Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Brookings unveils first public electric charging station
A new electric vehicle (EV) charging station is available to the public in the south parking lot of the Brookings City & County Government Center near the Downtown Brookings Business District. The central location is within walking distance of many of the city’s eating and drinking establishments, shops and other recreational and historic destinations. The…
Read MoreSDSU scientist extracts cellulose from cornstalks
Assistant professor Srinivas Janaswamy of the Department of Dairy and Food Science is extracting cellulose from agriculture biomass to make biodegradable films. This film is made of cellulose extract from corn stover as part of a Sun Grant-funded pilot study. Strength and biodegradability—these are the benefits of using cellulose to make plastics and other packaging…
Read MoreSDSU teams up with SD Pork Producers Council to support pork producers and feed South Dakotans
Due to packing plant shutdowns across the country, many pork producers have been struggling to find places to harvest their animals, which is having a dramatic impact on South Dakota’s pork producers. SDSU Extension swine specialists and meat science faculty, staff and students from the Department of Animal Science, have worked with the South Dakota…
Read MoreBEDC launches search for next leader
Heuton set to retire at the end of the year Brookings Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) announced today that it has begun the search for the next leader of the organization. BEDC is the lead entity for economic development in Brookings County, with key strategic focus areas of business development, entrepreneur support, workforce development and community development.…
Read MoreUnderwater drone expands water quality testing capabilities
An underwater drone capable of carrying seven sensors and taking leaf and soil samples is increasing research capabilities at the South Dakota Water Resources Institute. However, the sampling capabilities are not what makes it unique. “What’s new is the ability to revisit a specific place multiple times over a season,” explained assistant professor Aaron Franzen.…
Read MoreFarmers Market opens Saturday May 9 with new safety precautions
With the state gradually reopening and easing restrictions put in place due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Brookings Farmers Market is set to open at 9 a.m. Saturday at its normal location between the Brookings Public Library and the Brookings County Courthouse. A series of new restrictions and modifications as to how the market functions…
Read MoreWinners revealed for local small business awards
New Program Recognizes Committed Entrepreneurs and Local Champions The Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce and Brookings Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) are excited to announce the recipients of five awards to celebrate small businesses in Brookings. The new program was launched in April and online nominations were received from members of the community. “It’s always fun to…
Read MoreMentor Match-up Program To Help Build Connections
New online resource to support entrepreneurs Brookings Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) is excited to announce the launch of a new online platform to support local entrepreneurs, the Mentor Match-up. This new tool will help facilitate the connections between experienced mentors and entrepreneurs in the Brookings community. Research has shown that mentors can provide immense value.…
Read MoreSDSU students finish second, fifth at Governor’s Giant Vision competition
Two groups of South Dakota State University students finished in the top five of the 14th Governor’s Giant Vision entrepreneurial college student business competition. South Dakota Chamber of Commerce & Industry event Chairman Brad Wheeler, president of Wheeler Manufacturing, announced the top finishers Tuesday. After a preliminary judging process that reduced the field of applicants…
Read MoreBrookings community members sew thousands of masks
DAKOTA NEWS NOW By Ryan Martin | Posted: Wed 8:38 AM, Apr 22, 2020 https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/content/news/Brookings-community-members-sew-thousands-of-masks-569852051.html 20 Brookings community members and SDSU Student and Staff have worked together to create more than 1,200 masks. Sewing masks and gowns has become a big part of Billy Wilburn’s life. “Sarah Schneider from Brookings Health System contacted me asking me if I would…
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