Aging populations, especially in rural areas, are threatening many long-term business establishments that are essential to quality of life in the community.  Business owners reach retirement age with no heirs willing to take over the business. This means that essential businesses and gathering places such as grocery stores, restaurants, etc. may close unless innovative approaches are implemented. Local governments have been resourceful in addressing these challenges. Community Owned Businesses have been used in many instances. Employee-owned businesses, cooperatives, or Employee Stock Ownership Programs worked in other areas.

I am currently compiling an edited book with peer-reviewed chapters describing innovative approaches used to transition these businesses to new owners and thereby save essential services in the communities. The chapters should describe programs used, how they are managed, and results or outcomes. Examples of projects are important, but the chapter should also include a conceptual model or framework, review of the literature, references, and documentation of results so that readers can implement similar approaches elsewhere. Preference will be given discussions of on-going programs, rather than a case study.

Proposed chapters should be 30-35 double-spaced pages including tables, figures, and references as needed. They should be written in a professional format aimed at both scholars and practitioners.  The chapters will be peer-reviewed and edited as needed. Authors of accepted chapters will be paid an honorarium.  Completed chapters will be due in early March 2024.

Interested contributors can submit a title, 200-250 word abstract, and author bio to: Norman Walzer, ([email protected]) by October 15 to be considered.