On December 5, 2024, over 120 people gathered in San Juan County, Utah, for the third annual Business Basecamp Conference & Expo — dedicated to energizing rural economic development through practical tools, bold ideas, and meaningful connection.
Thanks to a grant from Economic Development Corporation of Utah, the San Juan County Economic Development folks had a fantastic opportunity to get a wide and varied crowd together, from business owners, non-profit leaders, tribal representatives, and partners from local, state, and federal agencies at the talk.
The message?
Rural change doesn’t require permission, perfection, or a five-year plan. It just takes people.
The Power of the Idea Friendly Method
In the keynote, “Unlocking Rural Potential with the Idea Friendly Method,” the audience received a framework for community-led change that focused on:
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Gathering Your Crowd – bringing more people into the circle
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Building Connections – not just networking, but fostering trust and alignment
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Taking Small Steps – acting quickly and learning as you go
Every attendee received a copy of my book and we had remarkable discussions about what small towns can accomplish when they start with what they have and involve who they know.
Read the full report by clicking on the image
Real People, Real Change
As a direct result of the discussions and work from the book, the Final Report to EDCUtah written by the San Juan County Economic Development group shares that:
- Plans are now in motion for mural and art projects in Blanding and Monticello
- Revitalization efforts for the San Juan Chamber of Commerce gained new traction
- Small group discussions helped attendees reconnect with why they do this work, and how they can contribute in tangible ways.
This is the future of rural development: collaborative, creative, and community-powered.
You can watch the presentation here!
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