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Success Stories

Smith Island, Maryland

Investing in Wastewater Infrastructure is Key to Preserving Smith Island, Maryland

For the people living on Smith Island, the water matters. But it’s about more than the beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay from the picturesque island ten miles from the mainland. The multi‐generational residents depend on the surrounding Chesapeake Bay for their livelihoods. For many, crabbing, oystering, and ecotourism are what puts dollars in their bank accounts, and food on their tables. In rural communities…
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Search Results: 62 Stories
Staff from HH Design in Britton, SD

HH Design selected as Young Entrepreneur of the Year by SBA

Submitted by GROW SOUTH DAKOTA Hillarey Warner owner of HH Design in Britton, South Dakota, was selected to be the U.S. Small Business Administration’s South Dakota 2024 Young Entrepreneur of the Year, after being nominated by GROW SD. After graduating from Northern State… [Read More]
BusinessRural DevelopmentSmall BusinessValue Added
A hallway at a rural elementary school shows snowpants and boots across from a wall of blue lockers.

Distance Learning Grant Provides Window to the World for Rural Students

Halfway between Park Falls and Ashland is the rural community of Mellen, population 698. Nestled between the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and nearby Copper Falls State Park, this small community is humming with activity on an early Monday morning in March. Students are… [Read More]
Community CollegesDistance LearningEducationRural DevelopmentRural Partners Network
Rural Development NorthCarolina State DirectorReginald Speight was honoredwith the "Friend of theHaliwa Saponi People"award during the annualHaliwa-Saponi awardsbanquet on January 20, 2024.This recognition is bestowedupon individuals showcasing dedication to the improvement of Native communities, with a focus on the Haliwa Saponi people and their community.

State Director Awarded Friend of the Haliwa-Saponi People

For his unwavering commitment to the advancement and prosperity of Native American communities in North Carolina , USDA Rural Development North Carolina State Director Reginald Speight was bestowed with the esteemed "Friend of the Haliwa-Saponi People" award at a heartfelt… [Read More]
Rural Development
The GreenTechnologies manufacturing plant in Clay County

National Biobased Products Day: GreenTechnologies’ 25-Year Quest to Provide Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Chemical Fertilizers

When Green Technologies, LLC began operations in 1999, sustainability was a newer concept in the agricultural industry. Still, the company remained dedicated to growing as a market leader in sustainability and innovation. Now, as the company celebrates 25 years, there is a push… [Read More]
BiobasedBioeconomyBiopreferredRural Development
West River Electric Association crews use bucket trucks install power lines in South Dakota

Cooperatives keep the lights on in Rural Communities

West River Electric Association, based in Wall, S.D. has been delivering power to the counties of Haakon, Jackson, Meade, Pennington, Oglala Lakota, and Ziebach in South Dakota since 1939. Their focus has always been on their customers, who are also their members, and recent… [Read More]
CooperativesElectricRural Development
A woman with a bag walks towards the door of a newly built childcare center.

Lasting Legacy: How a Vision for Childcare Was Built in Griswold, Iowa

Since 1869, the Noble Center United Methodist Church stood on a hill at the corner of Highway 71 and Victoria Road in Noble Township, Cass County, Iowa. Four years ago, the last remaining members gathered. “We had to make final decisions on where and how to gift the remaining… [Read More]
Community FacilitiesFirst RespondersGrantsHousingRural Development
photo of ribbon cutting

Rural Community’s First Hospice Center

For the people of Glasgow, Kentucky, a collaboration between T.J. Community Mission Foundation, the city, Farmers Rural Electric Cooperative, and USDA Rural Development helped to meet a critical need in the community. In 2020, the city was able to open its first hospice center… [Read More]
BusinessCooperativesEconomic DevelopmentHealth CareRural Development
group photo of a ribbon cutting

Garbage Turned into Energy

Have you ever ridden by a landfill and watch flames coming out of pipes emerging from the debris and say to yourself-what a waste of energy/heat??? That’s called off gassing to relieve gas build up from garbage. Although, in 2013, Farmers Rural Electric Cooperative Corp. (RECC)… [Read More]
BusinessCooperativesRural DevelopmentSmall Business
Image of sign of Meadville, Pennsylvania

Engage Your Community With Investment Cooperatives

What can you do to bring economic development to your rural communities? Is it possible without large corporations or out of town investors that may not understand the needs of your community? Perhaps your community should consider investment cooperatives. Local organizers in… [Read More]
BusinessCooperativesEconomic DevelopmentRural DevelopmentSmall Business
Mni Waste water tower in Eagle Butte, SD

Delivering mni wašté to residents of Cheyenne River Reservation

The Lakota phrase mni wasté translates to mean good water, which is what Mni Wasté Water Company’s 13 staff strive to deliver to the residents of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and surrounding area every day. Leo ‘Earp’ Fischer is the director of the water company. He’s been… [Read More]
Community FacilitiesGrantsRural DevelopmentTribalWater

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