Part 1 in a 5-part series.
By Lee Egerstrom
Minnesota 2020 Fellow
I found this to be an interesting read. I hope the other "parts" show some of the progress made, and the positive future that can be attained. I do agree rural Minnesota leaders need to capitalize on their strengths and limit their weaknesses.
Technology, industry trends, and changing demographics will continue to benefit rural Minnesota in the coming decades. I think we need to educate our leaders so that they understand the past does not necessarily apply to the future.
I can tell you many leaders, including myself, are very optimistic about the future of rural Minnesota. The areas that plan and work towards a better future have a chance at achieving it more than ever before.
Technology is allowing individuals to live in areas they choose. It is an example of one possibility that could revolutionize small city life and bring true economic opportunity. I am a living example of this.
The coming Baby Boom transition shows that there will be a demographic shift to areas highlighted in this article. All of this will bring opportunity unseen in past decades.
The time to prepare and plan is NOW!!
