Wall Economic Development Corp. Celebrates Exciting Year of Community Innovation and Accomplishments

Led by Executive Director Dr. Rochan Burrell, the Wall Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) celebrated a productive and exciting year of community innovation and accomplishments during its annual meeting on November 20th.

“I’ve seen the tireless dedication of our residents continuously re-invigorating Wall in ways we never thought possible,” said Burrell. “It’s been an honor to work with so many who embody the true spirit of our community.”

Our Favorite Highlights from 2024

Mailbox Program: This unique program gifts graduating seniors with a personalized mailbox filled with items from our local business to encourage them to return to Wall as young adults and be a thriving community member.  

The New Worker Relocation Program assists individuals who move to Wall to work full-time for in-town employers. Some of the people and businesses who have taken advantage of this program include: 

• Grace Baumgarten, Black Hills Federal Credit Union 
• Meagan Jensen, agricultural teacher at Wall School
• Laura Elshere, barista at Stompin’ Grounds Coffee Shop

Housing: WEDC’s Strategic Housing Authority board partnered with the Black Hills Area Community Foundation, which has received a grant of $30 million, to help build more affordable homes in the Black Hills and Pennington County. Mayor Mary Williams reported that housing infrastructure is in place for forty-one new lots, fifteen of which will be priced less than $380,000 as part of our commitment to build more affordable housing. Interested homeowners can contact Cheyenne McGriff, RE/MAX realtor. 

SDSU Small Business Class: a partnership with South Dakota State University Extension that includes six classes to help small businesses in areas such as: 

• Writing or updating business plans
• Taxes and licensing
• Employee retention
• Pricing and marketing
• Social media

Our Revolving Loan Fund is up and running; a total of $45,000 to loan to businesses and a partnership with West River Foundation to fund large loans amounts. The program provides flexible term financing at affordable interest rates for those who can’t receive funding from traditional financing options. This fund can help existing businesses buy equipment, expand, or help budding entrepreneurs who want to start a new business.

Industrial Park Update: This summer, Black Hills Energy used a grant to do site surveys up and down the I-90 corridor to help us better promote and sell the land in our industrial park. We also have a purchase agreement for a lot that will house construction condominiums for various tradespeople to use. 

New Board Members

WEDC welcomes new board member Stephaine Volmer and incumbent Lindsy Reagle, who was re-elected for a second term. We’re also excited to have two high school students on our board, each serving a two-year term. Both will receive an outgoing $500 scholarship when their service ends. 

Community Awards

Business Development: Bin 2 Quinn Campground 

With an alluring country setting on a family-owned cattle ranch, the campground offers fishing, paddle boating, horseshoes and corn hole. Guests stay in a cabin constructed from an old grain bin to create a unique, cozy glamping oasis.  
  
Business Retention and Expansion: Treat U Boutique 

What began in the basement home of Kim and Tanner Handcock has morphed into an online boutique that now includes a space dedicated to salon services. 

Community Enhancement: Stephon Stone

Stephon has been the heart and hands behind the beautiful flowers that line Main Street, taking on the task at just ten years old.

Friend of Economic Development: Katie Bruce and Carolynn Anderson

Both put tremendous time and energy into the progress and successes of the WEDC’s various community-led projects.

Scholarship Winners

Build Dakota Scholarships: These scholarships provide students with hands-on experience in their tech career of choice via an internship program at their school. “Our goal is to send them to college with full-ride scholarships through this fund and have a job waiting for them in Wall,” said Burrell. Local businesses are also able to use Build Dakota funds for workforce training.  

Our 2024 Build Dakota scholars included: 

• Brodi Sundall: Brandt Electric, Philip/Wall
• Sean Dunker: 3B’s Heating & Air Conditioning, Philip
• Ben Amundson: Avera Health, Sioux Falls
• Alexis Stephan: Philip Health Services, Philip
• Jada Kusser: Avera Health, Yankton
• Kadence Kusser: Avera Health, Yankton
• Kaylen Spotted Bear: Golden West Telecommunications, Wall

Thanks to all who helped make 2024 a tremendously positive and productive year for our community. For more information about the WEDC and our services, click here!