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.

Housing continues to be a difficult challenge for rural communities. Often, jobs are unfilled because of a lack of adequate and affordable housing. Attracting builders is a challenge as is an increasing number of units being used as vacation properties.

Community Rebuilds based in Moab, Utah addresses these challenges by building energy-efficient, affordable homes. The organization has created an innovative social enterprise, building affordable housing by taking several steps to reduce the cost of construction and lowering utility costs.

Rikki Epperson is Community Rebuilds' Executive Director. She recently joined me to talk about rural housing, what we are getting right or wrong with providing it, and how her organization is contributing to positive change in this important industry.

The Rural Voice series, hosted by Minnesota Public Radio's Kerri Miller, captures imaginative and illuminating town hall conversations about the rewards and challenges of making a home in rural America.

The town hall meetings are lively, engaging and enlightening as the host nudges rural Minnesotans to open up on important issues including entrepreneurship, housing, workforce development, and healthcare.

In this episode of The Rural Business Show, two key creators of the Rural Voice, Former U.S. Congressman and Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation President and CEO Tim Penny and McFarland Communications Founder & CEO Teresa McFarland, discuss the series and what this effort is teaching them about the challenges and opportunities rural economies face.

Amidst the busy life of running a rural business, it's often hard to find opportunities to network and connect with useful resources. Throughout the country, organizations are trying to help by putting on events that bring rural business professionals together through regional conferences.

The Northwest Arkansas Rural Business Development Conference is a perfect example. The event brings rural business owners together to help break barriers, engage minds and empower success.

The Arkansas Human Development Corporation is one of the organizers of this event and Executive Director Clev

Since 1987, the NC Rural Center in North Carolina has worked to improve the quality of life for the state's rural people and places. It operates with the core belief that rural communities have inherent cultural value and are vital to the overall economic health of the state.

Patrick Woodie is a life-long rural North Carolina resident and President & CEO of the NC Rural Center. He has dedicated his career to rural communities and joins The Rural Business Show to provide his insights on how small-town economies have changed over the past two decades and the main forces that will drive success for these communities today and into the future.

Trevor Bruan of the Elmore Community Trust shares a remarkable story of how the small town of Elmore, Vermont, which has about 850 residents and no stoplight, rallied to save its only General Store and preserve the town's identity.

The Elmore Community Trust also found innovative ways to fund the project and has a hopeful vision for the future.

Find out more about the Elmore Store Project by visiting Elmore Community Trust.org.