Rural Not Remote: Energize Conference Proves that Opportunity Abounds in Small Towns

A full house filled with enthusiastic and innovating community leaders from across the state landed in Wall in early May for the 8th Annual Energize! Exploring Innovative Rural Communities Conference.

Facilitated by South Dakota State University Extension (SDSU), the event featured a variety of engaging sessions presented by thought leaders who shared idea swaps and success stories rooted in the rural corners in which they live and work.

Early on, registration for the conference exceeded expectations, reinforcing the idea that just because your South Dakota town is rural does not mean it lacks opportunities.

“Since the Energize conference just a few weeks ago, we have had conversations with attendees who are taking action in the areas of youth entrepreneurship, child care, astrotourism, and more,” said Peggy Schlechter, SDSU Extension Community Vitality Program Director.

The Importance of a Youth Attraction Formula

Among the highlights of the event was a compelling keynote given by Craig Schroeder, Nebraska entrepreneur and board president of the Heartland Center for Leadership Development.

Schroeder, considered a pioneer in both rural economic development as well as youth retention, was inducted into the Nebraska Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame in honor of his lifelong dedication to small-town survival.

His presentation, “Proven Strategies for Attracting Young People to Rural South Dakota,” took a deep dive into ways to reverse chronic out-migration and population loss not only in our state, but throughout the Great Plains. This included tangible goals that our communities can set that help not only recruit younger residents, but retain them as well.

Schroeder also hosted two breakout sessions, including a specialized workshop designed to help build a “back home” community action plan that excites and engages the younger generation.  

A Great Host Community!

Every year, the Energize conference alternates its location, between east and west river, seeking out communities of less than 5,000 to serve as host.

In previous years, DeSmet, Lemmon, Milbank, Fort Pierre, Wessington Springs, Hot Springs and Platte have all welcomed the event’s participating community leaders and business owners.

The town of Wall caught the attention of the event’s organizers due in large part to its capacity to shift from a charming, rural community of 700 to one that can thrill and delight around 20,000 visitors per day at the height of tourist season.

The main event was held at the Wall Community Center, although attendees were encouraged to take advantage of the “walking conference” by enjoying breakout sessions covering key topics like housing, childcare access, business succession and youth engagement, which were held in multiple venues and businesses throughout the town.

“Thank you to the local Wall committee for helping facilitate a successful Energize conference. This conference is focused on the successes, opportunities and challenges of rural communities and Wall was a great host community to inspire those types of conversations,” said Schlechter.