Joi Cuartero Austin is joined by Erik Reader, Director of Illinois Main Street, and Jonathan Stone, Program Officer at Main Street America, for a lively discussion about the upcoming IEDC Rural Retreat in Great Falls, Montana.
This first-of-its-kind event by the International Economic Development Council is designed specifically for professionals working in rural and tribal communities—and the format is anything but typical. The team dives into what makes this retreat unique, including Spark Talks and immersive, on-the-ground experiences that trade PowerPoints for people-powered stories.
Together, we explore:
- What rural really means (spoiler: it’s not just a population number)
- The challenges and opportunities unique to rural economic development
- How local Main Street communities are using tools like TIF/BID/SSA, and placemaking to transform downtowns and riverfronts
- Why entrepreneurial ecosystems, creative space use, and hybrid business models are gaining traction
- How tools like the BOOMS Tracker help communities separate myth from reality and take control of revitalization
We also preview the three immersive tours led by Main Street America staff:
- Small-Town Startups with Global Spark (Conrad, MT)
- Breathing Life into Main Street (Downtown Great Falls)
- Riverfront Revival on the Missouri (West Bank Landing)
Finally, we reflect on what participants will take home from this rural retreat, the importance of building relationships across sectors, and why people—not just policies—are the real spark behind rural revitalization.
Popular Podcasts
NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal
Gregg Rosenthal and a rotating crew of elite NFL Media co-hosts, including Patrick Claybon, Colleen Wolfe, Steve Wyche, Nick Shook and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic get you caught up daily on all the NFL news and analysis you need to be smarter and funnier than your friends.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com