Christiansburg, Virginia, bets on a high-priced, high-stakes asset to make a big splash and Marion looks at a winning scheme to pump up its downtown. Plus learn where to find billions of dollars in USDA money and get an expert tip from the Appalachian Citizen’s Law Center.
Season Five, Episode Two
In Lewisburg, West Virginia, all signs show that appearances count. Marion, Virginia, preserves its heritage while looking toward a vibrant future. And Mayor David Horton talks about making Radford a well-known gem in the region.
Season Five, Episode One
Glen Lyn’s one-of-a-kind mayor explains his modus operandi, and Save Our Towns mentor Andrew Davis offers his best-yet advice to towns.
Season Five Preview
This one-minute preview provides a snapshot of what to expect in Save Our Towns, Season 5, which will follow the town of Marion and provide great aerial views of the mountain valley pipeline construction in southwest Virginia county.
Season 4, Episode 6
In this month’s Example of Awesome, we take a look at Pikeville, Kentucky. Envisioning a future beyond strip mining, city officials took a risk on building a new industrial park — and filled it within just 10 months. The Pennington Gap update delves further into the study performed by researchers from Virginia Tech’s Institute for… Continue Reading Season 4, Episode 6
Season 2, Episode 8
Our final episode takes us to Norton, where city leaders turned a coal mining mess into an asset, while we hear about a bevy of businesses that have opened in Pearisburg. For our expert tip, Kitty Barker of the Virginia Tourism Corporation emphasizes the importance of having a staff member dedicated to tourism. We focus… Continue Reading Season 2, Episode 8
Season 2, Special Edition: The Flint Crisis
We take a brief departure from Appalachia with this special episode from Flint, Michigan, where its water crisis could provide important lessons for leaders in small towns.
St. Paul end of season wrap-up
The first season of Save Our Towns is over, but we had to come back with an update on St. Paul, the town we followed for a year. How did mayor Kyle Fletcher fare in his goals to strengthen his town? Watch and see!
Episode 8
In this month’s Example of Awesome segment, broadband leads to industry in Lebanon, Virginia, and we ask three questions of mayor Tony Dodi, who praises the virtues of technology in his tiny town. Our look at St. Paul brings sad news with the passing of young business owner Brock Funk. Funk and his wife, Terri,… Continue Reading Episode 8
Episode 5
This month’s Example of Awesome shows how the town of Marion, recovering from the effects of the 2008 recession, encouraged new business by creating an eight-week entrepreneurship program. Also looking for new business is St. Paul mayor Kyle Fletcher, who hopes that the new wastewater treatment plant, now under construction, will draw industry into town. Randall… Continue Reading Episode 5