(Shenandoah) — Shenandoah is involved in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
That’s according to Jennifer Green, foundation manager of the Charles E. Lakin Foundation–one of three speakers at Tuesday night’s Shenandoah Chamber and Industry Association Annual Meeting and Ag Banquet at the Elks Lodge. Vision Shenandoah was the banquet’s central focus. Green provided insight on the foundation’s “Revitalize Southwest Iowa” effort–which entailed allocating $165 million to 51 cities in the region–including $16.35 million to Shenandoah. Green says Shenandoah was selected as an anchor community–meaning a hub of growth in the region.
“As stated, Shenandoah is designated as an anchor community in this initiative,” said Green. “That’s not just a title–it’s a recognition of the role Shenandoah plays in the region as an economic engine, a cultural center and a leader. It means that your town now has dedicated, flexible funding to support transformational projects–projects that could reshape the community for the next generation.”
Green outlined some of the projects already underway in the other communities undertaking visioning efforts.
“In Atlantic, funding is going towards a 144-unit housing development,” she said, “including town homes, duplexes, and even tiny homes. They’re also planning a brand new child care center, and expanding their local YMCA. In Malvern, community leaders are working on quality-of-life investments and small housing projects. And in Stanton, plans are in motion to expand housing and bolster early childhood education.”
Rather than copying the efforts of other cities, Green encouraged Shenandoah to select a project that best fits its community.
“Maybe it’s a housing development that attracts new families,” said Green. “Maybe it’s an innovation center or a co-working space. Maybe it’s a modern early childhood facility. Whatever it is, it should reflect Shenandoah’s values, vision and voice.”
Saying “Revitalize Southwest Iowa” wasn’t a top-down initiative, Green says any organization seeking funding should start thinking now. Saying there’s no time to waste in getting Shenandoah’s efforts off the ground, Vision Shenandoah President Matt Sells says fundraising efforts to sustain the organization’s initial thrusts have already been successful.
“Our board of directors went on the fundraising trail,” said Sells. “Today, we’ve raised about $130,000 to fund the operations of Vision Shenandoah for the course of the next two years. Our goal from there is to make the organization sustainable for the foreseeable future through various programs, ideas and things where we can partner with the Lakin Foundation, and really become a real change agent for the community of Shenandoah.”
Vision Shenandoah Executive Director Margaret Brady says about 60 people are involved in so-called “dream teams” charged with exploring initiatives in core subject areas: housing, daycare, recreation, tourism and events, downtown buildings and grants and fundraising. Other highlights included the awarding of the Ag Future of American Scholarships to Sidney High School graduate Ellie Ward and Shenandoah High grad Dalton Athen. And, Dan and Deb Finlay of Shenandoah were the recipients of this year’s Friend of Agriculture Award.
