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...]
Farm Bill 101: Inside the Legislation
The bill that decides how America eats is on the table again. Up for renewal is the Farm Bill, a $1.5 trillion package of laws that governs everything from agriculture to rural community development, to nutritional assistance, renewable energy and more. The Farm Bill is reauthorized every five years, with the 2018 version set to expire on September 30. The … [Read more...]
Episode 47: A Small Town’s Fight to Save Its Historic General Store
Trevor Bruan of the Elmore Community Trust shares a remarkable story of how the small town of Elmore, Vermont, which has about 850 residents and no stoplight, rallied to save its only General Store and preserve the town's identity. The Elmore Community Trust also found innovative ways to fund the project and has a hopeful vision for the future. Find out more about the … [Read more...]