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December 2009
WARD MERRILL
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BACKUS COMMUNITY CENTER
After serving as a social studies teacher and community education director for 34 years in the Blackduck Public Schools, Ward Merrill and his wife Linda retired and moved to International Falls in 2005, purchasing his grandparent's home. They wasted no time getting involved in various organizations and lending their energy and passion to the community. Ward began serving on the International Falls Bass Championship Board in 2005 and has been an important player in the on-going success of that event.
But for both Ward and his wife, the Backus Community Center became more than just an exercise in civic engagement, it became a cause. Ward became a member of the Citizens for Backus/AB Board of Directors in January 2006; was elected president of the organization in 2007, and was hired as Executive Director in 2008.
From the beginning of his involvement, Ward has used his organizational skills and past experiences to help develop a workable plan (with a committed Board of Directors and community supporters) to make the buildings sustainable. A big part of the early efforts was fund-raising and seeking support.
"Perhaps the greatest challenge has been raising funds for capital improvements. Since the Fall of 2007, Backus has raised almost $500,000 through grants and donations. Including our third floor loan for approximately $700,000 - we will have completed almost $1.2 million worth of improvements in about 2 and ½ years," said Merrill.
That's no small challenge, given the size of the community and the difficult economy. For his efforts, Ward was named the Citizen of the Year in 2008 by the International Falls Chamber of Commerce.
Ward and wife Linda have been married for 39 years and have two married sons in the Bemidji area and three grandchildren. After their tireless efforts to support Backus/AB, you could say that they have adopted the buildings into their family. Ward invites all visitors to the International Falls Area to stop by and visit these wonderful community treasures.
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