Southeast Enterprise Facilitation Project (SEFP) and the Marion School system are pleased to announce the conclusion of the annual 18th Regional Career Fair hosted by the Marion School.  The event was held on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 in the Marion School Gym, Marion, SD.  Each year SEFP facilitates the Regional Career Fair (with the help of the local schools and Development Corporations, local Extension offices, and numerous volunteers) with the hope of providing the upcoming generation a head-start on their life choices.   

This year was the last year of our “Career & Service Investigation” (CSI) theme and has served the career fair well as it fits the goal for the students as they check out various careers, business industries, and higher education requirements and solutions.  The committee hopes students will view their next few years as an opportunity to prepare for whatever it is they will be doing post-secondarily, whether that includes continuing their education/training in a two-year or four-year college/university, a trade or technical school, the military, or doing an on-the-job apprenticeship. We had presenters from all of these categories and more attending.   

Approximately 280 students attended from the following high schools: Bridgewater-Emery, Canistota, Centerville, Freeman Public, Freeman Academy, Irene-Wakonda, McCook Central, Marion, Menno, Parker, and Viborg-Hurley.  Each student was given a folder with information ranging from financial aid to South Dakota projections and salaries for in-demand careers.  Students were also given a worksheet assignment to engage the booth presenters with questions to start their career conversations.  The students that turned in the most complete worksheet qualify for one of ten $30.00 awards and one $50 award, sponsored by SEFP.  Each winner will be notified through their school. 

SEFP and the Marion School system would like to thank the 34 colleges and businesses that sponsored a booth and made the 2022 Regional Career Fair a success!  You are who the students come to engage and learn from. Your presentations and information did not disappoint.  

A very special thank you to Marion School’s Mr. Bill Leberman, HS Principal and Jenna Yusella, Guidance Counselor for their assistance in organizing the event. Thank you to Sean McCormick of Cherrybean Coffee Co. for providing delicious coffee in the Hospitality Room. A big thanks to Brian Kraemer and other Marion school staff and students for help with the setup and tear down of tables and chairs and to Victoria Rakus for allowing us to use her classroom for the mock interviews.  

Also, thank you to Deanna Gall, the SDSU Extension, LaVonne Meyer, SEFP Board Members, Misty Miller, and Jeannette Grady who assisted with the student’s mock interviews. You made a lasting impact and impression on the students you interviewed, setting them up for future success by giving of your time. 

The SEFP provides an innovative, grassroots approach to assist individuals with the development of a new business, retention, or expansion of existing businesses as well as providing assistance for the development of a private non-profit agency.  Our passion is increasing economic vitality and enhancing the quality of life in the communities we serve through a multitude of opportunities. 

I can envision these young people completing their high school experience with a clearer vision of what they can do and want to do with their talents and abilities in the future!  Hopefully, their vision will include coming back home, starting a business, or even delving into local community support organizations and leadership.  The potential is great and the opportunities are here!   

 

McDugle Paints his way to business ownership

Dreams can become a reality through hard work over time. However, some dreams don’t even surface until we get into the thick of life and work. Issac McDugle did not think about business ownership until others empowered and encouraged him. “If you were to say this is...

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

It is said that most high school students do not know what they want to do after graduation. According to the Association of American Colleges and Universities, the rate in which high school graduates are enrolling in college immediately after high school has been...

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...

New Dynamic business serving South Dakota

The Southeast Enterprise Facilitation Project (SEFP) is excited to introduce a new business in Turner County.  Turner County residents and entrepreneurs Justin and Catrina Walsh have started 605 Dynamic Ink LLC. This local and Veteran-owned business is on a mission to...

AL’S CAFÉ IS A SMASHING SUCCESS

Every town needs a café. A place where you can unwind after a long day. A table you don’t have to set or clear. A meal you do not have to prepare. Southeast Enterprise Facilitation Project (SEFP) is happy to welcome such an environment to downtown Marion.  Alex...

Twisted Pines Venue and Lodge is ready for your event!

The city of Parker can now boast of its newest business addition, Twisted Pines Venue and Lodge. Twisted Pines Venue and Lodge is a brand new, local venue that will host weddings, as well as private and public events. A few years ago, local business owners Robb &...

Call Now Button