Fri. Mar 15, 2019
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and Incourage of Wisconsin Rapids announced a partnership today to provide expertise for sustainable economic change in central Wisconsin. The Partnership for Sustainable Communities will align university resources to support innovation and opportunity in the Tribune building located in downtown Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
UW-Stevens Point’s strategic plan aims to create healthy, vibrant, prosperous and sustainable communities, Chancellor Bernie Patterson said at the Tribune building. “We have an opportunity to bring university expertise to co-create with the community. We will listen to learn how to be of service to Wisconsin Rapids and the region. We’re excited to be a part of profound transformation.”
Former home of the daily newspaper, the Tribune was purchased by Incourage with the intent that residents would determine future uses. More than 2,000 individuals have engaged in the Tribune Building Project (incouragecf.org/learn/tribune-building), giving their time and money, and demonstrating their role as informed and active citizens.
“Because of the perseverance of many, and particularly the commitment of these residents, the Tribune has attracted attention from near and far,” said Kelly Ryan, chief executive officer of Incourage. “With the Partnership for Sustainable Communities, Tribune will further serve as a model for community collaboration and sustainability elsewhere in the country.”
Funding for the Tribune project was recently included in Governor Evers’ proposed budget. While good news for the region, this is just the first step in the budget process, which requires legislative approval.
Through the Partnership for Sustainable Communities, UW-Stevens Point and Incourage will work with Mid-State Technical College, North Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board and numerous other collaborators representing community and economic development, K-16 education, investors, philanthropy, local businesses, food networks and downtown neighbors. While creating on-site collaboration within the Tribune, this partnership is far more than shared office space.
This model is an innovative undertaking, working outside the normal channels of research and development within any individual institution, Ryan said. “The partnership honors the key assets that have long fueled the economy while providing the infrastructure needed to foster, retain and attract the innovators and entrepreneurs of the future.”
State Sen. Patrick Testin applauded the collaboration. “In years past we have always operated in silos,” he said. “I think there has been a huge wake-up call in recent years that we are all in this together. If we work together, we will thrive together, and this project achieves just that.”
To learn more about the Tribune, attend the next public meeting scheduled for Monday, March 18, from 6-8 p.m. in Centralia Center, 220 3rd Ave. South, Wisconsin Rapids or email [email protected]. To provide input for the Partnership for Sustainable Communities, email [email protected].
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About Incourage
Established in rural Wisconsin in 1994 to serve the changing needs of the south Wood County area, Incourage has become a nationally-recognized leader in place-based philanthropy and community development. Guided by values of equity, opportunity, and shared stewardship, Incourage envisions a community that works well for all people. One physical manifestation of this vision is the redevelopment of the Tribune building, which demonstrates Incourage’s user-centered approach to growing a strong and inclusive local economy. To learn more, visit incouragecf.org.
About University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
Founded in 1894, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point offers more than 100 undergraduate programs, as well as graduate and doctoral programs. With 200 student organizations and a 280-acre nature reserve, the university attracts 7,700 students to enroll annually. UW-Stevens Point has two-year branch campuses in Marshfield and Wausau and is ranked among the best public universities in the Midwest. A leader in sustainability, UW-Stevens Point is on Princeton Review’s Green Honor Roll. For more about UW-Stevens Point, visit uwsp.edu.
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