FORWARD Worthington Committees

A Catalyst for Rural and Urban Partnership

The Agribusiness Committee is dedicated to fostering a strong relationship between agriculture and business in the Worthington Area. By providing opportunities for collaboration, education, and advocacy, we aim to:

• Promote the value of agriculture: We recognize the vital role of agriculture in our local economy and work to raise awareness of its importance.
• Develop better agriculture community relationships: We strive to bridge the gap between rural and urban interests, fostering understanding and cooperation.
• Create and promote agriculture awareness: We engage in initiatives to educate the public about the latest developments and challenges in agriculture.
• Develop agriculture partnership opportunities: We facilitate partnerships between farmers, businesses, and other stakeholders to advance agricultural innovation and sustainability.

To achieve these goals, we:

• Host the Farm to Table event: This annual event, held each summer to raise funds to provide scholarships to graduating students that plan to go into the agriculture industry.

By working together, we can strengthen the agricultural sector, support local businesses, and build a more vibrant community.

Who We Are

FORWARD Worthington Ambassadors are dedicated volunteers who play a crucial role in supporting our mission of fostering economic growth, promoting community engagement, and enhancing the quality of life in Worthington.

What We Do

• Represent FORWARD Worthington: We serve as ambassadors for our organization, promoting our mission and initiatives within the community.
• Recognize Business Excellence: We present awards to local businesses that have achieved significant milestones or demonstrated exceptional contributions to the community.
• Welcome and Engage Members: We greet and welcome participants at various Chamber events, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
• Promote Membership: We actively encourage new and prospective businesses to join FORWARD Worthington, highlighting the benefits of membership and sharing information about our events and programs.

How to Get Involved

If you're interested in becoming a FORWARD Worthington Ambassador, please contact our office at (507) 372-2919 or fill out our contact form. We'd love to have you join our team!

Meeting Schedule

Our meetings typically take place on the 1st Monday of the month. During these meetings, we discuss upcoming events, recognize outstanding members, and plan regular visits.

Join Us

By becoming a FORWARD Worthington Ambassador, you'll have the opportunity to make a positive impact on our community, network with local businesses, and gain valuable leadership experience. We look forward to welcoming you to our team!

Our projects include:

• Public Space Beautification: We work to improve the appearance of public spaces, such as parks, streets, and public buildings, through landscaping, murals, and other enhancements. We have the annual Flower Power event. Each summer the hard work of the community with their flower gardens are recognized. During the Christmas season they hold a Light Contest where the community nominates and votes for their favorite.
• Community Clean-ups: We organize and participate in community-wide clean-up efforts to remove litter and debris. Annually we host a park clean up at Sailboard Beach.
• Environmental Initiatives: We promote environmental sustainability through initiatives like tree planting, recycling programs, and educational campaigns. In collaboration with local school an Arbor Day and an Earth Day event are presented.
• Public Art: We support the development and installation of public art pieces to enhance the visual appeal of our community. Stop down to Sailboard Beach and visit the Amelia Earhart statue.

By working together, we can create a more vibrant, attractive, and sustainable Worthington. Join us in making a positive impact on our community!

Our Governmental Affairs Committee is dedicated to advocating for the interests of local businesses and promoting a favorable business environment in Worthington. We work closely with local legislators, the Minnesota Chamber, and the U.S. Chamber to develop policies that support the needs of our business community.

Our key activities include:

• Educating Chamber Members: We provide information and resources on public policy issues that affect local businesses.
• Developing Policy Positions: We assist the Chamber Board in formulating positions on important policy matters.
• Advocating for Business Interests: We advocate for policies that support the growth and success of local businesses at the state and local levels.
• Coordinating Regional Policy Events: We collaborate with the Minnesota Chamber to organize regional policy events.
• Hosting Community Events: We host town hall meetings and debates featuring local policymakers and candidates to provide opportunities for engagement and dialogue.

By working together, we can ensure that the voices of our local businesses are heard and that policies are in place to support a thriving economy.

Our Retail Committee is dedicated to promoting Worthington as a vibrant shopping and service destination in southwestern Minnesota. We work to create a cohesive retail community by fostering collaboration, supporting local businesses, and implementing initiatives to attract shoppers.

Our key activities include:

• Marketing and Promotion: We develop and implement marketing campaigns to highlight Worthington's unique shopping experience and attract visitors from the surrounding region.
• Community Partnerships: We collaborate with other local organizations to create events and promotions that draw shoppers to the area.
• Business Development: We provide resources and support to help local businesses thrive and grow.
• Retail Community Building: We foster a sense of community among businesses located in the City Center, Oxford Street, Beltline, and Ryan's Road, encouraging collaboration and shared initiatives.

By working together, we can create a thriving retail community that benefits both businesses and shoppers.

Our Marketing Committee is dedicated to promoting Worthington as a vibrant destination for visitors and supporting the growth of our local hotel industry. We work to attract tourists, create memorable experiences, and encourage overnight stays.

Our key activities include:

• Destination Marketing: We develop and implement marketing campaigns to highlight Worthington's unique attractions, events, and accommodations.
• Visitor Experience: We work to enhance the visitor experience by collaborating with local businesses, improving infrastructure, and promoting community events.
• Hotel Partnerships: We foster strong relationships with local hotels, providing support and resources to help them attract guests and succeed.
• Data Analysis: We track visitor trends and analyze data to inform our marketing efforts and identify opportunities for growth.

By working together, we can create a thriving tourism industry that benefits our community and local businesses.

Our Sports and Recreation Committee is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and active community by promoting youth sports and recreation activities in Worthington. We strive to enhance both the quantity and quality of these events, creating positive experiences that encourage increased participation and have a positive economic impact.

Our key activities include:

• Event Promotion: We actively promote youth sports and recreation activities, highlighting their benefits and encouraging participation.
• Quality Improvement: We work to enhance the quality of events by providing resources and support to organizers.
• Community Partnerships: We collaborate with local organizations, schools, and businesses to create a supportive environment for youth sports and recreation.
• Economic Impact: We recognize the economic benefits that youth sports and recreation can bring to the community, such as increased tourism and spending.

By working together, we can create a thriving sports and recreation community that benefits our youth, families, and the entire community.