In southern Minnesota, it remains central to the work of building vibrant, resilient communities. ADVERTISEMENTAt Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), we see this every day. Contributed / Southern Minnesota Initiative FoundationLocal ownership extends beyond business ownership, too. And when economic opportunity grows, belonging deepens. ADVERTISEMENTBenya Kraus Contributed / SMIFBenya Kraus is president and CEO of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation .