I helped rebuilt a local food economy by organizing local farmers to form a cooperative distribution outlet and invest in independent infrastructure. We now supply local public schools with fresh healthy produce as one example. But it costs more than mono cropped shipped in synthetic veggies.

I helped rebuild a local animal feed economy by building one of the first organic non gmo feed mills and created a regional market for that grain and  production. We are a value add node between grain markets and animal producers. If we don't sell certified organic feed the certified organic animal producer has an even harder time sourcing inputs which only makes the quality products more expensive.

I built beautiful store fronts in refurbished historic buildings so that literally the baker, butcher and candle stick maker would offer the opportunity for a community to exist. 

People want to live in a place that has a unique personality. These things can make your town vibrant and attractive to live in. It is often easy to think that these places will be here even if you don't shop. But a boarded up town can happen faster than you think.