By: John Paulson
Contact: Gail Arnott
Presentation of a long list of accomplishments and a presentation by Wessington Springs Public Schools Superintendent Lance Witte highlighted the 2009 annual meeting of the Wessington Springs Area Development Corporation at the Springs Inn on January 15.
The accomplishments ranged from WSADC acquisition of the Busy Bees daycare facility, to new businesses startups, to work with Babcock and Brown on the wind farm construction project. A nine-page list of completed and ongoing WSADC 2008 projects included:
taking over ownership and management of the daycare and working on remodeling,
coordinating efforts to bring the Wessington Wind farm to the area as well as bus tours of the facility,
construction of a cell phone tower,
development of a spreadsheet listing area businesses, services and organizations,
selling of the governor’s house previously purchased by WSADC,
co-hosting of the Legislative Breakfast with the Wessington Springs Chamber of Commerce and the Wessington Springs School District,
assisting with the start-up of 14 new businesses,
securing grants for and assisting with work on improvements to the Field House, city park and the cleanup of vacant lots,
WS Schools strategic planning.
In addition, Community Development Coordinator Laura Kieser reported that she maintains relationships with regional entities that are able to assist development in the Wessington Springs area, including the Lower James Resource Conservation and Development Council, of which she was elected president for 2008-09.
Superintendent Lance Witte reported that the strategic planning process begun this fall in the Wessington Springs School District is moving forward on schedule. Three action teams of 10-12 members each are at work devising the steps to achieve objectives for excellence in personalized learning and community relationships, and that equip our students to productively contribute to a diverse and changing world. Copies of the strategic planning document were circulated via the True Dakotan in November and are available at the high school. Witte also played an excerpt of a documentary aired on Public TV that featured the Wessington Springs School District as an illustration of innovative approaches to education.
SEE WSADC
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Plans for 2009 include
constructing a database of community information that can be easily accessed by businesses and individuals alike,
continuing to work on developing home-grown businesses,
developing a brochure for businesses looking to locate here,
working with state and regional entities to develop plans for attracting new businesses and residents,
updating community website with help from local experts and students,
working with other communities on Hwy 34 to promote tourism,
Senior and community center
Vision for Main Street Wessington Springs.
Three new board members were elected: Jerry Caffee, Terri Groves, and Rev. John Paulson. Other board members include Gail Arnott, president, Jim Burg, Kevin Mebius, and Gwyneth Witte.
Outgoing board member Kim Burg was honored for her seven years on the Board – two years as president — with the gift of a Wessington Springs logo tote bag. In addition, American Bank and Trust and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans were thanked for their contributions to WSADC efforts. Members present approved a budget for 2009 of $29,545.72.
WSADC has a host of ongoing responsibilities and a part-time coordinator. Anyone interested in improving the Wessington Springs community is welcome to join in the effort. Annual memberships are $35 for individuals and $75 for businesses. Those interested may call Laura Kieser at 539-1929.
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