We want to celebrate you. Our annual Thriverr Awards will be presented at our Using Public Policy for Local Development Thriverr Gathering on November 12th in Murdo, SD. Award applications are opened, and we look forward to reading your submissions! See the award descriptions below. All applications are due on October 24th, 2025.
A stroll down Main Street in Lennox feels different today than it did just a few years ago. Freshly updated storefronts line the blocks, businesses are reinvesting in their spaces, and there’s a renewed energy downtown. What was once a corridor at risk of being overshadowed by growth along Highway 17 is now a hub of pride and possibility.
Volunteering is a big part of life for many people living in rural areas. A recent community survey by Dakota Resources and eight rural communities found that about 80% of people believe they need to get involved to help their community succeed. Volunteering can mean different things: donating money, helping neighbors, taking on leadership roles, or working on community projects. Across the country, the number of people who volunteer formally has been dropping for about 20 years.
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The northwestern South Dakota farming community of McIntosh is celebrating a new preK-8 school, opening this Fall.
Volunteering is a big part of life for many people living in rural areas. A recent community survey by Dakota Resources and eight rural communities found that about 80% of people believe they need to get involved to help their community succeed. Volunteering can mean different things: donating money, helping neighbors, taking on leadership roles, or working on community projects. Across the country, the number of people who volunteer formally has been dropping for about 20 years.
When I was a child, my mom ingrained in me the mantra: “Whatever you do, leave it better than you found it.” That statement resonates daily in my work as a community coach with rural leaders. As I help these rural leaders uncover a vision for their community, I often hear the greatest generation reminisce about their community’s vibrant past. They express a dream of returning to those days.
Deon Vilhauer was raised in South Dakota and has called North Dakota home for the past 28 years. Growing up on a ranch 10 miles south of the SD/ND border, at an early age Deon learned there are more things that South Dakota and North Dakota have in common than what they don't have in common. Deon attended High School in Leola, SD, college in Aberdeen, SD and flight school in Tulsa, OK. Deon enjoys a busy life as he is the Flight Operations Manager for the North Dakota Department of Transportation as well as ranches with his parents and sister and brother-in-law when time allows. Deon is also a Board Member for Capital Electric Cooperative of Bismarck, North Dakota Association for Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC), Rural Development Finance Corporation (RDFC), Dakotas America and is on the Rural Development Services Committee for NDAREC.
Garrett Schweitzer is the Market President of Dacotah Bank's locations in Lemmon and Bison. He understands the important role community banks play in rural economic development and takes great pride in helping business owners and farmers and ranchers reach their financial goals. He is active in the community, having served on the Lemmon City Council, Lemmon Area Charitable and Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors, West River Cooperative Telephone Company Board of Directors, and Lemmon Country Club Board of Directors. Garrett and his family love the outdoors and enjoy spending time in the vast, rural areas of western South Dakota and other western states.
With a commitment to both rural and urban communities, Jarrett has carved a unique path in his career, seamlessly blending his educational achievements with hands-on experience across various domains. Jarrett’s educational journey began with a focus on engineering and construction management. While working in project management roles for different contractors across the United States, he realized the importance of complementing his technical expertise with a solid foundation in business. This drove him to pursue an MBA, further enhancing his ability to navigate the complex world of project management and entrepreneurship. After several years of success in the construction industry, Jarrett returned to his roots and joined his family on their farm. Here, he took on a wide variety of responsibilities, including legal, financial, and HR management, among others, demonstrating his versatility and dedication to ensuring the farm’s success. He also spearheaded the expansion of their trucking business, venturing into commercial work, and introduced a custom spray application service, diversifying their agricultural offerings. Beyond farming, Jarrett is an investor and property owner, with multiple apartments and rental properties in the Groton and Aberdeen areas. Since his return to South Dakota, Jarrett has actively participated in initiatives that make a difference. He serves on the board of directors for the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce and Aberdeen Regional Airport.
Dr. Jacob Quail was raised on the family farm outside of Sinai, South Dakota. He attended Augustana College and then medical school at the University of Minnesota. After the 9/11 tragedy, he wanted to serve his country so after medical school he and his wife moved to San Diego where he trained and worked as a general surgeon in the US Navy. While serving in the Navy, Jacob and his family lived in various places, but their favorite duty station was in Guam. Knowing that they wanted to return to South Dakota, he separated from the Navy in 2020 after 11 years of Active Duty service and they moved back to Vermillion, South Dakota, where Jacob now works as a rural general surgeon with Sanford Health. Jacob and Shelby have 3 school-age children, who are all involved in the arts and athletics. Both Jacob and Shelby cherish their experiences and friendships made while away from South Dakota, but they have absolutely no regrets moving back home. In addition to working as rural general surgeon, he is an active Booster Club member and Rotarian along with being the Vice President of the Boys & Girls Club of Vermillion Advisory Council.
Ryan is the Sioux Falls Market President for American State Bank. With more than 24 years of experience in the financial services industry, Ryan assumed his current role with the bank in 2018. Prior to American State Bank, he was employed with HSBC/Capital One. He joined HSBC in 1999 as an entry level unit manager. He managed several different departments over the years including customer service and credit bureau disputes. Ryan holds a bachelor’s degree from Dakota State University in Madison. He has served as a committee Chair for the Sioux Empire United Way and an 18-year classroom volunteer for Junior Achievement.
Mr. Petersen is a Professional Engineer with over 20 years of engineering experience in the public and private sector, including: water distribution system modeling and design, water tower and pump station design, instrumentation and control design, preparation of plans, specifications, and engineering reports, construction inspection, hydrant flow testing and pressure monitoring, water sample testing, stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPP), infiltration and inflow analysis, sewer design, bridge hydraulics and special experience working with rural water systems. Mr. Petersen also has surveying experience including construction staking, site grading, topographical mapping, and boundary surveying. Mr. Petersen is a professional engineer in South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota.
Kevin Moe brings more than 25 years of experience in financial services and credit policy to the Dakota Resources Board of Directors. He currently serves as Regional Credit Policy Officer and Vice President at First National Bank of Omaha, where he leads credit administration across a multi-state region with a $1.2 billion portfolio. Kevin’s deep expertise in agricultural lending and economic development is rooted in his early career across South Dakota communities and strengthened through leadership roles at MetaBank, Bank of the West, and First National Bank South Dakota. A graduate of South Dakota State University, Kevin holds a Master of Science in Finance from Georgetown University and a Master of Studies in Law from the University of Southern California. He is an active community leader, having served as Board Chair of Yankton Thrive and the Ty Eschenbaum Foundation, and as a board member for SDARL, Boys and Girls Club of the Northern Plains, and FNN Trust Company. Kevin also teaches business courses as an adjunct professor and is a past president of Trinity Lutheran Church in Yankton.
Serving as the Community Affairs Manager for Black Hills Energy, Lynn is dedicated to fostering strong partnerships and making a positive impact on the community in South Dakota. With over 15 years of professional experience in community building, advocacy, and engagement, Lynn’s journey began with the Rapid City Chamber of Commerce and later with the South Dakota Ellsworth Development Authority. Her involvement in policymaking at the state level and her active participation in local and statewide election campaigns reflect her passion for driving positive change. Prior to her career in community affairs, Lynn served in the United States Air Force for a decade in the Munitions Systems career field, stationed at Kadena AB, Osan AB, and Ellsworth AFB. Lynn earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science from Black Hills University and her Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in Civic Engagement from Claremont Lincoln University. Additionally, she holds the Institute of Organizational Management designation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Lynn is an active member of her community and currently serves on the boards of the Central States Fair, YMCA of the Black Hills, Leadership South Dakota, and the Board of Trustees for Western Dakota Tech. Her dedication to civic service extends to her personal life, where she and her husband are raising two children.
Skya Ducheneaux is deeply rooted in her native heritage and a passion for community development. An enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Skya spent her formative years on a cattle ranch on the CRST Reservation in South Dakota, forging a profound connection to her land and culture. Skya’s educational path led her to earn an MBA in Business Administration, equipping her with the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact on her community. Her journey into community development began during her summers interning for the Intertribal Agriculture Council, where she was introduced to the work of Native Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). With dedication and vision, Skya took on the challenge of creating the first national Native CDFI dedicated to Indian agriculture, successfully launching this groundbreaking initiative in 2019. Her work continues to bridge the gap between finance and agriculture, benefiting Native communities across the nation. While Skya has transitioned to the other side of the agriculture table, her commitment to the land, her people, and her mission remains unwavering.
Attorney, licensed in both Illinois and South Dakota. My practice is primarily business and estate planning. Originally from Lapeer, Michigan. Currently on the Board of Trustees for theBoys & Girls Club of Watertown and Vice-President of the Watertown Rotary Club. As part of my civil service to the community, I am currently the President of the Watertown Municipal Utilities Board and have served as the interim City Attorney for the City of Watertown. Prior to opening my own practice here in Watertown in 2008, I served as General Counsel to the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Indian tribe from 2003 to 2007. What I enjoy most about my law practice is helping non-profits and those wanting to start their own businesses and watching them grow and helping them navigate the landscape as they grow and encounter new challenges.
Bryan Breitling’s journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication to serving his community, his state, and his fellow citizens. Born and raised in Roscoe, SD, Bryan’s commitment to making a difference in the lives of others began early in life and has continued to define his career. After completing his military service, Bryan attended Northern State University (NSU) and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting and finance. Bryan later attended the University of Sioux Falls (USF) and graduated with an MBA, with an emphasis on Healthcare Administration. Bryan began his career as the administrator at Storla Sunset Home near Letcher. Subsequently, he took on the role of hospital and nursing home administrator at Bowdle Healthcare Center. For more than 20 years, Bryan dedicated his efforts to Avera Hand County in Miller, where he served as an administrator. During this time, his leadership abilities shone brightly, leading to his eventual appointment as a regional administrator, responsible for overseeing four other rural Avera hospitals. In 2020, Bryan took on a new challenge by entering the world of politics. He ran for public office and secured a position of State Senator from District 23. Now in his second term, Bryan serves as the Vice Chair of Senate Appropriations. Bryan’s commitment to community development is evident in his involvement with On Hand Economic Development, where he initially joined as a member and later became the Chair. During his tenure, On Hand partnered with Dakota Resources on several projects that positively impacted the region. Outside of his professional and political roles, Bryan has a rich history of serving on numerous nonprofit boards, demonstrating his dedication to various causes and organizations that make a difference in people’s lives.
Sara Bartscher ACCOUNTING & COMPLIANCE COORDINATOR Sara Bartscher [...]
Rita Anderson spent her career as an economic development practitioner, with over three decades of experience in the field. Her career started in Yuma, Colorado in 1991 and wrapped up with her retirement as the Executive Director of the De Smet Development Corporation in 2023. During her career, Rita oversaw projects such as the recruitment of manufacturing and retail businesses to the community, housing development, development of community facilities in several different communities, to name a few. She is an active advocate for community & economic development and rural communities with her involvement in statewide organizations to promote economic development efforts, including workforce, housing, childcare, trails, tourism, community projects and wellness efforts with South Dakota Legislature and strong working relationship with State of South Dakota Departments. She continues to serve on the De Smet Development Corporation board.
At Dakota Resources, we end the year by honoring the leaders of our rural communities on their many accomplishments in 2024. Last month’s Learning Network Gathering Awards Banquet recognized four winners in the following categories: 1) a Local Partner award, for someone who shows immense support and leadership to a fellow Learning Network member; 2) Community Innovation, for a community trying something new; 3) the Thriverr award, given to a member who exemplifies the Thriverr principles and culture and is chosen by the Dakota Resources team; and 4) a new Leveling Up award, for economic development organizations realizing a breakthrough in their recent work.
Hey there, Rural Heroes. Imagine if rural communities were not isolated and fading but an interconnected ecosystem. Hopeful. Leaderful. Thriving. That’s exactly what we’ve been helping to build across South Dakota and beyond. And it’s working. This year, more than ever, we’re seeing the old mindset of community competition being shattered. In its place, we’re hosting an ecosystem where rural leaders level up their skills, confidence, and impact–together. Where there was once turf, now there’s trust and collaboration.
To succeed in any community is a partnership. Although working in rural areas can feel isolating at times, Dakota Resources is omnipresent, existing for you to boost morale and to champion growth and change. We will continue to be an ally who believes in you as long as you’ll have us. But the same is true for us. This work is mutually dependent. We want you to stay by our sides and nurture the relationships we share, because when you grow, we grow, too.
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There is a new youth wellness center going up in remote Box Elder, Montana the Mīyō Pimātisiwinkamik (“Mīyō”) which translates from Cree to the “Good Life Lodge.” It is a lofty $30 million project that will have the power to change the well-being and vitality of an entire community seeking positive change. There will be healthcare, dental and optometry services, and behavioral health support, alongside sports courts and fitness equipment. Programming will include tribal language and culture, sports and educational curriculum, nutritional meals and a wonderful dose of encouragement all year long.
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