GOED Economic Conference Recap – Pierre, SD

I recently attended the GOED Economic Conference in Pierre, and it was an incredibly valuable experience. The conference was well-attended, full of meaningful conversations, and packed with information to help support economic development efforts in Wall.

Key Takeaways

Site Selectors & Industrial Park Business Recruitment

• Gained valuable insight into working with site selectors, which will be crucial for recruiting businesses to Wall’s Industrial Park.

• Site selectors are focused on:

• Utility capacity and shovel-ready sites – this is the first thing they look at. If this information isn’t readily available, communities get cut early.
• Permitting – they prioritize fast, streamlined permitting processes.
• Marketing and storytelling – we need to continually promote our community and keep relationships warm.
• There is growing demand for “build-to-suit” lease options over land ownership. 
• I now have clear direction for our “Why Wall” presentation for site selectors and will be incorporating these insights.

Seminar: Dairy Production in South Dakota

• Eye-opening presentation on SD’s robust and growing dairy industry.

• There is a strong need for technicians to manage and repair automated dairy equipment—good-paying, skilled jobs.

•  The industry is also struggling with workforce shortages and using the guest worker program.

Workforce & Economic Trends

• Americans are increasingly moving overseas for work.

• Discussion of a proposal to legalize and tax undocumented workers—currently many work but don’t pay taxes, representing lost revenue.

• Average age to purchase a home is now 38, which delays family formation and affects long-term workforce supply.

• 30% of youth are not completing high school or pursuing further education, contributing to a shortage in skilled labor.

• We need to engage K–12 more deeply to promote pathways into trades, healthcare, accounting, and other essential fields.

• High cost of goods is tied to overseas supply chains—there’s a strong national push to bring manufacturing back to the U.S..

• Trend toward smaller, efficient, and affordable homes on less land, which require less infrastructure and are proven to support family and child success.

• Echoes the same message I heard at the Housing Summit this fall: “Just enough home.”

Biotech: An Emerging Opportunity

• Biotech is rapidly growing globally, and SD is positioning to be part of that growth.

• Opportunities include:

• Incubator programs
• Clinical trial support and tech assistant roles
• Training rural students to contribute and bring biotech knowledge back to their communities.
• The concept of a Biotech Economic Zone was introduced—communities can become certified zones to attract research and start-ups.
• Plan to research further how we might support biotech development locally and connect with SD BioWorks.

Governor’s Engagement

• Met Governor Rhoden at the EDPA meeting and awards dinner.

• He announced a Reset Tour and invited communities to request a stop.

• I’ve reached out and requested that Wall be included.

• We have a lot to showcase: 4th Street Project, airport expansion, housing and infrastructure development, Industrial Park, Governor’s Homes, and more.

Wrapping Up

This was an excellent and productive conference. I walked away with new contacts, fresh ideas, and clear direction for how Wall can continue to grow and position itself for success. Whether it’s attracting skilled trades, launching biotech, or promoting our shovel-ready industrial sites, Wall is ready—and we’re just getting started.