Video by AMS Digital to be Showcased in “CNU 29 - Design for Change”

A virtual tour of Pelican Rapids, commissioned by West Central Initiative and created by AMS Digital Productions, is prominently featured at the annual meeting of Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) in Washington, D.C., on May 19 – 21.

Held virtually in 2021, this national conference focuses on sharing best practices for architects, urban designers, and those working in the community development planning field. We couldn’t be more thrilled about this exciting opportunity to demonstrate to influencers on a national level the power of video!

A Step-by-Step Journey Through Pelican Rapids

In 2019, Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, requested assistance through the Local Foods, Local Places program to develop an action plan for promoting local food systems and healthy, walkable, economically vibrant communities. The goals of the Local Foods, Local Places program are to create: More economic opportunities for local farmers and businesses; Better access to healthy, local food, especially among disadvantaged groups; Revitalized downtowns, main streets, and neighborhoods.

Pelican Rapids with the help of WCI, was one of 16 communities across the United States selected to participate in this program.

“West Central Initiative (WCI) spearheaded the Local Foods, Local Places application process,” Assistant Community Planner Emily Reno explains. “We see diversification of the agricultural industry, supporting small and medium sized growers, as a key economic development strategy to increase the resiliency of our region.” At the suggestion of WCI Innovation Strategist Jill Amundson, AMS Digital was brought on to assist in creating a video to accurately showcase the different ways the food and agricultural economy, and other unique area assets, contribute to the vibrancy of the Pelican Rapids community.

Produced over a three-week period during September 2020, the finished video combines bird’s eye views via drone shots in tandem with closeup ground takes to closely display both the exterior and interiors of local businesses. Along with a custom script narrated by a voiceover professional, the Pelican Rapids Local Foods, Local Places video guides viewers on an immersive step-by-step 9 minute journey through popular hometown favorite destinations while also highlighting the existing assets and places that make-up their unique agricultural market, for potential further development.

The video also served as a kickoff for the 2-day workshops that were used to develop a Community Action Plan, and it continues to serve as an important marketing tool for the community.

“Videos Like This Put Small Places on the Map”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Local Foods, Local Places technical committee was unable to visit or tour Pelican Rapids. Because of this, a new tactic was necessary to showcase the community properly—a great chance to implement video to the marketing of their rural town.

Through the process of creating the Pelican Rapids tour video, Emily realized the considerable ways that videography can be used to display local impact. “Videos like this put small places on the map in ways that are less achievable through other means,” she says, and she couldn’t be more right.

Utilizing a video strategy to increase awareness of a community continues to benefit long after the first initial premiere of a video. Due to the stiff competition within other surrounding small communities, using videos like the Pelican Rapids Virtual Tour effectively communicates the need for cultivation of particular assets that require Grant Funding. It is because of this exposure and increased awareness that small communities are able to stand out and draw attention that levels the playing field in terms of being considered for grant funding.

“There’s something to be said about the simplicity of this piece,” Emily goes on to say. “If other small communities are worried about the capacity they may have to create something like this, don’t underestimate the power of video.” Replicating this virtual tour concept can be achieved without turning it into a multi-million dollar production. Once a video is completed, its impact continues to grow with each share on social media and websites alike.

Making A Mark On Your Community with Video

Through the video Local Foods, Local Places, other rural communities like Pelican Rapids can see in real time the benefits of telling a story with virtual tours of their own.

“This project was a perfect fit for AMS Digital” according to agency owner Steve Henning.  “It dovetails with our core values in promoting sustainability, uplifting small businesses, supporting the local economy, and celebrating diversity.  We’re excited this project was selected to be showcased; it demonstrates the effectiveness of video to take viewers to new places – even in our own backyards.”  AMS Digital Productions, based in Douglas County, creates video content for organizations across the region, with special emphasis on nonprofit organizations.

Jill Amundson, the WCI Innovation Strategist who initiated the virtual tour: “I really can’t say enough about the AMS Digital Productions team. They understand our nonprofit’s mission and create tools that continue to surpass our own imagination. I am so grateful they are part of our team. We couldn’t do our outreach effectively without them.”

 For those interested in how video can impact your community, we encourage you to branch out and utilize videography for increasing public engagement. By communicating the value and impact of their local food systems, Pelican Rapids (with the help of West Central Initiative) has put themselves at the top of the list of great communities with endless possibilities and an encouraging future.

To watch the Local Foods Local Places video, click here.

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It’s a Labor of Love
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