Building Possibility
Doing more with less – no thank you
I’ve never liked the phrase “doing more with less.” It gets tossed around so often that it sounds noble, but it usually feels like a scolding. It implies people aren’t working hard enough or wringing every drop out of their already-limited time, energy, and budgets. It piles guilt on top of fatigue. That phrase comes…
Read MoreWorking with SaveYour.Town: Resources and support for your small town journey
My co-founder Becky McCray and I are streamlining our work this year, so this feels like a good time to share how you can work with us at SaveYour.Town. Start by exploring what’s possible in your community. Becky and I have been doing this work together for 10 years now. We’ve learned what works and…
Read MoreConnect people to people for innovation
Connecting people to each other to find more innovation is a great idea to develop sustainable entrepreneurship in our rural communities. Why do we need innovation? Innovation matters for entrepreneurs because it’s the spark that sets their business apart and keeps it moving forward. Innovation helps entrepreneurs spot gaps and unmet needs in their community or…
Read MoreA Few Solutions to the Childcare Problem in Rural America
The Survey of Rural Challenges Report, which covers 2015 to 2024, says a fast-growing concern is Childcare. The shortage of childcare in rural areas has gone from a quiet concern to a full-blown crisis. Many people are driving long distances to drop off and pick up their children from daycare. Families who might consider moving…
Read More#MuchInHutch Imagine your main street is also a state highway
Imagine that your Main Street is on a state highway. And major work needs to be done. This happened in Hutchinson in 2020. Repairs were going to happen and included the replacement of all city services below ground, and the Chamber had 3 years to get the town and businesses ready for it. The project…
Read MoreI love a good tour – Indie Bookshops, Paper Trail, empty buildings and more
Stacy Moore, Tourism Director, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, told me about three of her Iowa friends and the tour they took. They participated in the Iowa Indie Bookshop Tour! Three Iowa Friends out on a magnificent road trip! Becky, Kayla, and Tammie visited all 45 shops. Becky said, “(We) completed the 45 stops on the Iowa Indie Bookshop Tour!!…
Read MoreCoffee and Calendars
It’s the antidote to “I wish I’d known about that!” Ever find out about an event or project in your town only after it was happening? Ever wish you could have helped with something or offered some insight, if you only knew it was coming? You want to collaborate more with local and regional organizations, but you can’t possibly…
Read MoreBig Ideas for Small Towns in San Juan County
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…
Read MoreI tried a few new things (for me) in Washington
I had the honor of presenting all day in Malden, Washington to the area community leaders, providers, and visitors. I was brought to town by Paul Kimmel from Avista and the Inland Northwest Partners. We talked about the results of the Survey of Rural Challenges to kick off the day. Lots of people nodded their…
Read MoreBeer, coffee, cheese and a place to sit
At the Rural Retreat in Great Falls, Montana, our Idea Friendly 23-minute movie was shown to a group of people at a local spot, the Commons on Central – just like we do at a watch party! The Commons on Central is a Shared Space There are four businesses at the Commons on Central: a…
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