Building Brookings Blog
Focused Planning, Impactful Results…Economic Development in Brookings
By: Kristi Larsen, BEDC Marketing Director Brookings is recognized throughout the region for its progressive and collaborative approach to growth and development. What role does economic development play in this community building initiative? Economic development is a process that seeks to improve the economic well-being of a region through business development, job creation and wealth…
Read MoreEntrepreneurs: ACTION LEADS TO IMPACT
By: Jennifer Quail, BEDC Director of Entrepreneur Support Entrepreneurs come in all sizes and shapes, from all walks of life and across all markets and industry sectors. One “title” for such a varied and diverse group seems a bit misrepresented or under appreciated. So, what is the common thread that binds this group together? Is…
Read MoreYEP! New entrepreneur program for kids starts this fall
By: Jennifer Quail, BEDC Director of Entrepreneur Support YEP, you can do it! We all know how impactful positive words and encouragement can be. I’d like to think we all have at least one story or memory of someone giving us encouragement, sharing kind words or simply a smile that made a difference. Positivity and…
Read MoreTools to Assist Employers
By: Stacy Aesoph, BEDC Director of Workforce Development When we meet with regional employers and HR professionals, we are looking to find out what challenges they are experiencing, what is working well and what their hiring needs are. From there, we determine how Brookings Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) can help, what tools we can provide,…
Read MoreBusiness and community resources at your fingertips!
Five websites under one roof… By: Kristi Larsen, BEDC Marketing Director We recently completed a redesign of all of the websites managed by Brookings Economic Development Corporation (BEDC). The updated sites are mobile friendly, easy to navigate and have a plethora of resources for both existing and potential businesses as well as residents. BrookingsEDC.com As…
Read MoreWhat’s in a number? Brookings ranked 25th Best City for Entrepreneurs in the Nation!
By: Jennifer Quail, BEDC Director of Entrepreneur Support Numbers can have quite an array of meanings for people, organizations and communities. For instance, some adults are very willing to share the number of grand kids they have, the times they vacation overseas or their golf score, but not likely to share their age. Youth look…
Read More#BeBrookings Campaign
#BeBrookings Campaign By: Stacy Aesoph, Director of Workforce Development You may have noticed the hashtag #BeBrookings being included on social media posts. It’s a new marketing campaign developed by our office (Brookings Economic Development Corporation) to help attract people to Brookings and retain our current residents. What does #BeBrookings mean? Literally, it means to be…
Read MoreBuilding a vibrant downtown – city officials provide grants for entrepreneurs
Building a vibrant downtown by Kristi Larsen, Marketing Director All throughout the nation, empty downtown store fronts are prevalent in rural communities that are seeing steady population declines. The downtown is the heart of a community. A healthy, vibrant downtown portrays a strong local economy. National retailers who are looking at new store locations will…
Read MorePersons with Disabilities: Part of the Workforce Solution
Persons with Disabilities: Part of the Workforce Solution by Stacy Aesoph, Director of Workforce Development If you speak with an employer who has grown their workforce by hiring those with disabilities, they will tell you those employees are some of the most hardworking, dependable workers they have ever hired. Many Brookings area employers have embraced…
Read MoreTalent Production – One Key to the Workforce Dilemma
Talent Production – One Key to the Workforce Dilemma by Al Heuton, BEDC Executive Director According to the Area Development magazines 30th Annual Survey of Corporate Executives, the top factor for companies considering a new investment is the availability of skilled labor. Both corporate CEOs and site selectors agree on this. Opinions differ after this…
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