News

Vision Brookings, a catalyst for economic growth initiatives in the Brookings region, has been a driving force behind the area's development since 2005. Founded by private investors who recognized the region's potential, this initiative has successfully completed four campaigns to raise private funds to catalyze game-changing community investment and development...Continue Reading

The South Dakota Art Museum at South Dakota State University has again achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums, the highest national recognition afforded to the nation’s museums.Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community, governments, funders, outside agencies and the museum-going public. The South Dakota Art Museum has been...Continue Reading

Two years ago, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act, the largest investment in climate action and clean energy in world history. Key to the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda, this transformative law is lowering energy costs, creating new income streams, and tackling the climate crisis. The Inflation Reduction...Continue Reading

The South Dakota Corn Utilization Council is pleased to announce that it has committed $1.2 million toward an expansion of the Swine Education and Research Facility at South Dakota State University. The grant will fund the addition of two new wean-to-finish nutrition rooms to the existing complex and double the...Continue Reading

The Governor’s Office of Economic Development Board of Economic Development has approved one loan and two grants during this month’s meeting, resulting in a capital investment of approximately $760 million and the creation of 664 jobs.“We are excited to see local companies growing in South Dakota and we look forward...Continue Reading

It’s widely known that spending time in nature offers a multitude of benefits- for mental, spiritual, and physical health. Yet beyond those compelling perks, the cultivation of natural spaces has been shown to yield numerous economic benefits. Natural spaces, including parks, community gardens, green belts, outdoor recreational areas, green roofs,...Continue Reading

Many communities tout the outdoor amenities and local events that drive summertime fun for residents and visitors alike. Brookings, SD, however, truly has the results to match those expectations.“Between the Brookings Summer Arts Festival, a youth baseball tournament and a local tennis tournament, we had about 50,000 people in town...Continue Reading

Whatever business you're in, repeat customers are your best and most profitable customers. That's true if you're a retailer or restaurant, or a franchisor looking to expand your locations. For restaurants and retailers, it means re-defining success. With so many options available to customers, year-over-year sales growth is too short-term...Continue Reading

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking information from the public on procedures for quantifying, reporting, and verifying the effect of climate-smart farming practices on the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with U.S.-grown biofuel feedstock crops. The input is being collected through a Request for Information to establish voluntary...Continue Reading

As we celebrate National Dairy Month this June, it's essential to recognize the dairy industry's vital role in the economic landscape of Brookings, South Dakota. Dairies in this region are not just about producing milk; they are pivotal in driving economic growth and fostering sustainable development through innovative practices like...Continue Reading

The Governor’s Office of Economic Development is accepting applications for the Blender Pump Grant program to encourage the use of ethanol blended fuels.“Ethanol is an important part of value-added agriculture in South Dakota with 1.4 billion gallons of ethanol produced annually,” said Deputy Commissioner Chris Schilken. “We are pleased that...Continue Reading

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced resource enhancements designed to simplify and streamline access to contracting information for businesses interested in selling their products and services to USDA. These substantial updates include the addition of new and targeted contracting information on USDA.gov, along with improved functionality that makes...Continue Reading

At the National Rural Grocer’s Summit today, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA and Reinvestment Fund are launching a new program under the Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI) to increase access to healthy foods in communities underserved by grocery stores. Funding for the new Food Access and Retail...Continue Reading

Analysis is not a department, it’s everyone’s job. For best results, question every decision, every process and those regular tasks in your business that you’ve always done. Make sure every path you take is the best one to take at any given time. No one sleepwalks their way to success...Continue Reading

The Governor’s Office of Economic Development has been recognized by Area Development Magazine with the Silver Shovel Award in the category of small states with populations of less than 3 million people.“South Dakota is Open for Business, and I am so proud that we are being recognized for it,” said...Continue Reading

A healthy housing sector is critical to any community’s ability to prosper and thrive. With an adequate, well-functioning housing market, an economy can support labor mobility and adapt to changing trends and unexpected circumstances. Brookings, SD, is a community dedicated to ensuring persons of all income means can access an...Continue Reading

The old, empty water tower on Sixth Street in Brookings will be torn down at some point, but before that can happen a new home must be found for the communications equipment it still hosts.That new home, councilors learned at Tuesday night’s Brookings City Council meeting, is slated for 1461...Continue Reading

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is funding 47 projects in 23 states to improve access to reliable electricity and clean drinking water for more than one million people and create good-paying jobs across the nation. The announcement was made during President Biden's Infrastructure...Continue Reading

In one study, researchers set out to understand how people think about success. First, they asked participants to agree or disagree with a series of statements about how they believe other people define success. In response, 92% of people agreed that others view success as accumulating riches, fame, and power...Continue Reading

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced approximately $22.3 million available to community-based and nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, and Tribal entities that help underserved and veteran farmers and ranchers own and operate successful farms. Funding is made through USDA’s 2501 Program. This program is administered by USDA’s...Continue Reading

Entering 2024, indications were that inflation might be easing, and borrowers became hopeful that interest rate cuts would be on the horizon. Now, four months into the year, inflation remains sticky, and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has suppressed talk about rate cuts.“In recent months, inflation has shown a lack...Continue Reading

Getting through the maze of federal funding and incentives in the world of manufacturing site selection and facility planning is akin to a high-stakes chess game. It's not just about the allure of the funds; it's the intricate dance of aligning these opportunities with your project's timelines and strategic goals...Continue Reading

Read our 2024 Quarter 1 Report below!Continue Reading