Southern Hills economic-development group outlines apprenticeships, CoStarters and Habitat handyman program
July 22, 2025 | Hot Springs, Fall River County, South Dakota
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Andrea, executive director of the Southern Hills Economic Development Corporation (SHEDCO), presented a quarterly report that covered strategic planning, workforce development, business recruitment and community programs.
SHEDCO plans a five-year strategic-planning process this fall with an expected cost of $5,000 to cover a facilitator, surveys and follow-up. Andrea asked for city and county participation in that planning effort.
On workforce development, SHEDCO reported conversations with the state Department of Labor and Veterans Helping Hands to identify seven approved apprenticeships suitable for local veterans: camera operator, construction laborer, chef, carpenter, plumber, welder and mechanic. The organization said it will help match mentors and apprentices and assist with program logistics.
SHEDCO also said a new value-added agricultural manufacturing business plans to locate in the area within the next year and estimates the operation will create roughly 14 to 16 technical jobs. SHEDCO staff described services they provide to developing businesses, including guidance on zoning, regulations, utilities, grant/loan research and workforce training.
On entrepreneurship programming, SHEDCO plans to launch CoStarters facilitation programs targeted to youth entrepreneurs in the school district and a veterans-specific cohort, then open a general public cohort. Finally, Andrea described a new Habitat for Humanity “Handyman” program the board launched; it will allow homeowners to apply for assistance with small projects, capped at $5,000 per household. Andrea said she had contacted Habitat to determine whether funds can be used specifically for property cleanup and planned outreach to elderly residents who may need help applying.
Council members asked logistical questions about eligibility, whether funds could be used for cleanup and how local demand would be assessed. Andrea said the program application is online and that SHEDCO would assist residents with the process when needed.
SHEDCO plans a five-year strategic-planning process this fall with an expected cost of $5,000 to cover a facilitator, surveys and follow-up. Andrea asked for city and county participation in that planning effort.
On workforce development, SHEDCO reported conversations with the state Department of Labor and Veterans Helping Hands to identify seven approved apprenticeships suitable for local veterans: camera operator, construction laborer, chef, carpenter, plumber, welder and mechanic. The organization said it will help match mentors and apprentices and assist with program logistics.
SHEDCO also said a new value-added agricultural manufacturing business plans to locate in the area within the next year and estimates the operation will create roughly 14 to 16 technical jobs. SHEDCO staff described services they provide to developing businesses, including guidance on zoning, regulations, utilities, grant/loan research and workforce training.
On entrepreneurship programming, SHEDCO plans to launch CoStarters facilitation programs targeted to youth entrepreneurs in the school district and a veterans-specific cohort, then open a general public cohort. Finally, Andrea described a new Habitat for Humanity “Handyman” program the board launched; it will allow homeowners to apply for assistance with small projects, capped at $5,000 per household. Andrea said she had contacted Habitat to determine whether funds can be used specifically for property cleanup and planned outreach to elderly residents who may need help applying.
Council members asked logistical questions about eligibility, whether funds could be used for cleanup and how local demand would be assessed. Andrea said the program application is online and that SHEDCO would assist residents with the process when needed.
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