Greg Schieber, owner and attorney at Nethercut Schieber PA in Harmony, MN, adds legal and small business expertise to the board. Having returned to his southeast Minnesota roots after law school, Greg has focused his practice on real estate, estate planning, business planning and tax preparation and planning. His active role in the Harmony Economic Development Authority gives him a hands-on perspective on small-town growth and succession planning.

Why do you love where you live?
I love living in southeast Minnesota for the quality of life it provides. I appreciate that many of our small towns still have a diverse economy, good levels of engagement in the community and plenty of opportunity for children to grow and thrive. Most of all, it just feels like home. I grew up here and felt the gravitational pull back during my years away at college and law school. I feel privileged to have found the opportunity to return and raise my family near where I grew up. 

What are some of your favorite things to do in southern MN? 
Most of my spare time is spent taking care of our rural homestead, which includes a small herd of Scottish Highland beef cows. When we have an opportunity to escape from the farm, our family enjoys visiting the variety of small-town celebrations and county fairs throughout the region, camping and an occasional pedal on the Root River Trail. A friend and I have a small band and one of my favorite pastimes is performing at local breweries, bars and festivals — helping provide a reason for folks to come together in a social setting. 

Why did you join SMIF’s board? 
I often think about rural vitality and the challenges our rural communities face. When an opportunity arose to join SMIF in its work on these issues, it was an easy commitment to make. I look forward to collaborating with others on maintaining the vitality of southeast MN so my children find it appealing to return and set roots in their adulthood.