Brookings Economic Development Corporation

Gear up for the 20th First Chance Bonanza PRCA Rodeo

BROOKINGS – Gear up in your best boots and favorite cowboy hat for the First Chance Bonanza PRCA Rodeo at the Swiftel Center Nov. 1 and 2, with 7:30 p.m. performances nightly. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the event. Two nights of wild and western performances will be jam-packed with events including: bull…

Resurrecting the Ben Franklin building

Old five and dime becoming public market, commercial kitchen; two floors of apartments above BROOKINGS – Not much of the original building at 420 Main Ave. in Brookings is left, but its bare bones are providing a framework for the beginning of a new downtown business. Brookings Built Green is working to resurrect the building…

The road to the CMAs goes through Brookings

Thirteen of the 2018 CMA Award nominees have performed at Swiftel Center BROOKINGS – The Swiftel Center has made a name for itself as being a stop on the road to country music fame. The nominees for 2018 CMA Awards have been released and, of all the nominees, 13 have performed at the Swiftel Center. The…

New downtown artwork

BROOKINGS – A new mural went up on The Brookings Register’s east wall Tuesday. The design and painting were done by Pandr Design Company from San Diego, incorporating local elements. The mural is part of the South Dakota Department of Tourism’s “State of Create” campaign and they are working with the Brookings Arts Council, according…

‘Big Band Holidays’ coming to Brookings

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis added to Woodbine Productions lineup BROOKINGS – The full house at the Big Bad Voodoo Daddy concert heard the news first. Woodbine Productions will host “Big Band Holidays” featuring the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. The concert will…

On-the-job, apprentice training helps fill construction needs

BROOKINGS – The construction industry is one of a rare few where someone can get a job fresh out of high school and learn all the necessary skills through apprentice training, on-the-job experience, and creative further education that is tailored to each employee’s needs and circumstances. “Mills Construction is supportive of education after high school…

Workforce events to be held in Brookings July 25

BROOKINGS – Brookings Economic Development Corporation is hosting the Brookings Area Workforce Conference on Thursday, July 25, at the Swiftel Center. The conference seeks to address issues facing the region’s employers and help them find solutions for continued growth and success. “One of our workforce priorities is sharing best practices and ideas to assist our…

Workforce demand is strong

Brookings’ workforce demand is strong, with more than 1,200 job openings reported recently in the Brookings area and more than 700 additional positions planned in the next three years. That’s according to the Brookings Economic Development Corporation’s recent survey of area employers to better understand Brookings’ current and future workforce needs. The survey results will…

Brookings City Council agrees to commit $2M for grant application for 20th St. S. interchange

BROOKINGS – The Brookings City Council voted 6-0 Tuesday to commit the funding required for the Brookings Economic Development Corporation’s application for a Federal BUILD Grant, to help fund the development of an interchange to cross Interstate 29 at 20th Street South. An amendment laid out a condition that the interchange’s future maintenance be funded…

BEDC seeks community input for retail study

Brookings County residents and workers asked to complete survey by May 6 Today’s rapidly evolving retail environment presents significant challenges to communities like Brookings who have historically struggled to recruit national retailers. By taking a look at historical, current and projected trends, local economic development professionals are hoping to identify solutions to best position Brookings…