Every town in South Dakota is a little different from the town down the road. We all have similarities in our basic values and prairie common sense, but each community has a unique set of challenges and opportunities.

That uniqueness is the best reason to take the time to assess your community's assets and determine your community's strengths. For example, many South Dakota towns have conducted the asset mapping process offered through the SD Community Foundation over the past several years-and have discovered new vitality and renewed purpose as a result. Those diverse groups of people have worked together in their determination to make their community a better place to live-and to find solutions to those challenges that previously were not being addressed. Several towns have expanded their definition of "community" to include a small region made up of several neighboring towns and local agricultural producers. These new, larger communities provide economic competitiveness that ensures their sustainability.

South Dakota Rural Enterprise was created to help communities like yours discover economic potential, realize local strengths, and partner with local agricultural producers and neighboring towns, if reasonable, for a brighter future. SD Rural Enterprise has a number of programs that can spark a community conversation that could energize entrepreneurs, create a new generation of leaders and transform our future.

Whether you have formally listed them or not, your town has strategic goals. At SD Rural Enterprise, we have the tools to help you reach those strategic goals. One of our most important programs is called "Creating A Value-Added Community." CVAC is built around five value-added capacities, which experience has shown are critical to revitalizing communities. While developing these five capacities may not always enable a community to address every challenge, towns that experience the CVAC process usually report significant changes for the better.

Creating A Value-Added Community is just one of the many ways we can help you take stock of YOUR community strengths. We'd appreciate the opportunity to discuss your town's future and the ways in which South Dakota Rural Enterprise can offer benefit to your community. For more information on South Dakota Rural Enterprise products and programs, go to www.sdrei.org. To contact our office, phone 605-978-2804 or e-mail info@sdrei.org. We are here to help your community be an even better place to grow a business, raise a family, and enjoy all the stages of your life.

2010 SUMMER REPORT
	Entrepreneurs chosen as 2010 Dakota Rising Fellows
	New duties for Wagner
	Taking stock of your community's strengths
	Partner Spotlight: South Dakota Cooperative Extension Service
	Dakotas America announces Wheat Growers projects in both Dakotas
	VanHofwegen receives national certification
	YOU are the community leader of tomorrow
	Community development creates more than jobs
	Ag Summit focuses on development issues