Main navigation | Main content
Campuses:
About MIRC
In eighteen Minnesota communities, Extension is helping businesses work together to use the Internet for marketing, sales, customer communication, and customer support. When local businesses adopt technology, community economies benefit. The MIRC initiative offers communities workshops, strategy discussions, and consultation to guide planning through the end of 2012.
MIRC is funded through a federal grant provided to the Blandin Foundation of Grand Rapids, Extension is one of the largest partners in the MIRC program.
Contact Us:
Hans Muessig, Program Director
Minnesota Intelligent Rural Communities
Extension Center for Community Vitality
763-360-0993
hmuessig@umn.edu
1390 Eckles Avenue, 120 BioAgEng
St. Paul, MN 55108
Extension > Community > Minnesota Intelligent Rural Communities Initiative
MIRC Workshops available statewide
It is essential that businesses and communities have an effective presence on the Internet. Yet over half the businesses in Minnesota cannot be found on the Internet. This means potential customers cannot find them.
The University of Minnesota Extension is changing this through the Minnesota Intelligent Rural Communities program. We offer a pair of free workshops to any business or community group outside the Twin Cities metro willing to host them. These workshops have been offered nearly 200 times throughout the state and are well received.
To arrange a workshop or for questions, please contact: Hans Muessig, Program Director hmuessig@umn.edu or 763-360-0993
Extension's MIRC Workshops
Extension Workshops help businesses learn how to be "visible" on the Internet so new and existing customers can find you. Learn more about the full range of offerings.
See below for currently scheduled Upcoming Workshops:
MIRC in the News 
- 11/29 Business owners learn value of blogging
West Central Tribune, Willmar, Minnesota, November 29, 2011
- 5/31 Building broadband infrastructure for jobs in Greater Minnesota
Twin Cities Daily Planet, May 24, 2011
- 5/20 Getting rural businesses to see Internet value
Ground Level, Minnesota Public Radio, April 28, 2011
- 3/27 Navigate the blog fog
Morris Sun Tribune, March 25, 2011
- 3/3 Dan Olsen (Windom) Packs the House, Twice - talks about business broadband
cookcountybroadband.com, February 23, 2011
New from MIRC
Related programs
- Southern Rural Development Center
E-commerce resources for entrepreneurs, small business owners, Extension educators, community development professionals, and group leaders. - Retail Analysis and Development
Local retail sector data helps retailers reach customers. - Roadside Advertising in a Digital Age
Workshops help get businesses, services and gathering spots on the map. - The University of Minnesota Tourism Center
Education, research and consultation helps communities know and grow their tourism economy.
- Contact: Offices | Staff directory
- Farm Information Line
- AnswerLine
Agriculture
Agricultural Business Management
Crops
- Agricultural Drainage
- Climate & Weather
- Commodity Crops
- Forages
- Honey Bees
- Institute for Agricultural Professionals
- Nutrient Management
- Pesticide Safety
- Small Farms
Livestock
Community
Community Economics
- Access E.info
- Business Retention & Expansion
- Customer Service
- Economic Impact Analysis
- Festival & Event Management
- Public Finance
- Retail Analysis & Development
Leadership & Civic Engagement
Signature Initiatives
Environment
Forestry
Environmental Science Education
- Best Practices for Field Days
- Environmental Science Education
- Minnesota Master Naturalist
- White Earth Reservation Academy
Water Resources
Housing
Family
Family Relations
Family Resource Management
- Financial Security in Later Life
- Latino and East African Financial Literacy
- Resource Management for Daily Life
- Youth & Money