Invest in rural residents building their future

Dear Friend of the Tribune,

We are grateful for our GlobalGiving partnership which has opened the door for us to share the story of our rural community to a global audience. Through this platform support continues for the Tribune Building Project, which seeks to empower community residents to create a hub of inclusive economic growth for our community, providing hope in an environment of economic loss. As a contributor to this campaign, you play a critical role in advocating for community-led decision-making as a way to achieve competitive and sustainable growth. Every dollar contributed is very important as we continue the journey to make this project a reality, and we thank you for your ongoing support. We are forging forward with a renewed sense of optimism and excitement as we continue advancing, refining, and advocating for everything the Tribune stands for.

Tribune Building Project updates:

• Conversations with our partner University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point as well as with prospective partners continue with additional opportunities being explored.
• The City of Wisconsin Rapids’ successful EDA application to support the Paper Mill Recovery and Redevelopment Plan presents an opportunity to focus on and develop underutilized areas surrounding the mill in the downtown. Development of those parcels, including the Tribune, may be a catalyst to the mill’s redevelopment. In light of a changing paper industry that has been core to our community, support for innovation and entrepreneurship is more important than ever. Our community is worth investing in!
• Additional funding sources are actively being pursued and will be shared when confirmation is received.
• The Tribune Building Project has always been about more than the building. We are heartened to see that a variety of ideas initiated at the Tribune public meetings continue to materialize and expand in our community. This is an exciting opportunity for us to ensure the Tribune Building Project focuses on the areas of greatest impact. Some ideas discussed at the Tribune public meetings that are now occurring in our community include:
• additional makerspace facilities and programming at McMillan Memorial Library, utilizing Tribune Building work and collaboration
• expanded culinary kitchen training opportunities through the Boys & Girls Club/YMCA and MSTC
• expanded home brewing club/collaborative opportunities, such as the Art on Tap fundraiser for the Cultural Center and home brewing competition for 2 Doors Down Brewing Company, which opened Oct 2020 and employs several members of the brewing club created as a result of Tribune public meetings
• new and revitalized meeting/training spaces throughout our community, including rooms at the new Cultural Center and YMCA, and those being developed through the library’s renovations
• additional arts and cultural classes now offered in our community, where ideas incubated at the Tribune Building community convenings
• relocation of the farmer’s market along the riverfront near the Tribune.

In the face of some of the most challenging times, combined philanthropic efforts from businesses, nonprofit organizations, churches, schools, and residents make our community stronger. Your support is vital to realize the community’s Tribune project. Join us in sharing our Tribune GlobalGiving page with friends, family and fellow community members so they can be a part of this important community-building work.

Kristopher Gasch, Incourage Board Chair

Betsy Wood, Managing Director