Accomplishments

  • Awarded a $98,000 RBEG to establish a revolving loan fund to assist new and growing businesses with low interest financing- partnering with banks or other lending institutions
  • Selected as a site finalist in SDREI Dakota Rising program whereas 4 sites were selected to receive $5000 a year for 3 years to hold an annual entrepreneurship fair aimed to foster and promote entrepreneurship programs and resources. 8 fellows within the 4 sites statewide will be assisted in receiving a $10,000 grant to grow and expand. Host an entrepreneur fair annually and assist potential fellows with applications and business plans
  • Sponsored a Core 4 Business Class assisting small business owners with operations, business planning, marketing
  • Provided resources and contacts for towns and organizations searching for grants, road improvements, business financing, housing issues and collaborations.
  • Host a hospitality front-line service training for over 200 attendees in the business and tourism industry.
  • Host a wellness weekend providing information on health, cancer prevention, dietary supplementation and had several therapists giving treatments and seminars.
  • Developing curriculum for 8th/9th graders engaging entrepreneurship, business and interviewing skills, money and time management, credit issues, and basic finance to be taught in our schools.
  • Hosting and organizing a national Economic Gardening Conference at Prairie Sky Ranch and Fort Sisseton Historic State Park in June, 2009.
  • Developing our website to incorporate our towns and area attractions for business and economic development along with tourism promotion and links to resources needed to market our region and provide information.
  • Completed the “Creating a Value Added Community” leadership training course with over 35 attendees from 8 communities learning the foundation for asset based community development, mapping, inclusivity, and various other developmental skills.
  • Applied for Scenic By-Way designation for Highway 10 between Browns Valley and Mobridge.
  • Organized a first time home-buyers education class held in Britton.
  • Developing literature and promotional brochure to promote the GLAD area and its towns. Focus on activities, attractions, accommodations, and services.
  • Continuing to work 1 day per week (20%) with NESDCAP/NESDEC which provides energy assistance, business financing, housing, emergency assistance, credit rebuilding, VITA, and many other services to citizens in our region. This resource and affiliation has a definite and profound impact on what we can offer and contacts to assist those in need.
  • Continuously building and developing relationships among housing, business, and community leaders to provide the connections and resources you expect from GLAD.
  • Completed 2 “Paint South Dakota” projects in Langford and Britton.
  • Attend several open houses and grand openings of local businesses. Offer resources for employment, financing, and trainings for those requiring human capital improvement.
  • SD Tourism online hospitality trainer SDVISIT.com
  • Attend numerous town board meetings, council meetings, and various civic activities
  • Elected to HAPI board of directors
  • Received our 2nd RCDI grant to sustain another 3 years of operation with matching funds.
  • Continuing to collaborate efforts with Dakota Wind LLC Wind Project
  • Helped organize Langford Community Foundation