When the new Dakota Rising program was announced, Eureka was interested but had no idea how to proceed. About the same time Eureka and Leola development corporations had set a first-ever joint meeting. We knew we wanted to work together but didn't really know each other as individuals, or know the goals and functions of each other's organizations-we didn't even have an agenda for that initial meeting.

One thing we did have was the informational letter explaining Dakota Rising. That became the focus of that first meeting. Plans were made that evening to put in an application representing McPherson County. Follow-up information flowed fast and furiously because the deadline was looming. Because of the application that was done for Dakota Rising, the two groups were able to learn about each other as individuals and organizational information quickly became known. As a result of that, common ground was found and plans for the future were made.

What did not happen: a rivalry. In the past, McPherson County's two largest towns were rivals in all sporting events. That could have carried over to a fight for economic development, but it didn't. There has been only cooperation, sharing and a strong desire to work together to strengthen both organizations, and ultimately strengthen economic development efforts in McPherson County through combined efforts.

Plans are to continue working jointly. The two groups recently approached the county to ask for funding. We don't know how much will be appropriated, or even if any will be appropriated. But, that meeting helped to officially bring the county group to the attention of the public. All five towns in the county have been invited to be a part of the group, and so far only Eureka and Leola have joined.

Contact by e-mail is done through one person in each community, and information is then passed on to the board of directors in each organization to keep everyone informed. Quarterly meetings are held in alternate towns for the joint group. Ideas are shared.

It's true that McPherson County was not chosen as a Dakota Rising finalist, but we certainly did not lose.

2009 SUMMER REPORT
	Introducing the first Dakota Rising Fellows
	Build our economy by playing to our strengths
	SAVE THE DATE
	South Dakota Cooperative Extension Service is a valued partner
	Vital lessons already learned from Dakota Rising
	When losers are winners