The Otsego Community Foundation is excited to be a part of Rural Innovation eXchange – a new publication that will showcase the exciting innovations happening across rural Michigan. Rural Innovation eXchange (RIX) focuses on the innovation, talent, entrepreneurship, social innovation, and community development taking place in rural Michigan and features the work of rural talent and content creators. 

“We are hoping that this work will increase awareness of what is already happening, sparking new conversations and relationships, resulting in progress towards community potential.” Dana Bensinger

The first edition featured Fourge, the new coworking space located in downtown Gaylord. Read it here.

RIX cares about what’s next for rural places in Michigan. Each week we will feature content highlighting innovative entrepreneurs, talented people, dedicated organizations, and devoted community-builders. Additionally, RIX will lift up innovative people leading impactful work in Michigan to help strengthen the work of people in rural areas and foster a deeper sense of connection.  

“Sometimes it can get lonely in this work, especially in rural Northern areas, however just being a part of the conversations with other community foundations throughout Michigan has been encouraging. I am truly excited to be connected and increase the sharing with and learning from others,” Dana Bensinger

“Issue Media Group is excited to launch this effort focused on rural communities in Michigan,” says Brian Boyle, co-CEO of Issue Media Group. “There is real transformation and talent-led energy taking hold in rural Michigan that is woefully underreported. We look forward to documenting the story of community change, new businesses, emerging places, and the passion of people driving change. Drawing from our work in 18 locations in Michigan, and around the country, we are looking forward to telling the rural story both locally and nationally. Rural Innovation eXchange will be part of our statewide SecondWave network connecting the rural story to a significant audience in Michigan.” 

Issue Media Group is honored to partner in this effort with Connected Nation Michigan, Michigan State Housing Development Authority, MSU Extension, Center for Rural Health, Michigan Health Endowment Fund, Michigan Municipal League, Council of Michigan Foundations, Michigan Downtown Association.

Click here to subscribe to the Rural Innovation Exchange.

Click here to follow RIX on Facebook.