23-03-2025
Mitchell Area Development Corporation hosts workforce summit to strengthen workplace culture
Mar. 23—MITCHELL — The Mitchell Area Development Corporation, in partnership with the South Dakota Department of Labor, Northwestern Energy, and Dakota Wesleyan University, hosted a Workforce Summit Thursday, March 20 dedicated to enhancing workplace culture through the application of Lean principles.
Held at the DWU School of Business, Innovation, and Leadership, the summit brought together business leaders, human resources professionals and industry representatives committed to retaining and empowering their workforce.
Lean principles are a set of management techniques aimed at eliminating waste and improving efficiency and productivity by focusing on value creation from the customer's perspective.
South Dakota has the lowest unemployment rate in the nation, and Mitchell has the second lowest unemployment rate in the state. However, as projections show a continued decline in the labor force through 2030, the MADC recognizes the need to invest in retaining existing employees. Workforce culture is a key factor in that effort.
"Our goal is not just to make individual businesses in Mitchell great places to work but to establish a strong, unified community culture that retains and supports our workforce," Mike Lauritsen, CEO of the MADC, said. "Events like this workforce summit help businesses understand that a positive workforce culture is necessary for long-term success."
The summit featured presentations from Stuart Giere and Pete Menke, business advisers with South Dakota Manufacturing & Technology Solutions, who specialize in Lean Leadership and process improvement.
Giere, a mechanical engineer with over 30 years of executive experience and certifications from The Scrum Alliance, the International Coaching Federation and The Table Group, emphasized the impact of culture on productivity.
"Lean is not just about efficiency — it's about aligning your team's work with a purpose they believe in," Giere said. "When employees see their role in reducing waste and improving processes, it builds trust and engagement."
Menke, who has spent his career in manufacturing with a focus on process improvement, highlighted the practical benefits of Lean.
"Organizations that embrace Lean don't just eliminate waste; they empower their employees to be problem-solvers," Menke shared. "By involving staff in the process, businesses can create an environment where employees feel valued and invested in their work."
Participants took part in a hands-on Lean workshop, identifying and eliminating "waste" in simulated operations. The session concluded with a panel discussion featuring leaders from local businesses like Etria, Vermeer and Enclose, who shared how applying Lean principles improved their workplace culture and employee retention.
As the day wrapped up, attendees left with actionable strategies to bring Lean practices into their workplaces, supporting the collective mission of creating a positive culture in the Mitchell workforce.
