Thursday, March 04, 2021

Rural Chamber of Commerce aims to help rural economies; sets March 9 webinar on racial issues in rural America

The Rural Chamber of Commerce, a new organization of rural business leaders and entrepreneurs aimed at encouraging rural economies, is open for business.

"The goals of the Rural Chamber are manifold, but a primary purpose of the organization is to help develop rural economies by supporting rural entrepreneurship," Anya Slepyan reports for The Daily Yonder. "Members have access to services, including trainings from business coaches, mentoring sessions where members can discuss best practices and problem-solve collectively, networking opportunities, and an online sales platform." (Learn more about becoming a member here.)

The organization is the brainchild of Sherri Powell, a native of rural Georgia who wanted to support and connect rural business owners. She and the organization's 11-person board, also want the Chamber to address social issues facing rural America. So, one of their first acts is to launch a virtual panel series discussing "Racial Reconciliation Throughout Rural America and Beyond." The first panel discussion will be held March 9. Click here for details.

"We are digging in, and we are going to attack and focus on and address the social issues facing rural America—it’s going to be a centerpiece of who we are," Powell told Slepyan. "I don’t think that we can talk about rural issues honestly and effectively if we just ignore the social piece."

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