The extraordinary natural, cultural, and historic resources of the St. Croix Watershed contribute to a “quality of life” that attracts businesses, retains employees, and promotes regional and international heritage tourism. Now a coalition of economic and community development groups, organized through North Woods and Waters of the St. Croix Heritage A4rea, are coming together to explore how we can work together across the watershed. In this initial meeting, we’ll discuss:

• The economic impact of heritage tourism in Minnesota and Wisconsin and how this can be enhanced through stronger connections throughout the watershed
• How designation as a National Heritage Area enhances our region’s visibility and potential for wide-reaching promotion
• The possibilities for joint marketing of recreational opportunities, cultural and historical sites, businesses, and the arts
• The Carlson School of Management economic impact study
• Two new services being offered by North Woods and Waters: LYNX, a free, on-line events calendar that unites all communities in the watershed and Clio, an app and website that brings natural, cultural and historic sites to a national audience
• Next steps for bringing economic development entities, municipalities, chambers of commerce, visitor bureaus, and tourism groups together to further explore these ideas