economic development
#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 MoreAging Out as Volunteers
There are ways for older volunteers to still make a difference, without serving on three-year committees and doing all the work. And they are having fun too! The Old Broads in Long Beach, MS Jenny Proctor shared the Old Broads photo on Facebook. She said, “Good afternoon! Missouri mom, here. This group recently connected me to…
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 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…
Read MoreGet Them Off The Highway
Duane asked this question on a recent webinar: I am a county commissioner and also serve on the board of directors at [my town]. We have tried desperately to get visitors to make the left turn into [our county] instead of the right turn to return to the interstate. We need marketing ideas to promote my town…
Read MoreSuccessfully Attend a Conference
Do you really want to go? Do your research. Answer these questions: Is the speaker talking about topics relevant to your work? Are there connections you can make that will advance your work? Are there attendees you want to speak to who are attending? Can you schedule time with them while you’re there? Can you…
Read MoreBuy? Rent? What one family did with a small business in Pittsburg, Kansas
On a Kansas State University/Extension webinar I did about my book, Pam Thompson shared about their small business in SE Kansas. Arggghh old buildings My husband, Don, and I have been in business for over 10 years now. Last August, we were scouting around for a place to move his business to a better location.…
Read More2024 – an absolute whirlwind of adventures, ideas, and community building goodness
Phew! What a year it’s been. From small towns to big ideas, 2024 has shown me once again that the heart of community development lies in the passion and creativity of people like you. Chatsworth, Georgia: Where Empty Buildings Come to Life We kicked off the year in Chatsworth, Georgia, where the Chamber of Commerce…
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