Minnesota launches pilot project aimed at strengthening rural and urban connections to foster innovation

Minnesota Rural Partners Inc., in a cooperative effort with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, is launching a pilot project aimed at strengthening rural and urban connections.

As part of the effort, Minnesota Rural Partners Inc., is hosting a series of videoconferences to encourage conversations across the state about rural-urban connections that impact individual lives, communities and work.

Participants are asked to register for videoconferences in advance at http://blog.rurb.mn/videoconferences/. The next videoconferences are scheduled for 3-5 p.m. Wednesday in central Minnesota, and will focus on rural-urban connections, collaborations and partnerships related to manufacturing, work force readiness and renewable energy, with videoconference sites at:

Brainerd Central Lakes College, 501 West College Drive, ITV Room C224

Staples Central Lakes College 1830 Airport Road, Main Campus ITV Room B103

Little Falls Midstate Education District Building, 15738 Highway 27, District Office Conference Room.