Yankton News and Info

New Apprenticeship Opportunity in Yankton

Wednesday, June 05, 2019

There was a time when students could work their way through college without having to take on much debt. But the price of a four-year degree doubled between 1989 and 2016, and wage gains in that same period were sluggish. For students seeking a path to a good career that doesn’t include being saddled with debt, apprenticeships offer an attractive alternative. Apprenticeships are also an effective way for companies to recruit and retain a workforce, which is imperative as the labor market continues to tighten. A renewed emphasis on apprenticeships is helping businesses meet their increasing demand for skilled workers as technology...

Beer Industry Contributes $925 Million Annually to South Dakota's Economy

Friday, May 24, 2019

New Study Shows 7,227 Jobs in South Dakota Linked to Strong Beer Industry ALEXANDRIA, Va. /PRNewswire/ -- Just ahead of Memorial Day, which marks one of the top beer selling holidays of the year and the start of the summer beer selling season, a new economic impact study shows America's beer industry contributes $925 million annually to South Dakota's economy and supports 7,227 jobs in the state. Jointly commissioned by the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) and the Beer Institute, the study shows that the 7,227 jobs impacted by the beer industry in South Dakota account for $260 million each year in wages and benefits. The industry also generates $129 million annually in business, personal and consumption taxes. The beer industry...

Avera Ranked first in nation for long-term care resident experience

Thursday, May 23, 2019

Avera has ranked first out of the top 20 organizations that earned a 2019 Customer Approved Award from NRC Health, a Lincoln, Nebraska based healthcare intelligence firm. According to a news release, the award recognizes senior-care organizations across the country for creating an outstanding care experience for their customers. Only 20 independent living, assisted living, or skilled nursing organizations earned this distinction. Winners were selected according to the results from NRC Health’s 2018 resident and family experience survey. To qualify, organizations must have a high percentage of respondents willing to recommend their locations to friends and family. This measure is known...

State of the Community Video

Monday, May 20, 2019

Watch Nancy Wenande, our CEO, present at the Yankton Area Chamber of Commerce's State of the Community. Nancy's presentation begins around 30:15!

New commissioner lays out changes in S.D. economic-development plan

Wednesday, May 08, 2019

PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) -- The new head of state government's efforts to boost jobs says South Dakota missed on millions of dollars in agricultural projects in 2018. That's because some county government officials didn't support various proposals, Commissioner Steve Westra of Sioux Falls told the state Economic Development Finance Authority. To help counter that, Westra said, the Governor's Office of Economic Development plans to directly reward counties that approve state-backed projects. Read full article.

Tim Jurgens to Speak at YAPG Quarterly Meeting

Monday, May 06, 2019

Yankton Area Progressive Growth is pleased to announce that Tim Jurgens, Executive Director of Lutheran Social Services for New Americans, will be the speaker at the YAPG Quarterly Meeting to be held May 14th. Mr. Jurgens will discuss how a community should plan to successfully welcome a growing and diverse population. All YAPG members and investors are invited to attend the Quarterly Meeting. For more information on the event or to become a YAPG member or investor, contact the YAPG office by calling (605) 665-9011 or emailing christine@yanktonsd.com.

Travel And Tourism Benefit Yankton

Monday, May 06, 2019

May 5-11 is National Travel and Tourism Week. Each year, during the first week in May communities nationwide unite around a common theme to showcase travel’s contributions to the economy and American jobs. This year, the travel industry is coming together to celebrate why “Travel Matters” to American jobs, economic growth and personal well-being. Let’s take a closer look at why travel matters right here in Yankton. Read full article.

Recognizing Economic Developers in May

Wednesday, May 01, 2019

May 6-11 is International Economic Development Week (EDW). It’s an opportune time to reflect on the importance of local economic development efforts to building a vibrant and sustainable community. The International Economic Development Council created EDW in 2016 to help raise awareness for the profession. Economic development organizations are often misunderstood because their activities happen behind the scenes, outside of the public eye. The Yankton Area Progressive Growth (YAPG) is an economic development organization that provides a comprehensive range of critical services geared towards building the local economy through area job development, private investment and wealth generation. It works in partnership with...

Noem laid out several priorities in her first days as governor. Here’s where they stand.

Thursday, April 18, 2019

Gov. Kristi Noem said at the beginning of her tenure that she wants to be the governor for the next generation. She called for more resources to battle the state's meth epidemic, opening up access to broadband internet in rural areas of the state, and boosting outdoor activities and civics education during her first State of the State Address in her first week as governor in January. The Legislature's final 2020 budget aligned with the priorities she outlined at the beginning of session, Noem said after the Legislature wrapped up in March. The budget will "invest in some important priorities for the next generation,"...

How South Dakota Hopes to Give Businesses Better Access to Resources

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

Kristi Noem has given the team at the Governor’s Office for Economic Development a directive – make South Dakota an easier place for businesses to do business. Among the first places she asked them to start – the state’s workforce development website. Check out the changes for yourself here at sdreadytowork.com. And learn more about what officials hope to provide you access to, in the interview with Joe Fiala, below. Read original story.

Entrepreneurs are key to reigniting the Heartland’s economy

Thursday, April 11, 2019

Most of the fastest growing metropolitan areas are located on the coasts. What do they have in common? Almost always, the most successful cities excel at entrepreneurship. As a group, such metro areas have found ways to foster job creation for their residents by amassing entrepreneurs and the early-stage financing that supports the process of company formation and scale-up. Which is why the recent State of the Heartland Factbook, published by Brookings and the Walton Family Foundation, looks closely at Heartland states’ and metro areas’ current shares of employment at young firms (five years old or less) as a core indicator of economic vitality....

South Dakota: A state with huge manufacturing potential

Tuesday, April 09, 2019

When people visualize the next hot-spot for a high-tech manufacturing boom, a small rural state such as South Dakota might not be what be comes to mind. But it should. In South Dakota, a symbiosis of leaders in education, business and state and local governments is harmonising to educate the next generation of savvy high-tech leaders and connect this eager talent pool to a new breed of companies that are changing the face of technological and manufacturing industries. The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (SD Mines) provides a talented group of hard-working scientists and engineers. Founded in Rapid City, S.D., in 1885,...

A New Aquatic Facility

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

YANKTON, S.D. - Summer may be long gone, but a new aquatic facility is in the future for Yankton. As we told you back in December, a majority of Yankton voters said yes to an opt out election to help pay for the nearly $15 million center. While warmer days may be a few months away, soon, the Fantle Memorial Pool will be back open to the public for one final summer. Read full article.

GROW SD Awarded Grant to Address Veterans, Homelessness

Monday, March 18, 2019

GROW South Dakota will be able to expand its pilot program to support low-income veterans and veterans at risk of homelessness in South Dakota with various housing-related services thanks to a recent grant. The Bring Them HOMES Veterans Initiative of the National Equity Fund supported the creation of the program with a 2017 grant and added additional funds in early 2019. The grant was funded by the Citi Community Development. Read full article.

GOED LAUNCHES NEW INTERACTIVE WEBSITE

Thursday, March 14, 2019

PIERRE, S.D. – The Governor’s Office of Economic Development’s website – www.sdreadytowork.com – has a new look. The new site boasts plenty of fresh photography and videography, testimonials and success stories and a new, easy-to-use interactive finance tool. Read full article.

CNAs Are Integral to Health Care

Thursday, March 07, 2019

As Baby Boomers age, additional health care professionals will be needed to assist with elderly patients. Training to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA) is a wise choice for anyone looking for job security. It’s an in-demand occupation. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates an 18 percent increase in CNA jobs through 2024. A CNA position is also a beneficial introduction to the health care field. It provides hands-on experience caring for patients in a therapeutic setting and is a crucial role in the health care setting. CNAs serve as part of the patient care team, which means they interact...

Survey suggests more economic growth ahead for Midwest

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

OMAHA, Neb. — A monthly survey of business leaders suggests that economic conditions continued to improve for nine Midwestern and Plains states, according to a report. The Mid-America Business Conditions Index rose to 58.8 in October 2017 from 58.2 in September 2017 and 57.5 in August 2017, the report states. Read full article.

Downtown Facade Grant Funds Available

Monday, February 25, 2019

Applications are now available for 2019 grant funds to spruce up facades in Yankton’s Meridian District. The facade grant program seeks to provide multiple grants each year, including a 50 percent match of private funds, to grant funds for a total of $30,000 available in 2019. Preference will be given to projects that involve historic restorations, but new non-historic facade improvements are eligible as well. All projects must fall within a set of repair and enhancement guidelines and must occur on the portions of the building visible to the public. Owners and tenants of existing commercial property (excluding single family residences)...

Survey suggests more economic growth ahead for Midwest

Friday, February 15, 2019

OMAHA, Neb. — A monthly survey of business leaders suggests that economic conditions continued to improve last month for nine Midwestern and Plains states, according to a report released. The Mid-America Business Conditions Index rose to 58.8 in October from 58.2 in September and 57.5 in August, the report states. "Both the national and our regional indices indicate the manufacturing sector is expanding at a very healthy pace and that this expansion will spill over into the broader national and regional economies in the next three to six months," said Creighton University economist Ernie Goss, who oversees the survey. Continue to full article

Downtown Facade Grant Funds Available

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Firm OK’d For Apprenticeship Program

Tuesday, June 04, 2019

A Yankton manufacturer is adding a new tool to an already robust toolbox for helping students discover a new career. This spring, Applied Engineering was approved by the state to begin offering an apprenticeship program. Applied Engineering General Manager Justin Schramm told the Press & Dakotan that the program adds to the opportunities already offered by Applied Engineering through Lake Area Tech and Build Dakota scholarships. Read the complete article here!

State Of The Community

Monday, May 20, 2019

Workforce and social media presence are ongoing issues, but downtown Yankton is still seeing a continued rebirth. These were among the topics discussed Thursday during the Yankton Area Chamber of Commerce’s State of the Community address. Yankton Area Progressive Growth (YAPG) CEO Nancy Wenande said one of the biggest challenges facing the city remains workforce. "It really comes to us getting more people to come to Yankton," she said. "That is the only way we’re going to (fill vacant jobs)." Read the complete article here!

LSS Director Addresses Foreign Labor

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

With many cities in the state facing mounting workforce shortage issues, communities are stepping up exploration of bringing in labor from beyond the state — and the country’s — borders. On Tuesday, Lutheran Social Services (LSS) executive director Tim Jurgens addressed the Yankton Area Progressive Growth (YAPG) quarterly meeting at the Avera Professional Pavilion about how that process could look. LSS helps with refugee resettlement within the state of South Dakota. Read the complete article here!

Sales and Use Tax Rebate Programs Available for Livestock Development

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

In an effort to encourage more livestock development, the sale and use tax rebate programs (South Dakota Jobs Grant and Reinvestment Payment Program) are now available for that purpose. Last year, South Dakota counties turned down millions of dollars in capital investment related to livestock development. With the increased focus on agriculture at the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) with the Ag Development division relocating into the agency, the GOED saw an opportunity to address this very important issue. The GOED recognized that there was an opportunity to utilize two existing programs within the agency that have existed for several...

A Week To Laud Development

Monday, May 06, 2019

Along with April showers turning into May flowers I hope you are celebrating National Economic Development Week! Yes, get out your party hats and whoop it up with all your friends and family to celebrate our diverse and growing economy in Yankton. You hear me constantly talking about collaboration and partnerships and how together we can create greater momentum. Within the realm of economic development, it isn’t one organization (such as City, County, MMC, YSD, YAPG) working independently to strengthen the economy. We all may have separate strategic plans and mission statements, but the overall vision for the community is what...

Fighting For Cybersecurity

Friday, May 03, 2019

Like. Double-tap. Send. Retweet. It’s second-nature for us. Every day, a typical American will spend more than 11 hours interacting with media. On average, we check our phones every 12 minutes — immersing ourselves in screens more than 80 times per day. You hardly need me to point out the ever-increasing dependency on connected technologies in our everyday lives. But while the connectedness of our networks and devices bolsters convenience in an astounding way, that convenience brings heightened vulnerability. Read Gov. Noem's complete article here!

'House Of Peace'

Wednesday, May 01, 2019

‘House of peace.’ That’s how Fr. Valerian Odermann equated Tuesday afternoon’s groundbreaking and naming ceremony for a new athletic fieldhouse at Mount Marty College and the institution’s Benedictine values. Odermann, the college’s chaplain, provided the blessing for the ceremony to kick-start the $15 million, 100,000-square-foot facility that will be named the Ruth Donohoe First Dakota Fieldhouse. Dirt work recently began on the complex that is set to be completed next summer. Read the complete article here!

Nancy Recommends: Opportunity Zone Podcast

Wednesday, May 01, 2019

If you're looking for a resource to learn more about Opportunity Zones, then YAPG CEO Nancy Wenande recommends checking out The Opportunity Zones Database's weekly podcast on opportunity zones. Past episodes are available on their website or find their podcasts on Apple or Spotify. Explore the podcast here!

South Dakota is one of the cheapest states to live in according to a new study

Friday, April 26, 2019

A new study from HireAHelper.com shows that South Dakota ranks #3 for lowest dollar-for-dollar tax burden or $2,112 annually and #5 for effective tax rate or 5.18%. Read the complete story here!

Hands On: RTEC Holds First Manufacturing Career Day

Thursday, April 25, 2019

Area high school kids were given a unique opportunity to learn about manufacturing careers in Yankton and highlight some of their skills this week. On Wednesday, the Regional Technical Education Center (RTEC) held its first Manufacturing Career Day. RTEC President Josh Svatos told the Press & Dakotan 68 area high school students participated in the event. Read the complete article here!

PROGRESS: New Oat Plant Completed in Yankton

Thursday, April 25, 2019

From an elevator to an oat processing plant, Yaggies Inc. has seen a lot of change since the late 1960s. After being purchased by Frank Yaggie, the do-it-all value-added ag facility housed both a feed mill and an oat processing plant under one roof. As of this year, the oats have finally moved out. Yaggies recently finished construction of a $3.5 million oat processing plant at the edge of town that would allow them to double their processing capacity while updating their equipment. Read the complete article here!

YAPG Rolls Out New Community Engagement Tool

Monday, April 01, 2019

Yankton Area Progressive Growth (YAPG) is excited to announce the launch of Polco, an innovative engagement platform where community members can directly provide input to the local decision-making process. By using Polco, YAPG is making public participation easier for residents by meeting them where they are. Questions will be posted every couple of weeks to community members on Polco’s app and website, where locals can answer and comment directly on the questions. YAPG is asking residents for their input on our community’s quality of life. We want to learn more about what community members think about current housing and career development...

The Next Step?

Thursday, February 28, 2019

Despite suffering a setback this week, a proposed Yankton casino holds another card left to play. By a 13-22 margin, the South Dakota Senate scrapped SJR5 — which called for a statewide vote on a proposed constitutional amendment allowing a Yankton casino. Port Yankton supporters sought the Legislature’s approval to get the measure on the November 2020 ballot. Read the complete article here!

MMC's Fieldhouse of Dreams

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

The confetti cannons said it all. Mount Marty College was making a major announcement. “I’ll say that this is a celebration,” president Marc Long told a large crowd on hand Tuesday afternoon as the Yankton institution announced that it will break ground in April for a $15 million, 100,000-square-foot athletic fieldhouse. Read the complete article here!

Port Yankton Bill Falters In State Senate

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

A proposed casino in Yankton has been dealt a setback. The Port Yankton entertainment complex and casino hit a roadblock Monday in the Legislature. By a 13-22 vote, the Senate scrapped SJR5 — which called for a statewide vote on a proposed constitutional amendment allowing a Yankton casino. Monday’s defeat will likely force the project’s supporters, if desired, to circulate petitions to get on the November 2020 ballot. But that effort must secure enough signatures by this November. Read the complete article here!

Yankton Casino Measure Falls in South Dakota Senate

Monday, February 25, 2019

South Dakota state senators have scrapped a measure that would have put a constitutional amendment that could have paved the way for a proposed casino complex in Yankton to a statewide vote. Read the complete article here!

Backers Pitch Port Yankton

Thursday, February 14, 2019

While a hearing was held in Pierre to decide Port Yankton’s fate, backers of the project were continuing their pitch back in Yankton. Port Yankton project backers Bernie Hunhoff and Randy Johnson were both on hand at 1 Million Cups Wednesday morning — the same day the issue was to be heard by the Senate State Affairs Committee — to discuss where the proposal is at, at this point. Read the complete article here!

During Annual Meeting, YAPG Touts A Big Year Of Progress

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Yankton Area Progressive Growth (YAPG) — as with many local entities — had a big 2018. During YAPG’s 2019 Annual Meeting Tuesday, the group took a little time to highlight those successes. “We had a very good year,” YAPG chairman Rob Stephenson said. “Maybe not as many big things going on as we had some other years, but still some great things.” Read the complete article here!

Creative Solution for Tourism and Veterans

Friday, February 08, 2019

By Nancy Wenande, CEO Every community that relies on tourism understands just how the ups and downs of the off-season impact the flow of business. Yankton has been working through the decades to find creative solutions to bring people to the community, not just in the beautiful summer months but also year-round. Port Yankton is a project that will not only support these regional efforts, but also create a revenue source that will have a statewide impact. Senate Joint Resolution 5 (SJR 5) is making its way through the Legislature right now. If approved, it would allow South Dakotans to decide whether to grant...

Port Yankton: Back On The Agenda

Tuesday, February 05, 2019

The Port Yankton dream is back, and this time, it has an even more compelling argument to make in its favor. That’s not to say that having the Legislature give it the OK to put it before voters in 2020 is a slam dunk. And it sure doesn’t mean that those who opposed the idea last year won’t fight it again this winter. Read the complete article here!

New Port Yankton Bill Introduced

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Backers of a casino and entertainment complex for Yankton are taking another attempt at a legislative route. On Tuesday, legislation was introduced in Pierre to amend the state constitution and allocate a casino license for Port Yankton to be considered by the voters of South Dakota in the 2020 general election. Read the complete article here!

Local Entities Lend A Hand To Furloughed Fed Workers

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Facebook Twitter Email Print Save Banks and the Yankton School District are extending a hand to help those federal workers who have been furloughed by the partial government shutdown. First Dakota National Bank president Rob Stephenson told the Press & Dakotan that it has its own federal worker assistance program. “Last week, we got our heads together and decided to offer a no-fee, no-interest (loan) program for federal workers that aren’t getting paid in our service communities,” Stephenson said. “Anybody is eligible that lives or works in our trade territory of our 19 offices. They don’t have to be a customer; they just have to be able...

City Moves Forward With Pool Engineering

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

With the successful election to build a new aquatic center in the city’s rearview mirror, the design of the facility is now on the horizon. On Monday, the Yankton City Commission unanimously voted 9-0 to approve a contract between the city and Stockwell Engineers, Inc., for design and professional services related to the Huether Family Aquatics Center. Read the complete article here!

Napa's Next Steps

Friday, January 11, 2019

Momentum is gathering on plans for the construction of a new local ethanol plant at Napa Junction and a new natural gas line to help supply it — along with many other potential locations throughout southeast South Dakota. Dakota Plains Ag, LLC., manager Matt Winsand told the Press & Dakotan that there’s been a lot of activity in the two weeks since the Yankton County Commission approved a conditional–use permit (CUP) for the facility. Read the complete article here!

What's An Opportunity Zone?

Friday, September 28, 2018

The South Dakota Governor's Office of Economic Development team traveled to Yankton on September 21st. Here's their presentation about what opportunity zones are, what they can do for our state, and how to leverage them as a development tool. (Disclaimer: This information is made available for educational purposes, not to provide specific business advice.) Watch the full presentation below - please contact the YAPG office for copies of the PowerPoint.