Small Talk with Communities Unlimited

Are you ready to gain an understanding of the innovative strategies transforming rural communities? In today's episode, we sit down with Jerry Kenney, Program Officer at the TLL Temple Foundation. He gives us a comprehensive look at the foundation's mission for rural capacity-building, regional capacity-building, and community development.

Ever wonder how small-dollar loans can transform underserved communities and uplift the lives residents? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Michael Rivera, a loan officer for the Nuestra Casa program, who illuminates how this lending initiative is making a significant difference in South Texas Colonias. We uncover the realities of life in these communities, from limited internet access to homes not up to code, and how Nuestra Casa is empowering residents to better their living conditions.

Did you know that water is not just a means of sustenance, but also holds immense cultural and spiritual significance for the Cherokee Nation? Join us for a captivating conversation with Billy Hix, the Senior Director of the Office of Environmental Health and Engineering with the Cherokee Nation, as we journey through the vital world of water and wastewater management in the Cherokee Nation.

What if you were told your dreams were out of reach? Would you let the world crumble your aspirations or would you rise above the adversity? Get ready to be inspired Isaac Traylor, owner of 3-i Pressure Washing and Detail, as he shares his remarkable journey from homelessness and addiction to becoming a successful entrepreneur.

Join us as we pull up a chair with Brenda Williams, Healthy Foods Coordinator at Communities Unlimited. Get ready to unpack the pressing issue of food insecurity in rural communities, and the unique challenges faced by those living off the beaten path. We dive into how Brenda is championing for better access to fresh, nutritious produce from small-scale growers.

Ever wondered how to leverage your business to build personal wealth? Join Maria Barrero, the brains behind Spaces2Love, a firm devoted to creating spaces that enhance lifestyle and well-being and Dale Rutherford, Senior Management Consultant on the Entrepreneurship Team, who will enlighten us about the eWealth program and its role in assisting entrepreneurs like Maria.

What does it take to ensure clean water for everyone? We crack open this big question with our special guests from Communities Unlimited's Environmental Team, Gaylene Riley and Karen Conrad.  Gaylene is the Oklahoma Sate Coordinator and Karen is our Area Director for Central States. They both have years of experience in water/wastewater and share their knowledge with us in the episode.

August is National Water Quality Month. Have you ever stopped to wonder about the unsung heroes behind your tap water? Passionate champions committed to the water and wastewater industry. Join us as we shed light on the importance of water operators in small communities, the array of skills they need, and their impact on the community's health and safety.

Ever wondered how water systems in rural communities work, or more importantly, who makes it work? Stride into the world of Tammy McKeon, Lucas Guinne, and Bradley Pittman, from the Oklahoma Environmental team at Communities Unlimited, where they unravel their work on water and wastewater projects.

In this episode of Small Talk the Communities Unlimited podcast, we chat with Rhett Douglas about what it's like to work with the Entrepreneurship team and how they help small business owners achieve their dreams.

Are you ready to unlock the secrets of small business success? Join us for an exciting conversation with Rhett Douglas, a senior management consultant at Communities Unlimited's Entrepreneurship Team.

In Episode 7 we sit down with Carolyn Rudgely from Your Personal Chef, LLC and Rhett Douglas, Senior Management Consultant in Memphis, TN to learn about her experience working with Communities Unlimited's Entrepreneurship Team and the MemShop Program.

Episode 3 of our three-part series about housing with Audra Butler leads us into what Communities Unlimited is building with housing initiatives and what the future looks like.

CU Area Director of Housing Audra Butler joins us again to talk about funding opportunities in rural communities.  How-To's, Pitfalls to avoid, common mistakes, and more...

Communities Unlimited Area Director of Housing, Audra Butler, joins us to talk about the uniqueness that is rural housing.

In Episode 3 of our broadband series, Area Director of Broadband Catherine Krantz discusses Broadband funding by giving some historical perspective, planning ideas for communities, and discussing what's in the future.

Catherine Krantz, Area Director of Broadband at Communities Unlimited, joins us again to speak to rural communities about preparing for broadband and what you need to know. Also, swiss cheese.

In episode 1, of a 3-episode series, we talk with Catherine Krantz.  Catherine is the Area Director of Broadband at CU and, coming from a rural area herself, has a unique and passionate view on the role of broadband in rural environments.