Florida: Citrus County Program Succeeds in Giving Businesses a Stronger Voice

At fi rst glance, Citrus County, Fla., seems like any other Southern county. Nestled near the center of the Sunshine State’s western coast, Citrus County has experienced heavy population growth, rapidly changing economies and the common challenge of making sure its communities have the resources they need to promote entrepreneurship and help businesses not only survive but fl ourish.

Rural communities in Kentucky and Tennessee face various economic and social issues that sometimes hinder their development abilities. Finding options for sustainable development, which can help these communities meet the economic, social and cultural needs of their areas, is a constant challenge. Extension professionals in Kentucky and Tennessee wanted to fi nd a way to provide quality community development training that would help ensure bright futures for their states’ rural communities.

Louisiana: Community Development Training Sparks
Great Potential in Louisiana Agents

In 2000, only a handful of Louisiana faculty were specialists in community development. Aware of the need for further community development education in their state, those specialists asked the administration of the Louisiana State University AgCenter for permission to organize community development trainings for Louisiana agents. One of the specialists, former AgCenter employee Deborah Tootle, said the trainings were the catalysts for bringing the state’s agents up to speed with community development.

Texas: Groups Collaborate to Provide Valuable
Resources for Rural Texas Communities

Things may be bigger in Texas, but sometimes the most impressive things come in small packages. Take Hunt County, for instance. Located in northeast Texas, this county has taken admirable steps toward improving its rural communities through small business and entrepreneurial development, educational opportunities, and citizen engagement – tools that are key factors in building healthy and prosperous rural communities amid the economic, social and cultural changes taking place in the Lone Star State.