WINDOM, MN – Leaders from Windom’s schools, city, healthcare system, and local businesses have come together to form a unified vision for community growth. The Vision for Windom Committee recognizes that a thriving community depends on three pillars: a robust education system, a strong healthcare system, and amenities that attract both families and businesses. Their vision is to create an engaged and welcoming community, enriched with amenities, inspired by growth, and driven by a shared mindset that embraces opportunity, connection, and progress.
“We know what needs to be done to turn Windom into a thriving community that attracts young families,” said Superintendent Jamie Frank. “We have the right people working together as one leadership team in Windom to make it happen.”
The Vision for Windom Group includes representatives from:
- Windom Area Schools: Superintendent Jamie Frank, Activities Director Jacob Johnson
- City of Windom: Mayor Hilary Mathis, City Administrator Steve Nasby
- Windom Area Health: CEO Shelby Medina, Chief Medical Director Dr. Dan Blue
- Local Businesses: CFO Juhl Erickson (Staples Oil), President Justin Schmit (Bank Midwest), Environmental Health and Safety Manager Angie Klassen (Toro & WAS Board Member), Owner Joel LaCanne (LaCanne Family Celebration of Life & Shannon Lynn’s Floral & Boutique), and EDA Directors Sonya Wilt
After months of passionate discussion, the group outlined four key goals:
- Improved School Facilities and a Daycare Center
- Promote & Support the Replacement of the Pool
- Business Development
- Expanded Walking and Biking Trails
Windom’s leaders agree that growth and business development depend on the community’s ability to attract families who want to live where they work. “Windom has a strong school system and a great start on amenities, but updates are needed to make us more attractive to families and businesses,” said Shelby Medina, Windom Area Health CEO.
A top priority is addressing the daycare shortage. The City of Windom EDA has been involved for over five years with businesses, daycare providers, public employers, and non-profit organizations on how to grow and enhance daycare opportunities in our community and the surrounding area. All of these parties recognize the importance of daycare in attracting new families and supporting economic development, said Steve Nasby, Windom City Administrator.
The committee has identified space at the Highland Early Learning Center for a childcare center with minimal remodeling costs. However, operational expenses remain the challenge. To address this, the group is exploring avenues for funding, including conversations with the Cottonwood County Commissioners and grant opportunities.
Additionally, Windom Area Health is moving forward with strategies to attract and retain healthcare talent, recognizing that a stronger hospital system, paired with better schools and amenities, will make Windom an even more appealing place to live, work, and raise a family.
“This is just the beginning,” said Frank. “We don’t have all the answers yet, but we are moving in the right direction with energy and focus.”