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Business Champions
Elevate Rapid City recognized seven Rapid City Area legislators for their work supporting our business community during the 2020 Legislative Session.
The Elevate Business Champion and Business Advocate designations recognize local lawmakers who supported policies that advance a healthy business environment for Rapid City.
The 2020 Legislative Session was marked by several key successes, including legislation to broaden our workforce, invest in innovation, and make the state more competitive by adding new tools for businesses to grow — none of which would have been possible without the work of the legislators recognized below.
Sen. Jessica Castleberry
District 35 // Owner, Little Nest Preschool LLC
“Advocating for the business community in Rapid City is something I’ve been passionate about for over a decade. I’ve operated my own business for the past ten years, promoted local businesses and their owners, and collaborated with organizations such as Elevate, South Dakota CEO, and Women’s Network of Rapid City. I am so proud to have the opportunity to support our workforce and future economic growth as a legislator in 2020.”
SEN. HELENE DUHAMEL
District 32 // Sheriff's Office, Business Owner
“I am proud of Rapid City and its business community. A healthy local business climate provides jobs and a good quality of life for all of us lucky enough to call this place home, as well as our many visitors who shop and vacation here. As your Senator, I commit to advocating for an economic environment that ensures a strong, competitive platform for local businesses, as well as a desirable market for businesses looking to expand in our region.”
REP. MICHAEL DIEDRICH
District 34 // Attorney
“As the son of a business owner, it is in my DNA to advocate, assist and protect the interests of our business community. Economic growth, opportunities for future generations, and development of community leaders and volunteers are all driven by our business community. Collaboration with Elevate results in effective strategy and advocacy to enhance our community now and for generations to come.”
REP. JESS OLSON
District 34 // Owner, Stay Graceful Inc. (Home Health Care)
“As an advocate for small business, I want to help create jobs, unleash creativity, and build a stronger community. From starting my own business in Rapid City, I know what it’s like to handle these responsibilities, and more importantly, face the same challenges as you. That’s why my decisions as your Representative come from personal experience and listening to my neighbors. I’m proud to support all of our small businesses here and across the state.“
SEN. JEFF PARTRIDGE
District 34 // Financial Advisor
“Economic Development requires that politicians work in duality: get government out of the way when necessary and in the way when a jump-start is needed. We all must work together to make our tomorrow better than today. We need a new generation of pro-growth leaders to take our community to the next level.”
Rep. David Johnson
District 33 // Tree Nurseryman, Arborist, Commercial Pilot
“Business advocacy involves the “Four Ts” (tourism, trees, transportation and technology). Tourism is our region’s top priority, but is a nonentity without a healthy, sustainable and wellmanaged national forest. Rapid City’s Regional Airport and aviation commerce are critical to our economic superiority. Business expansion in our area simply will not happen without a bustling aviation hub. Finally, we must attract and retain technological expertise from SDSM&T, encouraging youthful talent in influencing and formulating public economic policy.”
Rep. Scyller Borglum
District 32 // Engineer
"To me, advocating for the Rapid City business community means advocating for everyday South Dakotans. Our businesses and our economy impact people throughout West River and across the state: families, churches, business owners, entrepreneurs, students, ranchers, farmers, and first responders. South Dakotans travel to Rapid City to do business. We serve the people. Our business community is the fabric that binds everyday South Dakotans together. All of the different threads make for a beautiful and hardy piece of our greater South Dakota community."
