I’ve been struck by census data on rural communities that shows that some rural towns across the country are rapidly urbanizing and others are losing population, especially young people. Vermont is ranked as one of the two oldest states in the nation and one of the two most rural states in the country. The two…
(10/10/11) – When longtime Poultney print shop owner Chuck Colvin decided to retire, he knew he didn’t want to call it quits. The lifelong businessman wanted to help other entrepreneurs realize their dreams. His vision led to the development of the Poultney Small Business Center, a three-story 20,000-square-foot business rental space that opened in 2009.…
(10/10/11) – When the recession hit in 2008, Jennifer Partch Whitehurst of Poultney was among the tens of thousands of Americans who found themselves in the unfamiliar position of needing to find a new job. With a background in accounting and many years of experience under her belt, Jennifer decided she would focus on establishing…
e-Vermont initiatives in Poultney were spearheaded by the Poultney Broadband Committee, a team comprised of the Rutland Southwest Supervisory Union, town government, Poultney Public Library, local businesses, and Green Mountain College. In one short year, this team delivered: A public access Wi-Fi zone stretching from the Poultney Public Library down Main Street where residents and…
Through the Community Visit process, Poultney built new youth activities and mentorships, expanded collaborations with Green Mountain College, designed new town banners and a town marketing strategy, beautified Main Street and filled storefronts, developed a Community Video, started an Artist and Writers Guilds, opened the slate museum, and built a consensus Vision for the community.…