March 2009

Rural Small Business Weekly News – March 21, 2009

March 21, 2009

Here are a few interesting blogs and online articles published this week that relate to Rural Small Business, ending March 21, 2009: According to agricultural executives, the U.S. rural economy is coping with the global recession better than other sectors and this is due to “steady demand for agricultural products, stable land prices and healthy [...]

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When The Chickens Come Home To Roost

March 20, 2009

A butcher, who had had a particularly good day, proudly flipped his last chicken on a scale and weighed it. “That will be $9.23,” he told the customer. “That’s a good price, but it really is a little too small,” said the woman. “Don’t you have anything larger?” Hesitating, but thinking fast, the clerk returned [...]

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What Small Towns Care About

March 18, 2009

“To read the papers and to listen to the news… one would think the country is in terrible trouble. You do not get that impression when you travel the back roads. The small towns do care about their country and wish it well.” Charles Kuralt American radio and television Journalist (1934-1997)

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Saving Open Space

March 16, 2009

The most powerful argument of all for saving open space is economics. In most states, tourism is the number two industry. Jim Fowler, American Economist

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Last Minute Tourism: Weekend Travelers

March 15, 2009

Rural businesses and small towns that attract large numbers of tourists are re-thinking their strategies this year, as the economy causes everyone to reconsider travel plans. Apparently Americans’ views of corporate greed are even affecting the types of accomodations that travelers choose to stay in: “Group and corporate travel are down considerably at many area [...]

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Rural Business Weekly News – March 14, 2009

March 14, 2009

Here are a few interesting blogs and online articles published this week that relate to Rural Small Business, ending March 14, 2009: With all the talk about tough times these days, it’s interesting to note what products are doing well, and what some small rural towns and business owners are doing to keep things going. [...]

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A Stronger Voice for Rural America in Washington

March 13, 2009

Senate Democrats announced a “rural agenda” for the 111th Congress today. The website created to describe the issues they understand to be important to rural America is called Rural Outreach. “Rural America reflects our nation’s most precious values: hard work, independence, and an unparalleled commitment to community. Senate Democrats provide a voice for the over [...]

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Farm Visitors are Loyal Customers

March 12, 2009

In Loyalty Programs Engage Our Best Customers AgriMarketing consultant Jane Eckert discusses how farms can use special programs and coupons to reward loyal customers. Jane quotes recent survey data that finds customers who are part of loyalty programs not only buy more, but are 70% more likely to promote you through word-of-mouth (WOM) marketing. You [...]