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Need data? We can help

September 30, 2026

In a previous post, now nearly ten years old, I wrote about how data can improve the effectiveness of your organization or local government. Telling a "data story" can help guide decisions, set a future vision, and identify areas of strength or concern. Additionally, I noted that knowing where to...

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What I Wish I had Known Before Starting My Business - Part 2

August 31, 2026

Building Entrepreneurial Communities

Owning a business is often seen as a path to freedom, and while that can be true, my experience has revealed a more complex reality marked by significant time commitments, constant adaptation, and important trade-offs. The work is ongoing and encompasses managing daily operations, maintaining a...

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Downtown buildings in Cambridge, Illinois

Rural tourism that works starts with residents

July 31, 2026

Building Entrepreneurial Communities

In Henry County, tourism doesn’t belong to a single town. It is something communities are building together.As part of the Governor’s Rural Affairs Council tourism listening tour, I spent time in and around Cambridge, Galva, and Bishop Hill, three places with distinct identities but a shared...

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Home First: A Resident-First Approach to Visitor Development

May 24, 2026

Building Entrepreneurial Communities

Many rural and small-town communities are encouraged to think about tourism in terms of branding, promotion, and attracting more visitors. Those things matter, but they are not always the best place to begin. In many communities, the more useful first question is simpler: What should visitor...

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Placemaking: Building community around the places we share

April 21, 2026

Building Entrepreneurial Communities

What makes a town feel like home? One key indicator of a strong, resilient community is placemaking. The Project for Public Spaces defines placemaking as “the collaborative process by which we can shape our public realm in order to maximize shared...

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How a revived downtown space strengthened community ties and local prosperity

March 1, 2026

Building Entrepreneurial Communities

Across many small towns, revitalization often begins with one simple but powerful spark: someone deciding to reinvest in a long-neglected space. This story reflects a common pattern that any rural community can learn from and build upon.In rural White Hall, Illinois, a vacant building sat unused...

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Support your local grocer

January 29, 2026

Building Entrepreneurial Communities

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...

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Take advantage of living in a small pond

October 3, 2025

Building Entrepreneurial Communities

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...

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Boost your brand: Marketing for small-business owners

September 3, 2025

Building Entrepreneurial Communities

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...

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Bring life to empty downtown buildings

July 27, 2022

Building Entrepreneurial Communities

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...

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