Lilli Steeke has joined the Wessington Springs Area Chamber and Development Corporation (WSACD) as its new executive secretary and community liaison.
Steeke began her duties on May 11 and has spent her first month learning about the community, its businesses and organizations while supporting the WSACD board and helping coordinate upcoming events.
The WSACD board is led by co-chairs Ryan Jensen and Troy Duxbury, along with board members Danielle Duxbury, Chelsea Cashman, Katie Jackson, Kim Burg and Pat Fastnacht. As executive secretary and community liaison, Steeke assists the board with communications, event planning, social media, website updates and community outreach.
Originally from the small community of Rhame, North Dakota, Steeke is entering her senior year at South Dakota State University, where she is majoring in agricultural communications with minors in digital social media, public relations and journalism. She also works remotely for Full Tilt Marketing, a marketing agency based in Minot, North Dakota.
Steeke said she has 'hit the ground running' helping plan several major community events, including Fourth of July activities and Rockin' Ribfest in August.
The Fourth of July celebration will feature a parade, turtle races, fireworks on Lookout Hill and the South Dakota Micro Derby. Organizers are also working to secure food vendors for the event.
In addition to event planning and communications, Steeke said one of her goals is helping strengthen connections among local clubs and organizations.
'We have a lot of businesses, clubs and organizations in Springs,' she said. 'My biggest thing is getting to know the community to help the different groups in the area connect.'
Steeke encourages residents to share ideas for community events and promotions through the WSACD Facebook page.
'If you ever have any ideas about the community, I'm always here,' she said. 'If you have any ideas about Ribfest, or any of the events that we do, or even if it doesn't have to be a Chamber event, any event that you want promoted, just message the Chamber Facebook page.'
Look to the next two editions of the True Dakotan for more details on Fourth of July festivities.