Content by Peggy Schlechter

Mother with two young children shopping at a holiday craft fair.

Your Town Matters! Shop Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Shopping local allows you to make a difference in your hometown. Locally owned businesses reinvest a large share of their revenue back into the local economy, enriching the whole community.

a bigger group of people in a town square doing various things

Peterson Farm Brothers to Headline AgriCulture on the Square

July 23, 2021

After a one-year break due to the pandemic, AgriCulture on the Square will be back in Rapid City, South Dakota on Saturday, Sept. 11.

Small group of young professionals gathered around a meeting table.

Building Highly Effective Boards

Whether you are starting a new board or solidifying the roles and workings of an existing board, this program is a great way to get all members on the same page.

SDSU Extension community vitality team presenting an award.

Inspiring Community Leaders

Based on research and evidence gathered by industry experts, this program teaches communities, businesses and individuals the skills needed to foster exemplary leadership qualities.

Instructor and female grant applicant reviewing paperwork at a table.

Writing Your Future: Grant Writing Training

Often community or organizational programs need capital to get them off the ground. Our Writing Your Future grant writing training can be the start to finding that initial investment.

Young, female rancher hosting a small tour group.

AgritourismSD is an intensive educational program designed to provide farmers and ranchers with the opportunity to create an enterprise that utilizes resources in different ways to generate new income streams.

A young, freckled girl eating small, red tomatoes inside a greenhouse.

SDSU Extension Launches New AgritourismSD Program

January 12, 2021

Do you farm or ranch and want to share your passion and excitement for agriculture with others?

Staff of the Horse Power organization helping a young male aboard a horse for a therapeutic ride.

Strategic Planning Focused on Your Organization’s Strengths

Is your organization in need of a clear direction? SDSU Extension Community Vitality offers strategic planning to groups by starting with your strengths and building on them.

SDSU Extension Welcomes Joshua Hofer to Community Vitality Team

July 14, 2020

Joshua Hofer is the newest member of SDSU Extension’s Community Vitality team of field specialists who assist with business, leadership and community development needs across the state.

two men and one woman standing with a presentation check

South Dakota Small Business Basics Program Participant Earns Award in Business Plan Contest

July 14, 2020

Heather Solberg of Volga has been awarded $500 to put toward a business plan concept she developed while participating in the Small Business Basics program coordinated by SDSU Extension.