Rural Leader Magazine May 2017

MAY 2017

We are a TEAM

because we work together.

We are a TEAM, because we respect, trust, and care for each other.—

GetRuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2017 1

Contents 5 Healthier kids, Healthier Communities: 4 ways to Get Involved 6 2017 Nominations Calendar 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

7 Thinking about a Career in Health care?

Consider This 8 Brenda and Marin Wolgamott walk their vineyard in Lockwood, California 11 Five Tips to Help Teens Master Their Money

13 Simple Ideas to get in shape this Summer 16 The Next Big IT career: Data Analytics turns Big Data Into Career Opportunities 19 Kindergarten is the new 1st grade: Is your preschooler ready?

20 The Best Ways to Support Veterans in 2017 23 Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving

Contact Us Rural Leader Magazine, LLC 400 West Peachtree Street Suite #4-529 Atlanta, Georgia 30308 info@ruralleadermagazine.com 1-866-293-1162

Join Today! Visit GSAACC.org 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@ruralleadermagazine.com

2 RuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2017

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@ RuralLeaderMagazine.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.

GetRuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2017 3 @RuralLeaderMag

4 RuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2017

Healthier kids, Healthier Communities: 4 ways to Get Involved

It’s no secret that experiences in early and middle childhood are extremely important for a child’s healthy development and lifelong learning. Yet schools - the places where kids spend the majority of their time outside of the home during the week - often lack the resources and support needed to enable and inspire students to adopt healthier lifestyles.

The solution is within reach; it rests in the hands of parents and other concerned community members who make investments (even small ones) in kids inside and outside of school to help build healthier communities and a healthier world.

Dominique Dawes, an Olympic Gold Medalist, three-time Olympian and child nutrition advocate, shares her tips on how caregivers can get involved in manageable, meaningful ways to impact change within their children’s schools and communities.

1. Understand you’re not alone.

Look to organizations with a footprint in your community, and seek out ways to volunteer. There’s a great organization called Action for Healthy Kids. With the help

of sponsors like GoGo squeeZ, their volunteer network works to improve the health and wellness of students in schools nationwide and highlight the link between nutrition, physical activity and learning. They even have an “Every Kid Healthy Week” to celebrate the great effort schools are making.

Programs like these are impactful resources for parents, students and teachers alike.

2. Reach out to your local parks and recreation department.

Chances are, they’re looking for volunteers. You may be able to help out with something on a recurring basis - a wellness or athletic program of particular interest to you. Also, ask about other ways you can serve your community.

They may have park cleanup programs or other projects that can get your whole family moving and contributing.

3. Make it fun. Talk to the administration at your child’s school about activities and competitions to help students take ownership of their own health. Action for Healthy Kids offers free online activities to help improve physical activity and nutrition in school,

but you can also encourage your school to apply for a grant to expand your local resources. Sponsors like GoGo squeeZ fund new grants every year!

4. Don’t underestimate your own abilities. Did you grow up learning gymnastics? Speak to the parents of your kids’ friends about organizing a gymnastics workshop at the park one weekend. Do you have a passion for making (and eating) healthy food? Volunteer to bring easy, nutritious snacks to a local after-school program, sports group or camp whenever you’re able. Bonus: nothing builds new friendships faster than food!

“I talk to so many people who care about the issues we’re facing with childhood health and wellness but don’t know how to get their foot in the door,” Dawes says.

“My best advice is to start small, but start somewhere. Just one small change can make a significant difference in the life of a child and the health of a community.”—

GetRuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2017 5

2017 NOMINATIONS CALENDAR Forty under Forty Recognizes young leaders under 40 from AL, FL, and GA March 1st-April 30th (September issue) Fifty under Fifty Recognizes leaders under fifty nationally for outstanding achievement April 30th-May 31st (July issue) Eagle of Elite Club Magazine Recognizes youth ages 5-13 for outstanding scholastic achievement in leadership, art, music, community service, and sports March 1st-April 30th (June Publication) Twenty under Twenty Recognizes youth under 20 for outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and community service March 30th-May 31st (June Stand Alone Issue) Scholars of Collegiate Distinction Magazine Honors individuals of all ages who attain higher education from small communities May 1st-June 30th (August Publication) Best Small Town Restaurant Ongoing Celebrating the Women of Small Town America Recognizes women ages 18 and older for exemplary achievement and service to community April 1-May 31st (june Virtual Online Only) Small Town America’s 100 Most Influential People A national call to recognize exemplary leaders from small communities July 1-Aug. 31st (December issue) For More Information, visit RuralLeaderMag.com.

6 RuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2017

Thinking about a Career in Health care? Consider This...

Image of Harvard Medical School faculty member Dr. Richard Schwartzstein, teaching in the intensive care unit as part of an HMX course. Image courtesy of HMX |(c) 2017 The President and Fellows of Harvard College.

Medical professionals are in greater demand than ever before, and that’s not likely to change anytime soon. According to the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC), by the year 2025, the United States could need as many as 90,000 more physicians than it actually has, and the demand for nurses and other health professionals could be even higher.

Given those numbers, the time couldn’t be better to consider a career in health care.

Historically, the path toward becoming a doctor or nurse has been a rigid one - and, as a student, you were either on that path or you weren’t. But today, new options are opening up, as even the best-established medical schools seek to expand their offerings and encourage a greater number of medically inclined students to enter the field professionally.

New options for health care-inclined students of all ages Just take what Harvard Medical School is doing.

This spring, the school - whose typical acceptance rate is under 4 percent - announced its first-ever online certificate program that’s open to all aspiring clinicians as well as the general public.

The program, called HMX Fundamentals, is designed to give students a taste of what a top-tier medical education entails, while building crucial expertise in four foundational subject areas: Immunology, Physiology, Biochemistry and Genetics. These highly immersive courses emphasize real-world applications and experiences, integrating real-life case studies and offering a first-hand look into real medical facilities - a significant step beyond the traditional, pas-

sive learning and slide-show presentations that are common in some other online programs. The idea is to provide foundational knowledge in a meaningful context, making the information as relevant as possible.

By offering wider access than ever before to some of the school’s top physician-scientists, Harvard Medical School is hoping to change the game, and encourage more health-curious students and professionals to explore medicine seriously.

Whether you’re a highly motivated high school student, a recent college graduate or a young professional considering a transition into health care, this summer’s HMX Fundamentals program could be the first step in your path toward a career in medicine.

Expanding access without sacrificing quality While HMX Fundamentals courses are open to students at virtually any phase of their academic or professional career, they do require a basic understanding of chemistry, biology and physics. To ensure that students are prepared to succeed, prospective students are asked to submit a brief application, both to confirm they’ve completed the recommended prerequisites and to give HMX a sense of what they hope to achieve through the program.

Applications for the program will be accepted through May 30, and the inaugural summer installment program will begin June 20. Tuition for HMX Fundamentals courses is tiered, beginning at $800 for a single course or $1000 for a two-course bundle.

Partial scholarships are available on a limited basis.— BPT GetRuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2017 7

8 RuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2017

Brenda and Marin Wolgamott walk their vineyard in Lockwood, California.

Roots Run Deep for American Growers

The trend of home and community gardens is on the rise in the U.S. A 2014 study by the National Gardening Association found 1 in 3 households now grow their own food to help put breakfast, lunch and dinner on kitchen tables. While more and more people are helping to provide for themselves, purchasing food is the third-highest expenditure in typical American households, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This means that while many people maintain fruitful gardens, farming is still a major industry in the U.S. Based on recent statistics, the USDA reports: * U.S. growers produce more than $178 billion in crops per year. * The U.S. has 2.06 million farms on more than 911 million acres of land. * The U.S. exported $133 billion in agricultural products in 2015 alone; 44 percent of those exports went to Canada, China and Mexico. * One in 10 Americans work in agriculture and its related industries.

Do you ever stop to think about the men and women who help grow the world’s food? They come from all walks of life. Many have spent their whole lives working on their families’ farms, while others can trace their love of farming back to a high school teacher or college class. For each of these men and

women, agriculture is not only what they do, but also who they are. To celebrate the individuals whose agricultural roots are making a difference in all our lives, Syngenta has launched the #RootedinAg campaign. Here are a few of their stories: From the Georgia clay to the Midwestern Corn Belt Leon Hunter grew up on a small family farm in southwest Georgia. He remembers working on the farm at a young age, helping his father and two uncles operate his grandfather’s farm outside the town of Whigham.

“Agriculture was embedded in me,” he says.

“Working on the farm was what my cousins and I did after school and all summer.”

Hunter learned the value of hard work from his family - especially his grandfather, who was an astute farmer and businessman with strong values.

Hunter now uses those same lessons as he prepares a new generation of growers in his role as a Syngenta agronomy service manager. He and his team of 10 agronomists educate, train and advise colleagues and growers on how to produce the best crops possible in much of the Corn Belt east of the Mississippi River.

Read more of Hunter’s story here.

A passion for sustainability Mitch Roth grew up on his family’s Michigan

Leon Hunter, Agronomy Service Manager, Syngenta.a GetRuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2017 9

farm, where his parents taught him the value of having a nutritious meal on the table each night. Today, Roth is a graduate student at Michigan State University, working toward a doctorate degree in genetics.

He hopes his degree will help him find sustainable ways to feed the world. In 2015, he won the graduate level Syngenta Agricultural Scholarship because of his drive and innovative outlook.

While Roth gained invaluable hands-on experience working on his family farm, he knows the average American doesn’t have his level of understanding about agriculture. He believes shrinking that knowledge gap can help eliminate unnecessary fear of genetic research.

“Not everyone can become an expert in agricultural biotechnology,” he says, “but I believe more can be done to bridge this gap.”

Find Roth’s full story here.

Vintage roots Brenda Wolgamott and her husband, Duane, began their winemaking business in Lockwood, Cali-

10 RuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2017

fornia, in 1999 after years of working in agriculture and pest control. The pair created their own label, named after their young daughter, Marin. Eighteen years later, Marin, who studied wine and viticulture in college, works side-by-side with her parents and is now the winemaker for her namesake vineyard. Both she and her mother agree that working hard can and will pay off, especially in an industry with such a close-knit group of people.

“In this business, in agriculture, the thing that counts the most is your reputation,” Brenda says. “It’s important you do the best job that you can.”

Share your story These are just a few of the stories that Syngenta is proud to share through its #RootedinAg campaign.

Go to the Syngenta Thrive website to read more. And if you make your living in agriculture as a grower, reseller, educator or adviser, consider sharing your story in the #RootedinAg Contest for a chance to benefit your community.—BPT

GetRuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2017 11

Five Tips to Help Teens Master Their Money

For most teens, high school is an exciting time, one that offers the opportunity to set their own path and make some of their own decisions. However, with this added independence comes additional responsibility, especially regarding money.

Today teens are spending $260 billion a year in the U.S., yet only 17 states require completion of at least one financial literary course for high school graduation.

“So many teens don’t realize how important saving is,” says Angel Carter, an Atlanta teen who was selected by Boys & Girls Clubs of America to serve as national ambassador for its financial education program called Money Matters: Make it Count, created in collaboration with Charles Schwab Foundation.

“They don’t understand the importance of saving for their future needs and tracking or prioritizing their purchases.”

Taking part in this program had a profound impact on Carter, along with more than 725,000 other Club teens who have completed Money Matters. And to share what she learned, Carter offers a few tips to help others manage their money. * There’s no such thing as “too young” or “too much.” Because of the way compound interest works, the earlier you begin to save, the less of a burden it is. For example, regularly saving 10 percent of your income is a good savings goal if you’re in your 20s or younger; however, if you wait until your 30s to start saving, that number increases to 20 percent in order to reach the same long-term goal. And if you wait till your 40s, it goes up to 30 percent. So it’s better to start putting money away as early as possible. Talk to your parents or another adult you trust about setting up a savings account, and how much you should regularly set aside. * Recognize needs vs. wants. Being smart about money doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy life, or do fun things with your hard-earned cash; but it does mean you need to plan for them. An easy rule of thumb is to figure out how much you need to set aside in order to meet your expenses, including savings, every month. Anything left over is for having fun. It might seem contradictory, but knowing ahead of time how much spending money you have available helps you know when you can comfortably say “yes,” and when you’re better off passing on an event or an impulse purchase. * Know where your money goes. It may not be particularly fun, but tracking where and how you spend money is just one of those healthy habits that’s good for you, like eating spinach and exercising. You can record this information with a notebook or an 12 RuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2017

app, but just remember to log your purchases, including all those “small” ones. Being aware of every dollar you spend will help you understand yourself and your spending habits - and can help you find ways to reduce your spending and save even more. * Credit is like social media. You know how parents and teachers are always telling you to watch what you post on social media channels, because someday you’re going to have to apply for a job?

Good credit is to your future purchasing what a clean social media history is to job applications: it takes time and commitment to build, and only moments to lose. A good credit score and a history of responsible spending give you options, which is priceless when you want to buy or lease a car, or apply for an apartment or even buy a house later on. How do you build good credit? Manage your checking account carefully, always pay your bills on time, and if you do choose to get a credit card, never charge more than you can afford to pay off in full every month. * Keep it real. In today’s economy, managing money responsibly is a tall order, but it is possible, especially if you take control! Think about the kind of lifestyle you want to live, and figure out how much it takes to support yourself in those circumstances.

Once you’ve done that, it’s simply a matter of solving for “x.” One good way to be astute about finances is to look for a financial education program geared for teens, one that covers budgeting, goal setting, and planning for the future. Some programs, like Money Matters, even offer virtual reality games to practice for the real world without real-life risk.

These tips are just a few Carter learned through the Money Matters program at her local Boys & Girls Club. A new component of the program, the digital game $ky, is now available to all teens. The game challenges teens to navigate financial decisions in a fresh, fun way that will keep them thinking prudently about their finances in the months and years ahead.—BPT

Simple Ideas

To Get In Shape for Summer

GetRuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2017 13

Getting in shape for summer is more than just feeling good in a swimsuit. It’s being healthy so you can participate in all the fun activities that come along with the warmer weather.

From hiking to swimming, you don’t want to miss out on any of the summer fun. Eating right is a great way to ensure you’re healthy and in shape for summer. Use these easy healthy-eating tips to work your way toward healthier living.

1) Eat a high-protein breakfast A Tel Aviv University study found that adding whey protein to your breakfast can help you slim down.

What’s more, you’ll feel satisfied for longer. Record-setting long distance runner Jordan Hasay eats the same whey-protein-powered breakfast before each of her races. Try out the recipe for yourself: French vanilla BiPro, cinnamon oatmeal, fresh fruit, peanut butter and flax seed.

2) Give your workout routine a jolt A growing body of research shows that having caffeine before exercise can improve athletic performance, whether you’re lifting weights or doing an endurance workout. A study in the journal “Nutrients” found that cyclists who consumed caffeine were able to pedal for an average of 23 percent longer than other bikers. Another study, from the “European Journal of Sport Science,” indicated that pre-workout caffeine can increase muscular force and power.

More research from the “American Journal of Physiology” even shows that consuming caffeine before a workout can help accelerate fat loss!

3) Join a workout challenge There are all kinds of great fitness challenges online, which offer nutritional tips and workout advice.

14 RuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2017

One of the great things about a challenge is that it not only helps you learn more about nutrition and the gym, but it can also give you a concrete workout schedule. Check out the Summer Jumpstart Challenge at Info.BiProUSA.com/jumpstart.

4) Avoid late night snacking One of the easiest ways to eat healthier is by cutting out unneeded snacks. If you watch TV at night, it’s pretty easy to grab a bag of chips or microwave a bag of popcorn to eat while sitting on the couch. Try to cut out these unnecessary calories. If you eat a protein-packed, healthy dinner then you shouldn’t feel the need to snack later.

5) Make your desserts healthier Ok, if you absolutely can’t go without having a late night snack then at least make it as healthy as possible. The recipe below is great because it satisfies your sweet tooth and each serving is just 30 calories.

Frozen Strawberry Yogurt Pops Ingredients 1 cup of chopped strawberries 1 cup of Greek yogurt 1/4 cup of strawberry BiPro whey protein isolate 1-2 tablespoons of orange juice Directions Place 1/2 cup of strawberries, yogurt, strawberry BiPro and orange juice in a blender and puree until smooth.

Divide remaining strawberries into desired molds.

Pour pureed mixture over chopped fruit.

Insert sticks and freeze for at least 5 hours.—

GetRuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2017 15

16 RuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2017

The Next Big IT career: Data Analytics turns Big Data Into Career Opportunities

Career opportunities in technology continue to expand exponentially: the computer and information technology field is expected to grow 12 percent, adding nearly half a million new jobs by 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistic’s Occupational Outlook Handbook. What’s more, the median wage for people in the field is nearly $50,000 higher than the median for all occupations.

If you’re considering a career in IT, but aren’t sure common jobs like coding or systems maintenance are for you, data analytics is a growth niche that may be worth a look, industry watchers say. In an industry that’s booming across all disciplines, anticipated demand for data analysts has inspired leading universities like Western Governors University (WGU) to offer new bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in the field.

What is data analytics?

You’ve probably heard the term “big data” - it’s the next big thing in IT. From social media and public records, to mobile phone apps that track spending habits, companies have more sources of consumer information than ever before. The sheer volume of information constitutes “big data,” and in the competitive business world, companies can gain an edge by using that information to better market their products to consumers.

Data analytics helps companies manage big data and analyze it, so they can better target different audiences, differentiate their messages and product offerings, calibrate their market, and formulate sales and financial strategies. Companies that don’t know how to analyze their data risk losing valuable time, money, market share, and customer loyalty.

Using a variety of tools, techniques and strategies, data analysts help companies interpret their big data and find value in the information they gather every day from myriad sources.

Opportunities in data analytics Because big data has become so pervasive, virtually every company needs a data analyst, from retail stores to the service industry, heavy industry to finance. A professional with a data analyst degree might work on marketing strategy, marketing management, financial analysis, digital marketing, SEO management, customer experience management, marketing automation, web analytics management, capital and asset planning, property management, and human resources strategy and analysis.

Marketing in particular offers many opportunities for people with degrees in data analytics. Finance, and capital and equipment management have also historically been data-intensive.

Becoming a data analyst If you already have an interest in information technology, a career in data analytics may be for you if you also: * Enjoy problem-solving. Data analysis is like solving a complex puzzle you create yourself from the pieces provided by a number of different sources. * Thrive on challenge. * Excel at understanding both macro and micro patterns. * Have good math skills. “Crunching numbers” is very much a part of the data analyst’s job, and strong math skills can help you better manage and understand the volumes of data you’ll deal with every day. * Have strong communication skills. As a data analyst, you’ll need to be able to effectively explain complex concepts and data-derived insights in layman’s terms to executives with varying levels of technical knowledge.

To pursue a career in data analytics, you’ll also need a degree. The field is growing at such a rapid pace that WGU, a non-profit, online competency-based university with more than 77,000 students nationwide, recently launched bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in data analytics.

The bachelor’s program prepares students to establish, secure and maintain data environments, and teach them the skills needed to analyze the data to identify patterns, explain phenomena, and predict trends. The master’s program teaches experienced professionals more in-depth skills for data management and analysis, including data mining, manipulation, interpretation, programming and communication/visualization. Visit www.wgu.edu to learn more.—BPT

GetRuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2017 17

18 RuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2017

While it’s important to balance screen time, the righttechnology can help preschoolers get ready for kindergarten.

Kindergarten is the new 1st grade: Is your preschooler ready?

When you think back to your own kindergarten experience, it probably involved a half-day program and plenty of fun activities - finger painting, sand play and nap time. Likely the hardest parts were learning the alphabet and counting to 100.

Fast forward to today. While kindergarten still offers a fun learning environment, it’s certainly more focused on academic achievement. Kindergartners often know the alphabet and have solid counting skills prior to the first day of school. If students aren’t reading at the beginning of the school year, they’re certainly expected to be doing so by the end.

“Kindergarten is the new first grade” isn’t just an anecdote, it’s a fact. New research from the University of Virginia compares kindergarten and first-grade classrooms between 1998 and 2010, finding that kindergarten classes have become increasingly like first grade, with more time spent on academic instruction and, ultimately, higher educational expectations.

Each year an estimated 4 million children enter kindergarten. To help pre-K kids improve core learning skills and get them excited about school, it’s important to find fun, age-appropriate ways to help them learn. Consider these expert ideas for preparing kids ages 3-6 for kindergarten.

Educational apps Children today have a natural knack for technology. While it’s important to monitor and balance screen time, the right technology can help educate kids. Preschool Academy by IntellectoKids is an ideal example. With over 50 educational activities in one app, kids will learn the alphabet and develop important skills like counting, sorting, logic and critical thinking - the foundations for math and reading.

Best yet, the learning is rooted in amusing animated puzzles about musical instruments, fun train adventures or whimsical letter/number games.

This educational app allows parents to customize for multiple children and select between three levels, increasing in difficulty as they play and learn. Like Preschool Academy, the best learning games are constantly adding fresh new learning activities and are always free of ads or hidden in-app purchases.

Fine motor skills Fine motor skills, also known as dexterity, involve the coordination and control of muscles to create small movements. This usually requires hand-eye coordination as well. Being prepared for kindergarten means having a basic ability to complete fine motor actions like holding a pencil correctly, tying shoes

and sorting small objects.

One of the easiest ways to support your child’s fine motor development is by providing lots of opportunities to color and write. Make crayons and paper readily available and let kids’ imaginations take off.

As they try to draw a bird, write a story or create patterns, they are really preparing themselves for the classroom.

Reading and conversation Language is a heavy focus throughout the kindergarten curriculum. One way to prepare your child is to make reading a daily activity, including classics like “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom,” “Harold & the Purple Crayon” or “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus.” Fostering a love of books can set the stage for learning important reading skills. Visit your local library, stock your bookshelf and download digital books.

Additionally, make time for genuine conversation with your child. Both reading and speaking help children expand their knowledge of the English language. They’ll also learn important social skills, and you’ll also find yourself developing a deeper bond with your little one.

Preschool Want kids to be prepared for kindergarten? Enroll in preschool a few days a week. This experience gives children the perfect foundation to prepare them for their educational journey. Preschools provide introductory education in writing and math, but it’s a lot of fun, too. Students have plenty of time to play and learn about the world around them.

What’s more, kids learn proper social etiquette and how to follow classroom rules. Being able to sit still, listen to the teacher, raise a hand to ask a question and interact respectably among peers are all important skills that kids will need in order to thrive in an academic environment. If preschool isn’t possible, consider joining a playgroup or visiting the library for story time, and encourage social interaction with new kids at the playground.

Knowing that kindergarten is more challenging than ever, smart parents are taking charge by introducing age-appropriate educational activities now.

From smart apps like IntellectoKids Preschool Academy to reading every day, you’re helping build the brain power that leads to success in kindergarten and beyond.—BPT

GetRuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2017 19

The Best Ways to Support Veterans in 2017 As the new administration and Congress settle into office, many organizations are working hard to put America’s 21 million veterans at the top of the nation’s “to-do” list.

“Veterans share a common thread - regardless of where they served or for how long - they are driven to protect our country and ensure freedom for all citizens,” says DAV (Disabled American Veterans) National Commander Dave Riley. “At the same time, they face unique challenges, from health problems related to their military service to translating their job skills into meaningful employment opportunities.

It’s our nation’s duty to support veterans once they return home.”

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reports that 20 percent of veterans who served since 9/11 are estimated to have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Twenty veterans take their lives every day, most of whom never seek help from the VA, and many veterans struggle to find employment, often leading to homelessness.

To help change the lives of countless veterans and their families, DAV has suggested three priorities for our country’s leaders in 2017: Ensure veterans have access to quality and timely health care, including effective mental health services. Changes in the health care system for veterans are critical according to leading veterans service organizations like DAV and VFW, as well as bipartisan leaders in Congress. They all agree the best path forward is to create local, high-performing health care networks, led by the VA, which combine the best 20 RuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2017

of VA with the best of community care. * Give needed benefits to the caregivers of veterans. While caregivers for veterans who served after 9/11 receive benefits and resources, caregivers of veterans who served in earlier conflicts, such as World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam, do not receive them. This law must be amended and made inclusive. * Educate employers about the value of hiring veterans, particularly those with disabilities. A recent survey of employers released by DAV, Monster.com and Military.com reveals 30 percent of employers worry about hiring veterans with PTSD. However, the vast majority of employers who have hired veterans with disabilities report it’s been a positive and productive experience.

You can support U.S. veterans.

You can be a positive voice for veterans and support changes in your communities. Start by speaking up on important veteran issues and write your elected officials in Congress. Volunteer with your local VA hospital or drive veterans to medical appointments.

And, if you own a business or are a hiring manager, be sure your organization considers veterans’ unique talents and strengths.

America made a promise to care for its veterans, those men and women who sacrificed for everyone’s freedoms. Now the nation’s leaders must live up to that promise. For more information about important veteran issues and how you can help, visit www.dav. org.—BPT

GetRuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2017 21

22 RuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2017

Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving

The pace of business never seems to stop, and thanks to the convenience of cell phones, many people work on the go, even while they’re driving.

Yet cell phone use is one of the most common type of distracted driving, and it claims thousands of lives and causes thousands more injuries every year.

More than a quarter of all car crashes involve cell phone use, both hand sets and hands-free, the National Safety Council (NSC) reports. In 13 percent of fatal crashes, the drivers were using cellphones, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says. The actual number of cell phone-related accidents is likely much higher, since many states don’t yet compile and report data on cell phone use following a crash.

Employers take up the issue Recognizing the ethical and liability issues that arise when employees drive while distracted, employers across the country have begun implementing distracted driving policies. Typically, these policies prohibit employees from using cellphones while driving on company time.

In January 2017, the NSC reported that Cargill was the largest privately held company to prohibit the use of mobile devices, including hands-free technology, while an employee is driving on behalf of the company. The ban also covers work related calls while commuting to and from work, even if employees are driving their own vehicles.

“There is a time and place for doing business, and it’s not while you’re driving,” says Melanie Burke, director of health and safety at Cargill, a Minnesota-based privately held company with 150,000 employees around the world.

Even Cargill’s Chairman and CEO David MacLennan is subject to the ban. In announcing the policy to employees in late 2016, MacLennan noted he was 138 days into cell-phone free motoring. “It’s been liberating,” he told employees.

NSC data shows about 20 percent of Fortune 500 companies have instituted cell phone bans, and of those, just 1 percent believe the ban affected productivity.

Replace risk, keep productivity Taking care of business doesn’t mean you have to risk a crash. Here are six ways to keep up with the pace of business without using your cell phone in the car: * Use an automated response app to let callers know you’re driving and can’t take their call at the moment. These free apps allow you to personalize the response and set your phone to automatically reply

with a text message to incoming calls or texts. * If you’re driving a vehicle outfitted with communication technology, use its “do not disturb” feature to unplug from calls and texts while behind the wheel. * Use shared calendars to block off times when you’ll be on the road and unable to answer a call. The calendar item will help alert coworkers and anyone else connected to your calendar when you’ll be out of touch and when they might be able to reach you again. * Remove temptation. A study by AT&T found 62 percent of drivers keep their phones within reach in the car. Put yours away where you can’t see or reach it. You can place it in your purse, briefcase or messenger bag, and place the bag in the back seat.

Further reduce distraction and temptation by turning your device off before stowing it. * If you absolutely must take a call while on the road, pull over in a safe location. If a call comes in while you’re driving, allow it to go to voicemail until you’re safely pulled over, then return the call. * Be aware of other dangerously distracting behaviors, such as putting on makeup, tying a necktie or eating while driving. Do all your dressing and personal grooming before you leave home, and if you must snack while driving, choose food that is easy to manage, like a granola bar (unwrap it when you’re stopped), rather than something messy like a burger with all the fixings.

“Before we had cellphones, if you had to take a business call while on the road, you would pull over and find a pay phone,” says Burke. “Productivity was fine and business got done. When it comes to time behind the wheel, safety is everyone’s most important job.”—BPT

GetRuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2017 23

Everything you want is just outside your comfort zone.

By Robert Allen

24 RuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2017