Amanda Hodges

Background

About Amanda Hodges

I’ve always believed that when business thrives, people and communities thrive. After more than 20 years as an executive in corporate marketing and communications, I returned to my rural roots not yet knowing exactly what my mission would be. It took time, experience, and a lot of listening to truly understand the challenges and opportunities here. Over the years, I’ve learned that my mission is clear: help local businesses, tradespeople, and entrepreneurs succeed—on their own terms.Today, I work side-by-side with rural small business owners, trades-based companies, and community-focused nonprofits, helping them tell their stories, strengthen their brands, and connect with the customers or community members who need them most. In places where change must be approached with caution, I’ve found that results and lots of hard work, speak louder than anything. Simple, targeted strategies, paired with a relentless work ethic, can attract more customers, grow revenue, create jobs, and open new opportunities for the next generation.As publisher of three regional magazines—Hyco Lake Magazine (NC), SoBo Halifax (VA), and River City Area Magazine (Danville, VA)—I amplify the voices of small trade businesses, entrepreneurs, farmers, and local merchants. Through storytelling, advertising, and relationship building, these publications connect people to the businesses and services that make our communities stronger.This work is more than marketing—it’s workforce development in action. By helping rural businesses grow and retain talent, we create a stronger local economy and a brighter future. The strategies I use here in my own region have become a replicable model that other rural areas can adapt to revitalize their economies and keep talent close to home.At the heart of everything I do is a commitment to build trust, strong relationships, and to work harder than most—because in rural communities, hard work is the key to everything.COMPETENCIES & AREAS of EXPERTISEBranding StrategiesBranding for EmploymentCommunications and OutreachCustomer/Stakeholder RetentionDigital, Social & Internet Marketing Event and Conference PlanningFundriasingHuman Resources CommunicationsMarketing StrategiesMentoringNew Business DevelopmentPromotional MarketingPublic Speaking Sales & Revenue GenerationTalent Acquisition and Recruiting StrategiesTraining