Rural Leader Magazine December 2019

DECEMBER 2019

Small Town America's

100

Most Influential People 2019 Feature Issue

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Contents

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD Rural Leader Magazine, LLC is a digital publication that highlights every day people doing extraordinary things nationally and abroad. www.RuralLeaderMag.com www.GetRuralLeaderMag.com

About Us

Launched in March 2014, Rural Leader Magazine, LLC is a digital publication with a mission to highlight every day people doing extraordinary things in business, education, music, community, art, sports, and leadership nationally and abroad.

Rural Leader Magazine honors exemplary individuals on a variety of levels, such as the 20 under 20 Honors, 40 under 40 Honors, Best Small Town Restaurant, Small Town America’s 100 Most Influential People, the Scholars of Collegiate Distinction, Fifty under Fifty, and the Eagle Elite Club.— Reproduction in any manner, in whole or in part, in English, or other languages, is prohibited without written consent.

Send editorial ideas to Kuanita Murphy, PhD, Editor-in-Chief editor@ruralleadermag.com Contact Us info@ruralleadermag.com drkuanitaemurphy@gmail.com

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5 Crossroads: Change in Rural America

6 Simple, Meaningful Ways to Give Back to Your Community 8 Holiday Hacks: How to Spend Less Time Cooking and More Time With Family 9 Fair Count Installs Computer Hub with Internet Access at Cuthbert Business

10 Twenty Nineteen Small Town America's 100 Most Influential People 16 The Perfect Holiday Gift Solutions for Small Business Owners

17 Tips for Growing Your Small Business this Holiday Season 18 Kick-off 2020 by Getting Outdoors and Enjoying State Parks

Tell us what you think about our publications, if you have a great idea for a story, or to just share. We may print your comments in Rural Leader Magazine. By sending us your comments, you’re giving permission to call you for an interview. Please be sure to include your name, address, email address, and phone number so we can reach you. Write to us at info@RuralLeaderMag.com—

Editor’s Note Dear Readers, Inside this issue, there are a number of great articles about leadership best practices, building positive self-esteem and productivity! We hope you enjoy this issue.

As always, I hope you enjoy this issue and continue to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google +, and LinkedIn. Thanks again for your continual support!

Sincerely,

Photo Courtesy of TieFotos

Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

What you do matters.

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Crossroads: Change in Rural America In 1900, about 40% of Americans lived in rural areas, By 2010, less than 18% of the U.S. population lived in rural areas. In just over a century, massive economic and social changes moved millions of Americans into urban areas. Yet, only 10% of the U.S. landmass is considered urban.

Many Americans consider rural communities to be endangered and hanging on by a thread—suffering from brain drain, inadequate schools, and a barren, overused landscape. Why should revitalizing the rural places left behind matter to those who remain, those who left, and those who will come in the future? Because there is much more to the story of rural America.

Crossroads: Change in Rural America offers small towns a chance to look at their own paths to highlight the changes that affected their fortunes over the past century. The exhibition will prompt discussions about what happened when America’s rural population became a minority of the country’s population

and the ripple effects that occurred.

Despite the massive economic and demographic impacts brought on by these changes, America’s small towns continue to creatively focus on new opportunities.

Andrew College invites you to experience the Smithsonian Exhibit on Main Street Exhibition at 72 Dawson Street (On the Square) in Cuthbert beginning Janaury 18 through February 29, 2020. The free exhibit will be open to the pulblic Monday through Wednesday from Noon-6 PM EST; Thursday 2 PM until 8 PM; Friday through Saturday 10 AM until 2 PM. Other hours available by request.

In conjunction with the Smithsonian Exhibit, there will also be Photo Contest to promote storytelling through photography. For more information about the contest please, visit the Chamber website at www. randolphcountychamber.org For more information about the exhibit, call 229-732-5990.—

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Simple, Meaningful Ways to Give Back to Your Community With today’s busy and distracted lifestyles, it can be difficult to find ways to make a difference to those less fortunate in the community. However, today it is simpler than ever to give back, and you do not have to alter your hectic routine to make an impact.

1) Give back while you shop. If you want to make a difference with your shopping dollars, look for retailers that give a percentage of their profits to those in need. For example, Walgreens gives 1% of sales from participating vitamin products to nonprofit Vitamin Angels. Through this partnership, undernourished pregnant women and children under 5 receive life-changing nutrients to combat the devastating effects of malnutrition. When customers purchase, they support Vitamin Angels’ mission to improve child and maternal health in the U.S. and around the world. The partnership has already reached more than 200 million children and mothers throughout the U.S. and worldwide with essential vitamins and minerals. To learn more, visit www.walgreens.com/ vitaminangels. Many retailers and grocery stores also provide shoppers the opportunity to donate to causes when they are at the checkout register. With just a couple of extra clicks, you can opt to add a small contribution to your total bill to provide resources to a worthy cause.

2) Give while you work up a sweat. You can get exercise and support a cause you care about at the same time. Several apps on the market allow you to donate to your charity of choice for every mile you walk, run or bike - the miles can even add up as you carry your 6

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phone around all day. All you have to do is download an app, create an account, select your favorite charity and get moving. You can also join organized walks and runs that suit all fitness levels to support your cause. Turn it into a social event by rallying friends, coworkers and family members to join you, or ask them to sponsor you (and cheer you on) for each mile completed.

3) Give back while you de-clutter. Next time you join in on the Marie Kondo craze to clear out your closets, consider sparking even more joy by donating gently used items to a local nonprofit. Clothing and goods you no longer use can be life-changing for those in need. Check before you donate to make sure your charity of choice needs your donations. Some organizations will even come to your home at no charge, making it even easier to give back.

4) Give your time. With crammed schedules, it can seem like a big commitment to volunteer, but today’s nonprofits offer flexible arrangements. Most nonprofits welcome any level of assistance, even one­time engagements or a couple of hours a month.

Contact a local nonprofit you are interested in to ask about volunteering opportunities. Some employers will even allow you to use PTO (paid time off) for volunteering, so it’s worth asking your employer’s HR department. Making a difference with your dollars or giving your time can feel great, and it can also be effortless. Find a way to make a difference that works for you - and then go for it! Even small actions can make a huge impact to your community.—

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Holiday Hacks: How to Spend Less Time Cooking and More Time With Family The holidays are a time to celebrate and make priceless memories with friends and family. However, when you are the person tasked with preparing and cooking for everyone else, you may often have to miss out on all the family fun and those moments that matter most. Here are several tips to get you motivated to get out of the kitchen and give you more time to enjoy the company of loved ones - without sacrificing any of your delicious holiday traditions.

Plan ahead. Preparation is key! To begin, make a to-do list of the necessary tasks (i.e., purchasing ingredients) that can be completed ahead of time.

For example, set the table the day before to save time on the day of your gathering. Also, be sure you are well stocked on things you may run out of or could dirty easily - from cloth napkins to beverage options - so you don’t stress day-of and can truly relish every minute with family.

Ask for help. When time is not on your side, there’s nothing better than a little helping hand - especially when that help could be delivered right to your doorstep. Boston Market, known this time of year as the Holiday Experts, has fully prepared, precooked holiday meal spreads, as well as a la carte sides and desserts that can be preordered and picked up at any Boston Market location nationwide. You can even get a complete holiday dinner and have it shipped directly to your door! In addition, Boston Market restaurants are open on Thanksgiving and Christmas for any last-minute needs. Skip the prep work and time in the kitchen by ordering online at bostonmarket.com.

Divide the responsibilities. Who says you have to do all the work? Ask friends and family to pitch in - a little help goes a long way. A few weeks before your gathering, send a message to your guests inviting them to help with beverages, picking up ice, or bring-

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ing a side dish or dessert. And when the meal is over, have a designated clean-up crew with multiple people to get the job done faster.

Leftovers for house guests. Even if you have several guests staying in your home, don’t feel obligated to cook brand new meals each day. Turn holiday leftovers into tomorrow’s breakfast or lunch by adding leftover meat to omelets or putting together a sandwich bar. There are so many delicious ways to plus up Thanksgiving leftovers, like a turkey and Swiss bread pudding or even a turkey shepherd’s pie!

Use the right tools. Save time by getting creative in the kitchen. If you run out of oven space, the slow cooker is a convenient alternative for baking desserts like hot fudge brownies, apple crisp and even pecan pie. You can also find easy no-bake recipes or dishes that can be made quickly in the microwave.

Skip extra grocery trips. When cooking for a crowd, you’re bound to forget an item or two from your grocery list. Avoid unnecessary extra trips to the store by knowing your substitutes. If you run out of butter, you can substitute for olive oil or vegetable oil. Happen to forget the buttermilk? No worries use watered-down yogurt or sour cream.

Create a schedule. If you’re still worried about spending too much time standing over the stove, create a schedule to guide your celebration. Block time for socializing, cooking and preparing for guests, but don’t forget to be flexible. Set out board games, crafts or photo albums - anything to encourage bonding and conversation so you’re not tempted to keep working in the kitchen.

This year, don’t let your holiday cooking duties overtake the joy of the season. Follow these useful tips to make the most of your festive time!

Fair Count Installs Computer Hub with Internet Access at Cuthbert Business

By Dr. Kuanita E. Murphy

Fair Count installed a computer hub consisting of three laptops with Internet access Friday, November 15 at Unique Images Barber Shop in Cuthbert. The purpose of the Internet install and computer hub is to provide an access point for individuals to complete the 2020 Census online in the coming weeks. Currently, individuals may also utilize the computer hub to apply for 2020 Census jobs online.

Fair Count is committed to using technology solutions and traditional organizing by closing the digital gap by bringing the Internet to communities without connectivity and in locations people trust. Fair Count, Inc. was founded by Stacey Abrams in March 2019 and is a nonprofit,nonpartisan organization dedicated to partnering with Hard to Count (HTC) communities to achieve a fair and accurate count of all people in Georgia and the nation in the 2020 Census and to strengthen the pathways to greater civic participation.

Freddrick Cannon, owner of Unique Images Barber Shop is excited about the Internet Install and computer hub. “I think this is a great opportunity to serve the community and to support the 2020 Census efforts. It is important that everyone is counted because each person counted equals much needed resources for Randolph County,” Cannon said.

Unique Images Barber Shop is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM until 8 PM. Visit FairCount. org for more information about the organization and how to get involved. -Pictured Above L to R: Dr. Kuanita E. Murphy, Executive Director, Randolph County Family Connection, Inc., Dr. Jay Derby, Fair Count, Inc. Technology Coordinator, and Mr. Freddrick B. Cannon, Owner, Unique Images Barber Shop. — in Cuthbert, Georgia.

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Small Town America's

100 It is with great pleasure that we present the 2019 Small Town America’s 100 Most Influential People.

For the second year, our anonymous panel of judges received scores of nominations with the daunting task to select 100 individuals who met the following baseline criteria: 1) nominee must reside within the United States and live or work within a small town or city with a population of 80,000 or less; (Note: we included a number of individuals from larger urban areas with considerable more population, however, may be considered small by other standards; and 2) be least 18 years of age and have made a significant contribution to community in his or her genre. Honorees self-nominated or were nominated by an individual, group, or organization.

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We thought it important to convey a broad range of successful and influential people whose level of involvement, commitment, and intense effort to improve their communities sometimes go unnoticed.

This year’s class includes influential people from a variety of sectors including business, art, music, theatre, health, government, law enforcement, education, and the faith community. They are everyday people doing extraordinary things. The full scope of their individual contributions may never be fully realized by those who do not understand the small town dynamic. Collectively, these exemplary individuals represent the heart and soul of small communities.— Congratulations to all honorees!—

Case Arnold Musician

Clarksville, TN

Eric Biddines

Producer/Rapper/Vocalist Ocala, FL

Anquarious Brown Youth Leader/ Motivational Speaker/ Volunteer Albany, GA

Erin Burnett

CNN News Anchor Mardela Springs, MD

Matt Arthur

Commissioner Technical College System of GA Rabun County GA

Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. Congressman GA 2nd District Mobile, AL

Paige Brown Mayor City of Gallatin, TN

Dr. Alexa I. Canady First AA Female Neurosurgeon in the United States Lansing, MI/Penscola, FL

Henry Balkcom, IV Law/Superior Court Judge Georgetown, GA

Former Vice Admiral in U. S. Pub. Health C.C. Fairhope, AL

Chundra Bradford

Dr. Ansley Booker

Director Mercer University Educational Op Center Eatonton, GA/Macon, GA

Dr. Teresa L. F. Brown

Chris Canning

Stephen K. Benjamin Mayor City of Columbia, SC

Terry Bradshaw

Nurse Meharry Hospital Nashville, TN

Former NFL Star/TV Analyst Shreveport, LA

Luke Bryan

Dr. Linda Buchanan

Buddy Carter

Rev. E. Terrell Carter

Award Winning Country Music Artist/ Songwriter Leesburg, GA

Minister/ ED of AME Church, Dept. R & S Independence, MO

Mayor City of Calistoga, CA

Dr. Regina Benjamin

Congressman District 1 Georgia Port Wentworth, GA

President Andrew College Cuthbert, GA

Minister/Founder & Sr. Pastor Greater New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church

Sylvester, GA

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Katherine Clark

Congressman 5th District Massachusetts New Haven, CT

Dr. Christine Darden

Dr. Jeffrey Cooper General Secretary African Methodist Episcopal Church Savannah, GA

Dr. John Davis

William E. Cooper First African American Mayor City of Enterprise, AL

Mark Dean

Aeronautical Engineer/ Data Analyst/ Mathematician at NASA Monroe, NC

Minister Union Baptist Church Bluffton, GA/Cuthbert, GA

Inventor/Computer Engineer Jefferson City, TN

Jeanette J. Epps

Evelyn Juanita Fields First AA and Female Rear Admiral of NOAA Norfolk, VA

Wilbur T. Gamble, III

Stacy Grant

Carolyn Greene

Aerospace Engineer & NASA Astronaut Syracuse, NY

Shera Craig Grant District Court Judge Birmingham, AL

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Educator Founder/Director of Our Girls Rock Too, Inc.!

Portal, AL

Esquire Collier &Gamble Attorneys at Law Dawson, GA

Owner Home Dare Care Center Albany, GA

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Claudia V. Cubillos Mayor City of El Portal, FL

Belva Dorsey

Executive Director Enrichment Services Program, Inc. Columbus, GA

Tim Gents

Hip Hop Artist Clarksville, TN

Raul M. Grijalva Congressman Arizona 3rd District Tucson, AR

Amber Dallas

Founder Queen of Grace, Inc. Valdosta, GA

Crystal R. Emery

Author and Filmmaker Founder URU The Right to Be, Inc. New Haven, CT

Mia Pittman George Author/Entrepreneur/ Motivational Speaker Blakely, GA

Kenneth E. Gulley Mayor City of Bessemer, AL

Bernice Harris

Minister/Entrepreneur/ Owner BB Beauty Supply Georgetown, GA

Linda Hudson Mayor City of Fort Pierce, FL

Christopher Johnson Artist/ Printmaker/Muralist Columbus, GA

Carvel Lewis

Owner Lewis Mortuary & TCSG Board Member Georgetown, GA

Terry Heflin

Nia-Malika Henderson Senior Politcal Reporter CNN Hopkins, SC

U. S. Representative District 4 Greenwich, CT

Jim Hines

Nicole W. Howell

Chavona Jacobs-Young

Bishop T. D. Jakes

Dr. Mae C. Jemison Engineer/Physician/ Former NASA Astronaut Decatur, AL

Faith Jenkins

Judge/Legal Commentator/Media Personality Shreveport, LA

Dr. Jeff Johnson

Christopher King

Reatha Clark King

Jason Lary

Nurse/Community Leader Lineville, AL

Administrator U. S. Dept. of Ag R. S. Augusta, GA

Author/Minister/Producer The Potter's House in Dallas, TX South Charleston, WV

Author/ MSNBC Contributor/White House Correspondent Cleveland, OH

Founder The Gentleman's Course Tampa, FL

John Lewis

Aaron E. Livingston "Sun Little"

U. S. Represenative Georgia-5th District Troy, AL

R& B Musician Philadelphia, PA

Chemist Former VP at General Mills, Corp.

Pavo, GA

Georgia Lord Mayor City of Good Year, AR

Coordinator Macon County Family Connection Marshallvile, GA

Mayor City of Stone Crest, GA

Bridgette Mack

"BMack Writes' Life Skills Coach/ Motivational Speaker/ Writer Leesburg, GA

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Gwendolyn Mallard

Founder and Bishop Faith Temple Church of Cuthbert, Inc, Cuthbert, GA

Winston Oxford

Executive Director Lee County Chamber of Commerce Leesburg, GA

Dr. Vivian W. Pinn Physician/Scientist/ Pathologist Fairfax, VA

Martha Roby Congresswoman AL 2nd District Montgomery, AL

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Marsai Martin

Actress and Producer Plano, TX

Davina Patterson Healthcare Manager Family Health Clinic Eufaula, AL

Charelle R. Radcliffe

Coordiantor Cussetta-Chattahoochee County Family Connection Cussetta, GA

John L. Rowe Mayor City of Portsmouth, VA

Dr. Kenneth Martin Minister & President Georgia MBA, Inc. Monroe, LA

Tracey N. Pendley

Dr. Shelia Nash-Stevenson

Shanta Craig Owens

Integration Engineer First AA Woman to Earn PhD in Physics at Alabama A & M University Lawrence County, AL

Judge Jefferson Co. District Court Birmingham, AL

Dr. Tanjula Petty

Abby Phillip

2020 GA Teacher of the Year Burgess Peterson Academy Atlanta, GA

Educator/Administrator Lean Six Sigma Servant Leader Montgomery, AL

White House Correspondent for CNN Bowie, MD

Terri Raven

Deanna R. Reed

Rev. Adam Richardson Senior Bishop 11th Episcopal District of the AME Church Tallahassee, FL

Prophetess/Minister Terri Raven Ministries Albany, GA

Darrell Sabbs, Sr.

Community Organizer Motivational Speaker Americus, GA

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Mayor City of Harrisonburg, VA

Durell Sanders Owner Lots of Tees, LLC Forest Park, GA

Ricky Shelton Mayor City of Cookville, TN

Dr. Alvario Smith Minister Lake City, FL

Michael Threatt

Chief Executive Officer Sylacauga Housing Authority Sylacauga, AL

Zsuzsanna Eva Ward "ZZ Ward" Singer/Songwriter/ Multi-Instrumentalist Abington Township, PA

Nena Williams

Educator South GA Technical College/Americs Fort Gaines, GA

Eddie Stapleton Pastor and Community Activist Blakely, GA

Raury Deshawn Tullis "Raury" Songwriter & Rapper Stone Mountain, GA

Carl Weathers Actor and Former Professional Football Player New Orleans, LA

Steve Williams Mayor City of Huntington, WV

Brian Stelter

Commentator Chief Media Correspondent for CNN Damascus, MD

France D. Turner

Community Organizer Servant Leader Richland, GA

Beth Weldon

Mayor City of City of Juneau, AK

Karin Wilson Mayor City of Fairhope, AL

Cole Taylor

Bennie G. Thompson

Johnny Walker

Nikuyah Walker

Country Music Singer/Songwriter/ Producer Shellman, GA

Chief of Police Randolph Co. Schools (GA) Sylvester, GA

Geneva West

Founder, Real Impact Center, Inc. Pineview, GA/ Macon, GA

Dr. Richard Woods Georgia’s School Superintendent Tifton, GA

Congressman MS 2nd District Bolton, Mississippi

First AA Mayor City of Charlottesville, VA

Frank Williams, III "Shuler King" Comedian Sumter, NC

Frank Zamora

2020 GA Teacher of the Year Finalist Johnson High School Gainsville, GA

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The Perfect Holiday Gift Solutions for Small Business Owners Sponsored by Office Depot OfficeMax

As a small business owner, the holiday season is often your most profitable - and busiest - time of the year. With a third of all retailers making 50 percent of their profits during the holidays1, keeping up with the customer demand alone can be a challenge. Now add that to going to holiday parties, finding gifts for family, friends, clients and colleagues and taking time off to actually relax and enjoy the seasonal festivities - “the most wonderful time of the year” quickly becomes “the most stressful time of the year.”

So, what’s the solution when looking to take advantage of the busy shopping season AND trying to enjoy some time with your friends and family? The answer is to combine small business and personal holiday tasks as much as you can. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy this time of year with less stress, thanks to the services and products at Office Depot and OfficeMax. 1. Do as much one-stop shopping as you can. Time is valuable. Find places to shop that carry a variety of items that not only make great gifts for family and friends, but also for clients, bosses and co-workers.

At Office Depot, you can find essential supplies and services, and great gifts for everyone on your list, including yourself. One example is the TUL® Wireless Charging Notebook. A perfect gift for a student, business pro or busy mom on-the-go, this profes16 RuralLeaderMagazine.com | December 2019

sional-looking leather-discbound notebook now has a built-in wireless charging spot on the cover that is compatible with any Qi-certified Android or Apple smart phone. This notebook can also be tailored to meet your unique style and functionality needs.

Punch in business cards and photos or accessorize with a variety of add-ons like a task pad or ruler you can make it yours. Complete the gift with the TUL® Fine Writing Solid Metal Barrel Ballpoint Pens, which are precision engineered and beautifully crafted, with a professional and luxurious look.

2. Tap into the latest technology. With a hectic holiday season and new year ahead, invest in some new tech for your business. Buy products that are multi-functional and long-lasting to keep you and your business efficient at all times. The HP Pavilion Convertible 2-In-1 Laptop is a great example. You can take both work and play to the next level with this 2-in-1 laptop, which allows you to touch, tap and glide through its intuitive interface while enjoying versatile typing and viewing positions thanks to the 360-degree hinge. You can surf the Internet with ease with this laptop, and its superior solid-state drive holds plenty of songs, photos, documents and other files. The HP Wide Vision HD webcam allows you to video conference with crisp, clear audio performance, and the dual speakers with HP Audio Boost

help bring music and video to life.

3. Get practical. Give the gift of an improved, ergonomic work station. If you’re like most people, you’ve tried everything to make your daily work position more comfortable. The VARIDESK (TM) ProPlus Manual Standing Desk Converter does just that. The sturdy base sits on top of an existing desk, and the upper deck acts as the display surface for monitors.

The easily adjustable design offers 11 different height settings, so you can experiment with different levels to find optimal comfort, and to vary your posture while working.

So, you have the desk, now what? No one wants to waste time during the holidays putting furniture together. Office Depot and OfficeMax offer a complete

service solution that’s equipped to handle customers’ business and home office furniture needs.

Your friends, family, business partners and colleagues - especially fellow small business owners - will all appreciate the practical gift solutions and services you can find either online or in-store at Office Depot and OfficeMax. This holiday season, you can even take advantage of free next business-day shipping on qualifying orders of $45 or more. Don’t let the holidays stress you out this year. By shopping smart, small business owners can take advantage of a profitable holiday season and conquer their to-do lists so that this holiday season can be the best one yet.—

Tips for Growing Your Small Business this Holiday Season

Small businesses have a major impact on their communities: 67 cents of every dollar spent on small businesses stays in the local economy. But when it comes to growing their businesses, nearly one in four small business owners say marketing is one of their biggest challenges. As small businesses prepare for the holiday rush, they are investing in digital marketing to reach new customers and stand out online.

Below are a few easy, effective ways to grow your business during this busy time of year from Kim

Spalding, global product director for small business ads, Google: 1. Be discovered and build a website. People are increasingly searching for small businesses. In 2019, search interest in “mom and pop shops” hit a threeyear high. To make sure holiday shoppers are finding your business, Google My Business is a free and easy way to help businesses show up in Search and Maps.

Businesses can attract customers by creating Continued on page 19 GetRuralLeaderMag.com | December 2019 17

Kick-off 2020 by Getting Outdoors and Enjoying State Parks For many people, modern life means spending more time indoors. In fact, Americans spend roughly 90% of their time indoors, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. This has had numerous direct and indirect health impacts, from respiratory issues due to poor indoor air quality to reduced physical activity due to an indoor sedentary lifestyle.

People of all ages are starting to make a change, embracing the outdoors for all the benefits it can provide to their mental and physical health. Since there are opportunities for getting outdoors nearby wherever you live or travel, there’s no better time to commit to getting outside than in 2020.

First Day Hikes. A new year offers 365 days of opportunity, and what better way to start your outdoor goals than with First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day at a state park near you? State parks in all 50 states are offering free, guided First Day Hikes run by outdoor experts who want to help you explore the best the park has to offer.

Visit stateparks.org to find a local participating park and enjoy New Year’s Day making memories outdoors while exercising and connecting with nature. The distance and rigor vary depending on the park and the program, but all hikes have one goal: to create a fun experience for the whole family while fostering an appreciation for the outdoors.

Explore local treasures year-round. It’s easy to take for granted what’s in your own backyard, and state parks are a reminder of the beauty of the different seasons while offering ample amenities that make ex18 RuralLeaderMagazine.com | December 2019

ploration easy any time of year. Once you visit, you’ll want to return again and again to cherish the scenery and create many more memories with your family.

Whether it’s a family picnic, a guided group hike, bird watching, rock climbing or simply a calm walk listening to the sounds of nature, there are many activities to explore at state parks. Check out the month’s park programs run by knowledgeable state park staff and volunteers to see what may be of interest to you and your family.

Discover different parks throughout the U.S. In the United States there are 6,792 state park areas comprising 18,694,570 acres. These parks offer 14,672 trails over 52,603 miles total length - that’s more than twice around the Earth at the equator! Whether you’re exploring your local park or looking for a way to enjoy the outdoors while traveling, there’s a state park nearby that is sure to bring the wonder of nature to your family.

Every state park has different opportunities, from hiking, biking, and equestrian trails to swimming, marinas and ski slopes. The best way to get acquainted with a state park is to visit it and see for yourself.

Wear comfortable shoes and consider packing a water bottle and protein bar for your hike and you’ll be ready to enjoy nature to the fullest.

Start 2020 with a First Day Hike and let this be the year you commit to getting outdoors and enjoying state parks. You’ll feel a deeper connection with nature and your loved ones, all while making lifelong memories.—

Tips from Growing Your Small Business, Continued from page 17 a profile where they can update their store information (like their holiday hours), create free posts that promote a special holiday offer or event and reply to reviews. Platforms like Wix and WordPress also offer free accounts that help small business owners build mobile-optimized and budget-friendly websites.

Once you have a website, adding a basic map or store locator can help customers more easily find your store by showing them your store’s location on a map and giving directions.

2. Make it easier to sell online. Ensuring customers’ online holiday shopping experience is easy and seamless is critical. Shopify is a complete commerce platform that lets you start, grow and manage a business. Shopify enables you to sell in multiple places including web, mobile, social media, online, marketplaces, brick-and-mortar locations and pop-up shops.

3. Reach more customers. Small business owners have a lot on their plates - especially during the holiday months - and finding the time to create engaging content can feel impossible. Hiring a copywriter from services like Fiverr frees up time for small business owners to focus on running their businesses while expert freelancers draft copy to attract customers. A simple way to reach customers quickly, Smart Campaigns, created specifically for small business owners, takes 15 minutes to set up, and can help small busi-

nesses create and optimize ads to attract customers to their website or Maps. Smart Campaigns saves small business owners time by optimizing their budget across Google Ads to deliver the results they crave.

Expanded Local Campaigns can help businesses increase foot traffic by surfacing Promoted Pins that appear on the map when users are getting directions and planning their route to a destination.

4. Get a customized online business plan. Even though most business owners know their customers are on the web, 80 percent still aren’t making the most of digital tools that can help them reach more customers and work more efficiently. Google for Small Business is a free, one-stop shop to help small businesses simplify how they select and use the online tools that can help them reach more holiday customers and work more efficiently. First, business owners input their business name, answer a few questions about their business and select a goal.

Then, they receive a step-by-step, personalized plan of recommended products to help them stand out online.

Growth for small businesses isn’t always about doing more, it’s about getting things done in less time, with less complication and less worry. This holiday season, these tools can help businesses thrive by providing the support needed to connect with more customers and meet goals.— GetRuralLeaderMag.com | December 2019 19

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