Invest in rural residents building their future

Dear Friend,

The Tribune Building Project continues to take shape, grounded in the vision our community has shared from the very beginning. What started as a conversation about the future of an underutilized building has evolved into a clear and actionable plan for a public market - one that will celebrate local entrepreneurship, showcase regional culture, and create a vibrant gathering place along our riverfront and in the heart of downtown.

This work has always been community driven. Residents, local leaders, and partners have helped guide each step, reflecting a shared belief in what this space can become and the role it can play in strengthening our community for years to come.

In recent months, we’ve reached an important milestone: the completion and approval of a comprehensive business plan. Developed with input from experienced advisors and national public market experts, this plan provides a strong and sustainable foundation for the project moving forward. We’ve also had the opportunity to learn directly from and collaborate with public market operators across the state - gaining practical insights that have helped refine our approach, from operations to vendor mix to long-term viability.

With this groundwork in place, we are now stepping into the next phase of the project: preparing for a capital campaign that will help bring the public market to life. In the weeks ahead, we will begin a focused planning process that marks the start of fundraising efforts and deeper community engagement, building on to the support needed to move this vision forward.

Our priorities moving forward include:
• Continuing to build relationships with potential vendors and community partners
• Strengthening connections with municipal and state stakeholders
• Exploring funding pathways, including philanthropic support, grants, and financing
• Conducting a strategic campaign exploration process to inform future fundraising efforts

We are encouraged by the progress made and energized by what lies ahead. Each step has brought greater clarity, stronger partnerships, and a deeper sense of what this project can mean for our community.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support and belief in this vision continue to move this work forward. Together, we are creating something that will serve not only today’s residents, but future generations as well - a place rooted in community, connection, and opportunity.

With sincere gratitude,

Kristopher Gasch, Incourage Board Chair

Linda Schill, Incourage Executive Director