August 2006
Economic development in Koochiching County has a big supporter in International Falls Mayor Shawn Mason. Born and raised in International Falls, Mayor Mason first became involved in local government in 1997 after coming to the realization that leadership should be shared and government would be more effective if it were more "citizen driven." Serving as the first female mayor of her hometown, Mayor Mason has brought her style of public inclusion to every office she has held.
|
|
|
It is Mayor Mason's belief that promoting economic development in Koochiching County is integral to the prosperity of the area and she is optimistic about KEDA's current effort to reach out to former residents and others who may be interested in relocating to the region. Trusting that given the right circumstances, many individuals and businesses could find prosperity in the county, Mayor Mason feels that the time is right to get the word out about the quality of life and opportunities that exist in Koochiching County. "Investing in serious economic development marketing will prove to be the best thing we can do for our future," she states.
Mayor Mason feels that the area is a great place to live and raise a family. She and her husband of 18 years, Bill, are busy with their two children, Aleisha, 8, and Myles, 4. Summers are spent enjoying the natural beauty of the area as they fish, swim, and play at their island cabin on beautiful Rainy Lake. Cultivating the skills she learned as a child in her parents' greenhouse, she also takes great pleasure in the annual rituals of gardening. It is this appreciation of the seasonal changes that drives Mayor Mason to show those outside of the region that the area is more than just the "Icebox of the Nation."
In Mayor Mason's eyes the biggest challenge of promoting the area is educating people about this "theatre of seasons." She feels that in order to shed the image of International Falls as the nation's cold spot, it is necessary to showcase the unique beauty of all the seasons and the activities that are possible thanks to these seasonal temperature changes. Mason views the correction of these misconceptions as an important piece of the economic development puzzle.
Recognizing that a comprehensive marketing strategy is key to achieving the county's economic development goals "because it is difficult to get somewhere without a roadmap," Mayor Mason believes that it is equally important to "use that roadmap wisely." Her commitment to "not only planning the work, but also working the plan," acknowledges that creating a brighter future for residents of the county requires "tenacity, courage and undying optimism." Along with many others who see an exciting future for International Falls and all of Koochiching County, Mayor Mason is not deterred by the challenges ahead; in fact, she welcomes them. "Quite frankly," she asserts, "we are ready."
