OFI 095: Rural Decline & Rural Development | Garoleen Wilson – Director of Economic Development; Smith Center, Kansas

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In this week’s episode we introduce you to Smith Center, Kansas – A “Happy” Place:

Garoleen Wilson is the Director of Economic Development in Smith Center, Kansas – The Geographic Center Of The United States. She contacted me a while back to discuss the issue of Rural Decline.  After listening to episode #87 about farming on the rural interface, it dawned on Garoleen that the dynamics and challenges of Smith Center were the complete opposite of where I am located.

There are interesting challenges but also advantages in a community as rural as Smith Center.  For example, broadband internet came to Smith Center much later than Kansas City, which might seem like a disadvantage.  However, when it finally came it was installed with the newest technology, fiber optics.  So, Smith Center actually has better and faster internet capabilities than a large city like Kansas City.  This gives me hope for my internet connection some point in the future.

However, jobs and population in Smith Center have continued to decline.  The need for entrepreneurship continues to become greater and greater.  They are 90 miles from the nearest McDonald’s for Pete’s Sake.  My farm is 3 miles from a brand new McDonald’s.  So, you can see the contrast.

In Smith Center they must be very innovative to generate economic activity.  One of the innovative ideas is the “Meet In The Middle Bicycle Festival” which will be held for the first time ever in 2016.  The ideas is that it will become the “Sturgis of Bicycles” or “Sturgis with less leather and more spandex.”  It sounds like a great time.

LINKS:

Smith Center Economic Development Facebook Page 

Smith County, Kansas Facebook Page

Discover Smith Center Facebook Page

Smith Center Chicken Festival

Meet In The Middle Bicycle Festival Facebook Page

North Central Kansas Facebook Page

Email:

Garoleen’s Email Address: sced@smithcenter.net

Website:

City Of Smith Center, Kansas Website

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