After retiring from the University of Texas-Pan American in 2008, Dr. Arriola, like many retirees in America, wanted to continue to be of service to his community. He formed the Texas Valley...
Champions of Change: Rural America
In rural communities across the country, Americans are expanding economic development and strengthening the fabric of our nation. Rural Americans may not see themselves as champions, but they represent the kind of innovation and ingenuity that make the United States great. From farmers and ranchers to local educators and small business owners, these Champions of Change are helping the country confront the challenges of the 21st century by expanding broadband access, increasing exports in agricultural sectors, and exploring alternative energy options to help win the future.
Linda Barnes is a professor of biology at the Marshalltown Community College and also an organic farmer. She founded the Sustainable and Entrepreneurial Agriculture Program at MCC, which is the...
Everett farmed all his life in North Dakota and taught high school while farming for a few years. Nowadays, Everett is a full-time farmer and a leader in co-operatives with farming. He is a board...
Jason is a fourth generation farmer/rancher, educator, and lawmaker from Wilmot, SD. Jason manages a 150 head beef cow/calf operation as well as raises corn, soybeans, wheat, and alfalfa. Frerichs...
Ruth Hambleton is the founder of Annie’s Project in Illinois. Annie’s Project is a non-profit organization that concentrates on education for Farm Women. Ruth works with women across the state of...
P.J. Haynie serves on USDA's Plant Variety Protection Act Board and on the Agricultural Advisory Council for Virginia's first congressional district. He is a graduate of Virginia Tech University...
When Rick Huszagh and Crista Carrell purchased part of her family’s farm in 1995, their focus was on farmland preservation as much as the creation of a successful business enterprise.
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Deborah is the Vice President of Food and Farms at Ecotrust, a non-profit organization based in Oregon. She has led the way on some incredibly innovative and meaningful projects that are...
Lance Morgan is an enrolled member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and President, CEO, and co-founder of Ho-Chunk, Inc., the award-winning economic development corporation owned by the...
Sue is the Executive Director at the Vernon Economic Development Association in southwest Wisconsin. She’s spearheading a remarkably comprehensive effort at economic development around local and...
Ross Racine is the Executive Director of Intertribal Agriculture Council. He assumed those duties in January 2001. He served as the IAC Natural Resources Director beginning in 1991, and as the IAC...
Linda Roberson is the Town Manager and Finance Director of Zolfo Springs, Florida. The Town Zolfo Springs in a very small rural town in Hardee County, Florida. The town has financed 2 water and...
When the gasoline additive MTBE was banned in 2006 and ethanol was its only practical replacement, Eric as a corn farmer, became very interested in joining with other farmers to build a corn...
Colby Creek Stables, a horse stable facility located near Ithaca, Nebraska in Saunders County, offers a number of amenities for horses and riders, including a large indoor arena, heated barn...
Bruce formed the nonprofit organization Choose Outdoors in 2008 to bring together the diverse outdoor recreation interests that enjoy the National Forests and Grasslands. The recreation...
A five-generation family farm, Young’s Greenhouse was severely damaged in a tornado. Since the early 1900s, Young’s Greenhouse has been family owned and operated providing vegetables and flowers...