Latest news with #CommunityoftheYear
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mitchell marks progress on housing with delivery of first new home at Ridgeview on Foster
May 8—MITCHELL — Four local organizations gathered Thursday morning to celebrate the successful placement of the first new home at the Ridgeview on Foster housing development, a project that demonstrates the power of partnerships in solving Mitchell's workforce housing shortage. The home, constructed by students from Mitchell Technical College, is now placed on land donated by Avera Queen of Peace Hospital to the Mitchell Area Development Corporation. The development is being led by Mitchell Area Housing Inc., with plans to eventually have 60 new homes on the site. This initiative is part of a broader effort to grow the Mitchell community through increased owner-occupied housing options. It is one of three new homes being placed at burgeoning Mitchell developments with one at Ridgeview on Foster and two at South Lake Estates. "This is a perfect example of what can happen when local organizations come together to solve a problem," Mike Lauritsen, CEO of the Mitchell Area Development Corporation and Mitchell Chamber of Commerce, said in a press release. "We know housing is one of the biggest challenges facing our community. Thanks to Avera's land donation, Mitchell Tech's hands-on workforce training, and Mitchell Area Housing's development leadership, we're seeing real, tangible progress." The land for the Ridgeview on Foster development was donated by Avera Queen of Peace Hospital, recognizing the community's critical need for more housing to support workforce growth. "We understood that to grow our healthcare workforce, especially with the shortage of nurses, we needed to step up. Donating this land was a way for us to support the long-term health and growth of Mitchell directly. We have the second-lowest unemployment rate in the state, which means we have jobs but not enough people to fill them, said Dr. Hilary Rockwell, regional president and CEO of Avera Queen of Peace Hospital. "Providing more quality, affordable housing is part of the solution. We're proud to contribute to a project that will help our community thrive." Mitchell Area Housing Inc., the developer of the project, has committed to placing 60 homes in the Ridgeview on Foster development. "After working at Muth Electric for 40 years, I knew firsthand how much Mitchell was growing and how badly we needed more workforce housing. When I retired, I made it my mission to help solve that problem," said Terry Sabers, president of Mitchell Area Housing. "This development is the result of that effort, and it's incredibly rewarding to see it taking shape." The land is currently owned by the Mitchell Area Development Corporation, which continues to spearhead strategic projects to support Mitchell's growth. Ken Schlimgen, President of the Mitchell Area Development Corporation, said the process of addressing housing needs in Mitchell is moving in the right direction. "We have so much momentum right now in Mitchell. Receiving the Community of the Year award from Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden is a testament to the great things happening here, and housing is part of that. This partnership is a model for how to get things done," Schlimgen said. Mitchell Tech plays a key role in this partnership by giving students real-world experience in building energy-efficient homes. The Architectural Design and Building Construction program has provided the workforce and expertise to make these homes a reality. "This project aligns perfectly with our mission to prepare students for successful careers. It gives them the opportunity to build real homes using the latest energy-efficient technologies, while contributing to a meaningful solution for the community," said Theresa Kriese, president of Mitchell Technical College. The project is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Mitchell is currently undergoing a surge in development, having seen building permit values jump from an average of approximately $20 million to $114 million two years ago and $50 million last year. The community is also home to High Plains Processing, the largest value-added agriculture economic development project in South Dakota history. The $500 million soybean processing facility is expected to generate significant long-term economic benefits for the region. The partnership between the four organizations has Mitchell ahead of the game when it comes to providing housing for a needed workforce, Lauritsen said. "While many communities are just beginning to address housing shortages, Mitchell is taking action now," Lauritsen said. "Thanks to this partnership, we're seeing solutions become reality, with three new homes already placed on our two housing developments and many more on the way. This is what progress looks like."
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mitchell named South Dakota's Community of the Year for third time
Feb. 28—MITCHELL — Mitchell's growth has transformed the city, according to locals. Now, that progress has earned it the title of Community of the Year. Earlier this week at the Governor's Conference on Economic Development, it was revealed that Mitchell has been named South Dakota's Community of the Year. This prestigious recognition celebrates the city's continued commitment to economic growth, housing development, and workforce expansion, highlighting its role as a key leader in the state's future development. The achievement of being named Community of the Year marks Mitchell's third time winning the award. Mitchell was first recognized in 1988, when the award was introduced, and again in 2011. "This is a great achievement for our wonderful community and will further our current momentum we have going in Mitchell," said Mayor Jordan Hanson. Mike Lauritsen, CEO of the Mitchell Area Development Corporation (MADC), explained that the award recognizes the collective efforts, vision and teamwork that have helped Mitchell become a standout community. He highlighted the city's growth through new housing, substantial business investments and major projects like the $500 million High Plains Soybean Processing Plant, positioning Mitchell for continued success and progress. Lauritsen says a key moment in Mitchell's journey to earning this recognition came last fall when Gov. Kristi Noem visited for a series of ribbon-cutting ceremonies. Lauritsen made sure to use the opportunity to show the governor the city's momentum firsthand. "We're seeing construction happening everywhere — housing, businesses, infrastructure," Lauritsen said. "The momentum is real, and I made sure to point that out while she was here." Lauritsen's pitch to Noem included showcasing Mitchell's latest developments, from the creation of 100 new housing lots to the relocation of 52 families through the Chamber's $1,000 "Move to Mitchell" program. He emphasized how these initiatives address the growing housing and workforce needs in the city, making Mitchell a place where families and businesses can thrive. At Noem's request, Lauritsen quickly organized a lunch with families who had relocated to Mitchell through the Chamber's relocation program. Lauritsen noted that Noem was particularly engaged during this meeting, asking questions and showing genuine interest in the experiences of the new residents. "She was very engaged and wanted to hear about how the process was working for them," Lauritsen said. "I think it really resonated with her when she saw how our efforts are paying off in real, tangible ways." The $500 million High Plains Soybean Processing Plant is another development that Lauritsen pointed to as a major game-changer for Mitchell and the surrounding region. The plant, which is expected to create 75 new jobs, is the largest economic development project in state history. Lauritsen highlighted how the project will strengthen the region's agricultural economy, benefiting local farmers and creating a ripple effect in Mitchell's economy. "This soybean processing plant will not only provide high-quality jobs but also support value-added agriculture in the region," Lauritsen said. "When it opens, we'll see more money circulating in the community." Mitchell's commitment to expanding its economy and addressing local needs is not slowing down. Lauritsen pointed to the city's ongoing projects, such as a low-interest loan program in partnership with the South Dakota Department of Transportation to build a transportation loop around the soybean plant. This new infrastructure will reduce transportation costs for area farmers and contribute to the plant's success. "This project will make a significant difference for local farmers," Lauritsen said. "It's all about making it easier for them to get their product to market, and that's a win for the entire community." Laurie Cooper, director of operations for the Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce, attributes the city's prime location, right off the interstate, as a key factor in its success. "We are the gateway to the west," Cooper said. "And because of that location, we are always driving the workforce, holding job fairs, and constantly marketing the town to businesses outside of our borders. There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes, and we are always trying to grow and make Mitchell better." Looking ahead, Lauritsen also revealed that the Mitchell Area Development Corporation has signed a purchase agreement for a 20-acre industrial park aimed at attracting distribution centers. The site, located adjacent to the interstate, will provide another boost to the local economy. The corporation is currently seeking a zero-interest loan through the Rural Electric Economic Development (REED) fund to help with infrastructure development at the new park. "We're very optimistic about what the future holds," Lauritsen said. "These projects are just the beginning. Mitchell has a lot of momentum, and we're going to keep pushing forward."
