Brookings economic development partners report growth; BDC, research park, chamber, tourism and venue highlight wins

Leaders from Brookings' economic development partners gave a consolidated update to the City Council on programs, metrics and next steps for workforce, business support, tourism and events.

Tim Reed, CEO of the Brookings Economic Development Corporation (BDC), summarized how BDC activity maps to the city's economic development master plan. "We are presently working with about 4 different businesses that are looking to expand here in Brookings," Reed said, and noted the BDC has received more than 600 responses to a consumer survey used to inform retail and site selection priorities. He said the BDC is moving forward on a revolving business loan fund and expects more detailed program terms by the end of the year.

Dwayne Chapel, CEO of the SDSU Research Park, described regional recruitment tied to a newly completed biocenter and said the park has worked with 15 startups in the past 18 months that created 35 jobs. Chapel estimated the annual salary impact of the new companies at about $3.3 million and said the research park's TIF‑funded facility will strengthen the community’s bioscience cluster. He also announced a Bio Summit at the Dakota Bank Center on Oct. 22.

Kelsey Doom, president and CEO of the Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce, described Connect Brookings initiatives (intern mixers, young professionals, work‑ready boot camps) and clarified recent city funding: Doom said the city supported downtown events and the Chamber in prior years and noted a current recommendation discussed was roughly $20,000 for downtown programming and $20,000 for the Chamber this budget cycle. She also highlighted the Chamber's business advisory network (more than 40 participants) used to gather rapid business feedback.

Laura Shane Carbonneau of Visit Brookings reviewed tourism outreach and performance metrics. She said occupancy rates were near 66% for recent comparable reporting and that visitor spending had increased around 3% in the region; Visit Brookings has launched an ambassador program, certifying 47 participants since July to help frontline workers promote the community.

Kirsten Jesdall, representing Downtown Brookings, summarized downtown programming, signage and exterior‑lighting grants, expansion of the Brookings farmers market into a winter market and roughly $60,000 in Main Street grants secured for downtown businesses. Jesdall said sponsorship and program income have risen as Downtown Brookings builds its funding plan.

Ashley Bigger, general manager of the Dakota Bank Center, reported venue activity and fiscal management: the center hosted about 194 events in 2023 with a forecast of roughly 184 events in 2024. Bigger said sponsors and Oak View Group capital investments are reducing operating subsidies; she cited a conservative mid‑year economic impact estimate of about $6.7 million from 18 large events and described recent capital improvements (HVAC, audio) and staffing priorities.

Council members applauded the partners' coordination and asked follow‑up questions about board appointments for the Research Park, whether local talent filled the new jobs (Chapel said most hires were local, with some international recruits), how the revolving loan fund will be structured, and how to access the Chamber and student surveys. Reed said loan program details will be provided by year end; the Chamber and other partners offered contacts for more information.

Next steps noted in the presentations: the BDC will finalize terms for the revolving loan fund and continue BR&E visits; the Research Park plans recruitment and the Oct. 22 Bio Summit; Downtown Brookings will continue developing a funding plan including sponsorships and possible business improvement district options; Visit Brookings will finalize September occupancy data and continue ambassador training; the Dakota Bank Center will publish its annual report and continue capital and operational improvements.