Religion & Law

I spent last weekend in a fairly small Nebraska town where my youngest is doing a two year teaching stint through Creighton's Magis program.  Charming with friendly inhabitants, I couldn't help but ponder the future of this and still smaller towns in a global economy.  The town's pharmacies and grocery stores have closed because they cannot compete with Walmart and Walgreens.  I assume, but don't know, that the farmers are dependent on agribusiness for their sustenance.  As banks consolidate, I assume some of the legal work (title work, etc) have moved to Omaha or Lincoln. 

Are there models for building thriving and dynamic small rural communities given the market conditions today that don't involve antique stores or becoming the location for a Walmart distribution center?