This week’s poll question asked readers to share what they believe our rural communities need - business or service - if money to open said business or service started was not an issue. The question surfaced following a discussion in our office. We were comparing photos of main street of old with current-day status. The talk made me curious what vision readers have to grow our local economies and build stronger communities.

Trust me, there isn’t a single-pronged approach. It’s a combination of multiple components that need attention.

As I write this column, responses to the question f...