May 2009

Mom and Pop Businesses Using Twitter

May 26, 2009

Local ‘mom and pop’ businesses who are effectively using Twitter and other social media were singled out recently by blogger Grace Boyle on her blog, ‘Small Hands Big Ideas‘: “Call me a localvore (pertaining to not only food, but any local business). Coming from a small town I recognize the importance of the Mom and [...]

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Collaborative Marketing Among Seasonal Rural Businesses

May 25, 2009

Collaborative Marketing on a seasonal basis can bring success to all rural businesses involved. The Red Rooster Route is a marketing partnership of six local family farms that have banded together to create a new self-guided farm tour, offering adventures ranging from picking your own summer berries and vegetables, to learning about naturally grown foods. [...]

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Is Self Employment Changing in Rural America?

May 24, 2009

An estimated 25 million people in the United States call themselves ‘self employed.’ They might hold multiple jobs, run online businesses or other small shops, or function as independent contractors or ‘freelancers.’ The Promise and Peril of the Freelance Economy provides a comprehensive overview of how self-employment has changed in America, and reflects changes in [...]

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Economy Helping Agritourism and Rural Businesses

May 23, 2009

The struggling economy seems to be having a positive impact on agri-tourism and other rural businesses, as vacationers choose to vacation closer to home. In fact, agricultural tourism is emerging as one of the few success stories despite today’s economic challenges. “I think the main reason for the boom is the economy,” Blake Brown, an [...]