Pierre, SD – July 18, 2016 – One region within South Dakota has been selected to participate in the “Stronger Economies Together (SET)” initiative to receive coaching and technical assistance for rural regional economic development. 

 A region called Glacial Lakes South Dakota which is comprised of Day, Grant, Marshall and Roberts Counties were awarded this opportunity for regional coaching and collaboration. 

“It is exciting once again to offer this regional coaching opportunity across the state. South Dakota is at the forefront to increase regional economic competitiveness and collaboration of resources through the SET process,” said Acting USDA Rural Development State Director Bruce Jones.

 USDA Rural Development (USDA RD) and South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension are collaborating for this initiative and have delivered this regional coaching opportunity for four years now.  It is proposed to strengthen the capacity of rural communities and counties to work together in developing and implementing economic development blueprints that strategically build on the current and emerging economic strengths of the region. The SET Program is sponsored by USDA RD and the nation’s four Regional Rural Development Centers.

Each regional team will examine regional demographics, opportunities, assets and barriers, and create a regional economic development plan. Training and technical assistance will be delivered by a core team of SDSU Extension and USDA RD staff as well as state-wide and area resource providers and experts.

This region was part of an application process earlier this year and was self-designated.  The award process and scoring of the applications were facilitated by SET partner representatives from SDSU Extension, USDA RD, State of South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Dakota Resources, Small Business Development Center, Rural Electric Economic Development, Inc., and Grow South Dakota.

 For questions contact Kenneth Sherin, Community Development Field Specialist, Kenneth.sherin@sdstate.edu  or  605-995-7378.