Regional airports are a must for a rural business to expand and stay connected with the rest of the world. The U.S. Department of Agriculture continues to fund rural business projects around the country. Another rural hospital bites the dust. All this and more is included in this week’s roundup.
Maine’s small airports provide lifeline to rural businesses
Regional airports in Maine are using federal, state and local funding to make upgrades and boost rural business.
Portland Press Herald [Click here]
U.S. Rural Development official visits Mountain Pine Manufacturing in Steamboat
Steamboat Springs, Colorado is home to a manufacturing company that converts beetle-killed timber into a useful and profitable product. Steamboat Today [Click here]
Another rural hospital, Hutcheson Medical Center, going out of business
This is the fifth rural hospital in Georgia to close since 2013. One reason given for the closure is Georgia’s decision not to expand Medicaid in the state. Northwest GA News [Click here]
Grant supports rural cooperative development
The U.S. Department of Agriculture rural development office is providing more funding to the University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives for the purpose of developing coop businesses in rural communities in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Wisconsin State Farmer [Click here]
USDA grants aid Northwest, Lettuce Dream
The USDA announced $60,000 in grants for a greenhouse operation and $40,000 for a fertilizer project at Northwest Missouri State University. Maryville Daily Forum [Click here]
Maine’s CEI awarded grant to fund business loans in ‘rim counties’
A nonprofit lender in Maine will use an $800,000 grant for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for a revolving loan fund. The fund will be used to expand business in several rural counties in the state. Portland Press Herald [Click here]
PHIL HARDWICK — An economic development primer for small town mayors
This business owner offers a “basic economic development primer” for small town mayors. Mississippi Business Journal [Click here]
Franklin voted ‘Top Small Town’ by Blue Ridge Outdoors
North Carolina town was named “2015 Top Small Town” in Blue Ridge Outdoors‘ online contest. Two rural business co-owners and local officials worked hard to promote this outdoor destination. [Click here]