Join WGA Policy Advisor Laura Cutlip as she speaks with experts on small businesses, cooperatives, and remote work to learn how rural areas can use these models to strengthen their economies. Guests include David Martin, Director of the North Dakota Small Business Development Network; Kate La Tour, Government Relations Manager at the National Cooperative Business Association; and Shelly Fausett, the Center Director for SoloWorks.

This episode continues the series for Reimagining the Rural West, the Chairman’s Initiative of WGA Chair and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, which is examining challenges and opportunities in rural economic development, infrastructure and quality of life in the West.

To listen, click the embedded player below, or visit Podbean. Out West is also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Previous Episodes:

• Episode 1: Reimagining the Rural West: A conversation with WGA Chair and North Dakota Gov. Burgum about why he chose to pursue this Initiative.
• Episode 2: Reimagining the Rural Narrative: Rural sociologist Ben Winchester explains why the negative narrative surrounding rural communities is just not true.
• Episode 3: A Sense of Place: Exploring the use of “placemaking” by rural community leaders to capitalize on local assets and create environments where people want to live, work and play.
• Episode 4: Growing Through Rural Partnerships:  Highlighting how partnerships are vital in promoting economic development across the West.

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