30 Years of Impact Magazine
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Dakota Resources Form 990, 2025
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We’re hiring! Director of Learning Networks
We're looking for someone to lead and grow Thriverr, our peer learning network for rural community and economic development leaders. Thriverr already offers daily content, a deep resource library, and 50+ virtual and in-person events a year.
Listening, Learning, and Letting Communities Lead: A Q&A with Past President, Beth Davis
Beth Davis helped shape Dakota Resources from nearly the beginning. Hired in 1998 as the first President of South Dakota Rural Enterprise, Inc. — the organization that would become Dakota Resources — Beth led the organization for 20 years before retiring in 2018. During her tenure, Dakota Resources grew from a capital-focused rural development organization into a statewide partner helping rural communities access flexible capital, strengthen local leadership, build capacity and move community-driven projects forward.
Supporting Communities for the Long Term: A Q&A with Linda Salmonson
Linda Salmonson has witnessed Dakota Resources’ growth and evolution, from the formation of the organization to today. She first joined the Board of Directors in 1999 serving through 2011 before returning to the board in 2019. She continues to serve on the board today and has also been a major donor to the Dakota Resources’ 30th Anniversary fundraising campaign.
Submit your application for 2026 Thriverr Awards!
We want to celebrate you. Our annual Thriverr Awards will be presented at our Using AI in your Economic Development Organization Thriverr Gathering on November 17th in Sioux Falls, SD. Award applications are opened, and we look forward to reading your submissions! See the award descriptions below. All applications are due on October 27th, 2026.
Dacotah Bank and Dakota Resources: A 30-Year Partnership for Rural Possibility
For 30 years, Dakota Resources has worked alongside partners who believe rural communities are worth investing in, not only with financial resources, but with time, leadership, and a long-term commitment to local possibility. Dacotah Bank has been one of those partners from the beginning. As a longstanding investor, sponsor, and leadership partner, Dacotah Bank has played an important role in the growth of Dakota Resources and the rural communities it serves. Over the years, the bank has invested nearly $3 million into the Dakota Resources Capital Investment Fund, supported Dakota Resources programming through sponsorships, and contributed the time and talents of several leaders through board service.
Current Opportunities to Grow Your AI Skills
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.
Preserving, Preparing, and Positioning Aberdeen
Aberdeen is preparing before opportunity even arrives. That has taken shape as preparing industrial land for future business growth, reinvesting in downtown property, and preserving key assets that can support jobs and business activity over time. The Aberdeen Development Corporation (ADC) has spent decades doing the work, not only responding to what the community needs today, but helping position Aberdeen for what may come next. Since 2002, Dakota Resources has supported ADC through a long-standing lending relationship, providing over $5 million through the Capital Investment Fund to help make important projects happen. For Dakota Resources, that kind of lending is about giving local economic development organizations access to flexible capital when the trifecta of timing, momentum, and opportunity align.
Dakota Resources Annual Report, 2025
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A Backbone for Rural Posibility: A Q&A with Current President Joe Bartmann
As Dakota Resources reflects on 30 years of helping rural communities thrive, President Joe Bartmann sees the organization’s legacy not only in the programs it has created or the loans it has made, but in the trust, confidence, and shared belief it has helped build across rural South Dakota. Joe has served as President of Dakota Resources since 2018. His work is rooted in the belief that rural communities thrive when local leaders are connected, trusted, and equipped with the resources they need to shape solutions together. Through collaborative learning networks, strong nonprofits, and flexible capital, Joe and the Dakota Resources team continue to strengthen the conditions that help economic development organizations and rural communities invest in their own ideas.
Flexible capital helps Madison stay ready for what’s next
In rural economic development, progress often depends on the right timing. A business is ready to expand. A property becomes available. A community need rises to the surface. A future opportunity starts to take shape before all the pieces are fully in place. For the Madison Area Development Corporation, formerly Lake Area Improvement Corporation, having access to flexible, long-term capital has helped make those moments possible.
The Leadership Myth That’s Holding Us Back
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.
A Day at the Capitol to Celebrate 30 Years of Rural Impact
On January 15, Dakota Resources marked a major milestone: 30 years of connecting capital and capacity to empower rural communities. The day brought together community leaders, team and board members, partners, and supporters in Pierre for conversations at the Capitol and an evening reception celebrating the people and partnerships that make rural progress possible.
Dakota Resources kicks off 30th anniversary year with public reception in Pierre on January 15
Dakota Resources will kick off its 30th anniversary celebration with a public reception on Thursday, January 15, 2026, inviting community members, partners, and supporters to join in recognizing three decades of investment in rural South Dakota communities. The 30th Anniversary Kickoff Reception will be held 4:30–6:00 p.m. CT at RedRossa Italian Grill – Hills Highland Ballroom in Pierre. A short program will begin at 5:00 p.m. and will include remarks and proclamation of January 15, 2026 as “Dakota Resources’ 30th Anniversary Day” from Governor Larry Rhoden and brief comments from Dakota Resources.
Deon Vilhauer
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.
Jarrett Rix
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.
Jacob Quail
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 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, he served in multiple locations including Guam, Okinawa and California. He separated from the Navy in 2020 after serving Active Duty for 11 years. Dr. Quail and his family moved back to South Dakota where he now works as a rural general surgeon at Sanford Vermillion.
Justin Petersen
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.
Ashley Geigle
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.
A Note from the President: Closing out 2025
Hey there, Rural Thrivers! This past year reaffirmed something we’ve believed at Dakota Resources from the beginning: rural communities don’t need “saving.” They need support that helps local leaders build skills, connect to resources, and turn good ideas into real projects. When that support shows up consistently, local people can do extraordinary things. And that’s exactly what you did in 2025. We’re connecting an ecosystem where rural leaders level up their skills, confidence, and impact—together—and then bring that momentum back to their hometowns. At the same time, the truth is 2025 also came with real challenges for CDFIs, like Dakota Resources, and for rural economic development in general. That’s why we stepped up our advocacy efforts significantly this year and helped local leaders to do the same.
Connections, Capacity, & Capital: A Trifecta in Tripp’s Growth
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.
Dakota Resources Form 990, 2024
Click on the image below to Download the PDF.
Submit your application for 2025 Thriverr Awards!
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.
Lennox’s Façade Project Brings Strategic Vision to Life
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.
