In our role as a resource for new ideas and successful programs to help grow local economies, we do a great deal of research. We talk with national leaders, attend valuable conferences that share the latest views on rural community development and we keep up-to-date on the latest publications in the field. But as we work together to make South Dakota's communities stronger, the smartest thing we do is to engage in dialogue with YOU.

Our recent 5:01 Networking events, held in Rapid City, Aberdeen and Sioux Falls, illustrated that perfectly. The conversations were posed around "What's working and what could go better for the future of rural South Dakota's community and economic development efforts." The responses were realistic, revealing and reassuring. Because the responses arose out of conversation, they were direct and far-reaching-and showed an optimistic attitude about our future that is one of our state's greatest strengths.

One of the common themes that was expressed was a spirit of participation. Here in South Dakota we are not sitting back waiting for governments or international mega-companies to swoop in and strengthen our local economies for us. We understand that we need to grow our own companies, encourage our own entrepreneurs and participate in local solutions to our economic challenges. It's up to us.

And that's why dialogue and conversation are so vital. We speak the same language and, while every single community is unique in its resources, assets and opportunities, we share some common perspectives. South Dakota Rural Enterprise is here to find ways to share those assets and resources and be a partner with your community to create a vibrant future for rural South Dakota.

We all know that success comes from working together-but before that, we need to talk to each other. We're doing that here in South Dakota and that's good news for the future of our communities.

To see the report of the 5:01 Networking events go to www.sdrei.org.

2011 SUMMER REPORT
	Dakota Rising plans for entrepreneur development
	Agriculture is South Dakota's leading industry
	Dakota Rising makes Facebook connections
	Capital Investment Fund is about more than the money
	Projects show diversity of New Markets Tax Credit program
	Talking with you is the smartest thing we do
	Building our local businesses drives economic growth
	The value of higher-wage jobs in our economy