The rural workforce is the lifeblood of rural economies. It comes with its unique set of challenges and opportunities. This discussion we learned about building the rural economy, what we can do to improve it and what opportunities lie within it. 

The rural workforce is unique, and it takes insight to build a work environment that also builds rural communities. This discussion revolved around learning about human resources for rural organizations and the issues, approaches and techniques that can help rural organizations realize the potential in every employee.

The rural workforce and how it operates is changing.  The knowledge workforce is changing how employees and employers interact.  Spectacular advances in digital broadband telecommunication have opened vast new frontiers of possibility and opportunity in rural and remote regions of our planet.

Rural businesses and organizations experience change often, and the impacts ripple throughout the organization and the communities where they reside. Understanding the unique needs of rural businesses in how they handle and adapt to change is important to ensure that the impact of change is as positive as possible.

Rural schools are critical for rural communities and the families that live there to thrive.  Education and training are essential for rural economies to have adequately trained workers, while rural schools are necessary to attract and retain those workers and their families.  

The approach to community economic development in rural areas. It is often inextricably linked to community development. Various aspects of quality of life are woven together with the economic viability of a rural community. How each rural community determines its special combination of elements depends on geography, culture, and the community members within. 

Work-life balance affects various aspects of our quality of life, and mental health in a rural setting is beginning to get the attention it deserves.  Allowing the individuals in rural communities to flourish will create a positive feedback loop for the rural economy, where individuals engage positively in their communities.

Sharing knowledge and maximizing resources is important for local champions to build strong rural economies.  It is imperative to help us take hold of opportunities and manage challenges; many of those solutions rest with the people in our communities. ​

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