South Dakota Governor's Office of Economic Development

09/28/2026

Happy Manufacturing Week, South Dakota!

These 2025 stats highlight the strength of our state's manufacturing community. This week, we celebrate the hardworking people behind these numbers, the builders and innovators who keep our state moving forward.

Thank you to our manufacturers across the nation, and especially here at home. Your work creates a difference in our communities and our future.

Join us in recognizing their impact: share this post or tag a manufacturer making a difference in your community!

09/25/2026

Since 1999, Showplace Cabinetry has served the nation, creating custom cabinets that make your home uniquely yours. With more than 650 South Dakota employee‑owners, Showplace continues to invest in the local community, its quality products, and its commitment to sustainability.

Headquartered in Harrisburg, South Dakota, our Southeast Development Representative, Sheldon Jensen, and our Marketing Coordinator, Riley Johnson, had the opportunity to tour the plant during a Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) visit. Thank you to President and CEO Bill Allen for welcoming us and for your strong leadership that is reflected throughout the organization.

09/25/2026

Join Development Representatives Laure Swanson and Bill Wendling, and Loan Officer Brittany Eddy at the Northern Innovation & Startup Center's Technology and Entrepreneurship Summit this upcoming Wednesday, September 30th, in Aberdeen, South Dakota!

Focused on how technology fuels entrepreneurial growth, the summit provides insights from industry experts and networking opportunities with leaders for innovators, students, and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Click their post to learn more and register!

We are officially ONE WEEK away from the 2026 Technology and Entrepreneurship Summit! 🎉

Join us next Wednesday for nationally recognized speakers, engaging breakout sessions, creative activities, great food, and opportunities to connect with people from across the region.

There is still time to make plans and get your ticket!

📅 Wednesday, September 30
📍 Northern State University or Online
🎟 https://www.northernstartupcenter.com/summit

09/25/2026

Build your grant writing skills with the Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing Workshop! This is a great opportunity to gain the confidence to submit competitive proposals and strengthen local projects across South Dakota.

See the full details below from SDSU Extension. Registration closes soon, on September 30th!

Join SDSU Extension Community Vitality in the Beginner's Guide to Grant Writing Workshop October 7th and November 4th, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m CDT.

This is a great skill builder for the beginner grant writer. Whether your project is big or small, this workshop will give you the information you need to submit proposals confidently.

For registration and more information visit: https://extension.sdstate.edu/event/beginners-guide-grant-writing-workshop

09/24/2026

This is what it looks like when Midwest work ethic meets agricultural manufacturing.

Owned by Kevin and Emily Berg, Copperhead Agricultural Products, LLC. in Humboldt, South Dakota, transforms raw steel into equipment farmers across the nation rely on. Their commitment to quality, innovation, and workforce development strengthens South Dakota’s agricultural and manufacturing sectors.

Read their full story and watch the video here: https://sdgoed.com/success-stories/built-for-the-field-rooted-in-south-dakota-copperhead-ag/

09/23/2026

Today, Development Representatives Laure Swanson and Bill Wendling, Marketing Coordinator Riley Johnson, and Digital Media Producer Josh Bixler attended the first day of the Economic Development Professionals Association of South Dakota 2026 Annual Conference!

The event brings together economic development professionals from across the state to build connections, exchange ideas, and deepen industry knowledge. Today offered valuable conversations and insights into current economic development challenges and opportunities across the state.

We’re excited for tomorrow's sessions, where we’ll learn about healthcare’s impact on economic growth, TIFs and CAPs, and doing the work that matters most.

09/23/2026

Exciting news for South Dakota's growing defense industry!

Having top-tier companies like Northrop Grumman Corporation invest in our state builds real momentum towards a safer, more prosperous future for generations to come.

09/22/2026

Congratulations to South Dakota State University on the grand opening of the SDSU Metro Center!

The Metro Center in central Sioux Falls brings SDSU's College of Nursing and College of Pharmacy Sioux Falls-based programs into one location, expanding opportunities for students and alumni to advance their healthcare education while strengthening community and regional partnerships across South Dakota.

09/21/2026

An evening exploring the discoveries, people, and purpose behind the work happening nearly a mile beneath the Black Hills.

Commissioner Bill Even joined leaders from the Sanford Underground Research Facility to highlight the impact of America’s Underground Lab, both below ground and across South Dakota.

SURF is expected to have a $2 billion economic impact and create 1,200 jobs in South Dakota this decade alone. And that impact is already reaching South Dakota businesses, with 51% of SURF contracts currently going to companies in our state.

Some of the world’s biggest scientific questions are being explored right here in South Dakota, creating jobs, driving innovation, and opening new opportunities for South Dakota businesses along the way.

09/18/2026

The Lemmon Market in Lemmon, South Dakota, began an important new chapter on Wednesday as longtime general manager Stefanie Dauwen, who has served the store for more than 20 years, transitioned into ownership.

Since 1973, the grocery store has supplied essential goods to residents in the northwest corner of the state. New ownership will help the market continue meeting local needs and support future workforce growth.

"These projects demonstrate how local investment supports long-term economic growth in communities across South Dakota," said GOED Commissioner Bill Even. We’re grateful to support this transition through an SD Works loan, providing rural families who are the backbone of our state with dependable access to everyday necessities close to home.