Ramon Gonzalez, founding principal of MS 223-The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology, uses statistics to show how arts-powered schools help eliminate the reading achievement gap for low income students.
OPower, started by two college friends, has found success economically and environmentally. The globally-expanding company provides energy usage information to millions of households across the country, helping people save money and contribute to a healthier planet.
Amy Rasmussen, Executive Director of the Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education, explains the multiple ways arts-driven education inspires change and creativity in leaders across the nation.
Glen and Jacqueline Young, who received aid from the USDA's FSA Emergency loan Program, reflects on how friends and family in the community came together to help them rebuild after a devastating tornado.
July 22, 2011 at 4:03 PM ET by Glen and Jacqueline Young
Mark Timm, an owner of Colby Creek Stables, recounts the obstacles and triumphs he and his wife encountered when transforming the family business into a self-supporting operation via sustainable and renewable energy.
Eric Rund, CEO of Green Flame Energy, believes it is important to establish biomass crops in the market, by increasing biomass use in fuel and creating better incentives for farmers to plant them.
Ruth Hambleton, founder of Annie's Project in Illinois, recounts her experience at the Rural Champions of Change roundtable and the importance of providing education, support, and networking resources for farm and ranch women.
Ross Racine, Executive Director of Intertribal Agriculture Council, reviews the history of government recognition of Indian American agriculture, and the need to improve Indian access to rural programs.
Deborah Kane, Vice President of Food and Farms at Ecotrust, looks to connecting buyers with regionally grown food as not only a great way to support local farms, but also an economic investment in rural development.
Jason Frerichs, a farmer/rancher, educator, and lawmaker from Wilmot, South Dakota, speaks on the importance of broadband internet access in small towns and a competitive livestock industry to maintain producer confidence.
Linda Roberson, Town Manager and Finance Director of Zolfo Springs in Florida, discusses the various challenges small rural communities face in strengthening infrastructure.
Bruce Ward, founder and senior adviser to Choose Outdoors, honors the rural way of life that helped make this country is what it is today, and how we can instill those characteristics in future generations.
Sue Noble, Executive Director at the Vernon Economic Development Association in Wisconsin, explains that rural communities can help win the future for America by providing infrastructure investment with regional food systems.
Lance Morgan, member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and President/CEO of Ho-Chunk, Inc., speaks on the efforts for economic development in rural communities and opening job opportunities for tribal members.
P.J. Haynie III, a member of the USDA's Plant Variety Protection Act Board and Agricultural Advisory Council in Virginia, recounts his experiences at the Champions of Change roundtable and relates it to his participation with the National Black Growers Council.
Everett Dobrinski, a board chairman of CoBank, supports cooperatives as ways for farmers to work together on supply and marketing, rural communication, and financial needs to compete in a global economy.
Rick Huszagh and Crista Carrell, founders of Down to Earth Energy, explain how it is crucial to address the needs of rural America and stay competitive in the global market by inventing and implementing clean technologies.
Since founding Echogen Power Systems LLC, CEO Philip Brennan has received over $22 million in equity and grants, enabling the Akron, OH based company to double its staff size capacity and further develop its technology.
Linda Barnes, Ph.D., founder of the first associate degree program in sustainable agriculture in the Midwest, emphasizes preparing new farmers to grow and market diverse crops locally, especially in a changing world of food and farming.
Roland Arriola, founder and president of the Texas Valley Communities Foundation, applauds increased broadband access as a key input for rural economic development in communities.
Melody Barnes, Director of the Domestic Policy Council, reflects on the Champions of Change roundtable with Rural Americans, which includes farmers, ranchers, local educators, and small business owners improving their communities through innovative actions.
Matthew Evans, an 18-year old who created a non-profit called Discover Green, stresses the importance of taking action now by getting involved with energy conservation and green building.
Business owner Jane Iredale is expanding her company, Iredale Mineral Cosmetics, with the help of a grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The expansion will create jobs in the community and help drive the growth of the American economy.
Sam Holtz, a 12-year old who runs various recycling and clean energy events at his school, speaks about his enthusiasm for ecology and encouraging other kids to make a difference on the environment.
Alexa Boghosian, the 16-year old founder of Green Teens, recognizes her community's need for environmental education in public elementary schools, and is taking action to increase student understanding of sustainability.
Ashley Baia, Associate Director of the Office of Public Engagement, honors a group of young people taking initiative to help green their schools and to inform others about the importance of sustainability and clean energy.
Grace Cortese, a 10-year old interested in habitat preservation and halting species extinction, emphasizes ways kids can make a difference and help save the environment.
For years, Frank Cordie led a complex financing process to bring brick manufacturing back to Mexico, MO. His efforts have paid off, as Mid America Brick, the only brick manufacturer in central Missouri, has united community members and helped to revitalize the region's economy.
Jeremy Feldbusch, an Army Ranger veteran, speaks about the non-profit work that addresses challenges injured veterans and their families face everyday.
In 1966, Kevin Didden seized an opportunity to improve technology in the world's oil fields, and started CiDRA, which specializes in the installation of sensors in active oil wells. Since that time, he has started three more successful companies in various technical areas, creating jobs and driving innovation wherever he goes.
