Workshop 6 Ben Winchester Presentation

Featuring a Special Presentation: 

"Middle of Everywhere"
Benjamin Winchester

Extension Educator, Evaluation & Rural Sociology
Regional Office St. Cloud

During the Rural Reflections section of the agenda, rural sociologist, Ben Winchester has prepared a special video presentation for the workshop that debunks myths about the rural narrative and reveals the regional reality of rural life, and how to capitalize on the special character and connections in Greater Minnesota. A paired interactive exercise will build more regional insights and connections between participants.

About Ben Winchester: Ben has been working both in and for small towns across the Midwest for over 25 years. He lives in St. Cloud, Minnesota with his wife and two children. Ben is trained as a Rural Sociologist and works for the University of Minnesota Extension. He conducts applied research on economic, social, and demographic topics surrounding a theme of “rewriting the rural narrative”.  He recently received the international Rural Renewal Research Prize in 2021 for this work. Read more in his full bio.