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South Dakota USDA Rural Development and SDSU Extension Announce Rural Economic Development Training Opportunity

Name
Kenneth Sherin
City
Pierre
Release Date

Applications are now available for the opportunity for regions across the state to apply for Stronger Economies Together (SET) regional training and technical assistance for rural regional economic development.  Application deadline is April 1, 2016. 

For the fifth year, USDA Rural Development (USDA RD) and South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension have collaborated on this initiative to strengthen the capacity of rural communities to work together in developing and implementing economic development blueprints that strategically build on the current and emerging economic strengths of their region. The SET Program is sponsored by USDA RD and the nation’s four Regional Rural Development Centers.

One region in South Dakota will be awarded the opportunity to receive training and technical assistance delivered by a core team of Extension and USDA RD staff.  Topics include building a strong regional team; developing vision and goals; examining regional demographics, opportunities, assets and barriers; and creating a regional economic development plan.

“We are very excited that South Dakota was chosen for a fifth round of funding to offer regional planning through the SET program,” said USDA RD Acting State Director Bruce Jones, “SET aligns well with USDA Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack’s goal of partnering with local and state governments and community organizations on projects that promote economic development and job creation.”

Staff from SDSU Extension, the State of South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development, planning districts and nonprofits makes up a State Resource Team that provides guidance and selects the regions.

For questions, additional information or applications contact Kenneth Sherin, SDSU Extension Community Development Field Specialist, kenneth.sherin@sdstate.edu or 605-995-7378. A complete application must be sent electronically to Kenneth no later than April 1, 2016 (11:59 pm Central).