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Success Stories

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Use the filters below to find additional stories about how our programs have helped rural communities across the nation.

Search Results: 4 Stories
photo from common grounds cooperative website

Finding Common Ground: A Community Economic Development Project

Traverse City, Michigan is a rural community on the shores of lake Michigan. A city with a strong year-round recreation economy and a vibrant downtown filled with independent businesses. Many business owners have struggled to locate commercial space, as well as retain employees… [Read More]

Biomanufacturing Plant Brings Jobs, Innovation to Rural Michigan Community

Outline Of Need: Bangor is a small town located in southwest Michigan.  Some years ago a biodiesel production facility went out of business, leaving the community with fewer jobs and idle equipment. How Rural Development Helped: USDA Rural Development provided $10 million… [Read More]

Lake Odessa Library Expansion Boosts Local Community

Outline Of Need: The Lake  Odessa Community Library opened in January of 1987. The original building was 1,500 square feet and in response to high usage from local residents, the library moved to its current 3,800 square foot location in 1998. Since then, demand for library… [Read More]

USDA Transforms Historic Retail Store into Multi-Family Housing

Outline Of Need: Like many rural communities, Menominee has seen its economy change considerably over the decades.  Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on the border with Wisconsin, a century ago Menominee was a major center for lumber production and later transitioned to… [Read More]