RURal by choice Washburn, ND

Challenges Demographics Missing Tourism Opportunities Losing our Youth Aging Population Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center – 50,000 visitors/year Boat Ramp/Fish Cleaning Station Hiway 83/200 Traffic

Change is a process

‘The small towns that survive will be the ones that are open to new ideas….” ARTICLE By Becky McCray saveyourtown.com/SMALLBIZSURVIVAL.com Gather Your Crowd SURVEY Build Connections MARKET Take Small Steps ACTION PLAN

Marketing Hometown America – NDSU Extension Service 33 Members attended – all generations represented. OVERAL FINDINGS: Competitive Advantages: Quality education Safety Open spaces/Recreation Improvements Needed: Freshen up Main Street and along walking path Build “affordable housing” More activities for the youth Better communication SURVEY THE COMMUNITY

MARKET THE COMMUNITY DEVELOP THE MESSAGE: Reach the Market: Facebook Instagram Website Local Businesses Department of Commerce “Rack Program” MARKET THE COMMUNITY

CONNECT THE COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN Develop & Distribute Marketing Materials Received a Grant – Partners in Marketing (Dept. of Commerce) Community Impressions – NDSU Extension Service Partnering with Burlington (September) Welcome to Our Town – NDSU Extension Service Business Community (October/November) Get Youth More Involved in our Community Input into community Strategic Planning Job Fair – local jobs Volunteering Business Window Displays Museum Organization and Displays CONNECT THE COMMUNITY

Connect the community One of the greatest advantages our small rural community has over its larger competitors is our feeling of CONNECTION to our community.

THANK YOU