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Causes: Community & Neighborhood Development, Community Coalitions, Economic Development, Microfinance, Rural Economic Development
Mission: Bridging Brown County was started by a group of citizens who identified small town rivalries and communication gaps as inhibitors of regional development. As a rural county, Brown County was losing legislative representation and economic strength. The founders envisioned a unified county-wide community where resources, opportunities and legislative influence are strengthened through shared goals and activities. Bridging Brown County started as an informal group in 1999 incorporating in 2002. It is managed by a governing board of 12 and has a part-time program coordinator. It offers 3 formal programs: County Congress, Network Brown County and an annual workshop. It has sent 4 groups to Blandin Leadership Training events and continues to develop relationships with nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, volunteers and leaders throughout Brown County and beyond.