Working Together-Intergovernmental Council (Destiny Driver #14)

By 2010 an Intergovernmental Council will ratify a Statement of Interdependence that will guide us toward greater efficiencies among our public institutions and services.

Working Together-UMM Enrollment (Destiny Driver #13)

Working Together

13. By 2012 we will build a stronger coalition between the University of Minnesota Morris and the region to increase enrollment to 2,100 of which 1,800 will be on-campus students.

Livable Community-Recreational (Destiny Driver #12)

By 2015 we will construct an outdoor Aquatics Center that will serve Stevens County and the surrounding region.

Livable Community-Invigorate Parks, Lakes, Trails, etc... (Destiny Driver #11)

By 2015 we will invigorate our parks, lakes and trails to be the finest in western Minnesota.

Livable Community-Revitalization Initiatives (Destiny Driver #10)

By 2015 revitalization initiatives will energize our downtowns and retail centers, increasing commercial and retail sales.

Livable Community-Retirement Community (Destiny Driver #9)

By 2012 we will have the finest retirement community in western Minnesota, attracting 20 new retirees to our community every year.

Livable Community- Carbon Neutral County (Destiny Driver #8)

8. By 2015 Stevens County will be the first carbon neutral county in the world, demonstrating viable models for green housing, neighborhoods and public buildings.

Social Inclusion-Embracing Diversity (Destiny Driver #7)

By 2013 we will have established an inclusive culture that embraces a diversity of people in our population and encourages their uniqueness to flourish and enhance our community.

Social Inclusion-Technology Infrastructure (Destiny Driver #6)

Social Inclusion

6. By 2010 we will enhance our interconnectedness by better utilizing the technology infrastructure to create a virtual community.

Innovative Economy-Higher Education (Destiny Driver #5)

Over the next ten years we will maintain the highest percentage of high school students in Minnesota going on to higher education (university, college, or technical college).

Innovative Economy-UMM Grads Get Professional Employment (Destiny Driver #4)

By 2010 at least ten UMM graduates will gain professional employment in Stevens County that leverages their talents and provides opportunity for career advancement.

Innovative Economy-Green Internship / Mentor Program (Destiny Driver #3)

By 2010 we will create a "Green Internship / Mentor Program” that will support 20 high school and college students per year.

Innovative Economy-Community Fund (Destiny Driver #2)

2. By 2012 a Stevens FORWARD! Community Fund of $1.5 million will help finance projects that further the destiny of the county.

Innovative Economy-Incubator (Destiny Driver #1)

Innovative Economy

1. By 2009 we will harness the intellectual capital of the University of Minnesota Morris, West Central Research and Outreach Center, U.S.D.A. Soils Lab, and agri-business and associates into an Innovations Incubator that will produce one new commercial venture each year.

Stevens Forward: Destiny Drivers-Which one(s) would you like to be a part of?

Destiny Statement

Stevens County will be the model community in rural Minnesota, recognized for our progressive development and our innovations in renewable energy, agriculture, business, and education. We will achieve this by building upon the intellectual and social capital already present within the county, and by attracting new and diverse talent that will drive our economy and increase our population.

Community Assets

Unique towns and a strong work ethic
A solid base of technology and natural resources
An entrepreneurial spirit and culture of lifelong learning
Initiatives in alternative energy – wind, biomass, hydrogen and methane
A balanced lifestyle of work, worship and play in a beautiful and safe locale
A strong and diverse foundation of agriculture business, health care, and education

Destiny Drivers

Innovative Economy

1. By 2009 we will harness the intellectual capital of the University of Minnesota Morris, West Central Research and Outreach Center, U.S.D.A. Soils Lab, and agri-business and associates into an Innovations Incubator that will produce one new commercial venture each year.
2. By 2012 a Stevens FORWARD! Community Fund of $1.5 million will help finance projects that further the destiny of the county.
3. By 2010 we will create a "Green Internship / Mentor Program” that will support 20 high school and college students per year.
4. By 2010 at least ten UMM graduates will gain professional employment in Stevens County that leverages their talents and provides opportunity for career advancement.
5. Over the next ten years we will maintain the highest percentage of high school students in Minnesota going on to higher education (university, college, or technical college).

Social Inclusion

6. By 2010 we will enhance our interconnectedness by better utilizing the technology infrastructure to create a virtual community.
7. By 2013 we will have established an inclusive culture that embraces a diversity of people in our population and encourages their uniqueness to flourish and enhance our community.

Livable Community

8. By 2015 Stevens County will be the first carbon neutral county in the world, demonstrating viable models for green housing, neighborhoods and public buildings.
9. By 2012 we will have the finest retirement community in western Minnesota, attracting 20 new retirees to our community every year.
10. By 2015 revitalization initiatives will energize our downtowns and retail centers, increasing commercial and retail sales.
11. By 2015 we will invigorate our parks, lakes and trails to be the finest in western Minnesota.
12. By 2015 we will construct an outdoor Aquatics Center that will serve Stevens County and the surrounding region.

Working Together

13. By 2012 we will build a stronger coalition between the University of Minnesota Morris and the region to increase enrollment to 2,100 of which 1,800 will be on-campus students.
14. By 2010 an Intergovernmental Council will ratify a Statement of Interdependence that will guide us toward greater efficiencies among our public institutions and services.

Q: What destiny driver do you have a desire to be part of?


Stevens FORWARD! Contact Information:

Stevens FORWARD!
507 Atlantic Ave.
Morris, MN 56267

Phone: (320) 287-0882
E-mail: mail@stevensforward.org