June Newsletter

While the dynamics of COVID-19 are changing, Wall Economic Development continues to encourage, facilitate, and empower community members to generate dynamic growth in our community.

Business Discussion

At the end of April, Economic Development held a meeting with several businesses. The discussion was about best practices on how to reopen a business during COVID-19 pandemic. Several business owners shared their plans for reopening. It was very beneficial for everyone at the table to hear different viewpoints on safest and best approach for reopening. WEDC shared this information with the city council members to provide a business perspective to help them decide and plan on how to reopen the town.

Industrial Park Update

In February, the City Council designated the Industrial Park area. Wall Economic Development and Black Hills Council and Local Governments have been working together on writing an Industrial Park Ordinance. After several months of research and discussion, WEDC presented a final draft of Industrial Park Ordinance with performance standards and definitions to the City Council on May 21.

The next step is to take the Industrial Park Ordinance to the Planning and Zoning and get approval of the council.

Labor Data

The Governor office of Economic Development provided data to the Wall Economic Development that showed a workforce overview for Wall. The presented information was based on a 30-mile radius around Wall. Data shows that the Wall area labor force is growing. Labor Supply is a unique measure that looks at the unemployed – 2,585; those willing to change jobs -5,165 (underemployed); and discouraged workers – 150 (those, who available to work but are not currently part of the labor force, this group can include stay-at-home mothers looking to re-enter the workforce or veterans transitioning to civilian life).

In the Wall area, the total labor supply available is 7,895.

It also shows that approximately 80% of commuters in Wall drive to work in 24 minutes or less. Nearly 10% of commuters drive 60 minutes or more for work. The ease of travel to and from Wall makes it possible for people to travel further distances for a job without adding significant time to their commute. Wall is unique in its commuting activity. A significant number of people (461) commute to Wall for work, mostly from the west. But a significant portion of people living in Wall (325) commute outside of the community for work as well. The presence of I-90 is an added bonus and makes it easier for commuters to travel further for work.

In the Wall area, the total labor supply available is 7,895.

It also shows that approximately 80% of commuters in Wall drive to work in 24 minutes or less. Nearly 10% of commuters drive 60 minutes or more for work. The ease of travel to and from Wall makes it possible for people to travel further distances for a job without adding significant time to their commute. Wall is unique in its commuting activity. A significant number of people (461) commute to Wall for work, mostly from the west. But a significant portion of people living in Wall (325) commute outside of the community for work as well. The presence of I-90 is an added bonus and makes it easier for commuters to travel further for work.

Community Development

Community Garden

The Healthy Hometown Committee is one of the Economic Development Committees that is creating a unique, safe and inclusive Community Garden space for all who live, work and play in Wall, SD.

Residents can benefit from community-managed dedicated plots of land where residents can grow food or other plants. Community Garden measures what we value and what we need: healthy, homegrown vegetables, flowers and herbs; physical activity; the beauty of being surrounded by a vibrant, living space; place to learn new skills. A community garden is also a peaceful harbor where kids can work alongside parents and develop an appreciation for the place we all call home.

The location of the Wall Community Garden is on the corner of South Blvd. and Norris St.

The Committee is inviting people to join the Community Garden.

Garden beds, dirt and water will be provided; plants are responsibilities of the owner of the bed. The plan is to have 10 beds total. Contact Donna Crown or Betty Haerer for more information.

Drive-in Movie Theater

Executive Director of WEDC Liliya Stone is working with the school to re-establish a Drive-in movie theater in Wall. The new location for the drive-in movie theater is behind the Power House. Liliya hopes the Drive-in movie theater can be launched sometime in June or July.

Archery Range

Andrew and Brycen, high school Board members of Economic Development, and Garrett and Jim (public works) reconfigured course and secured the targets making it more user friendly.

Call for Candidates

Wall Economic Development Corporation is announcing an open position for the Board of Directors. One of the Directors, Dani Herring is moving out of town for a job opportunity and WEDC is seeking for a leader to finish two years of the term (December 2022). Dani served on Economic Development Board from 2016. Board service is one of the toughest volunteer roles of all, and Dani performed with dedication and tenacity. Her knowledge and work experience were instrumental in establishing the Wall “Beef to School” program. Her parliamentary procedure expertise has been invaluable. We will miss her dearly, but we wish her the best in her new endeavor.

Board member requirements are:

• Regularly attend board meetings (every 4th Wednesday of the month) and important related meetings.
• Makes serious commitment to participate actively on the Board.
• Volunteers for and willingly accepts assignments and completes them thoroughly and on time.
• Stays informed about Board matters, prepares themselves well for meetings.
• Reviews and comments on minutes and reports.
• Gets to know other committee members and builds collegial working relationships that contribute to consensus.

If you or someone from your business would like more information, please contact Liliya Stone, Executive Director of WEDC.

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