Thriving Rural Day Kicked Off Dakota Resources 25th Anniversary

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How did you celebrate?

By: Andrea Schmidt

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.

January 2nd was the anniversary of the day Dakota Resources enacted its Articles of Incorporation. We are proud to work with more than 85 communities to help them thrive through building financial and leadership capacity.

Pictured: Kevin Wagner: Executive Director Deadwood, Lead and Central City Economic Development, Andrew Van Kuren: Director at Campbell County Economic Development, Ruth Christopherson: Citi; Chairman of the Board at Dakota Resources, Beth Davis: Fo… — Pictured: Kevin Wagner: Executive Director Deadwood, Lead and Central City Economic Development, Andrew Van Kuren: Director at Campbell County Economic Development, Ruth Christopherson: Citi; Chairman of the Board at Dakota Resources, Beth Davis: Founding President, Dakota Resources, Retired, Joe Bartmann: President, Dakota Resources, Jennifer Suter: Executive Director, Lemmon Chamber of Commerce, Kristi Noem: South Dakota Governor, Gary Cammack: Owner of Cammack Ranch Supply; Board Member, Dakota Resources, Jesse Fonkert: Executive Director of LCEDA/MCEDA

Today, we offer five programs – Community Coaching, the Learning Network, RuralX, New Markets Tax Credits, and Community Development Loans.

“We are honored to share this day with rural communities,” says Joe Bartmann, President of Dakota Resources, “and take this moment to celebrate those traditions and values each one holds while still sparking the change that will allow these communities to continue to thrive. We believe rural is the backbone of our economy and that true growth happens with one person who has an idea and who invites others to join them so the future they envision can start to take shape now. We look forward to helping many ideas come to life in the next 25 years.”

Anniversary Gifts Share the Love of Rural

As part of Thriving Rural Day and the 25th Anniversary, Dakota Resources posted a Thriving Rural Day Challenge on Facebook, asking, “What does a thriving rural look like in your community?” We received many answers, including this one from our prize winner, Burke Business Promotion Corporation:

“For us, it’s entrepreneurship, succession plans, walkability, green spaces, and affordable housing. What does it look like to you?”

We gave our friends in Burke a “Future of Rural” prize box, filled with swag and other prizes to share. Follow us on social media for your chance to win. We plan to give a prize box away every quarter this year!