Rural Development Initiatives, Inc.

We were thrilled to kick off our Main Street Economic Vitality program last week in partnership with Idaho, Oregon, and Washington Main Streets. 50 engaged Main Street leaders and economic vitality champions from rural places in the PNW joined us for Economic Vitality 101, the first workshop in the 2-year program, to learn and talk about what economic vitality is and why it matters. Economic vitality is making a difference in our rural communities by fostering a thriving ecosystem to support community, provide needed services, sustain and grow businesses, strengthen resilience, and create healthy places to live. https://ow.ly/m2sJ50ViLyV #RuralIdaho #RuralOregon #RuralWashington #MainStreet #RuralEconomy

Are you part of a place-based regional organization serving rural communities in Oregon? Register today for Rural Forward and join RDI and the Reser Family Foundation on April 16 as we engage in conversations focused on strengthening rural communities and identifying ways to use community assets to meet community needs. https://ow.ly/Yqpu50Vigg3 The day will begin with an interactive activity, followed by sessions where you'll hear success stories and gain insights from established collaboratives working in rural Oregon. We are thrilled to announce participating organizations on panels include High Desert Partnership, Willamette Partnership, Center for Women’s Leadership, The Ford Family Foundation, and more. Spots are limited to 100 people. Sign up today to save your seat.

Save your seat for Rural Oregon Day! Register today to join with other rural Oregonians in Salem on April 17 as we come together to celebrate and strengthen rural interests and efforts from across the state. Optional skill building sessions will be held at the Salem Convention Center starting at 9 am, followed by an open house at Pringle Community Hall from 12–4 pm featuring engaging speakers, networking opportunities, tips and tricks for communicating with your representatives and time to meet with them directly. Rural Oregon Day is hosted by Oregon Rural Support Partners, RDI, and Center for Women’s Leadership and is free and open to the public. Learn More https://ow.ly/32Qh50Vhuo3 #RuralOregonDay #RuralOregon #ElevatingRuralVoices

USDA Rural Development's Rural Utilities Service is presenting a Community Connect Grant Program webinar on March 12 at 1:00 pm Eastern. This informational webinar is for entities interested in the Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Community Connect Program, which provides financial assistance to eligible applicants that will provide service at or above the broadband grant speed to all premises in rural, economically-challenged communities where broadband service does not exist. Register for the webinar: https://ow.ly/iigI50Ve2zH

Celebrating Leadership & Community Impact in Clallam County! Proud to share that we have successfully completed six rural community leadership programs across Clallam County! Working alongside such passionate and dedicated leaders has been an inspiring journey. These programs have empowered local changemakers with the skills, connections, and confidence to drive meaningful progress in their communities. From tackling local challenges to strengthening networks, each leader has demonstrated the power of rural resilience and collaboration. A huge thank you to everyone who participated, supported, and believed in the vision of stronger, more connected communities. I am proud of the work we have accomplished together and the friends I’ve made along the way. The future of Clallam County is bright with leaders like you! #Leadership #CommunityImpact #RuralDevelopment #ClallamCountyWA

Hi All - The Idaho Business Development Center's Idaho Women's Business Symposium will take place Thursday, April 10, 2025. Click on the link below for more information.

This is a great opportunity for businesses looking to reach a rural audience. If you’re interested in a booth or sponsorship check out the registration page or contact me directly.

Are you part of a place-based regional organization serving rural communities in Oregon? Join RDI and the Reser Family Foundation on April 16 as we engage in conversations focused on strengthening rural communities and identifying ways to use community assets to meet rural community needs. This 1-day event will be held from 11 am-4 pm in Beaverton. Save the date! Registration opens soon.

Lobby Day for School Meals is March 19, 2025. Join their coalition in Salem to ensure that students in Oregon have the food they need. If this is something you are passionate about for your kids and your community, register to attend at bit.ly/smfa-lobby25. Questions? Contact David Wieland at [email protected].

Join with other rural Oregonians in Salem on April 17 as we come together for Rural Oregon Day to celebrate and strengthen rural interests and efforts from across the state. Optional skill building sessions start at 9:00 am, and an open house will be held from 12–4 pm with engaging speakers, opportunities to learn tips and tricks for talking to your representatives, networking, and time to meet with your representatives. Rural Oregon Day is hosted by Oregon Rural Support Partners, RDI, and Center for Women’s Leadership and is free and open to the public. Learn More https://ow.ly/nblX50VceMx