Blogs

Want to know a secret? Your local, independent grocer loves you. Truly. They love your hometown, your traditions, your Friday-night ballgames, and the neighbors they’ve served for years. Despite what some may assume, their love for the community is much greater than their love for profit. Because...

Poverty is a daily reality for many individuals and families but, unless you’ve lived it, it’s difficult to truly grasp the stress, complexity, and emotional toll it takes. Misconceptions about poverty often overshadow real understanding, but there’s a powerful tool changing that narrative: the...

In the realm of community development, discussions about creating leadership opportunities in rural American communities abound. Some advocate for structured programs, while others emphasize organic, community-driven approaches. However, one critical aspect often overlooked by community organizers...

For young adults or their parents, small towns may not seem like the most exciting places to live compared to the big city. However, they offer unique opportunities if you know where to look!It's common to hear adults in small towns talk about the lack of electricians or contractors and the long...

Running a small business is no easy feat. With a never-ending to-do list, promotional planning often takes a backseat. Unfortunately, this lack of planning can lead to ineffective advertising, leaving business owners frustrated and tempted to cut their advertising budget. Sound familiar?Features...

Some people like lists; I am one of those types of people. I have daily, weekly, and monthly lists. I have lists for home, for work, for my children, and for our farm. I like to write my list(s) in the morning so I can focus on what needs to be done and create a plan to do it efficiently. I use...

I’ve noticed that many of our rural Illinois communities have a vacant or derelict building in the heart of their downtown or on main street. While the missed opportunities of a property sitting vacant seem basic, the concept is complicated. Intent, code, statute, and insurance classification may...

In Illinois, we’re familiar with the phrase “A winter weather advisory is in effect for your region.” Snow has blanketed the state from north to south and more snow is predicted. Winter storms can bring bitterly cold temperatures, heavy snow, and icy roads. We rely on...