Below is a summary of a few key takeaways from each of our panelists:
Beth Weisberger, founder of Gneiss Spice, runs her online business out of Bethel, Maine, selling magnetic spice containers and spices. For Beth, basing her business in a rural community allowed her the space she needed at a price she could afford in a place where her family had access to the recreation assets they loved. She commented on the support she has received from other businesses in the area and the growing business community.
Tim Clough, co-owner of Iron Furnace Brewing in Franconia, New Hampshire, saw a need in the community for a gathering place to have a beer after a bike ride. He got together with three of his friends and opened the brewery, which now employs 45 people from the community. Because of his longstanding local connections, he is able to call on friends who are contractors, plumbers, electricians, etc., to help out in a pinch, something he said wouldn’t be possible in a larger city.
Nathaniel Klein, co-founder of Treeline Terrains in Middlebury, Vermont, started his business in college with two friends making 3D wooden maps of landscapes. After graduating, they decided to move their business back to Vermont because of the quality of life and access to raw materials. Their local lumber mill and other business and town connections have helped the business thrive.
James Munn, owner of Black River Valley Natural in Lyons Falls, NY, said it was a very personal choice to leave the corporate world and move his family back to New York to start this value-adding dairy business. They have worked with the county, local dairy farmers, and community organizations to give back to his community in many ways.
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