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2024 Small Community Forum: Mineral Point
Tuesday, September 24, 2024 | 7:30 am - 1:00 pm
Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts
411 Commerce St, Mineral Point, WI 53565
Join us for conversations about the future of Wisconsin’s small (and mighty) communities. This year's forums will bring together residents, community leaders, elected officials, business leaders, and civic-minded individuals to share best practices and discuss strategies to address our communities' unique opportunities and challenges.
$20 registration, includes light breakfast and lunch
Forum Agenda
7:30 am Registration Coffee and rolls
8:00 am Welcome and Introductions
8:45 am Mineral Point case studies: Stories and examples of the vital work going on in the community
Fall Art Tour: Learn about the annual Fall Art Tour, which spans four communities on the third weekend in October. Some of Wisconsin's best-known artists open their studios, allowing visitors a unique, behind-the-scenes view into how their work is created—including live demonstrations. This is a wonderful example of the creative economy.
NEA Big Read at Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts: Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts was the only Wisconsin recipient of an NEA Big Read grant this cycle, and their successful application demonstrates how partnerships between nonprofits, community organizations, and small business create synergy. Talk with Christina (Shake Rag Alley executive director), Diane (Mineral Point Public Library), Keith (Republic of Letters Books), and Kristin (Little Creek Press) about partnering for cultural programming with a broad reach.
Chamber of Commerce Resources and Support: Chamber of Commerce Board President Lisa Hay will talk about how the Chamber of Commerce works to provide support, resources, and ideas when long-standing businesses and services move locations. High Street is Mineral Point's main street, and its storefronts are exceptionally visible to visitors and community members.
10:00 am Wisconsin Clerks: The Swiss Army knives of their communities
That real-world experience and inside knowledge of what clerks go through inform Melissa Kono’s work in Extension. Kono has developed several trainings focused on helping municipal clerks be more effective and efficient. She provides election law and processes training to election workers across Wisconsin and has trained volunteer groups on voter registration.
Speaker: Melissa Kono, Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension.
10:45 am Roundtable Discussions
Leaders will include Melissa Kono, Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension; Staff and community leaders from the Mineral Point area; and state agency leaders.
11:45 am Wrap up
Noon Lunch with colleagues and resource leaders
