When Going Gets Tough, Struggling Small Towns Get Creative

"Most small towns are still struggling, as a tour of boarded-up Main Streets and closed John Deere dealerships in the rural heartland will show. 'Outmigration' has drained their populations over the past century....Some surviving small towns have simply become bedroom communities for large cities, and have lost their character. But others deeper in the boondocks remain determined to beat off the doomsayers with creative ideas..."

"Local officials also have to realise that downtowns have changed for ever. Clothing and hardware stores will never return to the town centre. Rather restaurants and bars, government offices and even private houses should be given a place near Main Street. State aid for small entrepreneurs also helps."