What can happen when a community comes together to create a vision and plan? Progress.

A community visioning process that the Central Minnesota Community Foundation and other partners initiated a year ago with community members sharing their hopes and dreams for the Greater St. Cloud Area is yielding results.

Leaders will provide updates Feb. 23 on the Top 10 list of regional focus areas set by the community. Learn what items have been checked off on the list, what's to come and how to get involved:

1. Support the launch of the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation
2. Coordinate regional promotion of cultural, arts and entertainment activities
3. Connect downtowns, river and neighborhoods with public art projects
4. Develop multi-generational, multi-cultural service opportunities and community activities
5. Create a riverfront development initiative based on the new river plan
6. Create regional education and business partnerships that build and retain an excellent workforce
7. Support regional air service and Big Lake connection to Northstar rail
8. Streamline local regulations for new and growing businesses
9. Develop regional community and/or aquatic center
10. Facilitate connections for new immigrants and refugees with the broader community

The event is free and open to the public. The meeting is scheduled for 7:30-10 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites in St. Cloud. A continental breakfast will be served. Register online by Feb. 17 or by calling (320) 257-9726.

The St. Cloud Times, Bremer, the Initiative Foundation and the Central Minnesota Community Foundation are sponsoring this event. Learn more.