Rural economies are becoming more versatile and, hopefully, more sustainable, bringing resilience in the face of industry changes. Diversification in rural economies is a real possibility thanks to technology enabling entrepreneurs to connect to a global marketplace. This is manifesting itself in several ways. For one, information technology (IT) companies are becoming … [Read more...]
Episode 7: Diversify Rural Economy
In Episode 7 we look at various efforts to diversify and strengthen rural economies. We see how an old pioneer town is poised to grow its international tourism economy. We talk about how IT companies are having success locating in rural areas. Then we visit with a state development director on how entrepreneurship is catching fire in small towns. Show Notes Parowan: Finding … [Read more...]
More IT jobs coming to rural areas
Bringing IT jobs to rural areas The U.S. labor and agriculture secretaries wrote a recent op-ed highlighting some positive rural business trends in the IT field. Several companies are training and hiring software developers in rural areas, bringing jobs that pay 50 percent more than the average. The Tennessean Eight rural businesses receiving 'Fast Track' grants In … [Read more...]
Rural Southern Utah attracting Chinese tourists
Parowan, Utah home to new lodge with hopes of attracting tourists "The Mother Town of Utah," AKA Parowan, is now home to the Mountain View Lodge. Formerly a Days Inn, the renovated property is poised to attract Chinese tourists who are interested in visiting nearby Zion and Bryce National Parks, as well as Las Vegas. The owner of the property, who works with a Chinese-focused … [Read more...]
Water infrastructure, business recruitment, small-town grocers
Minnesota governor looking to fix water infrastructure in rural communities A new law requiring farmers to separate cropland from water is creating a financial conundrum for rural areas in Minnesota. State Governor Mark Dayton is proposing the state borrow nearly $220 million to improve the state's water. This can potentially save rural taxpayers a significant amount of money, … [Read more...]