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Chamber and tourism groups highlight visitor spending; new archaeological director outlines plans
Summary
Mitchell tourism and Main Street leaders reported statewide and county visitor‑spending figures for 2024, previewed summer promotions and events, and the new executive director of the Mitchell Prehistoric/Archaeological Village introduced himself and invited the public to upcoming programs.
Representatives from the Mitchell Chamber of Commerce, Visit Mitchell and Mitchell Mainstreet & Beyond presented tourism statistics and community events during the council’s public‑comment period and described promotional plans for National Travel and Tourism Week.
Johanna, representing the Mitchell Chamber and Convention & Visitors Bureau, said tourism is South Dakota’s second‑largest economic driver after agriculture and cited statewide 2024 visitor spending of $5.1 billion and $399 million in state and local taxes. She reported Davidson County visitor spending of about $118.4 million in 2024, generating $9.1 million in state and local taxes, and said Visit Mitchell will run social media promotions and red lighting of the Corn Palace to mark the week.
Elizabeth, with Mitchell Mainstreet & Beyond, described recent community promotions including a dessert‑themed contest and a record turnout for Ladies Day Out; she detailed the newly installed “HOPE” statue on Main Street, thanked sponsors and described plans for a HOPE Spirit Award and a storyboard with QR‑linked content about the sculpture and its artist, Clark Markinic.
Christian (no last name given) introduced himself as the new executive director of the Mitchell Prehistoric/Archaeological Village (the organization recently added “Archaeological” to its name). He said school‑tour numbers are record high, that visitors average approximately 1 hour 20 minutes at the site and that the village will hold “Archaeology Awareness Days” on June 14.
Council members thanked the presenters; no council action was required on the presentations.
