In the latest episode of the Rural Business Show, we head to King, North Carolina—a small bedroom community just outside of Winston-Salem—to speak with a veteran of the horticultural industry - Judy Mitchell, co-founder and CEO of Mitchell's Nursery and Greenhouse.

Judy and her husband, Jim, founded the business in 1979, as a necessity after Jim lost his job due to severe health challenges.

Judy details how they built a destination for horticultural excellence on a strict shoestring budget, refusing to go into debt even as they expanded from a half-acre lot to a 20-acre facility with 17 greenhouse bays . We discuss the gritty reality of self-financing, the hard work required to survive when competitors are closing their doors, and how she is preparing to pass the torch to the next generation .

While rural communities contribute so much to our nation, they receive a disproportionately small share of philanthropic dollars. The numbers are stark: rural areas make up 20% of the US population, yet they only receive around 7% of the nation's philanthropic giving. This disparity has real consequences for these vital communities.

We're not just talking about a lack of volunteer hours – which rural communities have in spades. We're talking about the larger philanthropic investments that can fuel growth and revitalization, the kind of funding that can make a real difference. So, why does this gap exist? Is it a matter of visibility? A lack of capacity to apply for grants? Or is it something more complex? And, most importantly, what can be done to bridge this divide?

Joining us today is Jarrod Elwell, the Community Development Regional Manager for the Richmond Fed, serving Virginia and Washington, D.C. Jarrod brings nearly three decades of experience in community development and a deep passion for rural communities. He's seen firsthand the challenges these areas face and the incredible potential they hold.

We'll be discussing everything from the underlying reasons behind the philanthropy gap to successful revitalization projects, like those highlighted in a recent Richmond Fed article. We'll explore the importance of patience in rural development, the best approaches to job creation, and the crucial first steps a rural leader can take to ignite positive change in their community. Join us as we unravel the complexities of rural philanthropy and explore pathways to a more equitable future for these vital communities.

It's been a while since we've recorded an episode of The Rural Business Show. It's been a year of change for our business, Nevada Central Media, as we went from publishing one rural weekly newspaper to four.

This episode of the Rural Business Show focuses on the business of small-town news. The challenging environment has seen thousands of rural newspapers close their doors in the last decade. However, community news is not dead, and many publishers have successfully navigated this rapidly changing landscape.

One of those is Vernon Robison, former publisher of the Mesa Valleys Progress. Vernon owned the Progress from 2004 until we purchased it from him just a few months ago. In our conversation, Vernon reflects on his time running the Progress, why he decided to move on after 20 years and the challenges and rewards of the newspaper business.