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Content by Peggy Schlechter

A large group of people stands on a stone staircase to smile for a photo

Energize conference inspires small SD communities

January 17, 2025

Hosted in a different South Dakota town of 5,000 or fewer people each year, Energize is an opportunity for community and business leaders to gather, gain new perspectives and share ideas about revitalizing rural communities.

A woman on a stage shows a paper application to her audience, with an Energize banner behind her

Platte to host 2025 SDSU Extension Energize conference

December 09, 2024

The seventh annual Energize! Exploring Innovative Rural Communities Conference will be on May 6-7, 2025, in Platte. The conference schedule and registration details will be announced in early 2025.

Agritourism proprietor and a local official meeting at a pumpkin patch.

Agritourism Provides Economic Benefits

Not only can agritourism support communities by generating income, agritourism has the potential to create jobs and support local economies.

Two women having a conversation

SDSU Extension to offer Mental Health First Aid training

July 31, 2024

South Dakota State University Extension is offering a virtual Mental Health First Aid training for anyone who supports people experiencing stress and other emotional issues.

2024 Energize conference attendees

SDSU Extension accepting applications for 2025 Energize conference hosts

July 08, 2024

South Dakota State University Extension Community Vitality is accepting applications from communities that would like to host the 2025 Energize conference.

A woman stands in a clothing store behind a pink shirt with geometric patterns

Energize conference inspires new Wessington Springs business owner

April 24, 2024

Dacia Mitchell opened Modest Moxie, a clothing boutique, in Wessington Springs after attending the 2023 SDSU Extension Energize conference.

Team discussing business strategy at a table.

Core Strengths

Core Strengths training can provide groups, teams, communities, and businesses with actionable and memorable insight into daily interactions, meetings, and conversations while building team trust and forming productive relationships.

headshot of Michael Perry, Energize keynote speaker

Register now for 2024 SDSU Extension Energize conference

February 13, 2024

Registration is open for the sixth annual South Dakota State University Extension Community Vitality Energize Conference on May 22 and 23, 2024, in Hot Springs.

A room of people sit around tables and listen to the young entrepreneurs panel at the 2023 Energize conference in Wessington Springs

Hot Springs to host SDSU Extension 2024 Energize Conference

December 29, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension Community Vitality and the community of Hot Springs will host the 2024 Energize Exploring Innovative Rural Communities Conference on May 22 and 23, 2024.

Volunteers working on a community construction project.

Our Community Will Never Change

Change is inevitable in all small towns, but communities have a choice to either let change happen passively or work together to direct it in a way that moves their shared vision into the future.