Members of the Wessington Springs Area Chamber and Development Board of Directors hosted the organization’s annual meeting last month at the Springs Senior Center, sharing news of activities from the previous year as well as covering current and upcoming projects.
Board members including Darrell Deneke, President; Pat Fastnacht, Vice President; Mette Ness, Secretary; Loree Gaikowski, Treasurer and Directors Phil Wipf and Katie Jackson were on hand for the presentation. Troy Duxbury, who also serves as a Director, was not in attendance.
After reviewing and approving the minutes, finances were discussed. The organization received annual public support through the City of Wessington Springs ($12,500), Jerauld County ($6,000) and donations ($500). Memberships to the organization brought in $12,534. The board shared that net revenue was $17,213 and that bank account balances are $16,796 in the WSACD money market account and $30,560 in checking.
Year in Review - Events
WSACD was involved in a variety of events in 2023, beginning with SDSU Extension’s Energize Conference.
Over 100 community and business leaders hailing from rural towns all across the state landed in Wessington Springs for the two-day Energize! Conference held on May 31 and June 1. Each year a town is chosen to host the conference and for the event in its fifth year, Wessington Springs was its 2023 host. WSACD served as the lead for the local planning committee and said that in addition to over $20,000 injected into the area, the event also featured more than 20 breakout sessions hosted at local businesses, showcased a strong art foundation and provided an economic boost to all food service businesses in town.
The board shared information about its annual event held the first weekend in August, Foothills Days. City Wide Rummage and a Movie Under the Stars in the dark was capped off by Rockin’ Ribfest. Last year's event touted a record number of smokers, added a bean bag tournament, included a tractor pull and partnership with SACOTA’s Rummage Sale Rescue, netting over $3,500.
The third annual Trail of Fears was scheduled for Halloween but due to frigid weather, had to be canceled. The board said that the event is slated to be continued for years to come.
Despite less than normal snowfall, Winter Park Activities continued with its Christmas event Winter in the Park, featuring Santa and sleigh rides with help from WSACD. The organization also helped Winter Park and Baker’s Design organize a wine tasting in the Field House. WSACD also helped secure $1000 in grants for the program as well as $2500 in donations. The City of Wessington Springs purchased and installed a new warming shed at the top of the sledding hill and WSACD contributed $500 toward the effort.
Year in Review - New Businesses
WSACSD shared that four new businesses began operations in 2023: Modest Moxie Boutique, Legacy Chiropractic, Muddy Paws Room & Groom and B&S Services. Plans for a massage therapist to provide services in town several days per week are also in the works.
Upcoming
During the meeting, WSACD announced that South Dakota Public Broadcasting (SDPB) has selected Wessington Springs as one of the towns chosen for the upcoming season. Touted as SDPB's flagship 'magazine' television show, the program features “stories about interesting South Dakota people, places, and things.
Members of the public are invited to a community conversation with SDPB on Tuesday, April 23 at the Springs Inn Cafe. They encourage community members to stop by between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on the 23rd as well as between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. See the story on PAGE ONE and ad on PAGE SIX for additional details.
During the meeting the board also announced the hiring of Shelly Brodkorb as secretary for 20-30 hours per month.
Current Projects
Among its current projects throughout Wessington Springs, WSACD shared that the organization helps with Field House renovations, works with Becky Easter on a new trail head kiosk and new brochures for the Old Grade Trail, helps with cleanup on the trail and is providing support for an upcoming SACOTA mural at the municipal pool bath house.
What’s Next
Rounding out the meeting, WSACD announced a project on the horizon to improve and rejuvenate the lot on the north side of Main Street formerly occupied by the Bridgeman Building. Plans include creating green space with seating areas, an accessible ramp to access the area, outdoor art/mural as well as a charging station for electric vehicles. Grants are currently being pursued with further details forthcoming.
WSACD board members also added that they will continue their work to promote tourism and recruit new businesses.