1. RURal by choice
Washburn, ND

2. 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

3. Change is a process

4. ‘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

5. 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

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

7. 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

8. 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.

9. THANK YOU