As first published by Blandin Foundation eNews…

It is June and  that means graduation season!  I am happy to report that I just returned  home from my son’s college graduation from Westminster College in Salt Lake  City.  It was a fun and gratifying weekend of events that brought back  many memories of dropping him off at college, seemingly just a moment ago.   Just as four years ago, the new graduates have been receiving plenty of  advice on this new phase of their lives – from parents, professors, career  counselors, friends and now, commencement speakers.  I know that I have given  my son more than my fair share of advice as most conversations seem to come  back to “what’s next?”

I also advise  rural communities as they work to increase the economic vitality of their  communities, using broadband and Internet technologies as primary tools.   Luckily for my consulting business, rural leaders seem to listen more  intently than it appears my son does  😉 .  In fact, it can be a bit  scary when you see either progeny or community leaders following through on the  advice I give them!

Bruce Bastian,  co-founder of Word Perfect, gave the commencement address to my son’s class.   I agree with his words on taking advice – to listen and consider, but to  make your own decisions, to follow your own passions.  As each new  graduate is unique, so is each community.  As there is no single path for  individuals, the same is true for communities.  Each community needs to  assess its own situation, then determine which community strategies will move  it forward into a more positive future.  Some will focus on  infrastructure, some on digital inclusion, others on economic development.   All are valid; all can be very productive for a community.

I saw this  clearly last week in Alexandria at a joint Blandin Foundation – University of Minnesota  Extension event with our MIRC communities.  All communities started with a  similar assessment and planning process, but each has followed their own path  with their own unique set of activities and partnerships.  It was fun to  hear of the success and the plans for continued action around broadband,  e-commerce enhancements, digital inclusion and online community.  It is  also very exciting to hear Blandin Foundation’s announcement of a new two-year  commitment to ongoing support of rural Minnesota broadband.

Just as the past  years have been fun, interesting and productive for our MIRC communities and my  son, I look forward to the future and the paths that are created and followed.