Communication is one of the important elements to learning life's daily lessons. Communication is defined as the exchange of information between people by means of speaking, writing, or using a common system of signs or behaviors.
Since 1999, Bridging Brown County, has been committed to exchanging and sharing information.
Read MoreMany of us think of our "community" as only the town in which we live. But we also belong to a larger rural community: the community formed by all residents of Brown County. We are a neighborhood of communities that share common challenges and opportunities.
Bridging Brown County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization composed of Brown County, Minnesota, citizens. We meet to discuss ideas and to develop greater awareness of community throughout our county. The Board of Directors meets monthly and interested persons are welcome to attend.
BBC was formed in 1999 and incorporated in 2003.
Interested in becoming a Director? Click for the Director Position Fact Sheet description and Director Application. The Director Application is also available in an Adobe Form to fill in on your computer before printing.
In 1999, Bridging Brown County grew out of discussions by Blandin Community Leadership Program Alumni and other community leaders including Katie Rasmussen, Brown County Extension Educator. The original concept developed by Rasmussen and other community leaders is summarized by this quote from the BBC website home page: “Many of us think of our "community" as only the town in which we live. But we also belong to a larger rural community: the community formed by all residents of Brown County. “We are a neighborhood of communities that share common challenges and opportunities.”
Brown County, like many rural Minnesota counties, is changing in demographics, economic base and political power. The population is aging, decreasing in size and changing in ethnic background. While agriculture remains the major economic force, its face has become off-farm owners managing large tracts of land or large animal productions. Many Main Street storefronts are empty with chain stores and eateries replacing locally owned businesses. Redistricting has reduced state legislative representation from 2 to 1 senator and from 3 to 1 representative.
As a county, there had always been divisions between the east and west ends of the county, between urban and rural interests and between municipalities of different sizes. These divisions seem to have been magnified by the changes happening within Brown County. This group of volunteer leaders felt the need to change these trends.
The original action plan was two fold: bring together representatives from throughout Brown County for education and discussion.
