Survival in a Rural Community-Hartington
Last month I looked at four factors that make rural communities able to thrive despite circumstances against them. They are availability of good paying jobs, access to critical services, strong leadership, and a healthy natural environment.
The model that I want to start with in this discussion of communities fighting to keep these four areas intact is Hartington, Nebraska.
First, Hartington has established itself as a regional hub for industry, professional, agricultural, and retail services. In terms of retail sales, the measure most often used is called the “pull factor.” This refers to the community’s ability to retain those dollars that are earned within the community.
Hartington has managed to keep $1.06 for every dollar earned. This means that in terms of retail sales (excluding automobile sales), this community is actually bringing in more than what is earned. This creates a healthy outlook for economic growth.
Second, access to critical care becomes paramount in the discussion. While hospital care is not evident in Hartington, they have managed to use their resources to keep a medical clinic, a dentist, an eye doctor, and two chiropractic offices for the needs of the community and region.
The nearest full-service hospital is the Avera Sacred Heart Health Service located in Yankton, South Dakota, only 25 miles away. The medical clinic located in Hartington is also an Avera clinic and is directly owned by the Yankton hospital. Also available is a crisis intervention center, nursing homes, two assisted living facilities, fire department, and a rescue squad.
Third, strong leadership is evident in the community as leaders have been developed through leadership training and volunteerism. For the past six years, Hartington has developed a leadership training tool that uses the services of the University of Nebraska, the Center for Rural Affairs, Heartland Leadership, and others to work with the community in creating and retaining leaders.
Next month, we will look at how Hartington has incorporated youth in their leadership development and how they have successfully been able to keep their environment healthy and vibrant for the regional economy.
Contact: Michael L. Holton, michaellh@cfra.org or call 402.687.2103 x 1020.
First, Hartington has established itself as a regional hub for industry, professional, agricultural, and retail services. In terms of retail sales, the measure most often used is called the “pull factor.” This refers to the community’s ability to retain those dollars that are earned within the community.
Hartington has managed to keep $1.06 for every dollar earned. This means that in terms of retail sales (excluding automobile sales), this community is actually bringing in more than what is earned. This creates a healthy outlook for economic growth.
Second, access to critical care becomes paramount in the discussion. While hospital care is not evident in Hartington, they have managed to use their resources to keep a medical clinic, a dentist, an eye doctor, and two chiropractic offices for the needs of the community and region.
The nearest full-service hospital is the Avera Sacred Heart Health Service located in Yankton, South Dakota, only 25 miles away. The medical clinic located in Hartington is also an Avera clinic and is directly owned by the Yankton hospital. Also available is a crisis intervention center, nursing homes, two assisted living facilities, fire department, and a rescue squad.
Third, strong leadership is evident in the community as leaders have been developed through leadership training and volunteerism. For the past six years, Hartington has developed a leadership training tool that uses the services of the University of Nebraska, the Center for Rural Affairs, Heartland Leadership, and others to work with the community in creating and retaining leaders.
Next month, we will look at how Hartington has incorporated youth in their leadership development and how they have successfully been able to keep their environment healthy and vibrant for the regional economy.
Contact: Michael L. Holton, michaellh@cfra.org or call 402.687.2103 x 1020.
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