Balloon Media

08/13/2026

Had a great time this summer spending time with students and staff at Compass Academy Network! Along with photography and content services, I also partner with Compass for social media management and extended marketing services. Very much looking forward to helping grow this program and spread the word about all it offers.

08/10/2026

Rural communities are full of stories worth sharing, and Rural Connect was created to make sure those stories are seen.

As we begin building the Fall 2026 edition, we want to hear from you: Who is an entrepreneur, employer, community leader, or changemaker in Southeast Kansas whose story deserves to be told?

Tag them below or send us a message. Your recommendation could help us discover our next Rural Connect feature.

Explore the Spring edition:
https://digital.ruralcommunitypartners.org

08/07/2026

Many thanks to all of our partners who help make Rural Connect possible!

We are proud to share that every Spring 2026 Rural Connect advertising partner has renewed for our Fall edition!

Thank you to our Fall 2026 partners:

**Founding Partners**
Kansas Health Foundation
Fort Scott Community College
Neosho County Community College

**Signature Partner**
Comeau Jewelry Company

**Impact Partners**
City of Fort Scott
Kansas Board of Regents

**Community Partner**
Network Kansas

Their continued support reflects a shared commitment to elevating rural entrepreneurs, strengthening workforce pathways, connecting residents with resources, and building a stronger regional economy.

We are now inviting new organizations to partner with us for Fall 2026. Rural Connect partners receive:

• Distribution through 6,000 printed copies across Southeast Kansas
• A digital sponsor listing
• Social media and newsletter recognition
• Visibility through regional events and community distribution
• Alignment with positive, mission-driven regional impact

Several premium placements have already been reserved, but additional partnership opportunities remain.

View the Spring edition:
https://digital.ruralcommunitypartners.org/Spring-2026

Advertising reservations close September 4. Contact [email protected] to request the Fall 2026 Media Kit.

07/29/2026

Proud to be a founding partner of Rural Connect magazine! The magazine is the official publication of Rural Community Partners, and together we share stories of entrepreneurs, community leaders, and difference makers across Southeast Kansas!

The stories shaping Southeast Kansas are happening right here.
Meet the entrepreneurs, community leaders, innovators, and organizations creating opportunity across our region in the Spring 2026 edition of Rural Connect.
Whether you're looking for inspiration, business resources, or a reason to be proud of rural Kansas, you'll find it here.
📖 Read the magazine for FREE:
https://digital.ruralcommunitypartners.org/Spring-2026
If a story inspires you, please like, comment, and share to help us reach even more people across Southeast Kansas.

06/27/2026

Had a great time Friday photographing the Compass Academy Network graduation at Pittsburg State University! I began working with CAN earlier this year, primarily in social media management and photography. Such a great program and with great people leading the way!

06/26/2026

Very proud and excited to be part of this new publication! Southeast Kansas has so many great stories to share!

S/O to Rural Community Partners for being the driving force behind Rural Connect magazine! Stay tuned for much more to come...

Because big ideas don’t just come from big cities…

We’re excited to introduce Rural Connect magazine, a new publication created to celebrate the entrepreneurs, dreamers, and small businesses that make Southeast Kansas such a special place to live and work.

The people featured in this publication are examples of what’s possible when hometown pride meets small-town grit and determination.

They remind us why it’s important to be part of the solutions in our communities, to serve others, and why you don’t have to leave your small town to make a big difference.

Rural Connect, the official publication of Rural Community Partners, is produced by:

• Jody Love, Founder & CEO of Rural Community Partners and HBCAT
• Darrell Pulliam, Walsworth Printing
• Brett Dalton, Owner of Balloon Media
• Gabriela Alvarez , Pittsburg State University Graphic Design Intern

📖 We’d love to get this magazine into more hands across Southeast Kansas. If you’d like copies for your business, office, waiting room, organization, or community location, comment below and we’ll get some to you!

12/06/2025

12/05/2025

Well hello, lovelies. 😍 Just a reminder that Locked and Loaded Season 9 runs through Saturday, Dec. 6! Stop in and take advantage of these great offers!

With any $2000 purchase at Comeau Jewelry, receive a pair of Burris Optics Droptine HD binoculars! With any $3500 purchase receive a R***r American Rifle Gen 2!

S/O to John's Sport Center for another amazing collaboration!

12/04/2025

Working in be like ... "Uhhh hi. Can I take pictures of your food?" 😬😬🤣

Drop the H Brewing Company

A good night was had. 🍕🍕🍻🍻🍷🍷

12/03/2025

Very cute gift idea from The Finishing Touch!

🎄✨ Make your tree shine this Christmas! ✨🎄

Looking for the perfect meaningful gift? Our gorgeous, vibrant ornaments are made for all those special moments—
❤️ A couple’s first Christmas
👶 Baby’s first Christmas
🏡 A new home
…or anyone who loves a pop of color on their tree!

Each ornament is 100% made in the USA, printed in full-color artwork and finished with a heat-press transfer for a crisp, lasting design. Comes with a ribbon attached—just unwrap and hang! 🎁✨

Give a gift that becomes a tradition. 🌟