Editor:
This is to the amazing people of Sweet Home.
Recently, Rural Development Initiatives brought our two-day Board and Staff Retreat to Sweet Home. During this two-day meeting we learned about our combined 20-year effort in the region, the people, businesses and organizations behind Sweet Home’s success, and the amazing work the community has been doing since our first encounter in the early 1990s, when timber revenue declined.
From the first meeting in 1991, when RDI assisted Sweet Home in developing a strategic plan, to the present day, Sweet Home has achieved nearly every goal. Sweet Home has spruced up Main Street, made significant improvements to its water and sewer systems, welcomed a Boys and Girls Club, Senior Center and Community Center, established a new marina, seen growth in the Oregon Jamboree, and retained an active and dedicated group of volunteers.
We applaud the people of Sweet Home for your vision, determination and hard work! RDI is proud to be a part of your success by assisting local leaders in building capacity, providing skills and training in Economic Vitality and Community Building programs, and assisting local business and organizations through our Organizational Development and Collaboration efforts.
RDI extends a special thanks to everyone who worked to make our visit special including our hosts, Jo Ann and Tim McQueary, who arranged our visit and brought in a cast of Sweet Home stars. Hats off to: Ken Bronson, Joyce Rowton and the great bus drivers and staff at the Senior Center; Milli Horton, Denim and Pearls Catering; Mike and Mira Hall, The Point Restaurant; Brian Carroll, Linn County Parks and Recreation; John Morrison, Visit Linn Coalition; Scott Swanson, The New Era; Alex Paul, community champion; Dave Furtwangler and Milt Moran, Cascade Timber Consulting; Brian Hoffman, Sweet Home Economic Development Group and Craig Martin, City of Sweet Home.
RDI is a nonprofit organization helping to build vital rural communities. Sweet Home is an outstanding example of a community who has come together, built a plan and worked collaboratively to achieve your goals. It’s been an honor to partner with you in this journey.
Craig Smith
Executive Director
Kari Rosenfeld
Development Director
Rural Development Initiatives