Mike's passion for rural communities stems from the efforts of high school students in Howard, SD who in 1996 decided they wanted to help save their “dying" community with a “buy local” campaign. As a teacher, Mike wanted to support the students’ efforts, so he decided to try to buy “a little more” locally. When local spending increased over 30% over the course of the year, Mike realized that his previous personal behavior (i.e. - not trying to buy local) had been part of the reason for the community's struggles. It caused a shift in his mindset about his community. He became engaged in the community and cared about its future for the first time. Eventually, this shift in mindset inspired Mike to become the community’s Director of Housing and Economic Development. Mike’s current passion is to help connect rural changemakers. Individually, rural change-makers are engaging in innovative activities within their communities. They possess incredible knowledge, skills, and experiences. Too often, however, this innovation remains isolated and disconnected; the remote nature of rural serves as a barrier to the spread of innovation. By helping to both “orchestrate" connections and design online "creation spaces," Mike believes that rural changemakers can overcome the challenges of their remote geography and get better together. Specialties: Community and Economic Development, Social Networking & Online Community Organizing, Rural Housing Development, Place Branding, Marketing, Talent Attraction Strategies, Rehab Housing Development, and Youth Engagement Strategies.