By Sara Strong
What seemed like a bleak future is looking brighter for the Southwest Regional Development Commission.
SRDC members gathered in Luverne Thursday, July 11, for their annual meeting to discuss finances along with general SRDC business.
Its nine member counties, including Rock County, last month allowed the SRDC to stay open by approving of a plan to levy extra dollars. That levy will help the organization recover from the failure of Prairie Expo.
At the meeting, members approved selling $1.6 million in bonds to allow for more money to pay off Expo construction costs and outstanding debt. The bond sales that came in at low interest rates will also boost SRDC reserves that were drained by Prairie Expo.
Because of the sales, the SRDC will have to levy less than originally estimated.
Board members want to move beyond Prairie Expo and highlight the positive aspects of SRDC.
SRDC Executive Director Jay Trusty said, "We will continue moving forward as a thriving part of communities in southwest Minnesota."
He has been with the SRDC since last summer. When he joined what was an unstable organization, he said people questioned why he accepted the job. "I told them and I still say that I believe the RDC is a positive part of the area."
Bob Fenske, Lyon County Board Chairman spoke at the meeting. He highlighted the number of jobs affected by the SRDC. Fenske said the revolving loan program helped create 344 jobs and helped retain 701.
"I think that's impressive and I think that all members should be proud of what it's done for southwest Minnesota," Fenske said.
The revolving loan fund now has $110,000 available, and $150,000 committed.
Fair health care
The SRDC's health insurance help plan has been in the works for two years.
Prairie Health Purchasing Alliance will help small businesses and non-profits buy insurance at group rates.
Sioux Valley Hospitals and Health System and Avera McKennen are working together to equalize coverage in southwest Minnesota, where Sioux Valley dominates. They have set an Aug. 1 deadline to work on an arrangement.
The Prairie Health Purchasing Alliance, itself will be set up as a non-profit and may be able to help businesses by Jan. 1.
The SRDC itself won't be in the insurance business, but will help other businesses become a pool of purchasing power.