{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"S5:23 - Reimagining Economic Development with Justin Neppl","description":"In this episode, Rebecca talks with longtime friend and former economic developer Justin Neppl about what it really means to reimagine economic development for small towns. For years, economic development has focused on the same things, but the future looks different. This episode is about collaboration, trust, and people-centered leadership and how they can come together to update traditional models to make futures brighter for our small towns. About Justin: Justin Neppl is a community-focused entrepreneur from Breckenridge, Minnesota, where he lives with his wife, Jamie, and their three children \u2014 Karsyn, Easton, and Addy. He is the co-owner of Tiny Tykes Inc., a growing childcare company that has recently begun franchising across the Upper Midwest, with the goal of helping both small and mid-sized communities expand access to quality childcare. In addition to his work in childcare, Justin has partnered with local stakeholders to revitalize Breckenridge\u2019s Main Street and address community housing needs \u2014 from rehabilitation projects to new construction. Through his partnership with GFY Custom Crafts, he is helping bring affordable, high-quality housing options to communities across Minnesota and North Dakota. Justin is also developing a craft distillery in his hometown that celebrates the agricultural heritage of the Red River Valley. Outside of work, he enjoys hunting a variety of game with his family and coaching youth hockey in the local association. His passion for entrepreneurship and rural revitalization drives his mission to make small towns stronger, more vibrant places to live and raise a family. In this episode, we cover: Why traditional economic development models are breaking down Why sharing the load and tapping into expertise is better than having one overextended leader Real-world examples of communities leading differently Why boards, councils, and communities\u2019 collaboration can be the make or break  Why reimagining economic development starts with people Links + Resources Mentioned: Tiny Tykes Franchise: https:\/\/tinytykesfranchise.com\/ GFY Custom Crafts: https:\/\/www.gfycustomcrafts.com\/home.html Hankinson YouTube video: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jR6OvMUaaBY&t=425s Sponsor Spotlight: Brodie Mueller and The Market on the Plaza In small towns, coffee is more than caffeine. It\u2019s community! Market on the Plaza roasts beans locally in Aberdeen, in small batches for the freshest, richest cup to start your day or for an afternoon pick-me-up. Stop in to grab a bag for home or linger over a cup with neighbors. Proudly local, always welcoming. This week\u2019s Small-Town Shout-Out is: Hankinson, ND! We talk about them twice in this episode, one for their CDC\u2019s efforts, and the other is for a YouTube clip (see show notes above) that showcases what it looks like to be welcoming and proud of your small town. We love it so much, Hankinson! We Want to Hear From You! Some of the best parts about radio shows and podcasts are listener call-ins, so we\u2019ve decided to make those a part of the Growing Small Towns Podcast. We really, really want to hear from you! We\u2019re have two \u201cparticipation dance\u201d elements of the show: \u201cSmall town humblebrags\u201d: Call in and tell us about something amazing you did in your small town so we can celebrate with you. No win is too small\u2014we want to hear it all, and we will be excessively enthusiastic about whatever it is! You can call in for your friends, too, because giving shout-outs is one of our favorite things.  \u201cSolving Your Small-Town People Challenges\u201d: Have a tough issue in your community? We want to help. Call in and tell us about your problem, and we\u2019ll solve it on an episode of the podcast. Want to remain anonymous? Totally cool, we can be all secretive and stuff. We\u2019re suave like that.  If you\u2019ve got a humblebrag or a tricky people problem, call 701-203-3337 and leave a message with the deets. We really can\u2019t wait to hear from you!  Get In Touch Have an idea for a future episode\/guest, have feedback or a question, or just want to chat? Email us at hello@growingsmalltowns.org Subscribe + Review Thanks for tuning into this week\u2019s episode of The Growing Small Towns Show! If the information in our conversations and interviews has helped you in your small town, head out to Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Spotify, subscribe to the show, and leave us an honest review. Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver relevant, helpful content, but it will also help us reach even more small-town trailblazers just like you!   ","author_name":"The Growing Small Towns Show","author_url":"https:\/\/growingsmalltowns.show","html":"