Top 3 rural economic development resources

Most rural small business people are deeply involved in their communities, especially in economic development. To help you with that, here are my top three resources to help you learn more about rural and small town economic development.

1. Jack Schultz Boomtown USA blog

The best mentor to small towns ready to grow. Jack Schultz constantly tours the USA, speaking, mentoring, and learning. By reading his daily blog, you'll hear stories of successes, see pictures of intesting projects, and get to know people from all across the country. His stories constantly reinforce lessons of rural economic development. I've heard Schultz speak, read his book, and that is why I thoroughly respect his thinking.

Some of Schultz's recent posts include:

• Draw of the Cards
• Community Bank Growth Model
• Hilly, Willie & Wide Open
• Greenville, TX Courthouse
• Carl's Crossing construction with new Willie Nelson
• Getting Locals Involved
• Geocaching
• Geneva Mingee, Pat White, Jo Ann Barnett and Lee B...
• Friends of Jackpot
• Elaine Barkdull (Elko ED); me and Denise Baumbach ...

2. Ed Morrison EDProWeblog

The first blog I ever read, EDPro has been running since 2002. Every week or so, Ed Morrison not only points you to dozens of interesting news articles, but he also tells you what they mean. He understands the importance of workforce development, early childhood education, and entrepreneurship. Beyond rural and small town issues, Morrison also covers the full range of economic development, but you can also learn something from inner city and suburban challenges. Morrison taught an outstanding economic development workshop I attended, and I've subscribed to his email summary ever since.

Some of his recent posts include:

• The economic consequences of educational choices
• Shifting perceptions of economic development
• An insightful story of innovation
• Tackling the challenges of high school
• New incubator points to the value of networks
• Measuring the impact of higher education

If I was so bold as to offer advice to Morrison (which is pretty darn bold of me), I would suggest that he allow each story to have its own "post page". That would make it easier for all of us to find and refer back to a particular post later. Then again, maybe he is just trying to keep me from quoting every single rural story he posts!

3. Rural Entrepreneurship Newsletter

Rural Entrepreneurship News summarizes developments in the field of rural entrepreneurship.

Sounds great, doesn't it? Well, it is! Each month, I always want to reprint every single story they include. You can subscribe online. After you subscribe, take the time to check out the other resources of the Center for Rural Entrepreneurship.

What resources do you recommend? Share your ideas!

small biz rural entrepreneurship resources

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