Content by Peggy Schlechter

Road sign reading "Welcome to South Dakota - Great Faces, Great Places"

Put Your Location on the Map along the US Highway 14 SD Rural Road Trip Trail

May 03, 2023

SDSU Extension is holding a series of community meetings to share and collect information to promote tourism along U.S. Highway 14, which runs east-west across north-central South Dakota.

2021 Energize! Conference attendees gathered outside a brick building.

Energize!

The Energize! Exploring Innovative Rural Communities Conference is designed to empower South Dakota’s rural communities by inviting them to network with community leaders from across the state to share success stories, get new ideas and take action to improve their own communities.

Family touring a poultry farm.

Is Agritourism for You?

Do you like people and wish to provide educational or entertainment opportunities that showcases your farm or ranch? If so, agritourism is an opportunity you may wish to explore!

High school graduate watching a rural sunset.

Congratulations Graduates! And Who Says You Can’t Go Home?

Congratulations to all the young people celebrating graduations this spring! You've dedicated years to learning and developing your career, but don't count out your hometown as a great place to start your next chapter!

Sarah Calhoun presenting during a breakout session at the 2018 Energize! conference.

Write Your Own Small-Town Success Story

Big things can happen in small towns, and many rural success stories have taken place right here in South Dakota. Learn some tips to start writing your own small-town success story today!

A group of attendees at the Small Business Basics course at Volga, South Dakota.

Small Business Basics

The Small Business Basics program covers an extensive list of topics, including writing or updating business plans, tax and licensing, employee relations, pricing and marketing, customer service, social media, and aspects of financing.

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.