Combining regionalism and ruralism is easier said than done. How do we balance support for our region while also competitively marketing our rural communities? Join Lorie Vincent, the Founder of Acceleration By Design, and Kaycee as they explore the topics of regionalism, female empowerment, and rural America. Lorie shares her insight into the importance of building regionalism, encourages female practitioners, and addresses how to support rural communities.

Key Takeaways

Regionalism

• Teamwork makes the dream work; a regional strategy, enhancing the value of strength through numbers and having a common message, can advance economic competitiveness and collective assets.

• If you have naysayers who oppose regionalism, provide tangible data to validate the return on investment, the benefits of working regionally, and the strategy behind lead generation, as opposed to working independently.

• When it comes to regional initiatives, ensure your individual community's identity will not be suppressed or restricted.

• If you are a regional EDP, assess the accessibility and balance of resources provided to your small communities; their needs will differ from those of larger metros.

Being a Women in Economic Development

• Find a strong mentor and allies.
• Be active in ED associations, especially committee work.
• Build, build, build.

Rural Economic Development

• Invest in your community. Don't wait.
• Learn what other communities are doing and tailor it to address your challenges and enhance your competitive advantages.

Quotables

"...the value of addressing challenges together that we could do so much more together than any of us could have done alone."

"if we wanted to really make some big things happen, some transformational things, then we had to do it together."

"...a win for a community 30 miles away or 60 miles away is a win for your community too."

"I carry a soft stick and I'm all about being positive and enthusiastic. And I think that has carried me well through my career. My mom taught me that."

"...don't worry about what barriers you may have because you're a young female in a male oriented industry, build your body of work where it cannot be disputed, where it will hold up, regardless of whose it is, build your, Success, build your resume, your training, build your skill set and your network."

"Nobody's going to invest in your community if you don't invest in yourself. And that's not just about money. It's about work and, and just building your community to be the best that it can be."

Resouces & Links

• •https://www.accelerationbydesign.com/

• •https://www.standupruralamerica.com/

Special Guest: Lorie Vincent, CEcD.