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Thought Leadership

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Dear President Biden, Rebuild Made in America

Small incentives could spark a robust renaissance in the handmade movement while restoring main streets devastated by big box and online sales competition.

Dear President Biden, Rebuild Made in America
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Ten Ways Rural Communities Sabotage Themselves

You don't need a study. Everyone knows at least one thing that needs improvement. Start there.

Ten Ways Rural Communities Sabotage Themselves
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Five Things Rural Communities Should "Not Do"​ In 2023

If people can benefit from anti-resolutions, why can't communities?

Five Things Rural Communities Should "Not Do"​ In 2023
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Rural Towns Must Look Inward, Not Outward, To Survive and Thrive

Rural towns must focus on what they have - their residents, leaders, students, workforce, and businesses - before looking elsewhere.

Rural Towns Must Look Inward, Not Outward, To Survive and Thrive
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Eight Principles Essential For Thriving Future Communities

Both "change" and "future" are a six (not four) letter words.

Eight Principles Essential For Thriving Future Communities
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Get More Young People Involved To Help Save Your Rural Community

Be intentional about engaging young people.

Get More Young People Involved To Help Save Your Rural Community
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How to Create More Community "Leaderfulness"

Your community doesn't need more leadership, it needs a larger, more diverse group of leaders.

How to Create More Community "Leaderfulness"
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Five Essential Ingredients For Economic Development Success

Economic development is less straightforward than making banana pudding, but not much.

Five Essential Ingredients For Economic Development Success
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What Are Your Community's Magnets?

As Dolly Parton says, figure out what you do well and do it on purpose.

What Are Your Community's Magnets?
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Ask This Question To Find Out Whether Your Community Will Be Successful In Adding New Jobs

Do your current businesses have what they need to operate efficiently and grow?

Ask This Question To Find Out Whether Your Community Will Be Successful In Adding New Jobs