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BACKUS -Cass County utility companies have recently developed a special challenge fund in partnership with the Cass County Economic Development Corporation (EDC). In this economically challenging year, these five utility companies were concerned about local economic development organizations and their ability to provide services. Together, they offered to create a matching fund to help the EDC broaden its membership foundation and provide more services in Cass County.

The Cass EDC Challenge fund is jointly supported by Arvig Communication Systems, CTC -- Consolidated Telecommunications Company, Crow Wing Power, Lake Country Power, and Minnesota Power. They have pledged to match any new membership donations received between September and December

of 2010. They will also match any increased memberships from current EDC members.[[In-content Ad]]"We understand there is so much more that could be accomplished to improve the business environment of Cass County by encouraging a strong, diverse and sustainable economy," states Jeffrey R. Sheldon of Lake Country Power. A strong grassroots membership foundation will provide new business prospects, which will lead to increased job opportunities for county residents. "This is a unique and creative incentive to grow the local membership base," states Nancy Aronson-Norr of Minnesota Power.

"We are thankful for the support of the utility companies. Their message inspires us to get involved and be part of the solution," according to EDC Executive Director Gail Leverson.

The Cass County Economic Development Corporation is a community non-profit corporation with the mission to "Improve the business environment of Cass County by encouraging a strong, diverse and sustainable economy and to build better relationships between business, government agencies and

local communities."

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