The classic “chicken and egg” debate has never quite found its solution, and across rural South Dakota, a similar deliberation exists: what must come first, investments in rural housing or investments in economic development?

Attending a virtual conference may seem like experiencing the best of both worlds - all the learning without the travel - but in order to foster learning and cultivate true connection amongst attendees, a little intention goes a long way.

Research Park was able to utilize the Community Development Loan program to equip and support businesses to grow and conduct game-changing research right here in South Dakota.

Last year, one of our own, Director of Integrated Marketing Tyrelle Brakke, who grew up in the small rural town of Timber Lake, South Dakota, was selected to participate in Leadership South Dakota, a program with eight years’ of legacy in leadership development.

Ellie Naasz, our Director of Community Impact, recently sat down with her hometown newspaper, the Southern Union County Leader-Courier, and answered a few questions about the work she does here at Dakota Resources.

Kristi Wagner of Whitewood was reelected the board president during a meeting today in Pierre. Carmen Schramm* of Yankton was reelected vice president.

As part of the Dakota Resources 25th Anniversary celebration, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem issued a proclamation declaring January 2, 2021 as Dakota Resources’ Thriving Rural Day.

Lin Van Hofwegen joined the staff in 2005, the second hire for the organization, starting in an administrative role. Fifteen years later, she left her position as Managing Director of Dakotas America to follow her calling to work in ministry.

The real success comes from our attendees. Recently, several of them told Dakota Resources about their takeaways, their favorite moments, and their future plans.

At the Learning Network Awards Event on November 5, Dakota Resources recognized outstanding leaders and organizations for their efforts in rural community and economic development.

Kristi Wagner doesn’t need leadership training. She has been leading the charge in South Dakota for most of her adult life. She and her husband decided 30 years ago to spend their lives making a difference in South Dakota, and they have made good on that decision.

How many community volunteer programs can say they have 123 people working together to build a better community? The Custer, SD, Recreation and Wellness Initiative can, and the results are amazing.

Optimism. Creativity. Hard work. Committed citizens. It all adds up to a growing, thriving community, even in the most unlikely of places.

Custer, South Dakota was the Dakota Resources 2019 Innovative Community of the Year. With a population of about 2,000, Custer is fortunate to have people of all ages who are passionate about their community.

Pinnacle Productions was at the very first RuralX in Aberdeen, SD, four years ago. They are the people behind the scenes, helping to keep things running smoothly through audio/video technology while coordinating many of the details.

Pinnacle Productions is the company behind the scenes at every RuralX. They run the audio/visual technology, coordinate with speakers and make sure the experience is seamless for everyone. If you’ve ever attended RuralX, you’ve probably noticed them in the background, taking care of many details.

The city of Watertown, SD, had too many vacant buildings downtown. It didn’t reflect the vibrant, active community it really was. Chris Schilken, executive director of the Watertown Development Company, wanted to purchase, renovate and find tenants for three buildings on Kemp Avenue, the main street downtown. 

Today we are excited to launch a new brand and website! Over a year ago we started thinking about how we might express our mission in a way that better aligns with the work we are doing to support rural communities.