Giving Back. Rural Midwestern Leadership.
Rural America is rich in dichotomy. There’s great wealth, and great poverty, economic opportunity and economic challenge, legislative winks and legislative barriers. The list could go on and on.
That list hadn’t stifled the local non-profit economic development board, and I had been serving in various leadership capacities with them for several years. When I was invited to build a formal economic development organization, I was all in.
Growing up in a small town, I appreciate the inherent value of small town life, its benefits, and challenges. Small towns offer important cultural and economic “stitches” in the fabric that we call America by preserving the tenants of faith and family.
Doing the work simultaneously with my historic preservation non-profit, I was able utilize many existing synergies. And, I had a great deal of high level visibility in our community—which benefited both organizations. I accepted this role as a quasi “paid volunteer” with a small stipend and was honored to start the organization and get it prepared for the next generation of leadership.
What a blessing!
My two-year tenure included the following details:
Led non-profit economic development initiatives for rural community of 6,700 people. Planned, organized, and administered a comprehensive and coordinated strategy which encouraged viable economic development for the City of Rushville and Schuyler County. Developed and maintained strong working relationships with the non-profit Board of Directors, City and County elected officials and other key leaders and employees, the Rushville Chamber of Commerce, industry and non-profit leaders, developers, business owners, public school officials, State and Federal economic development agencies. Conceptualized and created all marketing materials.
Developed strategic marketing guidance to position the community as a great place to live, work, and visit.
Wrote for and received highly competitive USDA Workforce Development Grant for $89,000
Significantly advanced the County’s visibility with State legislators concerning broadband and internet accessibility for county residents; recruited as presenter at State-side broadband conference
Curated and carried out multiple community surveys pertaining to economic development
Facilitated the development of a comprehensive Hotel Need feasibility study
Conceptualized, organized, and conducted multiple community meetings and town hall events.
Served as SCEDC lead for unique fundraiser featuring 70 downtown banners honoring the community’s Veterans.
