September Newsletter!

“And all at once, summer collapsed into fall…”- Oscar Wilde

Andrew Law

Youth involvement can benefit organizations and their programs as well as the youth themselves. Programs that are developed in partnership with youth are more likely to be effective at engaging the population and, therefore, to have a greater impact. Involving youth as partners in making decisions that affect them increases the likelihood that the decisions will be accepted, adopted, and become part of their everyday lives. In addition, empowering youth to identify and respond to community needs helps them become empathetic, reflective individuals, setting them on a course to potentially continue this important work in their future.

WEDC has two Board of Directors members representing Junior and Senior class.

The WEDC Board member Andrew Law recently graduated from Wall High School back in May of 2020. While in high school he was involved in Student Council and National Honor Society. Throughout the school year Andrew competed in football, basketball, and track. “I joined the Wall Economic Development to be involved in my communities activities and to express any ideas of my own that would benefit the city of Wall. During my two years as a student representative on the Wall Economic Development Corporation board I learned a lot from people in my community who come from every line of work such as teaching and ranching. I highly suggest joining WEDC to high school students”- said Andrew.

Andrew now attends South Dakota State University where he is studying business economics. Law added that while at SDSU he plans on running track as well. “After I graduate college I hope to line up a job in the field of business, or possibly start my own business somewhere down the line”- said Andrew Law.

Welcoming Baskets

It is not uncommon for new residents to feel lost and alone when they first move into a new community. All the people, places and activities are brand-new and unfamiliar. Making a good first impression is one of the best ways to show that we acknowledge their presence as a new member of our community and encouraging them to become actively involved.

Liliya Stone, Executive director of Economic Development, received grant through Change Network Fellowship (Bush Foundation program) to create a welcoming package for new residents.

If your business has promotional items (mugs, water bottles and etc.) and would like to include it in the Welcoming Package, please contact Liliya Stone.

Discretionary Formula

The discretionary formula is a tax incentive tool that helps to promote economic development throughout South Dakota by providing a tax break on applicable new construction for up to five years.

The discretionary formula is common and widely used across the state. Economic Development and the city having continious discussion to adopt a discretionary formula to encourage citywide growth.

Join our Board

Wall Economic Development Corporation is holding an election for the 2020-2023 Board seat. The election will be for 1 position. All candidates must submit a petition with 5 signatures and biography. If you are interested in running for a Board Position, please stop by the Wall Economic Development office at 501 Main Street and pick up a petition with criteria or contact Liliya Stone at (605) 279-2658 walledd@gwtc.net

All petitions and biographies must be received in the WEDC office by Tuesday, October 27th, 2020.

New Worker Relocation Program

Volunteers Needed

Plans for the 4th Annual Wheelin’ to Wall are continuing to move forward. September 26th (the day after Homecoming) bicyclists from around the state and beyond will have the opportunity to ride the best of the badlands and experience our hospitality.  We anticipate over 100 cyclists to come.

Volunteers are being sought for the Pinnacles Aid Station.  There are two shifts, 9:30 – 11:30 and 11:30 – 1:30.  Two volunteers per shift are needed.

Volunteers are being sought for the Fossil Trail Aid Station.  There is one shift 10:30-1:30.  Two volunteers are needed.

What is needed/skill set:

1. To cheer participants on as for some this is their first major bike ride, for experienced riders they are expecting a friendly smile.  These participants are our guests.
2. To provide assistance in dispensing of water/sport drink, and a snack
3. First shift will set up table and snacks, second shift will take down and ensure any and all litter is picked up
4. Need to provide your own transportation to and from Pinnacles/Fossil Trail and transport a small folding table, beverage coolers and snacks
5. Volunteer t-shirts provided
6. We ask that you mask, but it is outdoors and well ventilated, we want our guests and volunteers to be comfortable with needed protocol.  Cycling events this summer are asking/requiring masks at all aid stations.
7. This is a recreational ride, not a race.
8. Proceeds from this event go to improving walking and biking infrastructure in the Wall-Badlands area.  If you have a suggestion for an improvement please share it with Charon Geigle or Lily Stone.
9. There will be a short volunteer meeting earlier in the week that will provide you with added information.  Thank you for volunteering!

For more information about Wheelin’ to Wall find us on Facebook and www.wheelintowall.com

WEDC Membership

Wall Economic Development Corporation has been inviting local businesses and individuals to become investor/member of WEDC to help our community to grow.

The goal of Wall Economic Development is to improve the quality of life of residents in Wall.

If you are interested to become a WEDC member, please contact Liliya Stone at 605-279-2658 or walledd@gwtc.net

Thank you to our members for believing in our organization and supporting us.

Sincerely, Liliya Stone

Executive Director of WEDC

(605)279-2658