rural
What to do with a Community Action Committee
I love getting emails from small town folks who have seen or heard us speak, especially when they form committee action committees as a result! Rebecca wanted some next step help, and I was happy to share! Here’s her email: I was so inspired by your story and how you were able to change your…
Read MoreJackson County, Kentucky Creatives
“Great to see a vibrant downtown on a Saturday night in Jackson County. Monthly cruise in with circle on the square music, and the Jackson County Creative Community signing folks up for the new web page. Paintings were donated for a free drawing. Thanks to Corner Cafe for staying open for the event. Always the…
Read MoreSunflower Festival is Idea Friendly
Beth didn’t like sunflowers. Until she moved to central South Dakota. They were everywhere! And her husband, the farmer, grew them. Beth attended the Energize Conference in 2018 and heard the Red Ants Pants Presentation. Sarah Calhoun has her store (they make workwear for women) in White Sulphur Springs, Montana, and that is a very…
Read MoreRural Speaker for Your Event
Why Me? I work with rural people who are ready to move beyond complaining and start doing. Speaking is one of the ways I help small towns see what’s possible and take the next small steps with the resources they already have. When you hire me, you’re not just paying for an hour on stage.…
Read MoreWhat has rural expert Deb Brown been doing for the last ten years?
I got asked the other day what I have been doing for the last ten years. I took some time and wrote it all down. It surprised even me! Take a look, and if you’d like to have a free call with me, just book 30 minutes here. Here’s a comprehensive list (I may have…
Read MoreOld Station, CA Small Town with resources
Let’s talk about a small town You might drive right by most small towns and think ‘there’s nothing for me here.’ Old Station, California has a population of 31, or 64. Depending on which source or year you check. No matter how you count it, that’s a small town. It’s in the mountains, about 14…
Read MoreDoing 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 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…
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