Eveleth Has a Vision!

The vision was created through community conversations with almost 400 Eveleth community members on November 1. Afterwards, dozens of people signed up for working groups so that in 10-15 years people will say of Eveleth:

Our rich culture and history defines who we are. Our community is a safe, close-knit place where neighborhood values make Eveleth a great place to raise a family. We are a progressive, cohesive and collaborative community that works together to make our community thrive. We have a range of unique and exciting community events that attract people from across the world to celebrate our heritage, our history, and our culture. In particular, we are renowned for our world-class Hockey Hall of Fame!

Eveleth is a business-friendly community that builds on taconite, timber, and tourism. Our entrepreneurial economy is evident in our vibrant and bustling downtown that provides diverse opportunities for all. The fresh face on our historical buildings demonstrates community pride and innovation. Recreation opportunities provide welcoming ways for the young and old to come together.

David Beurle of Australia-based Innovative Leadership led discussions with students during the day and a wide range of community members in the evening based on research about rural survival. Participants ranked Eveleth on each criteria; they identified what is going well and what needs improvement on each of his top ten attributes for successful communities:

1. Evidence of strong community pride and inclusive culture
Successful communities are often showplaces of care, attention, history and heritage. They celebrate their success and have a strong and positive local attitude and support a culture of risk taking and innovation. Diversity is often celebrated and people are welcomed.

2. Invest in the future – built to last!
People believe that something worth doing is worth doing right. In addition to the brick-and-mortar investments, all decisions are made with an outlook on the future. Expenditures are considered investments in the future, including investments in people.

3. Participatory approach to community decision making
Even the most powerful of opinion leaders seem to work toward building consensus. The stress is on working together toward a common goal and the focus is on positive results. People collaborate and share resources.

4. Creatively build new economic opportunities
Successful communities build on existing economic strengths in a realistic way; and explore new economic opportunities provided by the ‘new economy’. They actively seek out new opportunities and ideas for new businesses.

5. Support local businesses
Local loyalty is emphasized, but thriving communities know who their competitors are and position themselves accordingly.

6. Deliberate transition of power to new leaders
People under 40 regularly hold key positions in civic and business affairs. Women (and people from ‘minority groups’) often hold positions as elected officials, plant managers, and entrepreneurial developers.

7. Strong belief in and support for education
Good schools are the norm and centers of community activity.

8. Strong presence of traditional institutions that are integral to community life
Churches, schools and service clubs are strong influences on community development and social activities.

9. Willingness to seek help from the outside
People seek outside help for community needs, and many compete for government grants and contracts for economic and social programs. They seek out the best ideas and new people to help build their community strengths.

10. Communities are self-reliant
There is a wide-held conviction that, in the long run, ‘You Have to Do It Yourself’. Thriving rural communities believe their destiny is in their own hands. Making their communities good places is a pro-active assignment, and they willingly accept it.

Adapted from ‘Heartland Centre for Rural Leadership’; ‘20 Clues to Rural Survival’