South Dakota Rural Enterprise and Citi co-hosted an Opportunity Dialog for Stakeholders sharing an interest in South Dakota’s future on October 22 in Sioux Falls. The purpose of the session was to transform the six Development Opportunities identified by this summer’s statewide development market research into statewide action plans, spread the word about South Dakota’s exciting possibilities and stimulate new innovation that can move our state into the future. Rural Enterprise consultant Adina Abramowitz, who conducted the statewide research, led the session. The six opportunities discussed include:

• We have jobs to fill. Two interesting concepts emerged from this discussion group. One is “eHarmony” for employers and people looking for work. The other is connecting job seekers on the reservations to job opportunities off the reservations. The identified leader for this group is Lisa Lengkeek, Crow Creek Reservation.
• Affordable rural housing is a high priority across the state. The group agreed that one effective action plan is creating housing partnerships for the purpose of sharing information and connecting and leveraging resources. Group leader is Joy McCracken, Neighborhood Housing Services of the Black Hills.
• Young people are ready to be engaged. An imperative for our state is creating a sense of opportunity for our youth through
  
  
  1. youth activities,
  2. business involvement,
  3. parent education and
  4. post-secondary participation.
  Co-group leaders are Amy Kusmak and Amber Edelen, Junior Achievement.
• Existing businesses would benefit from focused technical assistance. It was agreed upon to work to create industry-specific mentor networks for existing businesses. John Hemmingstad, Small Business Development Center, is the group leader.
• Small and emerging business owners require access to equity savings. An effective action plan agreed upon by the discussion group is to strengthen and universalize Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) in South Dakota. Tanya Fiddler, Four Bands Community Fund, is taking the lead.
• We must tell South Dakota success stories to South Dakotans. Gathering and sharing success stories about people and communities in South Dakota is vital to encouraging and inspiring other small business entrepreneurs. SD Rural Enterprise president Beth Davis is leading the charge in this area.

Nearly all the participants at the Opportunity Dialog indicated a desire for more networking opportunities. SD Rural Enterprise will work to facilitate future gatherings for information sharing and to support the implementation of the ideas developed at the session in Sioux Falls.

In the meantime, please consider being an ambassador for all of our state’s development opportunities. For example, the next time you attend a conference or do a briefing with a legislator or funder, include an appropriate initiative in your conversation. For more information, contact South Dakota Rural Enterprise at 605-978-2804 or go to our website, www.sdrei.org. We will be happy to provide additional background information.

2007 AUTUMN REPORT
	Opportunity Dialog focuses on action plans
	Smart communities follow 7 steps to success
	New IDA concept helps low-income families save
	Opportunity Roundup provides nationwide info links
	Let’s be proud to tell our South Dakota stories
	Pilot communities selected for CVAC

Small groups focused on each of the six Development Opportunities at the Dialog session.