The most recent unemployment rates, reported from September 2021, are 1.8% in McCook County and 1.7% in Turner County. Historically, having low unemployment rates was encouraging and they still are to a point. The concerns around adequate staffing are looming across all industries from retail to automotive. Local businesses feeling the stress of not enough coverage due to workforce shortages concerns me. However, what this can do is challenge us to find alternative solutions and utilize some of our up-and-coming local talent. Part of the solution could be to utilize our youth in a new and exciting way. I look forward to engaging our local businesses, cities, and schools in this conversation on how we create workforce solutions, locally and early on!
For more details on the recent workforce statistics, view the full article from the SD Department of Labor here.

Embracing our Existing Businesses
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Creating a Strong Market Brand: A Rural Small Business Perspective
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Exploring Funding Sources for New Business Startups: A Comprehensive Review
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McDugle Paints his way to business ownership
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Celebrating our Businesses- Recap of the 2023 SEFP Investor Reception
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Longtime Area Disposal Service Company under new ownership
Addy Disposal, out of Canistota, has gone through a lot in the last several months. Aside from working tirelessly and braving the elements to take care of the area’s rural and community garbage and recycling needs through this record-breaking winter, the company has...
From Ultrasound to Grooming- Vanessa’s Story
Businesses start for a variety of reasons. Some entrepreneurs have ambitions to build and scale enterprises beyond their wildest dreams. Some have a desire to simply do something they excel at and be their own boss. While others desire something more for their...
2023 Regional Career Fair
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SOLD! Local Livestock Auction has new ownership.
If you have visited the Menno Livestock Auction in the last month, you may have noticed a few changes. As of the beginning of the year, Matt and Marie Mehlhaf of Menno have purchased Menno Livestock Auction. Matt is a familiar face around the auction, being involved...
Em’s Eastside Explorers: A home away from home
Local life just got a little bit sweeter for young families in Parker and the surrounding area. Em’s Eastside Explorers has expanded, moving into a new facility, and Director Emily Korthals couldn’t be happier to provide a spacious, safe environment for children to...
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