douglas, and eastern Lake Counties, as well as other areas in the Foundation's seven-county service region. Applications for funding are being reviewed at an ongoing basis with responses provided within two weeks. For information about this fund, contact Erik Torch, Grant Manager at the Northland Foundation, at (218) 723-4040 or online at www.northlandfdn.org.

Also in response to the flooding, the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation created the 2012 Flood Immediate Response Fund. The fund supports area nonprofits with grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. The grants from this fund provide extra dollars needed to meet the increased community demand for goods and services. Applications for fund support are currently being accepted. The applications are reviewed and decided upon within one week. Interested nonprofits can inquire with the Foundation at (218) 726-0232 or online at www.dsacommunityfoundation.com/grants/funding_inquiry.php.

The quick response of these decision-makers, the quick distribution of financial support to successful applicants, and the simplicity of the application process should be a welcome relief to weary business owners and operators who are recovering from flood damage. I encourage you to utilize these resources of efficient and effective support: the Northland Foundation and the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation funds.

In support,  
  
David Signature


David Ross, President & CEO

posted by David Ross at 12:04 PM
1 Comments

Monday, July 02, 2012

Resiliency After the Rain

Each of us affected by the recent flooding has a story to tell. The specifics within our stories are different. Yet, they share a theme that is wonderfully similar. It is our collective resiliency after the rain.

This resiliency will be rewarded. Local leaders are applying for federal and state emergency funds to repair our roads, sidewalks, bridges, parks and sewer system. We will rebuild our city's infrastructure to an extent that surpasses what we would otherwise be capable of doing with our local resources. A few years from now, community members will look back on this rain and realize it was a catalyst in fortifying our public utilities.

The rain has also fortified our strong sense of community. The citizens of our Shining City on the Hill have come together in a shared effort to rebuild our community one household, one hiking trail, one business and one street at a time. We have concurrently strengthened our connection to friends and neighbors affected by the flood. There is a heightened feeling of belonging made possible by the realization that our neighbors' misfortune is our collective misfortune and our neighbors' challenges are our challenges.  Moreover, there is an expanded resolve and resiliency made possible by our commitment to each other. We will rise above this challenge.

My colleagues at the Chamber and I extend our deepest sympathy to those who are enduring hardship because of the flood. We also extend our hand to assist Chamber member business owners and operators who seek assistance in returning to full operations. I welcome a conversation with you regarding how we can help. You can contact me at dross@duluthchamber.com or 740-3751.

We learned much about ourselves and our community during this challenging time. This experience reinforced my abundant faith in our community. It affirmed my decision to work and live in this remarkable place. It proved there truly is, as former Duluthian Bob Dylan professed,  "shelter from the storm." It is found in the shelter of each other.   

In support,  
  
David Signature



David Ross, President & CEO

posted by David Ross at 8:07 AM
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