What do you envision when you picture idyllic small-town life? Beautiful historic buildings? A walkable downtown core filled with thriving businesses? Connected neighbors and a vibrant sense of civic pride?

All of these points are goals for Amy Simmons, founder of Amy’s Ice Creams, and her husband, who have been revitalizing the town of Smithville, Texas. As they work with other community members and encourage outside investment, their hope is to offer opportunity, encourage entrepreneurship and make lasting, positive, sustainable change. In her Tugboat Institute Summit 2018 presentation, Amy shares the Smithville story and her observations about the joy—and challenge—of revitalizing a small town.