Wall Economic Development Corporation Marks a Decade of Growth and Community Impact at 10th Annual Meeting

What began ten years ago as an idea has grown into a driving force behind Wall’s economic vitality.

A decade ago, Marty Huether envisioned an organization dedicated to revitalizing economic growth and strengthening Wall’s future. Today, that vision lives on through the Wall Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), a dynamic organization celebrating ten years of progress, partnership, and measurable impact.

In 2016, a committed group of community leaders—Carolynn Anderson, Rick Hustead, Jody Bielmaier, Teddy Hustead, Mary Williams, and Stan Anderson—came together to turn that vision into reality. WEDC’s Board of Directors was officially formed in March 2016, held its first meeting on April 1, and received approval of its Articles of Incorporation just days later on April 11.

Under the leadership of its first executive director, Cheyenne McGriff, WEDC laid the foundation for long-term success. By February 2017, the organization achieved tax-exempt status and completed the Hometown America marketing study, which became the backbone of its first Strategic Plan adopted in August 2017. That plan has been reviewed and updated in 2018, 2021, and again this year—reflecting WEDC’s commitment to continuous improvement.

Recently, WEDC refreshed its mission and vision statements to better reflect the organization’s evolving role. The new vision—to empower growth and collaboration to ensure generational prosperity—was shaped with input from high school senior board member Patrick Trask. Its new mission—to inspire action and ignite growth in our community—symbolizes WEDC’s forward-looking approach and community-wide momentum.

In August 2018, Liliya Stone became executive director, supported by grant funding that demonstrated early confidence in WEDC’s mission and marked a transition from planning to action.

Building a Strong Foundation

Over the past decade, WEDC has played a key role in addressing housing, development, and workforce needs. Efforts have included bringing Governor’s Homes to Wall, purchasing and redeveloping properties such as 402 Glen Street, and creating demolition incentives to encourage redevelopment.

Working closely with the City Council, WEDC helped establish tax incentives for new home construction and development within the Industrial Park. Vacant land has since been transformed into valuable opportunities that strengthen both Wall’s business base and workforce.

WEDC also developed a Revolving Loan Fund—currently at $45,000 and expected to grow to $60,000 this year—administered in partnership with West River Foundation for Economic and Community Development. A Workforce Relocation Program was created to support investor employers by offering $750 in moving assistance and waived utility deposits for new workers relocating to Wall.

Throughout the years, WEDC has continuously marketed Wall as a place to live, work, and do business through promotional videos, print materials, and statewide partnerships.
Investing in the Next Generation

One of WEDC’s most meaningful initiatives is the Mailbox Project, which gifts graduating seniors personalized mailboxes to encourage them to stay in—or return to—Wall. Dozens of these mailboxes now stand throughout the community, each representing hope for Wall’s future.

WEDC also secured a Safe Routes to School grant from the South Dakota Department of Transportation to study safer routes to South Boulevard and the school campus. The organization has supported high school job-shadowing programs and promoted the Build Dakota Scholarship, helping young people gain skills needed to build careers locally.
Education, Agriculture, and Community Life

Workforce development and business education have remained central to WEDC’s mission. Over the years, the organization has hosted HR and employment law trainings, leadership development programs, career roundtables, and succession planning workshops—including an upcoming Agricultural Succession Planning event on December 3.

WEDC has also worked to strengthen Wall’s agricultural and tourism sectors. Initiatives have included hosting harvest-time ag sack lunches, welcoming an international Taiwanese wheat delegation, and supporting local businesses such as Wall Meats through ribbon-cutting events.

Community-building efforts have ranged from launching the Wall Crawl and organizing the Parade of Lights to partnering with local foundations and organizations to build an archery range, maintain the community garden, support Skyview movie nights, and host the Train Trek event exploring passenger rail service to Wall.

Industrial Park and Regional Growth

Wall’s Industrial Park has become a cornerstone of its economic future. Under WEDC’s leadership, the site achieved South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development certification and became shovel-ready through coordinated utility installation with the City of Wall, Golden West, and West River Electric. A roadway plan was developed to support future expansion.

To date, WEDC has responded to more than 30 Requests for Information from interested businesses and has met with site selectors and companies across the region—ensuring Wall remains competitive and visible.

Momentum in 2025

The past year has been one of significant progress. WEDC has supported new business development, including the successful launch of Fly Badlands, advanced airport initiatives such as hangars and fueling systems, and ongoing discussions with G&W Rail regarding a potential rail spur for the Industrial Park.

Workforce innovation continued with a partnership with Western Dakota Tech to bring CDL training directly to Wall. WEDC also conducted Business Retention and Expansion visits, including assisting Badlands Bodega in securing an off-sale liquor license—made possible through recent legislative changes—allowing the business to expand.

Leadership development efforts included relaunching the Community Leadership Program and hosting workshops on grant writing, HR pitfalls, and agricultural succession planning. WEDC has actively represented Wall at state and regional conferences, strengthening relationships with industry leaders, site selectors, and legislators.

As WEDC celebrates ten years, the organization remains focused on its mission: inspiring action, igniting growth, and ensuring Wall’s prosperity for generations to come.