CEO’s Report: Rhoden to deliver opening remarks at Summer Conference

South Dakota Governor will highlight key economic development partnerships

Next week we will be hosting our annual Summer Conference where economic development is the central topic.

Much knowledge can be gleaned at our event by both city and electric utility officials to support your community. 

Economic development is more than just recruiting new businesses. It encompasses a wide range of tasks, including supporting existing businesses and helping them thrive.

A key driver of economic growth is partnerships: collaborating with subject matter experts to identify opportunities, overcome challenges, and create strategies that lead to long-term success. 

Our conference speakers will share real-world insights, proven approaches, and fresh ideas to help communities of all sizes support and grow their local economies.

Rhoden to kick off event with insights from Opportunity Tour

Just this week, we learned South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden will be joining our conference to provide the opening remarks.

Governor Rhoden has been traveling across South Dakota on the Open for Opportunity Tour, visiting various communities to highlight economic development and discuss opportunities within the state.

The tour aims to identify specific needs of communities and foster collaboration. It involves meeting with local leaders, touring businesses and engaging with students to understand the unique needs of each community.

We are excited to have Governor Rhoden join us and discuss key partnerships that have led to successful economic development projects.

Economic experts headline conference

Our keynote speaker this year is Jared McEntaffer, CEO and Chief Economist at the Dakota Institute.

The Dakota Institute is a nonprofit economic research and analysis organization. Their mission is to support the long-term economic growth and development of the Northern Plains region. 

They fulfill their mission by supporting decision makers with the best available data and analysis to make strategic decisions and investments that drive growth.

They also provide consulting services including housing studies, economic impact studies, market forecasts and more. 

We are also excited to welcome Michael Bockorny, CEO of the Economic Development Professionals Association (EDPA).

The EDPA was the driving force behind a bill to help recruit data centers to South Dakota this past legislative session. Although the bill did not pass, Bockorny continues to champion for data center development as a pro-growth, pro-jobs initiative.

Childcare critical to economic development

While childcare may not seem like the responsibility of economic development professionals, it is necessary to support a robust workforce. 

Two Heartland Energy communities have taken it upon themselves to ensure adequate access to childcare.

Representatives from Little Lakers Child Care Center in Lake Crystal, MN and Madison Area Development Corporation in Madison, SD will be part of a panel discussing how they worked to address the childcare shortage in their communities.

They will discuss how they got community buy-in for their facilities, how they secured funding and why they decided to tackle such an important project.

Collaboration is key

One of the best features of the Summer Conference is the opportunity to network with other customers, economic development professionals, legislators and other key contacts.

It’s a great opportunity to learn from other public power communities and hear how they’re addressing some of the same challenges your community may be facing.

I hope you will join us for this hallmark event. The RSVP deadline has been extended to July 10 so please let us know if you plan to attend. 

Whether you’re looking for fresh ideas, valuable connections, or practical solutions, the Summer Conference offers something for everyone. Don’t miss this chance to engage with peers, gain new perspectives, and be part of the conversations shaping the future of our communities.

We look forward to seeing you there!