10-05-2025
Platte takes center stage for annual Energize conference
May 9—PLATTE, S.D. — More than 150 people from across South Dakota walked the streets of Platte this week, not just for the scenery, but to share and exchange ideas at the seventh annual Energize! Exploring Innovative Rural Communities conference.
This two-day event, held from May 6-7, brought together entrepreneurs, community leaders and visionaries to explore ways to stimulate economic growth and foster creativity in small towns.
The conference featured a keynote address, 13 breakout sessions held across local businesses and a panel discussion with young entrepreneurs who shared their experiences of launching businesses in rural America. Hosted by SDSU Extension, Energize rotates annually between East and West River communities of 5,000 or fewer residents. In 2024, the event was held in Hot Springs, and next year it will return to a West River town.
One of the unique aspects of the event is its "walking conference" model. Breakout sessions took place in 13 different local businesses, giving attendees a chance to discover the host community while learning directly from local business owners. According to SDSU Extension Community Vitality Field Specialist Kellie Kolb, this format creates opportunities for networking and informal conversations, allowing visitors to connect with the community on a personal level.
Brooke Meyerink, owner of Platte Floral and Rentals, opened her business to a group of visitors, sharing her story and the challenges and rewards of running a small-town business.
"Why not? I'm very proud of my business, so to let others see it is an accomplishment for me," Meyerink said.
Donna Travis, president of the Melcher Museum board, welcomed visitors to explore Platte's history while connecting the past to the community's future.
"We are proud of our Historical Museum. It focuses on the history of Platte since it became a town in 1900. In addition to supporting the Chamber of Commerce with this event, we hope that attendees — and local residents — will learn something about our town's history and feel encouraged to tour the museum and support it with financial donations," Travis said.
Ashley Vargas, executive director for the Platte Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the tangible benefits of hosting the event.
"It's a positive for the whole community. Not only does it bring attention to Platte, but it also gives local businesses an opportunity to showcase what they offer," Vargas said.
Beyond the conference sessions, local food, arts and entertainment were showcased during catered refreshment breaks and an evening social, offering attendees a chance to immerse themselves in the community's culture. This focus on local spending has proven beneficial for host towns: in 2024, the conference generated an estimated $34,000 to $40,000 in economic activity in Hot Springs, with similar benefits expected in Platte this year.
A central theme of the conference was the increasing role of emerging business leaders in rural areas. The final session of the conference featured a panel discussion with three young women who have already made their mark on small-town business.
Trinity Kimball, 16, is the owner of Platte Creek Grooming, a dog grooming business she started with mentorship from local professionals and funding from bake sales. Despite the challenges of starting a business at a young age, Kimball has gained valuable skills in time management, animal care and business operations.
"Starting a business so young means learning a lot on the fly," she said. "But it's about asking questions and learning from those around you."
Samantha Ford, 21, from Mount Vernon, has a unique mix of business ventures that reflect her diverse passions. By day, she's a farm bookkeeper, helping local farmers manage their finances, but by night, she's a silversmith, crafting jewelry in her spare time. Ford enjoys moving from one project to the next and thrives on the variety her work offers.
"I can't handle a typical 9-to-5 job. I need something different every day," Ford explained.
Ford spoke about the importance of persistence in entrepreneurship, noting that success comes from showing up and putting in the work, day after day.
"You can have a million ideas, but if you don't follow through, nothing will happen," she said.
Erica Ingerson, 21, from Eureka, runs Red Fox CNC, a custom machining business she launched with help from her father and mentorship at Mitchell Technical College. Despite working in a male-dominated industry, Ingerson has built a reputation for quality craftsmanship.
"Small towns are all about reputation," she said. "If you wouldn't buy it, don't sell it."
Ingerson has big plans to grow her business, including adding a CNC mill and a laser machine to expand her services. She's also aiming to enter the manufacturing of gun parts, something that aligns with her love of hunting.
Ryan VanZee, an instructor at Mitchell Technical College, emphasized the role of young entrepreneurs in shaping the future of rural communities.
"These young entrepreneurs are redefining what it means to do business in rural America," VanZee said. "They're creative, resilient, and driven by a desire to contribute to their communities. They're the future of rural development."
One of the new additions to the conference this year was a breakout session dedicated to rural tourism, something that SDSU Extension Community Vitality Program Director Peggy Schlechter said is easily overlooked.
"People forget, if they have a sporting event, a festival, hunting or even a family reunion — that's tourism," Schlechter said. "All communities in South Dakota have tourism."
As applications open for the 2026 Energize conference, organizers are looking for West River communities with populations under 5,000 to host the event. Forms for interested towns are due by July 31, 2025.
SDSU Extension Community Vitality Field Specialist Kara Harders hopes attendees left this year's conference with new ideas and a renewed sense of energy for their work back home.
"One of the coolest things about Energize is that it's by a small community, for a small community," she said. "If they only take one thing away from the conference, as long as they leave energized and can implement that now for forever, the time return, money return and enjoyment return on it can be incredible."
