BLOOMINGTON, MN – "My Town," a rural-focused documentary series written and directed by 3-time Emmy Award-Winning Documentarian Cory Hepola, is expanding for Season 2 with 8 new small-town stories across 5 states. "Young people are choosing to live in rural communities at higher rates than we've seen since the 1970s and 'My Town' is showing the world the many reasons why," said Hepola, who grew up in a small town in Minnesota. "There's opportunity, innovation, and a connectedness in rural America and the overwhelmingly positive response to our Season 1 communities has shown there's a large audience excited to experience it."
In Season 2 of "My Town," Hepola will travel to 8 different rural communities across 5 states learning why people choose to live where they do while breaking down the popular misconceptions with the rural lifestyle. The communities selected for Season 2 – Fairmont MN, St. Joseph MN, Linton ND, Watford City ND, Chamberlain SD, Watertown SD, Rock Valley IA, and Grand Island NE – all range in size, location, and identity, showcasing the diverse nature of what rural towns offer. "For the longest time all we've heard is our small towns are dying and there's nothing here for you, but that's simply not true," said Hepola. "These rural communities are thriving and people are choosing to raise their families here for a variety of reasons. These stories need to be told."
"My Town" is inspired by Hepola's own life; growing up in small town Perham, MN, all Hepola ever dreamed about was moving to a big city and working as a TV news anchor. But now, as a 40-something husband with 3 little kids, Hepola is discovering a new perspective for his hometown and the rural life. In Season 1, Hepola explored 7 different communities across 4 states (MN, IA, WI, ND) with the series selected to premiere at the prestigious Twin Cities Film Fest. Within the first two months of its online launch (October 2024). "My Town" has amassed nearly 1-million impressions and 275,000 views across all platforms with 5,500 hours of watch time from 36 states and 6 countries on YouTube alone. "Our rural communities have what everyone is searching for – opportunity," said Hepola. "My Town is helping the outside world see that. This is only the start." "My Town" is the latest rural initiative from The Brookshire Company serving its mission to "help companies succeed and communities thrive". Founded by rural native Gerry Norton in 2001, The Brookshire Company serves as a rural advocate through its major networking event, "Community Venture Network (CVN)", matching growing companies to rural economic development leaders from across the upper Midwest. "Our mission is to reshape the rural narrative by helping people see all our small towns have to offer," said Norton, "My Town" executive director. "We're thrilled that people from all over - small towns, large cities, different states and countries – are discovering the positive realities of the rural life through this series. We believe in Rural America!" Stream all episodes of "My Town" for free on YouTube at "My Town Series." ABOUT "MY TOWN" "My Town" is a rural-focused documentary series written and directed by 3-time Emmy Award-Winning Documentarian and TV Anchor Cory Hepola. In Season 1, Hepola explored 7 different rural communities across 4 states (MN, IA, WI, ND) with the series selected to premiere at the prestigious Twin Cities Film Fest. Within the first two months of its online launch, "My Town" has amassed nearly 1-million impressions and 275,000 views across all platforms with 5,500 hours of watch time from 36 states and 6 countries on YouTube alone. Stream for free at "My Town Series." ABOUT THE BROOKSHIRE COMPANY The Brookshire Company's mission is to help "companies succeed, and communities thrive" through site selection, labor analysis, financial incentives, commercial real estate, and storytelling. Founded in 2001 by Gerry Norton, who brings over 35 years of experience directing projects in 45 states and five countries, The Brookshire Company partners with businesses and communities worldwide, helping them reach their fullest potential. Learn more at brookshireco.com
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