Episode 81: The Blue Zones Series: Creating A Downtown Streetscape

In our final episode of The Blue Zones Series, Ellen Kehr describes how leaders collaborated with Blue Zones experts to create the Albert Lea Downtown Streetscape and facilitated community ownership of their progressive movement. Gallup Poll (2014-2016) overall metrics results of quality life increased by 2.8%. In this same time frame the state of Minnesota’s overall quality of life metrics increased by .05%. Hear the details. Download This Episode.

Population increased by 1%. People can live in Albert Lea and work in other communities. Find out Ellen’s perspective on how that works.

The top goal in the Blue Zones project was to build in policies and ordinances, systems, and make environmental changes to get the highest sustainable results. It has worked in Albert Lea. It can work in your community. Ellen believes, and I agree, to make things happen collaboration is the way to go! Get Ellen’s advice on how to move progressively on your community’s quality of life. Download the 8 Healthways Handout pdf under the Mentoring Tips.

Mentoring Tips

Answer the following questions after listening:

  • What are the top pieces of advice you learned from Ellen to get a Blue Zones project going in your community?
  • Did sitting elected officials in Albert Lea get re-elected after implementing the Blue Zones pilot project? Why or why not?
  • How have other communities responded to Albert Lea once the Blue Zone Project was finished?
  • What was discovered on the Walking Environment tour with International Engineer, Dan Burton? What were his suggestions?
  • How did city leaders work with MN DOT to request Highway changes?
  • What was the final design of the city corridor?
  • How did the community honor Dan Buettner’s footprints in their community?

8-Healthways-Handout

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The Blue Zones Series: Creating A Downtown Streetscape, Episode 81 www.bluezones.com

Resources

Podcast Guest Mentor

Ellen Kehr. Ellen Kehr joined the Blue Zones Project® team as the Organization Lead for the City of Albert Lea. With over 20 years of experience in community partnerships and applying a strong background in community well-being, Ellen brings an experienced and collaborative management style to the Blue Zones Project.

Before joining Blue Zones Project Albert Lea, Ellen worked as the Coordinator for the Freeborn County Statewide Health Improvement Partnership and the Organization Lead for the Blue Zones Project Mason City.

Known for her boundless energy, passion, and ability to develop strong relationships, Ellen has pioneered many grassroots community initiatives to improve the quality of life in Albert Lea.

Ellen has served on many community boards and commissions and is a past member of the Albert Lea City Council. Currently, she is a past president and board member of the Riverland Community College Foundation.

She and her husband Randy live in Albert Lea and have two children and three grandchildren.

Episode 81: The Blue Zones Series: Creating A Downtown Streetscape

Nancy A. Meyer, M.A.
Author: Nancy A. Meyer, M.A.

Nancy A. Meyer, M.A., is a seasoned entrepreneurial leader, business and life mentor/coach/teacher, podcaster, author, and certified mindfulness yoga and meditation integrator (she integrates those skill sets into everything). Nancy’s compassionate and collaborative approach reinforces resilience while maintaining accountable conversations supporting how you redefine your lead while redesigning your business. Nancy calls this “Dual Innovation Leadership.”   Nancy founded WeMentor, inc. in 1992 to change the leadership in our country by providing emerging and existing business owners with mentoring in Dual Innovation Leadership. She has mentored thousands and is eager to work with you! Assert self-leadership and get started today! Clients say, “Nancy is a compelling, engaging, and ‘decipher the trees from the forest’ kind of mentor, speaker, and leader. A dedicated entrepreneurial leader and mentor who role models what she preaches. Her style and candor enrich the content she delivers and the results clients experience.” Nancy accepts people where they are while inspiring them to breakthrough into new dimensions:  As an Entrepreneurial Leader (Innovator),  As a Competent Business Owner (Practitioner)  As a Mentor (Role Model)  As a Spiritual Being and Self-Leadership Master! Start by subscribing to WeMentor Mondays with Nancy PODCAST. Join your peers and...

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