Rural Leader Magazine June 2014 | Page 3

Photo Courtesy of TieFotos Editor’s Note Dear Reader,   A lot has happened since the launch of the March 2014 edition. During the first few weeks, Rural Leader Magazine’s reach spanned around the globe throughout the U.S. and in over 25 countries. The response received was impressively positive. How exciting, huh?   I am pleased to inform you also that we received a number of nominations for Rural Leader 40 under 40. The forty selected nominees will be featured in the September edition and recognized at an awards luncheon Friday, September 5th in Americus, Georgia.   In this issue, we continue to highlight leadership development strategies and best practices; however, more importantly, we showcase stories of everyday people doing extraordinary things. Also, you’ll learn about our newest quest to find 100 Most Influential People in Small Town America. We are looking for exceptional individuals making a difference. However, we need your help to identify these individuals. Learn how on page 64.   I hope you enjoy this issue as we aim is to educate, to uplift, and to inspire readers about the great things happening in communities globally. Happy Reading Publisher/Editor Dear Rural Leader Magazine, I want to be a reader of your print magazine regularly, and I am very interested by your magazine. Abebe A. Dessie, Wollo, Ethiopia Dear Rural Leader Magazine, Thank you for finally publishing a magazine with a focus on leadership and especially rural community. I can't wait until the next publication. —Jessica W. Dothan, Alabama Dear Rural Leader Magazine, I really enjoyed the article on Building Your Professional Branding (March 2014). It reminded me of the value of making others aware of what you bring to the table. Thanks again for the great article. —Jeff M. Sugar Land, Texas Dear Rural Leader Magazine, I am writing in reference to the article, Baking Big Things in the City (March 2014). It was so refreshing to learn about Ms. Tonya Noel-Johnson's story. She is truly talented. It proves that great people with exceptional gifts sometimes come from small towns. It's high time to share with the world. —Mitchell Z. Mountain View, California Dear Rural Leader Magazine, Thanks for the article, Fundraising 101 in Small Communities (March 2014). I appreciate the inside perspective. It was extremely helpful as we approach raising funds for our small nonprofit. —Laura S. Columbia, South Carolina Dear Rural Leader Magazine, Congratulations on creating this impressive first edition. Thank you for featuring Richland Rum in Richland, Georgia (High Spirits in High Cotton, March 2014) in your first edition! —Karin V. Richland, Georgia Dear Rural Leader Magazine, I loved...I mean absolutely loved the Under 20 section! Thank you for recognizing these exceptional young students and leaders! Great job! —SaLinda D. Montverde, Florida Dear Rural Leader Magazine, Enjoyed learning new things about rural and small towns in North America. —Lupe. J. Lima, Brazil Dear Rural Leader Magazine Great periodical. It shows depth and diversity of people and leadership views. Looking forward to great things from RL Magazine in the future. —Aamir Y. Kabul, Afghanistan Dear Rural Leader Magazine, Thank you for sharing the article written by John Crowley, The Profound Lessons Plants Teach Us (March 2014). It was an ardent reminder that the basic need as humans is to feel valued and appreciated. —Stephanie J. Englewood, Colorado Dear Rural Leader Magazine, Thanks for sharing the article on The Impact of Using Outdated Technology (March, 2104). The information helped me to convince my brother, who is manager of the family business, to step it up a notch. Thanks for helping him to realize that technology is a wonderful tool in today's society. —Jeff C. Sterling, Virgina 3 RuralLeaderMagazine.com 3