WEDC Annual Meeting - November 20th 2024

9 Jan 2025

Newsletter, News

Wall Economic Development Corporation Annual Meeting Recap

The Wall Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) held its annual meeting on November 20th, celebrating a successful year and exciting future developments.

Dawn Hilgenkamp opened the meeting by welcoming attendees and introducing Dr. Rochan Burrell, the new Economic Development Director. Dr. Burrell shared her inspiring journey to Wall and provided an overview of WEDC's accomplishments over the past year, many of which are detailed in this newsletter.

City Updates from Mayor Mary Williams

Mayor Mary Williams presented updates on key city projects:

Echo Valley Subdivision: Infrastructure is now in place for 24 lots, including 15 affordable options with land and construction costs under $380,000 ($45,000 for land and up to $335,000 for construction). A total of 41 lots are available.
Hansen’s Subdivision: Kelly Avenue and Gloria Street extensions have made seven lots ready for sale. Four Governor's homes have been delivered, with three already sold.
Wall Municipal Airport Expansion: The runway has been extended from 3,499 feet by 60 feet to 4,418 feet by 75 feet, accommodating larger aircraft such as the Air Tractor 802A, Cessna Citation, and Beechcraft King Air. The airport will also host a new Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT) base by fall 2025, enhancing wildfire response capabilities in Wall, the Badlands, and nearby areas. Additionally, the airport now features a welcoming sign from the Wall Chamber of Commerce, a pilot lounge, and available hangar space.
Fourth Avenue Reconstruction: Completed ahead of schedule and $100,000 under budget, this project marks a significant improvement for the community.
High School CTE Complex: Starting classes this January, the new Career and Technical Education (CTE) complex will provide students with foundational trade skills essential for Wall’s workforce.

Guest Speaker: Colonel Paul Koecher

Colonel Paul Koecher, Commander of the 28th Mission Support Group, delivered a compelling update on the expansion of Ellsworth Air Force Base. Highlights included:

Incoming B-21 Raider Aircraft: The base will train personnel for all B-21 operations, bringing an estimated 4,064 new residents, including active military and their families, to the area.
Economic Impact: The expansion is projected to generate $799.3 million annually for surrounding communities.
Infrastructure Enhancements: Planned developments include 328 buildings, 500 homes, nine dorms for 886 airmen, and upgrades to the base's 13,500-foot runway.

Ellsworth’s temporary relocation of planes to North Dakota this spring will allow for runway upgrades, with operations set to return upon completion. Wall looks forward to supporting this growth and welcoming new residents.

For more details, watch Colonel Oakley’s presentation at the Pennington County Board of Commissioners meeting: https://youtu.be/VBjRqrHJnvQ.

Board Elections

The WEDC board re-elected Lindsy Reagle and welcomed Stephanie Volmer, owner of Outwest Quilt and Fabrics LLC, as a new board member. Congratulations to both!

WEDC Awards

The meeting concluded with the presentation of WEDC awards, recognizing achievements in Business Development, Business Expansion and Retention, Community Enhancement, and Friends of WEDC.

Stay tuned for more highlights in the articles below.

WEDC Award Winner 2024

Business Development Award: Dawn Richter for Bin 2 Quinn

This year’s Business Development Award was presented to Dawn Richterr for her innovative and creative work with Bin 2 Quinn. What began as her son’s senior project—converting old grain bins into cabins—has blossomed into a full-scale campground under Dawn’s leadership.

Located next to Tennyson Dam, Bin 2 Quinn offers a unique experience for visitors, featuring:

• Grain bin cabins with a charming and rustic appeal.

• RV and camping sites, catering to a variety of travelers.

• Recreational activities like fishing, paddle boating, horseshoes, and corn hole.

• The “Binzebo”, a converted grain bin transformed into a cozy gazebo with a fire pit and seating—perfect for enjoying the stunning scenery of the family-owned cattle ranch.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dawn for creating such a distinctive and artistic destination for tourists to enjoy while exploring our town and community. Bin 2 Quinn is a shining example of entrepreneurship and creativity, and we are proud to celebrate its success.

Business Expansion and Retention Award: Kim and Tanner Handcock for Treat U Boutique

This year’s Business Expansion and Retention Award was presented to Kim and Tanner Handcock for their outstanding work with Treat U Boutique. What began as an online boutique has now flourished into a vibrant storefront, offering much more than shopping.

The expanded space now includes:

• Facilities for beauticians to provide a range of salon services.

• Spa services, including an infrared sauna and tanning beds.

Kim’s vision of creating a space where others can pursue their dreams has not only enriched the offerings in Wall but also created opportunities for professionals to thrive within our community.

Thank you, Kim and Tanner, for your dedication to growing your business and fostering opportunities that benefit Wall. Your hard work and commitment are an inspiration to us all!

Community Enhancement Award

This year, the Community Enhancement Award was proudly presented to its youngest recipient ever: 10-year-old Stephon Stone.

Stephon has truly been the heart and hands behind the vibrant flowers that line Main Street. Early each morning, he can be seen with his trusty stool, carefully watering the blooms to ensure they remain healthy and beautiful for everyone to enjoy.

But Stephon's contributions go beyond flowers. With an admirable dedication to our community, he eagerly joins neighborhood clean-up efforts, rolling up his sleeves to help keep our streets and public spaces looking their very best.

Thank you, Stephon, for your hard work, enthusiasm, and commitment to making our community a more beautiful place. You inspire us all!

Friends of Wall Economic Development Award

This year, the Friends of Wall Economic Development Award was presented to Carolynn Anderson and Katie Bruce. These two exceptional individuals have contributed tirelessly to the progress and success of WEDC. Their unwavering commitment to the future of our city is evident through their long hours, hard work, and dedication to organizing and running city operations and events.

Carolynn and Katie embody the spirit of community involvement, having served on numerous boards and committees. Carolynn, as one of the original members of WEDC, has been instrumental in shaping its mission. Their efforts have made a lasting impact on our organization and the city at large.

On a personal note, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to both Carolynn and Katie for their support in helping me settle into my role as executive director. Their guidance and kindness have been invaluable.

Thank you, Carolynn and Katie, for being true friends of WEDC and for all you do to make our community thrive.