First Published in 2004. The market economy has changed profoundly over the past two centuries. In the nineteenth century, business enterprises were largely single-product ventures, managed directly by the owners and rooted within national economies. In the twentieth century, firms employed managers who were not owners. Firms also evolved into multiproduct, multiunit entities that could employ thousands of workers. In the twenty-first century, many firms operate on a global scale, taking a...

This volume explores new opportunities to reshape local economies in rural areas during the next decade by exploring successful efforts already underway.While reported population declines can paint a bleak picture for rural areas, a different story can be told in looking at the numbers of households, employment, and housing markets. In fact, many rural areas have had steady employment and healthy housing markets. Rural attractions often include proximity to natural recreation areas...

This edited collection presents successful business succession planning in smaller rural communities where profit margins are low, markets are shrinking, and there are few potential buyers. Finding innovative ways to successfully transition these businesses to new owners is at the heart of community and economic development efforts if many of these communities are to thrive in the future. Chapters outline options for successfully transitioning businesses that have worked in Canada, England...