The Rural Voice series, hosted by Minnesota Public Radio’s Kerri Miller, captures imaginative and illuminating town hall conversations about the rewards and challenges of making a home in rural America. The town hall meetings are lively, engaging and enlightening as the host nudges rural Minnesotans to open up on important issues including entrepreneurship, housing, … [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...]
Episode 49: Rural Business Conference Helping Small Business Owners Connect
Amidst the busy life of running a rural business, it’s often hard to find opportunities to network and connect with useful resources. Throughout the country, organizations are trying to help by putting on events that bring rural business professionals together through regional conferences. The Northwest Arkansas Rural Business Development Conference is a perfect … [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...]
Episode 48: Building Thriving Rural Communities
Since 1987, the NC Rural Center in North Carolina has worked to improve the quality of life for the state’s rural people and places. It operates with the core belief that rural communities have inherent cultural value and are vital to the overall economic health of the state. Patrick Woodie is a lifelong rural North Carolina resident and President & CEO of the NC Rural … [Read more...]