Tim Penny, Freelance Journalist Profile

Articles

Tim Penny Column: Empowering entrepreneurs

1 month ago | cannonfallsbeacon.com | Tim Penny

One of the things I have enjoyed most about my 18-year tenure as president and CEO of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is visiting with entrepreneurs when I travel across our region. At SMIF we support talented entrepreneurs with early-stage investments, loans, technical assistance, mentoring, networks, events and more.
SMIF: Empowering entrepreneurs

1 month ago | southernminn.com | Tim Penny

One of the things I have enjoyed most about my 18-year tenure as president and CEO of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is visiting with entrepreneurs when I travel across our region. At SMIF we support talented entrepreneurs with early-stage investments, loans, technical assistance, mentoring, networks, events and more.
Empowering entrepreneurs

1 month ago | republicaneagle.com | Tim Penny

One of the things I have enjoyed most about my 18-year tenure as president and CEO of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is visiting with entrepreneurs when I travel across our region. At SMIF we support talented entrepreneurs with early-stage investments, loans, technical assistance, mentoring, networks, events and more.
Tim Penny: Collaboration is Minnesota's secret sauce

1 month ago | winonadailynews.com | Tim Penny

When people try to find Minnesota’s secret sauce to our high quality of life and seemingly common sense (comparatively speaking) approach to government, there’s sometimes mention of the Itasca Group. This is a group of top Minnesota business leaders who get together every Friday morning to discuss ways to collaborate and advocate for a stronger Minnesota. Itasca Group exemplifies how Minnesotans come together to find win-win, common-sense solutions, and then back those solutions with capital.
SMIF: Building a future of belonging

Jan 24, 2025 | southernminn.com | Tim Penny

What does it mean to belong to a place? At Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), we know that having a sense of belonging is not merely a sentiment; it is a foundational element that drives economic growth, enhances social cohesion and nurtures a resilient and vibrant region. kAm(6 92G6 D66?[ E9C@F89 >2?J 6I2>A=6D 24C@DD @FC C68:@?[ E92E 92G:?8 2446DD E@ C6D@FC46D 42? EC2?D7@C> =:G6D 2?5 DEC6?8E96?
Tim Penny Column: Gratitude for growth

Jan 12, 2025 | cannonfallsbeacon.com | Tim Penny

Despite the holiday rush at the close of the year, I like to pause and reflect on the work of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) across our 20-county region. In no particular order, I would like to recognize some of the activities I am most proud of in 2024: Young children received additional support: A year ago, extra funds allowed SMIF to approve additional Early Care and Education Grant awards.
Viewpoint: Retain local wealth to create a bright future for the region

Dec 6, 2024 | republicaneagle.com | Tim Penny

November brings with it the spirit of gratitude, reflection and anticipation of the holiday season. It is a time when many of us turn our attention to giving. When we think about where to direct our charitable donations and volunteer efforts, I believe we should first consider the places where we live, work and raise our families: our local communities.
SMIF: Retain local wealth to create a bright future for the region

Nov 29, 2024 | southernminn.com | Tim Penny

November brings with it the spirit of gratitude, reflection and anticipation of the holiday season. It is a time when many of us turn our attention to giving. When we think about where to direct our charitable donations and volunteer efforts, I believe we should first consider the places where we live, work and raise our families: our local communities. kAmx? >J H@C< H:E9 $@FE96C? |:??6D@E2 x?:E:2E:G6 u@F?52E:@?
Tim Penny Column: Supporting the ambitions of small towns

Nov 13, 2024 | cannonfallsbeacon.com | Tim Penny

In a small town – like my hometown Kiester – everyone knows everyone and most people want to do their part to help their town and neighbors thrive. Motivation and inspiration to improve the community is easy to find, but a lack of funds can often hinder growth. When given the resources, people in small towns swiftly come together, pick up a hammer (so to speak) and enrich their communities.
Viewpoint: Supporting the ambitions of small towns

Nov 1, 2024 | republicaneagle.com | Tim Penny

In a small town – like my hometown Kiester – everyone knows everyone, and most people want to do their part to help their town and neighbors thrive. Motivation and inspiration to improve the community is easy to find, but a lack of funds can often hinder growth. When given the resources, people in small towns swiftly come together, pick up a hammer (so to speak) and enrich their communities.