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How 'speed friending' and a surprising group of newcomers are energizing Greater Minnesota

Many rural Minnesota counties are experiencing population growth, defying a long-held narrative of decline. Madison, a town of 1,500, exemplifies this reversal after decades of stagnation.
A 1993 book titled "The Decline of Rural Minnesota" all but wrote the obituary for rural places in the state. Since 2020, migration patterns reversed as young and middle-aged people increasingly chose rural destinations.
Kris Shelstad, owner of the Madison Mercantile, transformed her business into a community hub hosting 16 regular groups, including "Pastor Dawn's Bible Study." The Mercantile became a gathering space for newcomers and longtime residents alike.
Shelstad actively integrates arrivals from Mexico or Minneapolis through what she calls "speed friending." Rural sociologist Ben Winchester with University of Minnesota Extension defines this influx as "brain gain."
Winchester emphasizes hope for Greater Minnesota, stating "there are people choosing to move to your town for what you are today and what you will be—not what you were." This reflects towns' 10-15 year focus on quality of life.

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Duluth News Tribune

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How 'speed friending' and a surprising group of newcomers are energizing Greater Minnesota

MADISON, Minn. — You don't get very far inside the door of the Madison Mercantile without making new friends. That's Kris Shelstad's whole thing (well, one of her many things). She calls it "speed friending." Newcomers who stop into the "Merc" will get the friendliest possible quiz. "One of the biggest things we try to do is, when somebody's new to town, find out about it, invite them in, get them involved in the community right away ... whether…

2 days ago·Cherokee County, United States

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