Dakota Resources Newsletter: Spring 2016

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

HOVEN GAINS A FRESH PERSPECTIVE

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HOT SPRINGS TAKES FIVE –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

BE THE CHANGE –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

MEET OUR COACHES –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

RURAL SOUTH DAKOTA’S BEST KEPT SECRETS –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

HOW CAN DESIGN: SD HELP YOU? –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

EXPERIENCE #RURALX –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

A CHAMPION FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES

S PRIN G 2016 N E WSLE T T E R

A BRIGHT NEW SPARK MAKES A HOME IN HOVEN.

She could have gone just about anywhere. Instead, 23-year-old Sara Colombe decided to take a job in Hoven, South Dakota — despite some interesting circumstances.

“I submitted my resume at Hoven High School on a Friday and the school burned to the ground on Sunday,” she recalls. “When they offered me the position anyway, I was attracted to the challenge. I liked the idea of starting something new. I felt a real pull to go to Hoven, even with all the unknowns.”

In many ways, the fire that destroyed Hoven High School in May, 2014 ignited a spark in the community that brought people together like never before.

SARA COLOMBE PREPARES STUDENTS FOR LAND JUDGING BY EXPLAINING SOIL PRINCIPLES.

In addition to rebuilding the school, community members were “on fire” to build an even stronger community. That desire led them to partner with Dakota Resources in June, 2015.

Sara has been a core member of the Empower! Dakota initiative in Hoven from the beginning, lending a fresh perspective to the community and providing valuable feedback for keeping young people like her in the area.

“Sara is unique in that she doesn’t have family in the area and she moved here without any preconceived notions,” says Kristi Wagner, Community Coach for Empower! Dakota.

“Attracting and keeping young people is vital to the success of our rural communities. Helping that happen is one of my favorite parts of this job.”

Empower! Dakota recently helped Hoven identify five community initiatives, which include daycare, housing, youth, business development and healthcare. There are about ten community members working on each initiative.

“We are looking forward to seeing progress and results,” says Sara. “We are learning to take it slow and do it right. It’s hard to be patient, but we’ve seen Dakota Resources be successful in places like Faulkton. If any town has the drive and determination to make things happen, it’s Hoven.”

As a catalyst for economic development and a champion for rural vitality, Dakota Resources offers four key initiatives that allow us to help rural communities in South Dakota. These initiatives are how we make an impact.

CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT

ENTREPRENEUR DEVELOPMENT

HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

WHAT WILL EMPOWER! DAKOTA

MATT FOSNESS SMILES FOR THE CAMERA AT AN EMPOWER! DAKOTA VISION TEAM WORKSHOP IN WEBSTER, SOUTH DAKOTA.

Downtown beautification. Innovative housing solutions. Expanded recreational opportunities. Engaged high school students. New community volunteers.

Unique business ideas.

DO FOR YOUR COMMUNITY?

All of these things and more are happening in rural communities across the state, thanks to a partnership with Dakota Resources’ Empower! Dakota initiative. Through this initiative, partnering rural communities gain valuable leadership development through community coaching of citizens, local directors and organizations. Empower! Dakota provides hands-on guidance and support to help communities make strategic decisions, wise investments and creative, forward-thinking progress.

“We have a lot of new people getting involved in the Webster community. Not just board members or committee members, but regular citizens who see things happening and want to be a part of it. Empower! Dakota came in from the outside and gave us a fresh perspective. They just know so much. I’m not sure how we would do this without them,” says Melissa Waldner, Executive Director, Webster Area Development Corporation.

Part of the success behind Empower! Dakota is found in the Dakota Resources coaching staff.

These rural advocates utilize years of expertise and insight to empower community leaders to bring people together and create synergy in their communities.

PHOTO CREDIT: AMANDA FANGER

Meet The Coaches: The Power Behind Empower!

Empower! Dakota community coaches guide our rural partners into setting goals for creating new and expanded opportunities.

Through on-site visits, workshops, listening sessions, mentoring, strategy sessions and more, coaches help communities move forward in ways they never thought possible.

JOE BARTMANN

VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNITY INNOVATION

>> Where do you live?

In the little town of Montrose, South Dakota (population 471).

>> What do you like most about your rural community?

I like that I live in a place where people act like a village—we watch out for each other, and care for each other. I’m also proud that most people in my community are usually welcoming to outsiders, from backgrounds and cultures that are familiar and from those that are not.

>> Where did you go to high school and/or college?

“Our coaches are deeply committed to the communities they serve. They offer valuable tools, guidance and support as residents dig into problems and navigate toward attainable solutions. People are often surprised at how much is accomplished when they ‘ruralize their potential.”

– BETH DAVIS // PRESIDENT OF DAKOTA RESOURCES

Canistota High School (graduating class of 21 students), USD School of Business

>> How do you see your role with Dakota Resources impacting rural communities?

I feel privileged to be able to help people show up as leaders in their rural communities—sometimes they are people that most everybody would point to as “leaders,” and often they are quiet change-makers, just ready to work on something they care about.

>> What gets you excited about rural?

People live out here. Rural is not just a place, it is a place for people who want to be here. When a few of those people decide to make their communities better for everybody, I get excited to encourage them, support them and celebrate them.

>> Tell us about your family?

My grandparents and parents all grew up somewhere in McCook County, where my wife Jaimie and I are raising our four daughters now. In fact, our girls can trace their roots to this land back at least five generations. The land where some of my family homesteaded is still part of my parents’ farm. To be able to stand with my daughters on that land and reflect on the triumph, tragedy and humanity that it has witnessed is surreal.

>> Do you have hobbies/interests?

I find the greatest life lessons while immersed in the wild — whether hiking the woods and prairies of this state, chasing newborn calves around on the family farm with my daughters, digging into my latest backyard composting experiment, or at a community meeting.

PAULA JENSEN

RESOURCE AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

>> Where do you live?

Langford, SD (population 300) located in Marshall County, South Dakota.

>> What do you like most about your rural community?

My community has strong community pride. That pride spills over to supporting our youth, school, church, local community foundation, beautification, recycling, patronizing local businesses, caring for our elderly and beyond. It is those qualities that make me proud to be from a rural South Dakota town.

>> Where did you go to high school and/or college?

Langford High School and Northern State University, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting.

>> Give a myth and a fact about living in a rural community in South Dakota?

Myth: There is nothing to do in rural communities Fact: The reality is you could be busy every night of the week. Just last night I went to a community dinner theater in a neighboring town (population 73) and tomorrow night I am going to a regional high school basketball championship game.

>> How do you believe your position at Dakota Resources is helping you “Ruralize Your Potential?”

Building relationships across South Dakota with rural community champions and rural supporters through my day-to-day work allows me to learn how and why communities are truly succeeding. Having the opportunity to share that inspiration with other communities who want to do the same is empowering. Together, Dakota Resources and rural communities are building a network of expertise, resources and community development leaders to advance the rural places I call home.

KRISTI WAGNER

SENIOR COMMUNITY COACH

>> Where do you live?

Whitewood, South Dakota (population 940).

>> What do you like most about your rural community?

Definitely the community spirit and volunteerism.

>> Where did you go to high school and/or college?

Leola High School and the University of South Dakota.

>> What gets you excited about rural?

Engaging the next generations of potential leaders. I see young adults walking through the door and getting involved in their rural communities and it’s a great sign for the future.

>> How do you believe your position at Dakota Resources is helping you “Ruralize Your Potential?”

I have learned that coaching communities and individuals is all about helping them realize their value. My role is to give people the confidence to make a difference.

>> Tell us about your family?

My husband Kip and I have been married for 32 years and have a daughter and a son. Our daughter Katie lives in Aberdeen with her husband James and they are expecting their first child (my first grandchild!) in May. Our son Kevin is a junior at USD majoring in business and entrepreneurial studies. We also have a Maltese named Molly.

>> Tell us about your family?

>> What are your hobbies/interests?

My husband, Daren and I, have owned and operated an auto repair shop, Jensen Auto Service, in Langford, SD for the past 23 years. Together we are raising three boys. Tyler lives in Sanborn, North Dakota. He attended Northwest Technical College in Bemidji, MN to become an Engine Machinist. Tate is a Build Dakota Scholar at Lake Area Tech in Watertown, SD, majoring in Energy Technology. Trey is a freshman at Langford Area High School. He is currently building a Chevy S10 dragster with his brother and also is a state champion in trap shooting.

I enjoy motorcycle riding, snowmobiling and participating in Shriners International and PEO.

COMMUNITY GATHERING IN HOVEN, SD.

Empower! Dakota: With You All the Way. Empower! Dakota isn’t your typical community resources program. This is an on-going initiative that utilizes a “teach a person to fish” approach so community members feel confident and empowered to drive change in their own communities. Through it all, Empower! Dakota staff is there to help provide direction. Below is a short explanation of each of the opportunities provided by Empower! Dakota.

COACHING VISITS: Experienced community coaches from Dakota Resources provide an outside perspective while helping community members learn from one another and from their own experiences. They also help communities take action with tools designed to push progress and facilitate results.

COMMUNITY GATHERINGS: Community gatherings are open to the entire community and are facilitated by Empower! Dakota community coaches. The intent is to allow every community member a chance to be thoughtfully heard and also encourage people to work on projects that matter most to them.

LISTENING SESSIONS: Community leaders meet with various community groups to listen and learn in an effort to provide guidance on top issues. The meetings are facilitated by Empower! Dakota.

INITIATIVE TEAM ACTION WORKSHOP: Citizen-led initiative teams are provided with tools, resources and hands-on coaching to help them collaborate with each other and achieve progress on community initiatives.

MENTORING SESSIONS: Community leaders are empowered to lead initiative teams and be a connection between teams.

DEVELOPMENT BOARD STRATEGY SESSIONS: Rural community leaders and economic development staff are challenged to focus on organizational development in order to create achievable progress in their communities through strategic coaching and training, a solid learning network and engaged and energized residents.

EMPOWER! DAKOTA FOCUSES ON THREE KEY OBJECTIVES IN EACH OF OUR PARTNERING COMMUNITIES:

1

2

Engage more people in the community by empowering citizens of all ages to become part of Initiative Teams that fit their skills and interests.

Empower community leaders to be

strong communications links between

community members and to promote

action and progress on designated Initiatives.

3

Encourage and mentor core community leaders to “ruralize the potential” of people and organizations within their community and to embrace new opportunities, recognize what’s possible and support strategic thinking.

HOT SPRINGS COMES TOGETHER FOR BETTER

After analyzing information from dozens of different community groups, a core group of residents in Hot Springs identified five key initiatives that will help enrich and empower the southern Black Hills community for the future.

Hot Springs is currently focused on the following initiatives:

“We went to philanthropic groups, kids, veterans…just about everybody,” says Curt Lout, a board member for Southern Hills Economic Development and a core leader of the Hot Springs Empower! Dakota initiative. “Everywhere we went, people were just thankful. This was the first time they’d ever been asked questions like this.”

Hot Springs became a partner with Empower! Dakota last September. The work began with community listening sessions and culminated with a community meeting held in January, where findings were presented and action plans were discussed. Empower! Dakota community coach Kristi Wagner led the community meeting.

“The first time we met Kristi, we were super excited to have someone to coach us for two years,” says Curt. “So many organizations just kind of swoop in and swoop out. We were happy to have on ongoing partner.”

The meeting in January drew 88 community members—despite the fact that it was scheduled during a Denver Broncos play-off game.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

TOURISM

RECREATION

“We have a lot of Broncos fans around here, so I know that affected our attendance. Since then, we have been adding people all the time. Empower! Dakota is really snowballing and gaining attention,” says Curt.

Andrea Powers, Executive Director or Southern Hills Economic Development, says the most exciting thing about the initiative is the way it’s bringing people together.

BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEV

“It’s unified Hot Springs like never before,” she says. “We have people from every demographic involved, from young to old, business owners and non-business owners. We are hearing some great ideas and getting things done.”

“These initiatives are really fun to build on with a community,” says community coach Kristi Wagner. “Subjects like health, wellness and recreation tend to lure younger people, so it’s exciting to see that momentum. Hot Springs is a great place with so much going for it and this is just going to make things even better.”

HOUSING

Design: SD Brings More Opportunities to Empower! Dakota Your Empower! Dakota community is encouraged to apply for the chance to hold an intensive three-day Design: South Dakota workshop based around the unique dreams and visions of your town.

This chance is available to one Empower! Dakota site each year, based on a competitive application.

Through the event, 15+ professionals from all walks of design and community development will set up studio alongside your local residents for three days to think about and design for the future.

For more information, visit www.designsd.org

SCOTT PARSLEY, BRUCE RAMPELBURG, GOVERNOR DAUGAARD, DICK WERNER AND GARY CAMMACK SIGN HB 1150 INTO LEGISLATION IN FEBRUARY.

Bill Passes To Encourage Property Development

South Dakota House Bill 1150, sponsored by Dakota Resources Credit Officer and South Dakota Legislator Dick Werner, increases the property tax exemptions for property owned by “local industrial development corporations to $750,000.� Prior to the introduction of HB 1150, that exemption was for $100,000. HB 1150 also did away with the provision that a municipality with more than one local industrial development corporation would have to equally divide the exemption. This is a great tool for development corporations who are holding real property for future development. For more information, contact Dick Werner at 605-350-1371.

YOUR RURAL. YOUR EXPERIENCE. YOU’RE INVITED.

WHAT IS RURALX? WHEN Tuesday, July 19, 2016 1:00p - 9:30p Wednesday, July 20, 2016 8a - 4:30p WHERE Dakota Event Center 720 Lamont Street South Aberdeen, SD 57401 TO REGISTER dakotaresources.org/ ruralxsummit

RuralX stands for Rural Experience; a convergence of thinkers and doers from rural communites across South Dakota coming together to share creative energy, positive motivation and compelling new ways to “ruralize their potential” in the places they call home. The lively, action-packed summit inspires critical conversations, connects people with ideas, encourages community-to-community collaboration and transforms ideas into action. Guests are actively engaged throughout the summit and beyond through innovative programming and real-time technology. RuralX is a truly compelling experience designed to enrich and empower our rural communities now and into the future. Be part of a lively, inspirational summit designed for anyone who believes in rural possibilities, featuring:

Nationally recognized speakers Emily Pilloton, Becky McCray, Deb Brown and Michael Goodman “Innovation Meets Tradition” panel discussion moderated by Hugh Weber Breakouts on housing, entrepreneurship, leadership and development finance OpenX sessions where groups discuss, learn and plan strategies for the future Chef-inspired farm to fork “Harvest Supper” Rock Garden Tour live radio performance

#ruralX is hosted by Dakota Resources, a non-profit organization dedicated to being a champion of rural communities and a catalyst for economic development.

NON PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE

PAID PERMIT #7922 SIOUX FALLS, SD

25795 475th Avenue, Suite 1 Renner, SD 57055

Rural Treasures across South Dakota Our Empower! Dakota coaches do a lot of traveling on the backroads of South Dakota and are familiar with some of the best kept secrets around. Here are some of their favorite places just off the beaten path.

FROM PAULA: Perfect Pickins – coffee shop, lunch and gifts in Webster –––––––––––––––––––––––

Twist of Pine – South Dakota-made gift shop in Yankton –––––––––––––––––––––––

The Painted Past – refurbished furniture store in Britton –––––––––––––––––––––––

Dizzy Blondz – kitchen items, clothing, jewelry and toys in Britton

Backroads Dakota – a Facebook page for sharing “finds” in rural South Dakota

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FROM JOHN: The Back 40 – farm-to-table food, antiques, music and libations in Kimball

Ward’s Store and Bakery in DeSmet Doubletree Gallery in Sisseton

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FROM KRISTI:

Heartstrings Limited – cards, art work and fun smoothies in Miller

Ampride in Hoven – amazing caramel rolls!

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––––––––––––––––––––––– Gettysburg Bakery in Gettysburg –––––––––––––––––––––––

FROM JOE: The Cake Lady in Wagner –––––––––––––––––––––––

Bow-K’s Flower and Sweet Shop in Pine Ridge –––––––––––––––––––––––

FROM MIKE: Trendy Threads in Roscoe

Higher Grounds Coffee in Howard

Annie’s Coffeehouse and Wine Café in Garretson –––––––––––––––––––––––

Mornin’ Sunshine Coffee in Hot Springs

“There are a bunch of really wonderful little places in very rural towns across our state, where you can find the good stuff. I just love checking them out and experiencing whatever eclectic mix of entrepreneurship is happening inside.”

– JOE BARTMANN

Black Hills Burger and Bun in Custer –––––––––––––––––––––––

Aw! Shucks Café in Kadoka –––––––––––––––––––––––

Burger Shack in Faulkton –––––––––––––––––––––––

The Hot Springs Vault –––––––––––––––––––––––

Bridges Restaurant in Chamberlain

If you want to be part of a passionate crew that cares about all things rural, find us in these places and join in!

STAY IN TOUCH Empower! Dakota coaches Paula, John, Mike, Joe and Kristi

p: 605.978.2804 e: info@dakotaresources.org w: dakotaresources.org