IC² Institute Blog

February 1, 2021

Bridge Fest and More: How Rio Hondo is Showing Off its Charm

By Ben Medina, City Administrator, Rio Hondo, Texas

The citizens of tiny Rio Hondo are coming together to celebrate and affirm their friendly small town.Read More

January 25, 2021

Addressing Cyclical Unemployment in the Oil Industry

By Dr. Sheldon Landsberger, Professor, Dept of Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear & Radiation Engineering

The Rural Innovation Incubator, RI², is creating a path toward consistent livable wages for oil and gas industry workers.Read More

January 19, 2021

From a Crisis, Pivoting to Greater Strength

By Leslie Chalmers, Executive Director, Jacksboro Economic Development Corporation

The city of Jacksboro took action in 2020 to set the stage for modern growth in 2021.Read More

January 11, 2021

Director’s Message for 2021 – Looking Forward to the Road Ahead

By Dr. Art Markman, Executive Director of the IC² Institute

Looking back at the year's work and continuing research and engagement in 2021 to help rural regions and small communities to thrive.Read More

December 8, 2020

Treating Communities as Startups

By Dr. Greg Pogue and Jonathan Alba, IC² Institute Staff

The Regional XLR8 program facilitated community leaders acting like entrepreneurs with innovative products.Read More

December 3, 2020

New Housing for Sweetwater: A Practical Approach

By Miesha Adames, Marketing & Administrative Director, Sweetwater EDC, Sweetwater, Texas

Miesha Adames, Regional XLR8 participant, shares how Sweetwater took a step to ready for population growth.Read More

November 17, 2020

BBR Research on Minority-Owned Firms, Small Cities in Texas

By Bruce Kellison, Director of the Bureau of Business Research

Bruce Kellison, Director of the Bureau of Business Research, writes about BBR research on minority-owned firms and small Texas cities. Read More

November 11, 2020

Answered: “What is my EDC doing for me?”

By Rush Harris, CEcD, Executive Director, Marshall Economic Development Corporation

Rush Harris, Executive Director of the Marshall Economic Development Corporation, advocates for communication between EDCs and communities.Read More

November 5, 2020

Community Newspapers: Cornerstone of Community Building

By Barbara Brannon, Editor of The Texas Spur

Barbara Brannon, Editor of The Texas Spur, shares how local newspapers serve as connection, chronicle, and catalyst in their communities. Read More

October 27, 2020

Regional XLR8, Coming Together for Resilient Communities & Regions

By Dr. Gregory Pogue, Deputy Director, IC2 Institute

Insight from Dr. Gregory Pogue on Regional XLR8's most recent session and how the program equips community leaders to adapt.Read More