‘Speak Up, Rural America,’ Say Small-Town Business Consultants

In just five minutes, you can help shape the rural narrative.

Deb Brown and Becky McCray of SaveYour.Town are gathering data on the needs of rural communities that they believe will transform conversations about the challenges and futures of small towns.

“We’re looking to see how well-publicized issues like drug abuse and poverty rank versus other challenges, whether small business lending gets rated higher than the lack of usable buildings. … Those are just a few of the highlights we’re watching for,” said McCray.

Now in its third biennial run, the Survey of Rural Challenges asks for input from rural folks on two key questions: community challenges and business challenges.

A pair of rural development specialists say they want to hear what your small community needs to thrive. The informal Survey of Rural Challenges is open through July 30.

By Wendy Royston