Championing Rural Economic Development with Lorie Vincent and Stand Up Rural America

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Lorie Vincent, the founder of the Stand Up Rural America Summit, an innovative program aimed at empowering rural communities through economic development.

Lorie Vincent shares her journey and passion for rural economic development, spanning over 34 years and involving work with approximately 350 rural communities. She explains the inception of Stand Up Rural America, a unique summit designed to bring together rural trailblazers and change makers. Unlike traditional associations or memberships, this event is open to everyone, aiming to foster collaboration and provide actionable insights that attendees can implement in their communities immediately.

Throughout the conversation, Lorie emphasizes the importance of community and collaboration in rural economic development. She discusses her extensive experience and involvement in state associations and organizations such as IEDC and SEDC, which inspired her to create an event specifically tailored to rural America. Her goal is to share the innovative and impactful work being done in these communities, providing inspiration, tools, and strategies to drive positive change.

Lorie also highlights the importance of bringing together diverse voices and experiences to address the unique challenges faced by rural communities. By showcasing successful initiatives and offering practical solutions, Stand Up Rural America aims to elevate rural economic developers and community developers, helping them create immediate and lasting impact in their regions.

Actionable Insights for Economic Developers:

1. Promote Community Collaboration: Foster collaboration among local stakeholders to leverage collective resources and knowledge for economic development.
2. Share Success Stories: Highlight successful initiatives from other rural communities to inspire and guide local development efforts.
3. Provide Practical Tools: Equip community developers with practical tools and strategies that can be implemented immediately to drive economic growth.
4. Engage Diverse Voices: Involve a diverse range of stakeholders to ensure comprehensive and inclusive economic development planning.4
5. Focus on Immediate Impact: Prioritize initiatives that can deliver quick wins and immediate benefits to the community, building momentum for long-term projects.
6. Leverage State and National Resources: Utilize resources and support from state associations and national organizations to enhance local economic development efforts.
7. Encourage Innovation: Support innovative approaches and creative solutions to address the unique challenges faced by rural communities.
8. Facilitate Knowledge Sharing: Create platforms for knowledge sharing and networking among rural economic developers to foster continuous learning and improvement.
9. Empower Local Leaders: Empower local leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to drive economic development and inspire their communities.
10. Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in rural economic development to ensure your strategies are effective and relevant.

By championing these principles and leveraging the insights from Stand Up Rural America, rural economic developers can drive significant and sustainable growth in their communities.

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