Tom Dorr is one of the most knowledgeable people in the Federal government when it comes to rural issues. At a seminar in Iowa, Dorr discussed a key advantage that he thinks rural communities have when attracting entrepreneurs--quality of life (hat tip to EDPro).
Dorr is under secretary of rural development at the USDA, and he cited several factors that are becoming a major influence for relocating entrepreneurs, including peace and quiet, short commutes to work, good schools, and lower taxes. The "good schools" is an issue rural communities need to study carefully. As family needs drive business relocation, local schools need to have high graduation rates, low drop out rates, and good college prep and advanced placement classes.
Yes, that's right. Schools are an economic development issue. So does your ED strategy include goals and objectives for local schools? If not, why not?