In the era of vanishing small-town newspapers, Vernon Robison kept the Mesa Valleys Progress alive. After two decades of managing community reporting, advertising sales and distribution, Vernon has handed over the reins to Nevada Central Media — but not before sharing an inside look at the paper’s history on the Rural Business Show. “I believe that the local newspaper is … [Read more...]
Capturing America’s Rural Voice: Town Hall Series Empowers Rural Communities
With the loss of local news media, rural perspectives are at risk of fading away. Several groups in Minnesota are banding together to change that. The United States has lost more than two newspapers per week since 2005, according to Northwestern University’s “State of Local News 2023.” Over 200 counties around the country do not have a single news source, and most of those … [Read more...]
Bridging the Gap: Connecting Rural Business Owners to Opportunity
A community-based organization called the Arkansas Human Development Corporation (AHDC) is bridging resource gaps in rural communities to help small business owners access resources, grow and innovate. AHDC was founded 52 years ago to provide workforce development services to farm workers displaced by industrialization. Over the years, the organization has expanded into … [Read more...]
Rural Economic Development Expert Identifies What Makes for a Vibrant Small Town
Rural North Carolina is home to the second largest rural population in the country. Residents here often appreciate the strong sense of place rural living provides. And while these residents have weathered their fair share of hardships over the past couple decades, current economic forces have presented new opportunities to build a more vibrant future, according to Patrick … [Read more...]
New Business Model Helps Rural Vermont Town Preserve the Past
Locals rally around General Store, charting a new path for sustainable community development A place to send and receive mail. Somewhere to catch up with neighbors and pick up provisions. A lifeline during the pandemic. The Elmore Store serves many purposes, depending on who you ask, but for everyone in rural Elmore, Vt. (Population: 886), the country store is a symbol of … [Read more...]