Michele Hummel - Hey Neighbor 107

After two decades in insurance, Michele Hummel took a leap most people only talk about — she walked away to follow a gut instinct that there was something more she was meant to build. Now, as the Executive Director of Next - Herkimer County, she's helping reshape how communities collaborate, how nonprofits get supported, and how long-abandoned ideas can be brought back to life.

In this episode, Michele gets real about the messiness of starting something new, the power of saying "yes" when others say "no," and why small wins — like a single basketball court or an event that brings people together — can lead to big change. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, a community-builder, or just someone with a big idea and no roadmap, this episode will hit home.

In this episode:
• Why being underestimated can be your greatest asset
• How to turn frustration into fuel for real community impact
• What Michele is doing to support nonprofits beyond just funding
• The challenges (and wins) that come with revitalizing overlooked spaces
• How one symposium is bringing nonprofit leaders and ideas together in a whole new way

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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Show Intro
(0:40) - Inspiration to Start Next
(4:45) - What is the Mission?
(5:10) - David P. Whalen Memorial Story
(7:50) - Grant Writing
(9:10) - Collaboration
(11:20) - No One Size Fits All Approach
(12:40) - Bringing Back Main St. Might Look Different
(14:05) - Good Luck with That & Challenge Accepted
(15:30) - Who is They?
(17:45) - November 13th Symposium
(21:45) - Relationship Marketing
(22:15) - Making a Difference Here
(24:45) - 2026 Nonprofit Bootcamp
(27:15) - What Keeps Michele Motivated
(29:10) - Getting Involved
(30:25) - Rapid Fire Questions

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Michele Hummel's Links
Website - https://www.herkimercountynext.org
IG - https://www.instagram.com/next4hc
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-hummel-a7ab24160
FB - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095344432223

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Love Living Local Links:
Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
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Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org