By Mayor Zach Vruwink
Special to the City Times

Our recent national election brought to the forefront significant concerns and questions about the health and economic well-being of our citizens and the communities in which they live. To this end, it is an honor that our City will soon host a daylong conference that takes on these challenges with fresh and innovative ideas.

Incourage and Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago are co-sponsoring “Investing in Healthy Communities: Ideas to Action for Health People, Places and Planet” on Wednesday, Dec. 7. A range of leaders from the fields of banking, community development finance, philanthropy, health care, city planning and government will share leading practices in economic development, sustainability and investment.

A major focus will be on approaches to strengthening ties between urban and rural communities, and on the ways in which banks, community development financial institutions, philanthropy, and others are investing to promote across-the-board access to health and prosperity.

This daylong event takes place from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., at Hotel Mead. Aspirus Riverview Hospital & Clinics, Inc., University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, and the Wood County Health Department are among the organizations serving as hosts.

Conference attendees can expect to:

-Explore promising community development opportunities and sustainable, innovative financing strategies.
-Consider the interdependence of rural and urban communities.
-Learn how environmentally sustainable practices advance health and well-being.
-Grow and strengthen networks.
-Participate in collaborative action to realize healthy communities.

Since my “State of the City” address in March of 2015, I have encouraged our citizens to pursue a “healthy community” vision for Wisconsin Rapids, centered on fostering and nurturing an environment for business development and job growth; making city services more accessible and responsive to our citizens; and engaging citizens to help shape the culture and the future of our community. This conference echoes and expands upon those themes.

I urge stakeholders who play a role in forging our community’s economic development to attend this most timely event.

Register for the event, here.