October 2016

Wall Economic Development Blog

Happy October, Wall! Although the busy summer season is behind us, things have not slowed down in the community or for the Wall Economic Development Corporation!

I was lucky enough to celebrate one year as Economic Development Director last month. I would like to sincerely thank the community for its continued support in all economic development efforts. I am excited and looking forward to what the next year and beyond has in store!

What have we been up to?

Why Wall Video

What is your #WhyWall? Check our promotional video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsVy_KDbnc0

Please share this with your friends!

Wall Community Calendar

The Community Calendar is continually being updated. If you have an event to submit, please add your event to the Community Calendar. It can be found on the Wall webpage at www.wallsd.us 

Marketing Hometown America

 WEDC is excited to begin the Marketing Hometown America program! We have completed our information session and have gathered members for an advisory committee. This committee will set dates and organize the Marketing Hometown America program. The advisory committee will meet Wednesday, October 19th at 5:30 pm in the Wall Community Center meeting room. If you are interested in joining, please contact WEDC right away!

Wall Archery Range

The Wall Archery Range project has moved into the voting stage of the grant process! If you would like to see the Wall Archery Range project become a reality, please vote for the project on Facebook! To vote, click the following link and vote for the Wall Archery Range: https://www.facebook.com/WellmarkBCBS/app/629714627080217?app_data=entry_id%3D136814785%26referer_override%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.facebook.com%252F

Housing

Wall’s final housing study was presented to the Wall City Council on September 15th. Major findings include:

• In 2010, there were 253 owner occupied housing units in Wall and 106 renter units. Of those units, 23 were for rent, 2 for sale, 40 used for seasonal use and 12 other vacant.
• From 2010 to 2015, the median home sale price in Wall has varied. In 2010, the median price was $35,000 and in 2013, the median price was $111,000. Overall, from 2010-2015, the median home sale price was $80,000.
• Approximately 28% of the houses in Wall need minor repair and 12% need major repair. Approximately 53% are sound with no required improvements. 20 houses are dilapidated and possibly beyond repair.
• Out of 24 market rate multifamily rentals, there is a 0% vacancy, representing a high demand for market rate rental units.

The Wall Economic Development Corporation Housing Committee plans to thoroughly examine the housing study, discuss the recommendations and set realistic goals to address the housing need. Housing has been identified as a major issue in the community, and WEDC, with the help of the community, hopes to begin to take steps to improve the housing condition and availability.

“Wall in the Fall”

Thanks to businesses, organizations and community members, Wall in the Fall was a huge success! We had a great turnout! We had over 20 games and activities, a wonderful band and plenty of food and fall treats to enjoy. Thank you to everyone who supported the event. We hope to continue this event and make it even better next year!

What’s Coming Up?

Workforce

The Build Dakota Scholarship Fund roadshow is coming to Wall! The Build Dakota Scholarship Fund supports tuition, fees, books and other required program expenses for any eligible student that attends a participating South Dakota Technical Institute to pursue a high-need career. 

The roadshow will be in Wall tomorrow, Tuesday, October 4th, 2:15 pm – 3:15 pm in the Wall School Gym. Representatives from the Build Dakota Fund, Mitchell Tech, Lake Area Tech, Southeast Tech, Western Dakota Tech, and the South Dakota Department of Labor will share how students and businesses can benefit from the Build Dakota Scholarship Fund. 

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!

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