November 2016

Fall is a spectacular time of the year that represents beauty in transition. Transition is not only part of the season, but also a part of life. The Wall Economic Development Corporation is growing and hopes to encourage positive transition. We are always looking forward to the future!

WEDC has several upcoming events, including our first annual meeting, the second “Coffee and Calendars” event, “Home for the Holidays,” a housing update, and much more. We invite the community to enjoy this time of transition alongside WEDC!

WEDC Annual Meeting

WEDC will be hosting its first annual meeting at 7 pm, Wednesday, November 16th in the Wall Community Center. The meeting is open to the public and coffee and cookies will be provided. WEDC would like to take this opportunity to introduce the organization to the community, share what we have been working on and discuss our plans are for the future. If you have been wondering what WEDC is all about and would like to learn more, please attend the meeting!

Housing

WEDC has decided to take a hard look at housing and how we can improve Wall’s housing situation. As you know, Wall’s housing study was completed in September, and we are now using the study to determine the best way to move forward. Last week, October 25th and 26th, I was able to attend the South Dakota Housing Development Authority’s Annual Conference, where they held several rural-focused housing sessions. I had the opportunity to learn about what other economic development groups are doing to address housing needs, meet with developers to discuss their rural housing development risks vs. rewards and share our rural housing concerns with state representatives.

Earlier this week, WEDC was offered an impromptu opportunity to go on a housing “learning journey.” One WEDC board member and me toured Howard, DeSmet, Redfield, Doland and Faulkton to meet with their local economic development directors. We discussed their housing successes and shared ideas as to how we could make housing projects work in Wall. It was a great learning experience and we look forward to bringing our ideas back to work for the community.

Housing is a major issue with several moving parts. If you are interested in joining the WEDC housing committee, contact us right away. The committee is open to anyone that is interested in getting involved with the housing discussion.

Business Retention and Expansion

Business Opportunity

If you are interested in trying a business, but are not ready to fully commit to a storefront, please contact WEDC. There is a business space available for you to “test” your business! WEDC also has information about available office space and lots. If you are looking for ways to get your business off the ground, contact WEDC right away!

“Home for the Holidays”

The Chamber and Economic Development have partnered once again to bring the “Home for the Holidays” campaign to Wall. “Home for the Holidays” 2016 will launch on November 7th and end after the annual Pancake Supper on December 7th. The rules are similar to last year. You can pick up a punch card at any participating business, and every card you complete can be entered into a drawing to win “Wall Bucks”. This year, we will be drawing for four $25 gift certificates, two $50 gift certificates and one $100 gift certificate. There will be drop boxes at several participating business locations. You can drop off completed cards right at the business, and they will be picked up and added to the drawing pool! Also, instead of $5 increments ($50 total), this year’s cards represent $10 increments, making a completed card worth $100. If you have any questions, call the Chamber or Economic Development offices.

Community Development

Wall Archery Range

Thank you to everyone who voted for the Wall Archery Range during the Wellmark Facebook voting contest! We are now waiting to hear the results of the voting. If we received the grant, we will be notified later this month, and will get started right away!

Coffee and Calendars

In August, WEDC launched its first “Coffee and Calendars” event. This event was created to gather community members to share what they have going on within their organization, business or club. Since the first “Coffee and Calendars,” WEDC has launched a Community Calendar, which you can find by clicking HERE. 

The next “Coffee and Calendars” event is set for 7 am, Tuesday, November 22nd in the Wall Community Center. It is open to the entire community, and we hope you can join!

Marketing Hometown America

The advisory committee has met and plans are moving forward. Watch for Marketing Hometown America “circles” popping up all over the community in January. Don’t be a square, join a circle!

If you are interested in learning more about WEDC and our goals or projects, or would like to be involved, never hesitate to contact me.

As always, thank you for being such a great community. It is because of you we have it all in Wall! 

Cheyenne McGriff
WEDC Executive Director
?(605) 279-2658?
walledd@gwtc.net