Consolidated Telecommunications Company recently showed support of Network 5 by agreeing to sponsor the group for the upcoming year. Along with the sponsorship a monetary donation was included.

Network 5 is a group of economic development professionals that meet bi-monthly in various locations throughout the five-county region. Participants in the group include employees from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), WorkForce Center, Regional Development Commission's, USDA Rural Development, Initiative Foundation, legislative aides, area colleges, small business development centers, major area corporations

and foundations as well as city and county economic development professionals. The group shares information, opportunities and ideas.

This networking group is the only group of its kind operating in the state at this time; continuing the meetings is crucial to rural economic development efforts in the region.

"Region Five appreciates the funding to sustain this networking group and thanks CTC, CEO Kevin Larson and the CTC Board of Directors for understanding that supporting collaborative efforts can maximize returns for our region," said Cheryal Hills, Executive Director of Region Five.