Cheryl Adams Forest Ecologist – UPM Blandin Paper Mill As the frontrunner of the new forest industry, UPM leads the integration of bio and forest industries into a new, sustainable and innovation-driven future. We reshape markets through cost leadership, change readiness and leading innovation. We create value from renewable and recyclable materials by combining our …
For his research, advocacy and leadership at the national level on behalf of community broadband networks, via public sector ownership and cooperatives, as a strategy for maximizing community benefits from broadband network development. Director of the Community Broadband Networks Initiative at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance where he researches and publicizes the benefits of community-owned …
For its early recognition of the importance of telecommunications to its economic future and for its perseverance in deploying a fiber optic network that has transformed the city’s local Internet environment. In 2005, in response to business and resident complaints about slow, unreliable Internet access and overly expensive telecommunications services, the City Council appointed a …
For vision and perseverance to construct and operate Minnesota’s first municipal fiber-to-the-home network and its support of regional broadband via Southwest Minnesota Broadband Services. Well into the 1990s, the quality of available internet service in Windom was poor. Community frustration was on the rise. Community leaders did not quit after a failed vote to build …
In recognition of their visionary early work on community access to dial-up Internet which led years later to their innovative partnership that enabled deployment of over 800 miles of Fiber to the Home network stretching from Lake Superior to the end of the Gunflint Trail and the Canadian border. In 2010, the United States Department …
Blandin Foundation is all about Minnesotans imagining, leading, and growing healthy, inclusive – vibrant – communities. It takes courage to do this work. To stand up. To spur change. To make sure our communities work for all who live in them. Often this leadership goes unseen. To recognize and celebrate acts of leadership that have …
Dave Chura Executive Director – Minnesota Logger Education Program Program Administrator – Minnesota Master Logger Certification The Minnesota Logger Education Program (MLEP) was established in 1995 to assist logging business owners in meeting ever-changing demands of their profession. MLEP provides assistance to Minnesota’s logging community through educational programming. This objective is accomplished by partnering with numerous groups to …
Dave Zumeta Executive Director – Minnesota Forest Resources Council Minnesota forests are managed with primary consideration given to long-term ecosystem integrity and sustaining healthy economies and human communities. Forest resource policy and management decisions are based on credible science, community values, and broad-based citizen involvement. The public understands and appreciates Minnesota’s forest resources and is …
Eli Sagor Extension Educator, Forestry – University of Minnesota Extension esagor@umn.edu Eli Sagor’s programs are designed to help familiy forest owners make informed land management decisions. Recent projects focus on internet-based content delivery and patterns and trends in ownership of Minnesota’s family forest lands. How has VFVC influenced the way you work? Funding from VFVC allowed …
Charles K. Blandin established the purpose, scope and governance of the Charles K. Blandin Foundation over a nearly 20-year period. His business acumen, progressive vision and commitment to the Grand Rapids area laid the groundwork upon which the Blandin Foundation has grown, adapted, and continues to stand with rural Minnesota communities — especially those in …