Community Matters, LLC

A New Path to Community Betterment!

I'm delighted to share this announcement about my new role as Rural Development Director for the N.D. Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC). I'll be working on projects that strengthen and foster growth in rural communities.am wrapping up commitments for this new opportunity. It comes with a great structure and dynamic team to support rural development. I appreciate the organizations and businesses that allowed me to assist them during the past year with economic and community development initiatives.

NDAREC welcomes Ellen Huber to its rural development team! As rural development direct, Huber will lead a team of rural development experts dedicated to supporting the growth and expansion of North Dakota businesses and cooperatives and improving quality of life in rural North Dakota.

Huber succeeds Lori Capouch, who will retire July 1 after dedicating more than 30 years to rural economic development. In her time at NDAREC, Capouch has provided cooperative, business and economic development assistance to countless communities, cooperatives and entrepreneurs.

Read more: https://ndarec.com/huber-lead-rural-electric-and-telecommunications-development-center

WHAT'S ON YOUR BOOK SHELF? Economic Development Week is a perfect time to consider resources for your community building organization's staff, board members and volunteers. A couple favorites of Community Matters, LLC owner/consultant Ellen Huber are “Economic Development Is Not for Amateurs,” by Jay Garner & Ross Patten and "13 Ways to Build Your Community,” by Doug Griffiths.

What training materials have you found to be valuable?

With Economic Development Week (May 6-10) starting today, Community Matters, LLC owner/consultant Ellen Huber offers up her favorite sources of information and inspiration. The list begins with helpful podcasts:

* Develop This! Podcast by Dennis Fraise, CEcD
* We Are Jobs by The Next Move Group
* Growing Small Towns by Rebecca Undem
* Chamber Chat

What sparks your work in community building? Please share in the comments.

A STORY TO TELL. Services in grant writing, sponsor recruitment, communications and project coordination are helping to shine a light on Rugby’s opportunities for rewarding jobs, successful small businesses, impactful volunteer roles, and community connections. Stay tuned for the “My Town” documentary by producer Cory Hepola plus other video features to come. Follow the My Town Series, Rugby Job Development Authority, and Rugby Chamber/CVB for updates.

Rugby to be featured in docuseries about rural communities; filming scheduled for late May "My Town," produced by Cory Hepola, will explore the opportunities, innovations and people present in rural communities in North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin.

Here’s an opportunity to make a positive impact on a great community in western North Dakota!

THERE'S STILL ROOM FOR MORE. Anyone with an interest in community betterment is welcome to join in this complimentary mastermind for discussion about road blocks to growing small towns and small businesses and ways to remove these obstacles. This 4-week study will take place Mondays, April 29 to May 20, from noon to 1 p.m. CT, at the Loft on Main, 408 W Main Street, Mandan.

Sign up via this link: https://shorturl.at/eCUW5

4-WEEK GROUP STUDY. Like Newton’s law of inertia in which an object at rest tends to stay at rest, and an object in motion tends to stay in motion, the same holds true for humans.

Get moving in a direction of growth for your own individual passion and purpose by joining in a complimentary mastermind of the “15 Invaluable Laws of Growth” by John C. Maxwell. The group study will be held Mondays, 7-8 p.m. April 29 to May 20, in Mandan at The Loft on Main, 408 W Main Street.

Discussions facilitated by Ellen Huber, a certified Maxwell Leadership team member, will be geared for people seeking to gain momentum with a focus on intention, self-awareness, action, consistency and discipline. We’ll share our greatest takeaways, plans for application and will hold each other accountable.

Learn more and sign up: https://shorturl.at/CJK35

Just You Studios ND

INVEST IN YOURSELF. We invest in things on ourselves, like hair coloring and cuts, makeup, clothing and jewelry. When is the last time you invested time or money in yourself?

Join me in a 4-week complimentary mastermind group study of the “15 Invaluable Laws of Growth” by John C. Maxwell, to be held Mondays, 7-8 p.m., April 29 to May 20, in Mandan at The Loft on Main, 408 W Main Street. I won’t be presenting, rather simply prompting a discussion among people interested in personal and/or professional growth.

Learn more and sign up: https://shorturl.at/CJK35

DON’T ATTRACT BUSINESS, deceive yourself, and don’t cooperate. These are some of the chapters from “13 Ways to Kill Your Community” by Doug Griffiths that we’ll be discussing during a 4-week complimentary mastermind. This group study will be held Mondays, noon to 1 p.m., April 29 to May 20, in Mandan at The Loft on Main, 410 W Main Street. Here's a chance for municipal leaders, civic volunteers and others with a passion for growing small towns and small businesses to support each other, share ideas and develop action plans.

Learn more and sign up: https://shorturl.at/eCUW5

Just You Studios ND

13 Ways to Kill your Community | Facilitator: Ellen Huber - Week 1 | Just You Studios Event Information Session Dates Wk 1 - April 29th, 2024 | 12pm - 1pm Wk 2 - May 6th, 2024 | 12pm - 1pm Wk 3 - May 13th, 2024 | 12pm - 1pm Wk 4 - May 20th, 2024 | 12pm - 1pm Topics We will explore chapters like: Don't Attract Business: Benefits on Competition Deceive Yourself: Know Your Community to....

WHAT IS A MASTERMIND? How does it differ from a book study?
A Mastermind involves peer-to-peer mentoring to help participants solve problems and capitalize on opportunities with input from the other group members. Benefits include support for the creation of a growth plan with accountability for action by fellow participants.

Here are two upcoming opportunities to participate in complementary, 4-week facilitated group discussions to take place Mondays, April 29 to May 20, at the Loft on Main, 408 W Main Street, Mandan.

“13 Ways to Kill Your Community,” by Doug Griffiths, noon to 1 p.m. Learn more and sign up: https://shorturl.at/eCUW5

“15 Invaluable Laws of Growth” by John C. Maxwell, 7 to 8 p.m. Read about the content and register here: https://shorturl.at/CJK35

Through Community Matters, LLC, consultant/owner Ellen Huber will offer additional in-person and virtual group sessions in the future on these and other topics to support leadership development and community betterment. Please let Ellen know if you are interested in customized training for your business, organization or town.

Just You Studios ND

COMMUNITY BETTERMENT MASTERMIND. This is an opportunity to bring together area officials, staff and volunteers to support each other in endeavors to grow small towns and small businesses. This 4-week study will take place Mondays, April 29 to May 20, from noon to 1 p.m. CT, at the Loft on Main, 408 W Main Street, Mandan.

Sign up via this link: https://shorturl.at/eCUW5

Just You Studios ND

Attention nonprofits! We are now accepting applications for the 2024 SuperGrant of $50,000! Any nonprofit organization located in and serving the Bismarck-Mandan community is eligible to apply. Deadline: July 1.
See our site for detailed guidelines or call our office at 701-222-8349. www.BisManCommunityFoundation.org

Thank you for the opportunity to serve our local communities.

Let's give a warm welcome to one of our newest members on the Advisory Committee: Ellen Huber!

You might recognize Ellen from her years of service with the City of Mandan as Business Development and Communications Director. Nowadays, she's the proud owner of Community Matters, LLC, a consulting business focused on economic and community development.

Ellen's dedication to our community doesn't end there. She's actively involved in various organizations, including the Mandan Planning and Zoning Committee, Mandan Horse and Saddle Club, and the Mandan Rodeo Days Organization. With a passion for strengthening the Bismarck-Mandan community, Ellen is all about fostering connections between businesses, individuals, and organizations in the area.

We asked Ellen what she loves about Bismarck-Mandan: “I love my hometown of Mandan and neighboring city! Bismarck and Mandan are like salt and pepper. Each has its own flavor, yet seamlessly intertwine like the perfect seasoning blend. These communities are each others yin and yang. From childhood to adulthood, this place amidst rolling hills and the Missouri River has been part of my journey. I've personally found incredible ways over the years to continually challenge myself to grow in terms of my career, starting a business, civic involvement and favorite past times.”

We must remember is that city governments are composed of people — individuals who live and breathe within our communities, share the same hopes, fears and aspirations as the residents they serve. Full blog here: https://www.communitymattersnd.com/blog/the-human-heartbeat-of-your-town

Strong schools make strong communities. My latest blog shares how schools can be a catalyst for community growth including resident, workforce and business attraction. Read here: https://www.communitymattersnd.com/blog/education-shapes-communities

RECERTIFICATION COMPLETE. I am committed to personal and professional growth. In 2015, I became a Certified Economic Developer, which required passing a rigorous and comprehensive three-part, two-day examination in the areas of business retention and expansion, marketing, finance, workforce development, community development, technology-led economic development, real estate, strategic planning and management. Recertification is required every three years with continuing education and leadership activities at national, regional, state and local levels.

Let me know if I can help grow your community and small businesses with consulting or training services.

NORTH DAKOTANS ATTEND IEDC LEADERSHIP SUMMIT. Minot Area Chamber EDC President/CEO Brekka Kramer and Community Matters, LLC Owner/Consultant Ellen Huber participated in a Feb. 4 behind-the-scenes tour of the Waste Management Phoenix Open at the Tournament Players Club in Scottsdale, AZ, to learn how “mega events” can catapult economic development in a region and how to apply similar strategies back home. The tour was part of the International Economic Development Council’ Leadership Summit, which featured keynote speakers, interactive sessions led by industry experts, networking events, and more educational tours.

RUGBY INTRODUCES 2024 HOUSING INCENTIVE PROGRAM. The Rugby Job Development Authority (JDA) has approved a housing incentive program for 2024 as a tool to help retain and attract more people to this community of roughly 2,500 people. Read the full story at: https://rugbyjda.com/news.

Program details: www.rugbyjda.com/housing-incentive-program

SEEKING Executive Director: Up to $70,000, plus benefits – Position Open Until Filled
Job announcement: https://rugbyjda.com/news
DETAILS:
Live a BIG life in this thriving small town
Proud of its National Blue Ribbon School for 2023
Home to Heart of America Medical Center, Rugby Manufacturing, & Agri-Business
Rugby is known as the Geographical Center of North America!
Job description: https://shorturl.at/jlSUW

I finished work one year ago as business development and communications director for the City of Mandan. Many people ask, ‘How’s retirement?” I did not retire. I started a consulting business, Community Matters, LLC, to help drive the growth of small businesses and community projects in a way that transforms other small towns. Please help me get the word out. North Dakota has many opportunities and challenges. I can help! Thank you to the communities and organizations partnering with me to meet needs, fill gaps and tackle challenges. Options range from retainers for part-time assistance to project-based agreements.

KILLDEER AREA FRIENDS, please take a few minutes to help your community by providing thoughts through this online survey: www.surveymonkey.com/r/Killdeer2024. There's another version for those of us who are visitors & potential guests: www.surveymonkey.com/r/KilldeerVisitors

N.D. COMMUNITY SEEKS INPUT. If you've ever visited the Killdeer and Dunn County area, please share feedback and ideas for improvement. Visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/KilldeerVisitors. Thanks!

VIEWS OF KILLDEER INVITED. The Killdeer Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) invites guests to share views of the Dunn County community through an online survey: www.surveymonkey.com/r/KilldeerVisitors

Questions touch on priorities for Killdeer, strengths and opportunities, plus messaging. Input received will be useful to a variety of people in promoting Killdeer and continuing its path of improvement for resident, business and visitor attraction.

The survey closes Jan. 12, 2024. A survey for area residents is available at this link: www.surveymonkey.com/r/Killdeer2024

Community Matters, LLC owner/consultant Ellen Huber has been on a retainer contract with the Rugby Job Development Authority since Aug. 1 to assist with economic and community development programs and projects. This is a part-time role as Rugby leaders explore options for the role of a permanent, full-time executive director. Part of the joy is helping to tell Rugby's stories about opportunities for career and business success!

Here's why RUGBY, NORTH DAKOTA was selected for S1 of "My Town."

"As soon as we announced our 'My Town' series, I bet I heard from at least 6 different people suggesting we explore Rugby because 'it's the perfect example of a thriving small town.' Everyone mentioned the school, opportunities for impact, and the overall high quality of life, which one wouldn't necessarily associate to a community of less than 3,000 people in central North Dakota, just miles from the Canadian border." -Cory Hepola, Director & Host.

This week - we'll introduce you to the City of Rugby as we celebrate the special people, history, and future of this "thriving small town."

✅ Follow "My Town Series" on YouTube & Facebook
📍 A "Community Venture Network" initiative from The Brookshire Company
📅 Premieres October 2024
➡ Rugby Chamber of Commerce & CVB Rugby Park District Rugby Job Development Authority

Please share with optometrists and students of optometry who may have interest in this business opportunity. Up to $50,000 in student loan repayment assistance available over five years.

OPTOMETRY NEEDED. A business opportunity serving 4,000+ people in the Pierce County area awaits an entrepreneurial optometrist. Options are purchasing the Dakota Eye Institute practice as a turnkey investment, or establishing a new clinic. The Rugby Job Development Authority has programs to assist with business start-up and expansion. Options include buying down the interest rate if debt financing is needed, up to $50,000 over five years for student loan repayment, and matching funds for a new business sign. Please help spread the word to continue this vital service for our community! Visit this link for more details:
https://rugbynd.govoffice3.com/index.asp?Type=B_PR&SEC={C120582B-8D95-4262-8CF2-8A2A16C57347}&DE={CB8C8275-C7C1-4C01-A38B-EA556A33CC6D}
Questions? Call Rugby JDA board member Sara Radomski at 701-208-1288.

Today is an opportunity to show love for North Dakota manufacturers, which inject new wealth into our economy, in turn helping. fuel retail and service sector businesses. Rugby is thriving as one of North Dakota's largest small towns in part because of foundational businesses like Rugby Manufacturing, established in 1969.

CELEBRATING NATIONAL MANUFACTURING DAY. The first Friday in October is a day to shine a light on those who proudly stand behind our goods and services in America. Rugby Manufacturing has about 100 employees with opportunities for roughly 30-40 more people in fields ranging from mechanical engineering to welding, fabrication and painting to sales, purchasing and customer service.

General Manager Jeff Duchscher is a champion of the co-op program with Rugby High School where students during their senior year spend 2-3 hours a day exploring a career field.

Rugby Manufacturing’s payroll contributes $8 million annually into the local economy from outside the community.

Originating as a family-owned business in 1969, the plant in Rugby has been expanded five times and is now 200,000 square feet; making high-quality, innovative, and reliable truck bodies, platforms, trailer hoists and more.

Learn more at https://buff.ly/46jccSn and by following the company on social media channels:https://buff.ly/3LOeHnw
https://buff.ly/48KcBij
https://buff.ly/46jcd8T

There are millions of modern manufacturing jobs coming forth in the next decade—opportunities to create, contribute and connect. Help us build the future of the industry during ! https://buff.ly/2pgl5sX

Rural placemaking is the focus of a session today at the International Economic Development Council annual conference. I can help your community implement the key strategies: 1) seating, 2) multi-generational, 3) greenery, 4) spaces to gather, and 5) arts & culture. All to help retain and attract business, talent and visitors, improve health and connectivity.