Reimagine Broadus' Future Set for Monday, September 13th

By PR Extension Office

“Let’s reset and reimagine a bright future for our community,” invited Melissa Billing, President Powder River Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture. Broadus was one of 23 communities from across Montana invited to participate in the 2021 Reimagining Rural Virtual Gathering. The first of three meetings designed for community members to think creatively about Broadus’ future is scheduled for Monday, September 13th, in the Powder River County Election Room in Broadus.

“We are excited to share great stories about successful, vibrant rural communities to small towns across the state” said Tara Mastel, Community Development Program Leader for Montana State University Extension. “We hope folks get excited about what is possible for their small towns.”

Reimagining Rural Virtual Gathering includes three statewide sessions, broadcast virtually to groups of local leaders gathered in-person in rural communities across the state. Sessions begin with talks by rural experts or local leaders of successful rural community projects. Following the talks, people gathered locally will have the chance to discuss the ideas shared.

On Monday, September 13th, Ben Winchester of the University of Minnesota Extension, will share research on the rural “brain gain”, including new research by MSU Extension about who is moving to rural Montana communities and why. The second night, Monday, September 27th, highlights community volunteers from Montana towns who have created a summer concert series, a community-wide tourism and branding strategy and a non-profit childcare center using an abandoned school. The final session on Monday, October 4th, will feature members of the Winnett community who have created a beef to schools’ program, a new community center and a housing project.

Reimagining Rural is made possible through support from MSU Extension, the Burton K. Wheeler Center, Montana Community Foundation, First Interstate Bank Foundation and the WE and OP Edwards Foundation. The event is hosted locally by MSU Extension – Powder River County and the Powder River County Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture. Each session will be held from 6-8 PM. For more information contact the Extension Office at 436-2424.