2015 NMF Staff Regional Tour

By Northwest Minnesota Foundation - August 13, 2015

It is an annual tradition at the Northwest Minnesota Foundation to get out in the region and see firsthand what work is being accomplished in northwest Minnesota.

NMF staff board a charter bus, and we choose one area of our region to visit. This year, we started our tour in Red Lake Falls. Former Board Chair, Gary Purath was our tour guide, and he did an excellent job highlighting his hometown.

http://www.northwestmanufacturing.com/

Todd Strem, Northwest Manufacturing, Inc. a locally owned company operating in Red Lake Falls since the early 80's. They employ 60-160 people during their busy times and are committed to staying in the RLF area.

Red Lake Falls Elementary School

NMF staff standing in front of Red Lake County Courthouse

Touring this historic courthouse was extremely cool!

Downtown Red Lake Falls.

From Red Lake Falls we headed to Thief River Falls where NMF Board Member Faye Auchenpaugh resumed the tour.

Our first stop was Lincoln Senior High School. Principal Shane Zutz gave us the grand tour of the newly remodeled school.

The Lincoln High Auditorium was a sight to see!

The original seating remains in tact today.

Students have access to an industrial kitchen, where they prepare meals for staff. They also learn the basics of what we "old folks" remember as "Home Economics".

There is an industrial technology class or "shop" class that utilizes the latest technology. Students are able to design their project through a PC based software and bring it to life during class.

Zutz also commented on the generosity of a donor, who went to school in Thief River Falls. Due to a major gift they were able to purchase a piece of equipment that retails for $45,000. The manufacturing company sold the equipment for half the price and students are now learning to use a very key piece of equipment while still in high school.

TRF Lincoln High School was a recipient of an Impact 20/20 grant supporting Career Readiness. Ramp-Up to Readiness™ is a school-wide guidance program designed to increase the number and diversity of students who graduate from high school with the knowledge, skills, and habits necessary for success in a high-quality college program.

Through participation in Ramp-Up to Readiness™, students in grades 9-12 progress toward readiness in five areas: Academic, Admissions, Career, Financial, and Personal and Social Readiness.

NMF Board Member, Faye Auchenpaugh played a key role in fundraising to restore the Carnegie Library in TRF. She was our personal tour guide of the town and of this lovely building.

Of course, you can't go through TRF and not stop at the Ralph Engelstad Arena.

We were also given a tour of Digi-Key, one of the fastest growing distributors of electronic components in the world. We encourage everyone to tour the facility, as they are doing amazing work in our region.