Reimagine Rural

It’s time to invest in our inner core

Mike Knutson — Mon, 14 May 2012 11:59:56 +0000

How does your small town look in-and-around Main Street? More specifically, how do the houses look in the neighborhood around your community’s core? Is the age of the 80-120 year old housing stock showing? In some rural communities, one senses that the inner core is like an inner city ghetto that one must escape out of to get to the new housing developments on the cities’ edge. I was reminded of this issue by a recent blog post written by Becky McCray at Small Biz Survival. Becky highlighted the efforts of Burnet, Texas (pop. 4735) who is seeking “to encourage the development of affordable housing options to residents of Burnet by encouraging the development and utilization of existing residential lots in an historically underutilized portion of the city.” (source: City of Burnet Texas website). The key work here is “existing.” Many small towns have promoted and supported the development of new housing developments on their community’s edges. Few, in my experience, have programs to support in-fill housing. Burnet’s program offers a 100% rebate on the “water, sewer, and electric tap fees; building, plumbing, and electrical permit fees; HVAC unit fees; and plan review fees” as an incentive to build on existing lots in an area that needs redevelopment. To qualify, houses must be in the targeted area, and the potential homeowners’ income must fit in the 80%-120% of Area Median Income level. I hear many small town leaders complain that too many of their public servants (i.e – teachers, police officers, and county employees) live elsewhere. A program like this would be a perfect opportunity to target those professional groups and show them that you care about them. Developing a program like this, however, is just one piece of the puzzle for revitalizing the inner core of rural communities. As we have discussed here previously, zoning and housing code enforcement is vital and a good purchase, rehab, resell program will go a long ways. I’m interested in hearing about other strategies that meet this same need. If you know of an examples, I’d love to hear about it. Photo credit: Flickr - TexasEagle

A lawyer’s story: returning home

Guest Post — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:48:28 +0000

Guest blog by Shane Penfield Project Rural Practice Task Force State Bar of South Dakota “It’s not the end of the world, you can just see it from here,” was a common response I received from professors, classmates and state policy makers when they learned where I was from. I grew up on my family’s ranch southeast of Lemmon, SD and when my original plans of becoming a farmer/rancher fell through due to terrible cattle prices in the late 1990’s, I decided to become a lawyer. Lemmon has always been my home; during my time at the University of South Dakota there was never any doubt that I wanted to someday return. The road back to Lemmon was not a direct route, after law school I served as a law clerk for the Fourth Judicial Circuit headquartered in Deadwood and I also gained invaluable experience as an associate at the law firm of Gunderson, Palmer, Goodsell and Nelson in Rapid City. Perhaps the biggest hurdle to moving home was finding a spouse willing to live more than 100 miles from the nearest stoplight and major shopping center. I will never forget the drive back to Rapid City after spending a weekend at the ranch when my wife Kelli and I started the discussion. On a long stretch of highway 212 between Faith and Mud Butte, I mentioned the idea of moving home to Kelli and she agreed that it was worth spending more time discussing. Kelli, originally from Belle Fourche, was a teacher at Douglas School District at the time and we both had opportunities for career advancement if we would stay in Rapid City. However, after a lifetime of hearing about the mass exodus of young people from prairie towns, I realized I was part of the problem and wanted to go home. The final decision to move to Lemmon was not an easy one, but eventually our proverbial “jump off the cliff” resulted in a soft landing. I have often referred to our move to Lemmon as an “obituary changing event” with vast implications on my life and that of my family. My biggest concern was supporting my small family with one income and wondered if I was going to be busy enough. Kelli became my secretary and I started picking up clients before I had the sheetrock hung in my main street office. My wife still jokes that if the practice of law doesn’t work I can always start a carpentry business. I was fortunate to come to Lemmon just as the forty year veteran City Attorney was retiring and the Mayor approached me about the job. That same year I also circulated a petition to become a candidate for the office of Perkins County State’s Attorney. I ended up winning the race against the incumbent and am proud to serve in this capacity as well. I very much enjoy providing legal counsel to the county commission and the city council and believe that the exposure I receive in these capacities have had a positive effect on my private practice. Small town practice does have its challenges and one cannot expect to hang out your shingle and be immediately accepted into the community. I am fortunate to be a fourth generation resident of Perkins County with roots as far back as the founding of the city and homestead days, which made the transition much easier. Most people are familiar with Kathleen Norris and her book Dakota: A Spiritual Geography, a book about her experience moving to Lemmon where she points out several things to consider for a professional considering a small town practice of any type. While I always encourage young attorneys and professionals to seek out opportunities in rural South Dakota , they need to proceed with careful thought, especially if they have no experience with small town life. Small towns thrive on conjecture which soon becomes the gospel truth in coffee circles. Kathleen Norris points this out “he/she is here because they are poor doctor/lawyer/minster because they could not get a real job in a ‘big city’”. These assumptions can be overcome, but an attorney or other professional should be aware of these before setting up shop. My three years experience at Gunderson Palmer no doubt helped dispel this myth. Ms. Norris also writes “Many teachers, doctors, lawyers and ministers in rural towns are outsiders. And they often find that they’ve moved to a place in which professional standards have slipped over the years. Some of this is a welcome relaxation of urban standards, as simple as the bank president not wearing a tie to work. We bend the rules; that’s part of small-town charm. The danger is that professional standards will slip so far that people not only accept the mediocre but praise it, and refuse to see any outside standards as valid.” I warn professionals to not fall into this tempting reduction in professional standards. I continue to dress professionally on a daily basis, due in part to the fact that 70% of my business is from walk-in clients. I have noticed especially that older generations appreciate the increased professionalism and I know that it does have a positive impact on how I represent my clients. Just as a doctor is expected to wear a white coat, it is equally expected in rural areas that an attorney should look and act professionally. I live and work in a small town that is vibrant, progressive and looking toward the future with optimism. Young families are moving back, business is expanding and commodity prices are at an all time high. We are now geographically close to an unprecedented economic energy boom in North Dakota that will not only change the lives of my private clients, but could drastically change how the city of Lemmon and Perkins County does business. My fears of not being busy enough are long past and all of the potential change and economic growth will require legal services and I don’t think I will be spending much time on the golf course anytime soon. Photo Credit: Mattlemmon - Flickr

Talent attraction: Let’s start a conversation

Mike Knutson — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:31:09 +0000

What makes New York City so successful? Mayor Michael Bloomberg says NYC’s economic growth is directly connected to its ability to attract talent.

Many newly successful cities on the global stage – such as Shenzhen and Dubai – have sought to make themselves attractive to businesses based on price and infrastructure subsidies. Those competitive advantages can work in the short term, but they tend to be transitory. For cities to have sustained success, they must compete for the grand prize: intellectual capital and talent.” (Source: “Cities must be cool, creative and in control,” Michael Bloomberg, Financial Times, March 27, 2012)

Competing for talent is a subject many cities are focused on. The idea is that attracting talented, innovative people will lead to economic development because talented, innovative people are the people who create jobs and economic growth.

So, does the same apply to small towns as well?

There’s been a lot less research conducted on this subject in rural communities, but I think talent attraction applies to rural communities as well. Just think of Wall, SD. Where would that small town in Western South Dakota be today if they had not attracted Ted and Dorothy Hustead to start a pharmacy in 1931? Rather than being a bustling tourism community, I suspect it would have dried up like most other communities in the region. (Incidentally, the Husteads lived in Miner County, SD prior to moving to Wall. Our loss was Wall’s gain.) Accepting that economic development is not just about job attraction is a difficult premise for many people here in South Dakota to embrace. I’m hopeful, however, that the idea will pick up steam because more communities are beginning to think about what they need to do to attract workers to fill their labor shortages. The two are not totally disassociated.

What does it take to attract talent?

I’m excited to see that Rebecca Ryan of Next Generation Consulting will be making the keynote presentation next week at the SD Governors Office for Economic Development Annual Conference. I’m hoping her message there offers insights to South Dakotans on what it takes for communities to attract talent. Ryan has been a leading advocate of the complimentary idea that young people choose the places they live, not because the community offers them a job, but because the community is a great place to live. I first became aware of Ryan’s work after a 2008 presentation helped inspire the residents of Iron County, WI and Gogebic County, MI to better understand why people move to and live in the region. From what I’ve read, there were community leaders listening that night who felt Ryan’s ideas applied more to young people in cities than in rural areas. But thanks to research that this project – called the Gogebic Next Generation Initiative – has produced since Ryan’s original presentation, we know that her ideas hold true for rural areas as well. (Click here to read more about past articles on this initiative and its research.) If you haven’t heard of Rebecca Ryan before, I encourage you to watch the video embedded above. It’s a bit promotional, but you’ll see she’s a dynamic presenter and offers great insights. Jobs are important to the future of communities across Rural America. But we also need to think about and develop strategies that attract people. I’m hoping Ryan can help start that conversation here.

I Guess I’m A Rural Lawyer – - Go Figure!

Kathy Callies — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 18:41:09 +0000

Guest blog by Bob Morris,Chair Project Rural Practice Task Force State Bar of South Dakota When South Dakota State Bar President Pat Goetzinger asked me to Chair the Project Rural Practice Task Force, we discussed that out of the 1,800 practicing lawyers in South Dakota, 65% of those lawyers were located in Rapid City, Pierre, Sioux Falls, and Aberdeen. I affectionately call them “The Big Four.” That would mean 35% of the lawyers are spread out everywhere else. Naturally I assumed that President Goetzinger asked me to be the Chair of the PRP Task Force because of my charisma, charm, and other attributes. So I asked him why me? He answered – “You are a rural lawyer.” My first thought was – I am? It’s funny how you don’t realize something until someone points it out to you. I came to Belle Fourche in 1988. The population of the town was about 4,500 then and has grown to about 6,000 today. Although we are the “Center of the Nation” there is a lot of wide open country to the west and north. Everything is south or east of Belle Fourche. Naturally when I graduated from law school, I wanted to work in Sioux Falls. Who doesn’t? I thought it would be a natural fit. My wife was a Professional Registered Nurse who had an outstanding job at what was then known as Sioux Valley Hospital. We lived in Sioux Falls for 8 years. I commuted to Brookings for undergrad and to Vermillion for law school. Apparently I took too much for granted. I interviewed with a half of dozen or so law firms without success. Fortunately, one of my law school professors, Professor Robert “Mike” Driscoll, knew of a friend in Belle Fourche who was looking to hire an associate attorney. I distinctly recall him walking up to me in the hallway at the law school, looking at my cowboy boots, blue jeans, pearl-button down shirt, and belt buckle, and saying “I have a friend that is looking to hire an associate, I think you’ll fit right in.” Many suits, ties, and pairs of dress shoes later, here I am. That was twenty-four years ago. You are probably asking why and have a lot of questions. Well, I have some answers. “Where do a rural lawyer’s clients come from?” Those clients come from Canada, Germany, Florida, Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Colorado to name a few. A rural lawyer’s clients also come from Sioux Falls, Watertown, Aberdeen, Yankton, Dakota Dunes, Pierre, Winner, Brookings, Rapid City, Hot Springs, Spearfish, Deadwood, Lemmon, and of course Belle Fourche to name a few. A rural lawyer can also represent the State of South Dakota and its employees, and a handful of municipalities across the State on special legal projects. “What would I do as a rural lawyer in the town I live and practice in?” You will be the President of the Chamber of Commerce, President of the Lions Club, announce at the annual Fourth of July parade, volunteer for various projects in the community, emcee at Chamber of Commerce Banquets, Ag Banquets, Fireman’s Banquets, and Sportsman’s Club Banquets. You will have to learn to manage your time. You will also have to learn how to say “no thank you” sometimes also. “As a rural lawyer will I handle big cases?” First of all, it is important to note that every client thinks their case is a big case and it should be to you. If your view of a big case is the amount of dollars and cents involved, a rural lawyer is involved in million dollar plus cases involving death, injury, construction disputes, and business litigation to name a few. A rural lawyer also handles disputes between farmers/ranchers regarding easements, right of ways, fence disputes, trespassing cattle, and diseased cattle, to name a few. As a rural lawyer you may also experience your most rewarding case -- the one where you help a 72 year old female bus driver get her job back after she was told she was too old to be working. Not to mention, convincing the employer to pay your client ,000 for its illogical, illegal, and irresponsible conduct. “Can a rural lawyer give back to the profession?” A rural lawyer can serve as a Bar Commissioner for six years (two 3 year terms); serve as President of the State Bar of South Dakota; serve as President of the South Dakota Trial Lawyer’s Association, and serve on other professional affiliated committees. In fact, in the past twenty-four years, at least six rural lawyers from Belle Fourche have served as State Bar Commissioners; three have served as Presidents of the State Bar of South Dakota; four have served as President of the South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association; and one has served as President of the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation. “How does a rural lawyer accomplish many of the things you have mentioned?” To be truthful, it’s not easy, yet it’s not difficult. The first thing is to have good mentors. These mentors can guide you through the nuances and difficulties facing lawyers early in a career. These mentors can also guide you and assist you in building relationships throughout your career. It is the relationship building process that should start from day one which will allow you to realize the sky is the limit. An outstanding work ethic and willingness to work long and hard is also important. People from other countries, other States, and other communities usually do not “let their fingers do the walking” in the Yellow Pages to find a rural lawyer. Many times they may contact a lawyer in one of “The Big Four” and because you have established a relationship with a good lawyer who thinks you are a good lawyer, you will get a referral. Naturally, whether those referrals continue is up to you. This may mean working 20 hours a day during a two week trial in Pierre. It may mean traveling thousands of miles a year and wondering why not move closer to where I work. But when you get back home, you realize your home is where your heart is due to the quality of life, the people who wave at you while driving down the road and the people who call you by your first name as you walk into a business establishment or walk down the street. “Okay, I realize there are opportunities for a rural lawyer, but what about a rural lawyer’s spouse?” Well, first of all, if you are married, you probably are not able accomplish much of anything without the love, loyalty, trust, and support of your spouse. You are a team and there is no majority, only unanimous consent. Your spouse could work as a Professional Registered Nurse in the big city, working twelve hours a day-three days a week and commuting 120 miles per day. Your spouse could after three years working in the big city, express her desire to expand her opportunities and attend the University of North Dakota School of Medicine for a year to become a Physician’s Assistant/Nurse Practitioner. Of course, you support her as much as you can because she has supported you in your adventure. Besides, you moved her from the big city to the rural area, you owe her! After a year of school, your spouse could be fortunate to get a job in the medical field, but she probably will still have to commute 50 miles round trip a day, four days a week. But in the meantime, she can obtain her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from SDSU and her Masters in PA Studies from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Your spouse can do this. Just because you live in a rural area does not mean you are isolated from opportunities. You will have to be a bit more creative, patient, and determined, but the sky is still the limit. You may have to drive a little farther, work a little harder, but surely the rewards are there. Besides, there are no traffic jams but you may have to wait for a herd of cattle to cross the road. And if your spouse is still by your side after almost 30 years, you are doing something right. Right? Are there more questions? Of course there are. But what is life without taking some risk and seeing what happens? My suggestion is that you should give being a rural lawyer a try. You and your spouse may agree to give it a couple of years and see what happens. Twenty-four years later you will wonder, “What happened?”

Downtown to Small Town: A “City Girl’s” Transition to Rural Practice

Kathy Callies — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 21:53:40 +0000

Guest blog by Sarah L. Larson I grew up at the mall. Not literally, of course, but there were time periods throughout my tweens, teens, and young adulthood when I was working or shopping or mingling in the city every day, all day. Everything I ever needed was within a 15 minute drive. When I first decided to pursue law school, I knew that corporate law was my gig. I interned with a corporate legal department every summer for 3 years, while pursuing my MBA at the same time as my Juris Doctorate. I would graduate with both degrees in 3 years and head back to the city to rise the corporate ladder from associate legal counsel to Executive VP over several years, content amidst endless access to downtown boutiques, Starbucks, and evenings out with girlfriends at the martini bar next door. Then it happened. A boy. This mystical creature was a huntin’, fishin’, down-to-earth small town east river boy – a breed I had never known, and whose passion and charm and smile swept me off my feet. Within a couple years, he convinced me to move back to his hometown with him – population 1,200. Twelve. Hundred. The approximate number of kids in my high school. Alas, almost 3 years after beginning my rural practice with my husband, I am proud to say I have not only survived, but come to truly love my small-town practice. The transition was not fast or easy. At first it seemed like I was leaving town every weekend to go visit friends or “find something to do.” I won’t lie and say I didn’t ask myself why on earth I ever dared to leave the heaven that is mass retail and loud traffic. Professionally, I longed for juicy, challenging, make-the-news type of cases with a passion. I expected a few things. First, I thought that clientele would be slow to trickle in. Why would people trust me? I’m new here. I’m unfamiliar with whose family feuds with whose. I’m a new lawyer. They don’t’ know (or care) about my experience, my potential, my praise from former employers. And yet, I found my hypothesis to be erroneous. People in town were eager for an outsider’s unbiased perspective on the issues they so deeply cared about and needed assistance with. I don’t think it hurt that I immediately started going to Rotary and Chamber of Commerce meetings, volunteering and getting involved as often as possible. People cared that I cared about the town and the people who live here. Secondly, I was afraid I would always be treated like an outsider. Wrong again. I have never experienced a lack of friendly faces. The people in my new hometown were welcoming, loving, and supportive. Third, I wasn’t sure I would ever make a dime. Now, my desk is constantly piled with files full of exciting, rewarding work. I am as busy as I want to be. Of course, there were personal challenges like the inability to have immediate access to a specialty grocery item or your favorite brand of shampoo. I had to learn to make shopping lists for the occasional trip out of town. At first I also felt like all eyes were on me, and that was so vastly different than growing up where you were somewhat of a number. As with all things, I learned that you get out of it what you put into it. Stay active, be friendly, work hard, do everything you can do for people. A blissful, peaceful, beautiful life awaits you.

Civic Branding: A refresher

Mike Knutson — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:02:41 +0000

Thanks to Aaron Renn at the Urbanophile, I received a great refresher on civic branding. In a brief post titled "Don't Brand Your City," Renn shares a fifteen minute Chicago Public Radio interview with Jeff Leitner and Howell J. Malham of Insight Labs. The central question they analyze: Is it possible to successfully brand a region (like the Great Lakes) for tourism and economic development? A lively interview, Leitner and Malham question the concept. Now, let me be clear, I still think that every rural community needs to be concerned about its brand. Your town’s identity does matter. But we need to be smarter about how we attempt to strengthen our brands. I hope you listen to the audio interview embedded below and then take a look at a few of my follow-up comments. If you have some additional thoughts on the topic of branding rural communities, we’d love to hear them.

Click here to listen - Luring tourists to the Great Lakes region (WBEZ91.5, Nov. 15, 2011)

My take aways

First, before we start, let’s make sure we're on the same page when we say the word branding. To me a community’s brand is its identity. It’s what people think and talk about your community. Logos and jingles are nice, but let’s not be fooled into thinking that they are your community’s brand. Their just a part of it; a small part of it. Second, if you want a strong brand, you need to have strong features that make your community special. In the interview, Jeff Leitner drives this point home with the Seth Godin truism “The best way to be remarked on is to be remarkable.” This means saying “Our town is a great place to live and raise a family,” isn’t good enough. It is a start….but it is not the end game. What are your community’s remarkable features that make it an awesome place to raise a family? Perhaps it’s a remarkable lake with an incredible bike path; perhaps it’s an incredible summer festival that brings everyone in the community together; or perhaps it’s exceptional outdoor activities that families can do together. If your town doesn’t have those things, you’re time and money are best invested I developing them -- before trying to promote your brand. A third take away is that branding is not about you (or in this case your community); it’s about your audience. While commenting on the ability of branding to help develop an affiliation with a region, Leitner tells us that the way to do this is by “demonstrating to the world what you are going to help them do.” In other words, don’t just tell me that your community is filled with great businesses. Demonstrate to me how your community can help me become a successful entrepreneur. What types of assistance will I get in your community that I can’t get somewhere else? Do you have an entrepreneurship support system in place? And while demonstrating value, remember the power of stories. If our community does have a system for supporting entrepreneurs, share the stories of entrepreneurs who have benefited from it. That’s a “demonstration” that people will believe.

Wrapping it up

Listening to the interview, some people will throw up their arms and decide that civic branding is a waste of time. I think that is a mistake. Rural communities need to develop stronger brands so that people recognize the value they have to offer. Just realize that the first step isn’t to hire someone to build the build the brand for you. (Note: My apologies for originally mispelling Howell Malham's last name.) Photo credit: Punk Toad - Flickr

Let’s talk: Innovation in education, anyone?

Mike Knutson — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 16:49:53 +0000

Hey everybody. We need to talk: What are you doing in rural education that is innovative? How are you overcoming the unique challenges faced by rural schools? Are your students experiencing increased academic achievement? That’s the message I caught in a recent tweet from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation ( @WK_Kellogg_Fdn). On Feb. 22 at 3 p.m. ET, John White, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Rural Outreach, and Sterling Speirn, president & CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation will be hopping on Twitter to chat about unique rural partnerships and innovative solutions that people are developing. My mind immediately goes to the Rural School and Community Trust’s efforts to bring rural schools and communities together through place-based education. If the Rural Trust hadn’t invested in our efforts in Howard, SD back in the mid-1990s, I’m confident that innovative projects like the Maroney Commons would never have developed. If I were to pick a new initiative, however, I would select the work of the Center for Midwest Innovation, a project being developed in partnership with the Rural Trust. They are quickly becoming a great source on how rural schools, communities, and foundations can partner to create innovative educational projects. I might also highlight the efforts of the GoTeachSD program, which the Rural Learning Center is a part of developing. Centered at the University of South Dakota, GoTeachSD has a clear focus on increasing the number and improving the quality of teachers in rural schools. I’m always interested in hearing about great work in rural education. Unfortunately, because of work conflicts, I won’t be able to join the conversation live. So I figured I could contribute by writing this post. And I’ll be sure to check out the summary of the Twitter chat that will be posted to the US Dept of Education’s Blog afterward. I know you are all probably busy as well, but I hope you find a way to join in this conversation. It’s too important to ignore. (To learn more on this event, check out this Dept. of Education blog post. Photo Credit: limonada - Flickr

Don’t know and don’t care

Mike Knutson — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:07:49 +0000

Writer and photographer Lisa Hamilton traversed the California countryside last year, intending to explore the health of rural communities. She ran into two problems. She describes those barriers in a recent article titled “California's Real Rural tells hidden stories,”

First, people in our cities generally don't know much about "the rest of California," have barely ventured off Interstate 5. Second, they don't really care. Surprise Valley? Lost Hills? Mecca? Why should it matter what happens in these distant, faceless places? Why, in fact, did I care about these places, so many of which I had never even seen? I thought about it as I traveled those many miles.” (source: "California's Real Rural tells hidden stories", Lisa M. Hamilton, San Fransisco Chronical, Jan 29, 2012).

Don’t know and don’t care

Although these attitudes are less prevalent here in the Upper Midwest, they do still exist. And they serve as major barriers to the ability of rural towns to attract the people and businesses they need to grow and prosper. In response, Hamilton decided to change her focus and reintroduce rural Californians to urban dwellers by telling the stories of the people who live in rural places -- people who often go unnoticed. Hamilton has posted her stories and photography to RealRural.org. They are compelling and insightful. In the near future, people will also be able to view her works in the San Francisco BART trains, the Los Angele’s public transportation system, and at the California Historical Society. (I hope the later is not intended to imply that rural life is a thing of the past.)

What does this mean for us?

As I read the about the project, I couldn’t help but think: “Wouldn’t it be great to recreate this project in South Dakota or Minnesota, or Iowa? Wouldn’t a similar effort help urban dwellers better understand the opportunities life in our rural towns offer?” Another option, however, is to do what I’ve recommended many times before. Rather than rely on other people to tell our stories, we need to tell the stories ourselves. Every community has interesting people. Every town has daily occurrences that don’t occur in urban settings. Every rural place can boast of offering a lifestyle that someone, somewhere is seeking. And with the advent of modern technology, it’s relatively easy to capture these stories via a camera and share them on a community website.

Why wait?

So don’t sit back and wait for someone else to tell your stories. The stories you tell may not be as "professional" as Hamilton’s, but I think people will recognize the authenticity and will connect with them. And once you’ve shared your stories. Stop back and share them with everyone here at Reimagine Rural. Tell us how you produced them and what you’ve learned. Your work can be an inspiration to us.

Maroney Commons: “Uncommon innovation” made common

Mike Knutson — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:44:35 +0000

It’s old news now, but worth repeating. The Maroney Commons, a conference and training center in Howard, SD, recently received the 2011 Rural Smart Growth Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Smart Growth is a set of community design and transportation principles that govern the sustainable development of communities. In many ways, these principles are the vanguard against the urban sprawl that plagues our country. But the principles have impact in many other areas; hence the reason it makes sense to honor a rural project, where sprawl isn’t as much of an issue. The Maroney Commons, a project developed by the Rural Learning Center, received this recognition for numerous reasons: First, it was built on Howard’s Main Street, rather than on undeveloped land outside of the town’s center. Second, it was designed through a process that engaged local citizens; community members provided input through a series of meetings on what they thought the project should look like and be like. And third, the Commons was built to LEED Platinum standards, making use of building materials from old, dilapidated buildings and state-of-the-art renewable energy. To learn more about the project, I would encourage you to check out the facility's website and watch the EPA video embedded below. I’d also encourage readers to watch the Keloland television news story about the award. Titled “Uncommon Innovation,” it highlights the potential of innovative thinking as an economic development strategy. As reporter Perry Groten states:

So many small towns struggle to keep jobs. But by going green, the Maroney Commons could become a high-tech hub that employs a strategy of recycling to revitalize the rural economy.”

The economies of urban and rural economies alike are being driven by innovation. As we’ve talked about previously, rural communities need to reimagine and reinvent themselves. They need to develop and tap into new competitive advantages -- or they won’t have a reason to exist. That doesn’t mean that every rural community needs a conference center like the Maroney Commons. But Rural America would be a stronger place today if more communities made “uncommon innovation” more common.

My Return and “Rewriting the Rural Narrative”

Mike Knutson — Mon, 14 May 2012 11:59:56 +0000

A lawyer’s story: returning home

Guest Post — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:48:28 +0000

Talent attraction: Let’s start a conversation

Mike Knutson — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:31:09 +0000

What makes New York City so successful? Mayor Michael Bloomberg says NYC’s economic growth is directly connected to its ability to attract talent.

Many newly successful cities on the global stage – such as Shenzhen and Dubai – have sought to make themselves attractive to businesses based on price and infrastructure subsidies. Those competitive advantages can work in the short term, but they tend to be transitory. For cities to have sustained success, they must compete for the grand prize: intellectual capital and talent.” (Source: “Cities must be cool, creative and in control,” Michael Bloomberg, Financial Times, March 27, 2012)

So, does the same apply to small towns as well?

What does it take to attract talent?

I Guess I’m A Rural Lawyer – - Go Figure!

Kathy Callies — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 18:41:09 +0000

Downtown to Small Town: A “City Girl’s” Transition to Rural Practice

Kathy Callies — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 21:53:40 +0000

Civic Branding: A refresher

Mike Knutson — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:02:41 +0000

Click here to listen - Luring tourists to the Great Lakes region (WBEZ91.5, Nov. 15, 2011)

My take aways

Wrapping it up

Let’s talk: Innovation in education, anyone?

Mike Knutson — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 16:49:53 +0000

Don’t know and don’t care

Mike Knutson — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:07:49 +0000

First, people in our cities generally don't know much about "the rest of California," have barely ventured off Interstate 5. Second, they don't really care. Surprise Valley? Lost Hills? Mecca? Why should it matter what happens in these distant, faceless places? Why, in fact, did I care about these places, so many of which I had never even seen? I thought about it as I traveled those many miles.” (source: "California's Real Rural tells hidden stories", Lisa M. Hamilton, San Fransisco Chronical, Jan 29, 2012).

Don’t know and don’t care

What does this mean for us?

Why wait?

Maroney Commons: “Uncommon innovation” made common

Mike Knutson — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:44:35 +0000

So many small towns struggle to keep jobs. But by going green, the Maroney Commons could become a high-tech hub that employs a strategy of recycling to revitalize the rural economy.”

My Return and “Rewriting the Rural Narrative”

Mike Knutson — Mon, 14 May 2012 11:59:56 +0000

Reimagine Rural

Mike Knutson — Mon, 14 May 2012 11:59:56 +0000

A lawyer’s story: returning home

Guest Post — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:48:28 +0000

Talent attraction: Let’s start a conversation

Mike Knutson — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:31:09 +0000

What makes New York City so successful? Mayor Michael Bloomberg says NYC’s economic growth is directly connected to its ability to attract talent.

Many newly successful cities on the global stage – such as Shenzhen and Dubai – have sought to make themselves attractive to businesses based on price and infrastructure subsidies. Those competitive advantages can work in the short term, but they tend to be transitory. For cities to have sustained success, they must compete for the grand prize: intellectual capital and talent.” (Source: “Cities must be cool, creative and in control,” Michael Bloomberg, Financial Times, March 27, 2012)

So, does the same apply to small towns as well?

What does it take to attract talent?

I Guess I’m A Rural Lawyer – - Go Figure!

Kathy Callies — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 18:41:09 +0000

Downtown to Small Town: A “City Girl’s” Transition to Rural Practice

Kathy Callies — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 21:53:40 +0000

Civic Branding: A refresher

Mike Knutson — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:02:41 +0000

Click here to listen - Luring tourists to the Great Lakes region (WBEZ91.5, Nov. 15, 2011)

My take aways

Wrapping it up

Let’s talk: Innovation in education, anyone?

Mike Knutson — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 16:49:53 +0000

Don’t know and don’t care

Mike Knutson — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:07:49 +0000

First, people in our cities generally don't know much about "the rest of California," have barely ventured off Interstate 5. Second, they don't really care. Surprise Valley? Lost Hills? Mecca? Why should it matter what happens in these distant, faceless places? Why, in fact, did I care about these places, so many of which I had never even seen? I thought about it as I traveled those many miles.” (source: "California's Real Rural tells hidden stories", Lisa M. Hamilton, San Fransisco Chronical, Jan 29, 2012).

Don’t know and don’t care

What does this mean for us?

Why wait?

Maroney Commons: “Uncommon innovation” made common

Mike Knutson — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:44:35 +0000

So many small towns struggle to keep jobs. But by going green, the Maroney Commons could become a high-tech hub that employs a strategy of recycling to revitalize the rural economy.”

My Return and “Rewriting the Rural Narrative”

Guest Post — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:48:28 +0000

Reimagine Rural

Mike Knutson — Mon, 14 May 2012 11:59:56 +0000

A lawyer’s story: returning home

Guest Post — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:48:28 +0000

Talent attraction: Let’s start a conversation

Mike Knutson — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:31:09 +0000

What makes New York City so successful? Mayor Michael Bloomberg says NYC’s economic growth is directly connected to its ability to attract talent.

Many newly successful cities on the global stage – such as Shenzhen and Dubai – have sought to make themselves attractive to businesses based on price and infrastructure subsidies. Those competitive advantages can work in the short term, but they tend to be transitory. For cities to have sustained success, they must compete for the grand prize: intellectual capital and talent.” (Source: “Cities must be cool, creative and in control,” Michael Bloomberg, Financial Times, March 27, 2012)

So, does the same apply to small towns as well?

What does it take to attract talent?

I Guess I’m A Rural Lawyer – - Go Figure!

Kathy Callies — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 18:41:09 +0000

Downtown to Small Town: A “City Girl’s” Transition to Rural Practice

Kathy Callies — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 21:53:40 +0000

Civic Branding: A refresher

Mike Knutson — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:02:41 +0000

Click here to listen - Luring tourists to the Great Lakes region (WBEZ91.5, Nov. 15, 2011)

My take aways

Wrapping it up

Let’s talk: Innovation in education, anyone?

Mike Knutson — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 16:49:53 +0000

Don’t know and don’t care

Mike Knutson — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:07:49 +0000

First, people in our cities generally don't know much about "the rest of California," have barely ventured off Interstate 5. Second, they don't really care. Surprise Valley? Lost Hills? Mecca? Why should it matter what happens in these distant, faceless places? Why, in fact, did I care about these places, so many of which I had never even seen? I thought about it as I traveled those many miles.” (source: "California's Real Rural tells hidden stories", Lisa M. Hamilton, San Fransisco Chronical, Jan 29, 2012).

Don’t know and don’t care

What does this mean for us?

Why wait?

Maroney Commons: “Uncommon innovation” made common

Mike Knutson — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:44:35 +0000

So many small towns struggle to keep jobs. But by going green, the Maroney Commons could become a high-tech hub that employs a strategy of recycling to revitalize the rural economy.”

My Return and “Rewriting the Rural Narrative”

Mike Knutson — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:31:09 +0000

What makes New York City so successful? Mayor Michael Bloomberg says NYC’s economic growth is directly connected to its ability to attract talent.

Many newly successful cities on the global stage – such as Shenzhen and Dubai – have sought to make themselves attractive to businesses based on price and infrastructure subsidies. Those competitive advantages can work in the short term, but they tend to be transitory. For cities to have sustained success, they must compete for the grand prize: intellectual capital and talent.” (Source: “Cities must be cool, creative and in control,” Michael Bloomberg, Financial Times, March 27, 2012)

So, does the same apply to small towns as well?

What does it take to attract talent?

Reimagine Rural

Mike Knutson — Mon, 14 May 2012 11:59:56 +0000

A lawyer’s story: returning home

Guest Post — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:48:28 +0000

Talent attraction: Let’s start a conversation

Mike Knutson — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:31:09 +0000

What makes New York City so successful? Mayor Michael Bloomberg says NYC’s economic growth is directly connected to its ability to attract talent.

Many newly successful cities on the global stage – such as Shenzhen and Dubai – have sought to make themselves attractive to businesses based on price and infrastructure subsidies. Those competitive advantages can work in the short term, but they tend to be transitory. For cities to have sustained success, they must compete for the grand prize: intellectual capital and talent.” (Source: “Cities must be cool, creative and in control,” Michael Bloomberg, Financial Times, March 27, 2012)

So, does the same apply to small towns as well?

What does it take to attract talent?

I Guess I’m A Rural Lawyer – - Go Figure!

Kathy Callies — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 18:41:09 +0000

Downtown to Small Town: A “City Girl’s” Transition to Rural Practice

Kathy Callies — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 21:53:40 +0000

Civic Branding: A refresher

Mike Knutson — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:02:41 +0000

Click here to listen - Luring tourists to the Great Lakes region (WBEZ91.5, Nov. 15, 2011)

My take aways

Wrapping it up

Let’s talk: Innovation in education, anyone?

Mike Knutson — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 16:49:53 +0000

Don’t know and don’t care

Mike Knutson — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:07:49 +0000

First, people in our cities generally don't know much about "the rest of California," have barely ventured off Interstate 5. Second, they don't really care. Surprise Valley? Lost Hills? Mecca? Why should it matter what happens in these distant, faceless places? Why, in fact, did I care about these places, so many of which I had never even seen? I thought about it as I traveled those many miles.” (source: "California's Real Rural tells hidden stories", Lisa M. Hamilton, San Fransisco Chronical, Jan 29, 2012).

Don’t know and don’t care

What does this mean for us?

Why wait?

Maroney Commons: “Uncommon innovation” made common

Mike Knutson — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:44:35 +0000

So many small towns struggle to keep jobs. But by going green, the Maroney Commons could become a high-tech hub that employs a strategy of recycling to revitalize the rural economy.”

My Return and “Rewriting the Rural Narrative”

Kathy Callies — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 18:41:09 +0000

Guest blog by Bob Morris,Chair Project Rural Practice Task Force State Bar of South Dakota When South Dakota State Bar President Pat Goetzinger asked me to Chair the Project Rural Practice Task Force, we discussed that out of the 1,800 practicing lawyers in South Dakota, 65% of those lawyers were located in Rapid City, Pierre, Sioux Falls, and Aberdeen. I affectionately call them “The Big Four.” That would mean 35% of the lawyers are spread out everywhere else. Naturally I assumed that President Goetzinger asked me to be the Chair of the PRP Task Force because of my charisma, charm, and other attributes. So I asked him why me? He answered – “You are a rural lawyer.” My first thought was – I am? It’s funny how you don’t realize something until someone points it out to you. I came to Belle Fourche in 1988. The population of the town was about 4,500 then and has grown to about 6,000 today. Although we are the “Center of the Nation” there is a lot of wide open country to the west and north. Everything is south or east of Belle Fourche. Naturally when I graduated from law school, I wanted to work in Sioux Falls. Who doesn’t? I thought it would be a natural fit. My wife was a Professional Registered Nurse who had an outstanding job at what was then known as Sioux Valley Hospital. We lived in Sioux Falls for 8 years. I commuted to Brookings for undergrad and to Vermillion for law school. Apparently I took too much for granted. I interviewed with a half of dozen or so law firms without success. Fortunately, one of my law school professors, Professor Robert “Mike” Driscoll, knew of a friend in Belle Fourche who was looking to hire an associate attorney. I distinctly recall him walking up to me in the hallway at the law school, looking at my cowboy boots, blue jeans, pearl-button down shirt, and belt buckle, and saying “I have a friend that is looking to hire an associate, I think you’ll fit right in.” Many suits, ties, and pairs of dress shoes later, here I am. That was twenty-four years ago. You are probably asking why and have a lot of questions. Well, I have some answers. “Where do a rural lawyer’s clients come from?” Those clients come from Canada, Germany, Florida, Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Colorado to name a few. A rural lawyer’s clients also come from Sioux Falls, Watertown, Aberdeen, Yankton, Dakota Dunes, Pierre, Winner, Brookings, Rapid City, Hot Springs, Spearfish, Deadwood, Lemmon, and of course Belle Fourche to name a few. A rural lawyer can also represent the State of South Dakota and its employees, and a handful of municipalities across the State on special legal projects. “What would I do as a rural lawyer in the town I live and practice in?” You will be the President of the Chamber of Commerce, President of the Lions Club, announce at the annual Fourth of July parade, volunteer for various projects in the community, emcee at Chamber of Commerce Banquets, Ag Banquets, Fireman’s Banquets, and Sportsman’s Club Banquets. You will have to learn to manage your time. You will also have to learn how to say “no thank you” sometimes also. “As a rural lawyer will I handle big cases?” First of all, it is important to note that every client thinks their case is a big case and it should be to you. If your view of a big case is the amount of dollars and cents involved, a rural lawyer is involved in million dollar plus cases involving death, injury, construction disputes, and business litigation to name a few. A rural lawyer also handles disputes between farmers/ranchers regarding easements, right of ways, fence disputes, trespassing cattle, and diseased cattle, to name a few. As a rural lawyer you may also experience your most rewarding case -- the one where you help a 72 year old female bus driver get her job back after she was told she was too old to be working. Not to mention, convincing the employer to pay your client $7,000 for its illogical, illegal, and irresponsible conduct. “Can a rural lawyer give back to the profession?” A rural lawyer can serve as a Bar Commissioner for six years (two 3 year terms); serve as President of the State Bar of South Dakota; serve as President of the South Dakota Trial Lawyer’s Association, and serve on other professional affiliated committees. In fact, in the past twenty-four years, at least six rural lawyers from Belle Fourche have served as State Bar Commissioners; three have served as Presidents of the State Bar of South Dakota; four have served as President of the South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association; and one has served as President of the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation. “How does a rural lawyer accomplish many of the things you have mentioned?” To be truthful, it’s not easy, yet it’s not difficult. The first thing is to have good mentors. These mentors can guide you through the nuances and difficulties facing lawyers early in a career. These mentors can also guide you and assist you in building relationships throughout your career. It is the relationship building process that should start from day one which will allow you to realize the sky is the limit. An outstanding work ethic and willingness to work long and hard is also important. People from other countries, other States, and other communities usually do not “let their fingers do the walking” in the Yellow Pages to find a rural lawyer. Many times they may contact a lawyer in one of “The Big Four” and because you have established a relationship with a good lawyer who thinks you are a good lawyer, you will get a referral. Naturally, whether those referrals continue is up to you. This may mean working 20 hours a day during a two week trial in Pierre. It may mean traveling thousands of miles a year and wondering why not move closer to where I work. But when you get back home, you realize your home is where your heart is due to the quality of life, the people who wave at you while driving down the road and the people who call you by your first name as you walk into a business establishment or walk down the street. “Okay, I realize there are opportunities for a rural lawyer, but what about a rural lawyer’s spouse?” Well, first of all, if you are married, you probably are not able accomplish much of anything without the love, loyalty, trust, and support of your spouse. You are a team and there is no majority, only unanimous consent. Your spouse could work as a Professional Registered Nurse in the big city, working twelve hours a day-three days a week and commuting 120 miles per day. Your spouse could after three years working in the big city, express her desire to expand her opportunities and attend the University of North Dakota School of Medicine for a year to become a Physician’s Assistant/Nurse Practitioner. Of course, you support her as much as you can because she has supported you in your adventure. Besides, you moved her from the big city to the rural area, you owe her! After a year of school, your spouse could be fortunate to get a job in the medical field, but she probably will still have to commute 50 miles round trip a day, four days a week. But in the meantime, she can obtain her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from SDSU and her Masters in PA Studies from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Your spouse can do this. Just because you live in a rural area does not mean you are isolated from opportunities. You will have to be a bit more creative, patient, and determined, but the sky is still the limit. You may have to drive a little farther, work a little harder, but surely the rewards are there. Besides, there are no traffic jams but you may have to wait for a herd of cattle to cross the road. And if your spouse is still by your side after almost 30 years, you are doing something right. Right? Are there more questions? Of course there are. But what is life without taking some risk and seeing what happens? My suggestion is that you should give being a rural lawyer a try. You and your spouse may agree to give it a couple of years and see what happens. Twenty-four years later you will wonder, “What happened?”

Reimagine Rural

Mike Knutson — Mon, 14 May 2012 11:59:56 +0000

A lawyer’s story: returning home

Guest Post — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:48:28 +0000

Talent attraction: Let’s start a conversation

Mike Knutson — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:31:09 +0000

What makes New York City so successful? Mayor Michael Bloomberg says NYC’s economic growth is directly connected to its ability to attract talent.

Many newly successful cities on the global stage – such as Shenzhen and Dubai – have sought to make themselves attractive to businesses based on price and infrastructure subsidies. Those competitive advantages can work in the short term, but they tend to be transitory. For cities to have sustained success, they must compete for the grand prize: intellectual capital and talent.” (Source: “Cities must be cool, creative and in control,” Michael Bloomberg, Financial Times, March 27, 2012)

So, does the same apply to small towns as well?

What does it take to attract talent?

I Guess I’m A Rural Lawyer – - Go Figure!

Kathy Callies — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 18:41:09 +0000

Downtown to Small Town: A “City Girl’s” Transition to Rural Practice

Kathy Callies — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 21:53:40 +0000

Civic Branding: A refresher

Mike Knutson — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:02:41 +0000

Click here to listen - Luring tourists to the Great Lakes region (WBEZ91.5, Nov. 15, 2011)

My take aways

Wrapping it up

Let’s talk: Innovation in education, anyone?

Mike Knutson — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 16:49:53 +0000

Don’t know and don’t care

Mike Knutson — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:07:49 +0000

First, people in our cities generally don't know much about "the rest of California," have barely ventured off Interstate 5. Second, they don't really care. Surprise Valley? Lost Hills? Mecca? Why should it matter what happens in these distant, faceless places? Why, in fact, did I care about these places, so many of which I had never even seen? I thought about it as I traveled those many miles.” (source: "California's Real Rural tells hidden stories", Lisa M. Hamilton, San Fransisco Chronical, Jan 29, 2012).

Don’t know and don’t care

What does this mean for us?

Why wait?

Maroney Commons: “Uncommon innovation” made common

Mike Knutson — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:44:35 +0000

So many small towns struggle to keep jobs. But by going green, the Maroney Commons could become a high-tech hub that employs a strategy of recycling to revitalize the rural economy.”

My Return and “Rewriting the Rural Narrative”

Kathy Callies — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 21:53:40 +0000

Reimagine Rural

Mike Knutson — Mon, 14 May 2012 11:59:56 +0000

A lawyer’s story: returning home

Guest Post — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:48:28 +0000

Talent attraction: Let’s start a conversation

Mike Knutson — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:31:09 +0000

What makes New York City so successful? Mayor Michael Bloomberg says NYC’s economic growth is directly connected to its ability to attract talent.

Many newly successful cities on the global stage – such as Shenzhen and Dubai – have sought to make themselves attractive to businesses based on price and infrastructure subsidies. Those competitive advantages can work in the short term, but they tend to be transitory. For cities to have sustained success, they must compete for the grand prize: intellectual capital and talent.” (Source: “Cities must be cool, creative and in control,” Michael Bloomberg, Financial Times, March 27, 2012)

So, does the same apply to small towns as well?

What does it take to attract talent?

I Guess I’m A Rural Lawyer – - Go Figure!

Kathy Callies — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 18:41:09 +0000

Downtown to Small Town: A “City Girl’s” Transition to Rural Practice

Kathy Callies — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 21:53:40 +0000

Civic Branding: A refresher

Mike Knutson — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:02:41 +0000

Click here to listen - Luring tourists to the Great Lakes region (WBEZ91.5, Nov. 15, 2011)

My take aways

Wrapping it up

Let’s talk: Innovation in education, anyone?

Mike Knutson — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 16:49:53 +0000

Don’t know and don’t care

Mike Knutson — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:07:49 +0000

First, people in our cities generally don't know much about "the rest of California," have barely ventured off Interstate 5. Second, they don't really care. Surprise Valley? Lost Hills? Mecca? Why should it matter what happens in these distant, faceless places? Why, in fact, did I care about these places, so many of which I had never even seen? I thought about it as I traveled those many miles.” (source: "California's Real Rural tells hidden stories", Lisa M. Hamilton, San Fransisco Chronical, Jan 29, 2012).

Don’t know and don’t care

What does this mean for us?

Why wait?

Maroney Commons: “Uncommon innovation” made common

Mike Knutson — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:44:35 +0000

So many small towns struggle to keep jobs. But by going green, the Maroney Commons could become a high-tech hub that employs a strategy of recycling to revitalize the rural economy.”

My Return and “Rewriting the Rural Narrative”

Mike Knutson — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:02:41 +0000

Click here to listen - Luring tourists to the Great Lakes region (WBEZ91.5, Nov. 15, 2011)

My take aways

Wrapping it up

Reimagine Rural

Mike Knutson — Mon, 14 May 2012 11:59:56 +0000

A lawyer’s story: returning home

Guest Post — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:48:28 +0000

Talent attraction: Let’s start a conversation

Mike Knutson — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:31:09 +0000

What makes New York City so successful? Mayor Michael Bloomberg says NYC’s economic growth is directly connected to its ability to attract talent.

Many newly successful cities on the global stage – such as Shenzhen and Dubai – have sought to make themselves attractive to businesses based on price and infrastructure subsidies. Those competitive advantages can work in the short term, but they tend to be transitory. For cities to have sustained success, they must compete for the grand prize: intellectual capital and talent.” (Source: “Cities must be cool, creative and in control,” Michael Bloomberg, Financial Times, March 27, 2012)

So, does the same apply to small towns as well?

What does it take to attract talent?

I Guess I’m A Rural Lawyer – - Go Figure!

Kathy Callies — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 18:41:09 +0000

Downtown to Small Town: A “City Girl’s” Transition to Rural Practice

Kathy Callies — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 21:53:40 +0000

Civic Branding: A refresher

Mike Knutson — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:02:41 +0000

Click here to listen - Luring tourists to the Great Lakes region (WBEZ91.5, Nov. 15, 2011)

My take aways

Wrapping it up

Let’s talk: Innovation in education, anyone?

Mike Knutson — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 16:49:53 +0000

Don’t know and don’t care

Mike Knutson — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:07:49 +0000

First, people in our cities generally don't know much about "the rest of California," have barely ventured off Interstate 5. Second, they don't really care. Surprise Valley? Lost Hills? Mecca? Why should it matter what happens in these distant, faceless places? Why, in fact, did I care about these places, so many of which I had never even seen? I thought about it as I traveled those many miles.” (source: "California's Real Rural tells hidden stories", Lisa M. Hamilton, San Fransisco Chronical, Jan 29, 2012).

Don’t know and don’t care

What does this mean for us?

Why wait?

Maroney Commons: “Uncommon innovation” made common

Mike Knutson — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:44:35 +0000

So many small towns struggle to keep jobs. But by going green, the Maroney Commons could become a high-tech hub that employs a strategy of recycling to revitalize the rural economy.”

My Return and “Rewriting the Rural Narrative”

Mike Knutson — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 16:49:53 +0000

Reimagine Rural

Mike Knutson — Mon, 14 May 2012 11:59:56 +0000

A lawyer’s story: returning home

Guest Post — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:48:28 +0000

Talent attraction: Let’s start a conversation

Mike Knutson — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:31:09 +0000

What makes New York City so successful? Mayor Michael Bloomberg says NYC’s economic growth is directly connected to its ability to attract talent.

Many newly successful cities on the global stage – such as Shenzhen and Dubai – have sought to make themselves attractive to businesses based on price and infrastructure subsidies. Those competitive advantages can work in the short term, but they tend to be transitory. For cities to have sustained success, they must compete for the grand prize: intellectual capital and talent.” (Source: “Cities must be cool, creative and in control,” Michael Bloomberg, Financial Times, March 27, 2012)

So, does the same apply to small towns as well?

What does it take to attract talent?

I Guess I’m A Rural Lawyer – - Go Figure!

Kathy Callies — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 18:41:09 +0000

Downtown to Small Town: A “City Girl’s” Transition to Rural Practice

Kathy Callies — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 21:53:40 +0000

Civic Branding: A refresher

Mike Knutson — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:02:41 +0000

Click here to listen - Luring tourists to the Great Lakes region (WBEZ91.5, Nov. 15, 2011)

My take aways

Wrapping it up

Let’s talk: Innovation in education, anyone?

Mike Knutson — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 16:49:53 +0000

Don’t know and don’t care

Mike Knutson — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:07:49 +0000

First, people in our cities generally don't know much about "the rest of California," have barely ventured off Interstate 5. Second, they don't really care. Surprise Valley? Lost Hills? Mecca? Why should it matter what happens in these distant, faceless places? Why, in fact, did I care about these places, so many of which I had never even seen? I thought about it as I traveled those many miles.” (source: "California's Real Rural tells hidden stories", Lisa M. Hamilton, San Fransisco Chronical, Jan 29, 2012).

Don’t know and don’t care

What does this mean for us?

Why wait?

Maroney Commons: “Uncommon innovation” made common

Mike Knutson — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:44:35 +0000

So many small towns struggle to keep jobs. But by going green, the Maroney Commons could become a high-tech hub that employs a strategy of recycling to revitalize the rural economy.”

My Return and “Rewriting the Rural Narrative”

Mike Knutson — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:07:49 +0000

First, people in our cities generally don't know much about "the rest of California," have barely ventured off Interstate 5. Second, they don't really care. Surprise Valley? Lost Hills? Mecca? Why should it matter what happens in these distant, faceless places? Why, in fact, did I care about these places, so many of which I had never even seen? I thought about it as I traveled those many miles.” (source: "California's Real Rural tells hidden stories", Lisa M. Hamilton, San Fransisco Chronical, Jan 29, 2012).

Don’t know and don’t care

What does this mean for us?

Why wait?

Reimagine Rural

Mike Knutson — Mon, 14 May 2012 11:59:56 +0000

A lawyer’s story: returning home

Guest Post — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:48:28 +0000

Talent attraction: Let’s start a conversation

Mike Knutson — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:31:09 +0000

What makes New York City so successful? Mayor Michael Bloomberg says NYC’s economic growth is directly connected to its ability to attract talent.

Many newly successful cities on the global stage – such as Shenzhen and Dubai – have sought to make themselves attractive to businesses based on price and infrastructure subsidies. Those competitive advantages can work in the short term, but they tend to be transitory. For cities to have sustained success, they must compete for the grand prize: intellectual capital and talent.” (Source: “Cities must be cool, creative and in control,” Michael Bloomberg, Financial Times, March 27, 2012)

So, does the same apply to small towns as well?

What does it take to attract talent?

I Guess I’m A Rural Lawyer – - Go Figure!

Kathy Callies — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 18:41:09 +0000

Downtown to Small Town: A “City Girl’s” Transition to Rural Practice

Kathy Callies — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 21:53:40 +0000

Civic Branding: A refresher

Mike Knutson — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:02:41 +0000

Click here to listen - Luring tourists to the Great Lakes region (WBEZ91.5, Nov. 15, 2011)

My take aways

Wrapping it up

Let’s talk: Innovation in education, anyone?

Mike Knutson — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 16:49:53 +0000

Don’t know and don’t care

Mike Knutson — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:07:49 +0000

First, people in our cities generally don't know much about "the rest of California," have barely ventured off Interstate 5. Second, they don't really care. Surprise Valley? Lost Hills? Mecca? Why should it matter what happens in these distant, faceless places? Why, in fact, did I care about these places, so many of which I had never even seen? I thought about it as I traveled those many miles.” (source: "California's Real Rural tells hidden stories", Lisa M. Hamilton, San Fransisco Chronical, Jan 29, 2012).

Don’t know and don’t care

What does this mean for us?

Why wait?

Maroney Commons: “Uncommon innovation” made common

Mike Knutson — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:44:35 +0000

So many small towns struggle to keep jobs. But by going green, the Maroney Commons could become a high-tech hub that employs a strategy of recycling to revitalize the rural economy.”

My Return and “Rewriting the Rural Narrative”

Mike Knutson — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:44:35 +0000

So many small towns struggle to keep jobs. But by going green, the Maroney Commons could become a high-tech hub that employs a strategy of recycling to revitalize the rural economy.”

Reimagine Rural

Mike Knutson — Mon, 14 May 2012 11:59:56 +0000

A lawyer’s story: returning home

Guest Post — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:48:28 +0000

Talent attraction: Let’s start a conversation

Mike Knutson — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:31:09 +0000

What makes New York City so successful? Mayor Michael Bloomberg says NYC’s economic growth is directly connected to its ability to attract talent.

Many newly successful cities on the global stage – such as Shenzhen and Dubai – have sought to make themselves attractive to businesses based on price and infrastructure subsidies. Those competitive advantages can work in the short term, but they tend to be transitory. For cities to have sustained success, they must compete for the grand prize: intellectual capital and talent.” (Source: “Cities must be cool, creative and in control,” Michael Bloomberg, Financial Times, March 27, 2012)

So, does the same apply to small towns as well?

What does it take to attract talent?

I Guess I’m A Rural Lawyer – - Go Figure!

Kathy Callies — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 18:41:09 +0000

Downtown to Small Town: A “City Girl’s” Transition to Rural Practice

Kathy Callies — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 21:53:40 +0000

Civic Branding: A refresher

Mike Knutson — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:02:41 +0000

Click here to listen - Luring tourists to the Great Lakes region (WBEZ91.5, Nov. 15, 2011)

My take aways

Wrapping it up

Let’s talk: Innovation in education, anyone?

Mike Knutson — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 16:49:53 +0000

Don’t know and don’t care

Mike Knutson — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:07:49 +0000

First, people in our cities generally don't know much about "the rest of California," have barely ventured off Interstate 5. Second, they don't really care. Surprise Valley? Lost Hills? Mecca? Why should it matter what happens in these distant, faceless places? Why, in fact, did I care about these places, so many of which I had never even seen? I thought about it as I traveled those many miles.” (source: "California's Real Rural tells hidden stories", Lisa M. Hamilton, San Fransisco Chronical, Jan 29, 2012).

Don’t know and don’t care

What does this mean for us?

Why wait?

Maroney Commons: “Uncommon innovation” made common

Mike Knutson — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:44:35 +0000

So many small towns struggle to keep jobs. But by going green, the Maroney Commons could become a high-tech hub that employs a strategy of recycling to revitalize the rural economy.”

My Return and “Rewriting the Rural Narrative”

Mike Knutson — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:31:05 +0000

My return to Reimagine Rural as a guest blogger is finally at hand. And fittingly, the subject of my post is a Lakeland Public Television interview with Minnesota Extension Researcher Ben Winchester. Titled “Rewriting the Rural Narrative,” the interview focuses on how many of the messages we hear about Rural America – and assume to be true – are often incomplete. For instance, Ben’s research shows that while young people do move away from their hometowns following high school, there is a movement of college educated adults age 30-45 year olds who are moving to small towns. In that context, saying Rural America struggles from “brain drain” is not completely accurate. Regular readers of Reimagine Rural know that story; we’ve shared Ben’s research numerous times. What I enjoy about this interview, however, is that Ben fleshes out additional advice for rural communities. For instance:

Rural communities are not all about agriculture. Ben cites statistics suggesting that fewer than 10% of rural Minnesotans are engaged in agriculture. Communities need to understand this statistic when making decisions about their future.
The main reasons people move to rural Minnesota are not jobs. Ben’s research identifies the top three reasons as: slower pace of life, safety and security, and the low cost of housing. Rural communities need to consider how to tap into these reasons as they seek to attract new residents.
Broadband Internet connections are not necessarily a pull factor for new residents. People have come to expect quality access. If you don’t have it, it will push people away.
It’s just not people who grew up in rural communities who move to rural communities. Ben’s research suggests that only 43% of newcomers have a previous relationship to the community. Their connections are much more anecdotal; perhaps they visited the region once, liked it, and decided to return.
Rural leaders need to remember that rural residents live in a regional economy. Some of Ben’s anecdotal research indicates that rural residents drive up to 45 miles to eat, shop, work, and play. With that in mind, communities would be foolish not to promote great restaurants and entertainment options in neighboring communities – even though those communities may be looked at as rivals.

I could go on and on with pieces of information like the above. Most 30 minute interviews are long for my tastes. But this one is a gem and is worth watching more than once. I wasn’t able to embed it in this post, so you will need to click on the link to watch it. I’m thankful Ben sent me an e-mail with a link to the interview. If you find it as valuable as I did, you will share it with others.