BROOKINGS, S.D. – SDSU Extension Community Vitality is accepting applications from communities that would like to host the 2025 Energize conference.
Host communities must have a population of 5,000 or fewer, and preference will be given to communities in the eastern half of the state. At least one member of the local committee that submits the application must have attended a previous Energize conference.
Applications are due by July 31, 2024. Successful applicants will be notified by Sept. 20. The conference is usually held in late spring or early summer. To apply, visit the SDSU Extension Events page and search “Energize”.
Held in a different community each year, Energize is an opportunity for community and business leaders to gather, gain new perspectives and share ideas about revitalizing rural communities.
Approximately 140 people attended this year’s conference on May 22-23 in Hot Springs. Previous conferences have been hosted by Wessington Springs, De Smet, Lemmon, Milbank and Fort Pierre.
Energize is a walking conference and encourages attendees to get to know the host community by holding breakout sessions at various locations around town. The multi-venue approach promotes interaction with business owners and community members.
Host communities also get to showcase their local food, arts and entertainment through catered refreshment breaks and an evening social. In Hot Springs, attendees were treated to after-hours access to The Art House Black Hills, a locally catered meal and live music by Hot Springs-based blues/rock band Wild Blue.
“It’s a great way to show off your community,” said Peggy Schlechter, SDSU Extension Community Vitality Program Director. “Every community in South Dakota is so different and this event helps showcase that variety. And it’s not often that a rural community has a statewide conference right in their own town so everyone has a chance to participate.”
Conference attendees said that Energize improved their knowledge of local resources, and inspired them to try new things in their own communities.
Terry Slagel, chair of Chautauqua Craftsmen and Artisans of the Black Hills and owner of Fall River Fibers in Hot Springs, said Energize was a boost for business owners who have been affected by a major road construction project in the city’s main business district.
“I think it’s been wonderful to see the influx of people into our community,” Slagel said. “I think it inspires other communities when they hear what we’re doing.”
She was also impressed with the quality of the breakout sessions and keynote speaker. This year’s program featured a keynote speech and sessions by best-selling author Michael Perry, who writes about small town life from his rural Wisconsin home.
Additional topics included arts and culture, youth engagement, funding community projects and community growth. Rural residents shared stories of overcoming challenges, organizations serving rural communities showcased what resources they provide, and a panel of young entrepreneurs shared what they’re doing to start businesses in their own hometowns.
For more information, contact Peggy Schlechter, SDSU Extension Community Vitality Program Director, or SDSU Extension Community Vitality Field Specialists Kellie Kolb and Kara Harders.
