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Topic: Community

SDN sponsors CityAge event exploring burgeoning economies of mid-size cities

SDN Communications is excited to co-sponsor the next CityAge virtual event exploring the possibilities economic growth can bring to cities such as Sioux Falls.
Soaking in the sun and magic of SculptureWalk

Having worked in Downtown Sioux Falls for nearly two decades, I can remember when the addition of SculptureWalk helped transform Phillips Avenue 18 years ago. Since its inception in 2003, volunteers have placed 903 sculptures downtown and a total 1,050 throughout all of Sioux Falls.
SDN, Dutton join MN initiative launched to grow ag-related businesses

There’s a different kind of Silicon Valley that exists in the upper Midwest. Its product is agriculture and an initiative called GreenSeam is working to elevate the region as a world-class food and agribusiness epicenter — making it the Wall Street of agriculture.
$100,000 scholarship donation aims to keep homegrown ag talent home

Agriculture is now as steeped in technology as any other industry. Thankfully, ag education in the state has stepped up to meet the challenges of this new agriculture reality with the addition of the precision agriculture program at South Dakota State University in Brookings.
Build Dakota scholarship offers debt-free tech degrees in high-need careers

2020 Mitchell Technical Institute graduate Connor Wendland’s face has appeared on several marketing pieces, including a billboard banner visible along Interstate 90. He wasn’t paid for his modeling gig but he did graduate debt-free thanks to the Build Dakota scholarship program.
SDN helps fund Avera eCARE school nurses caring for growing diabetes cases

Dana Culver makes medical recommendations for a living in her professional role as a Brookings pharmacist, but in her role as mother to two young boys diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, she lost her confidence.
Housing investments saving small towns, helping businesses grow

Located about 15 miles from Mitchell, Mount Vernon is perhaps best known as the hometown of former NFL linebacker Chad Greenway. But the notoriety hasn’t been enough to keep the population from declining, and a lack of housing kept it from growing.
SDN employees pin leadership on CEO Shlanta, raise funds for cancer research

At SDN Communications, Mark Shlanta’s leadership recognition is literally pinned to employees. A grassroots employee idea resulted in a caricature lapel pin of SDN’s CEO attached to a valentine to raise money for the Avera Race Against Cancer.
Hope, Connection and People: The Top SDN Articles of 2020

The stories from 2020 certainly reflected the environment of the world, with people adjusting their schedules to stay safe during a global pandemic. But there were also stories of growth and investment, as well as faces of the industry.
SDN's 2020 holiday gifting benefits communities

In lieu of holiday gifts this year, SDN is making a charitable contribution in appreciation of our customers to four deserving groups that are doing important work.
211 Helpline available statewide, launches new app

The 211 Helpline program that’s often considered the “front door” of the social services system is now available to all South Dakotans thanks to the 2020 Legislative Session. And it couldn't have come at a better time.
TV documentary on connecting rural SD is worth seeing

Bringing good, broadband connectivity to remote areas of South Dakota is a historic undertaking nearly as challenging and potentially as rewarding as was delivering electricity to rural residents in the mid-20th Century.
ICYMI: October was also National Co-op Month

Rushmore Electric Cooperative and its member cooperatives have stepped up to the challenge of bringing a collective, affordable power supply to rural western South Dakota. It's grown and evolved over the past seven decades. And that ongoing investment is worth celebrating beyond National Co-op Month.
In SD-MN recruitment rivalry, S.D. gaining ‘traction’

Gov. Kristi Noem has revived a cross-border rivalry to recruit businesses from Minnesota, and one entrepreneurial coach doing business in both the Twin Cities and Sioux Falls believes South Dakota has the advantage.
SDN joins effort to spur more housing development in region

SDN Communications and its 17 member companies across the state, which have been concerned about the issue for several years, have joined with three other regional business organizations to help address the housing crunch.
SDN announces contribution to spur rural workforce housing

SDN is announcing a $1 million pledge in a housing-development initiative that is part of a revolving loan fund administered through East River Electric Power Cooperative of Madison.
SDN helps STARBASE students dream big and reach for stars

STARBASE Sioux Falls pursues a mission that probably is difficult for many teachers and parents to reach: Getting kids excited to learn about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
DSU making headway in getting women into cybersecurity

Dakota State University is making slow but noteworthy headway in its quest to get more women in college to study cybersecurity and other computer fields. It's a significant but worthwhile challenge.
STEM Day: A little known holiday that deserves attention

Every day of the year is designated for some kind of holiday or special observation at the local, state, national or international level. November 8th is STEM/STEAM Day.
United Way comes out as biggest winner in company competition

SDN Communications and Five Star Call Centers had a friendly competition to help raise money for the Sioux Empire United Way, a community impact organization that strives to improve lives. Five Star won the contest, but the two companies agree that the United Way was the real winner.