Workforce
Third SD nursing home to close in 2023 as Legislature studies long term care sustainability
A third South Dakota nursing home will close this year — citing short staff, rising costs and years of insufficient Medicaid reimbursement. More than 15 South Dakota nursing homes have closed since 2017. The Bennett County Nursing Home in Martin operated at a loss of over $1.3 million in the first six months of 2023, […]
Noem turns workforce recruitment focus to NASCAR fans
SIOUX FALLS — Gov. Kristi Noem wants a few more NASCAR fans in South Dakota. Specifically, NASCAR fans from other states with job skills. To that end, Noem announced Thursday that the state will use a portion of the $5 million budget for the state’s “Freedom Works Here” marketing campaign to sponsor a vehicle bearing […]
Leaning into pay and diversity, manufacturer expands amid workforce shortage
MADISON — A manufacturer conducting a $60 million expansion in South Dakota says it’s attacking a workforce shortage by raising pay and embracing diversity. Manitou is a manufacturer of construction equipment based out of France. It is expanding its operations in Madison and Yankton and will add about 125 jobs between the two sites. Currently, 510 […]
Lack of action on immigration is ‘holding SD back,’ dairy farmers say
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story on dairy farmers is the second of two examining the challenges some South Dakota businesses face as they attempt to hire international workers. The first story examined problems in the tourism industry. — The Department of Homeland Security wanted to do a routine work authorization audit of the Turner County Dairy […]
Volatile, costly international visa program strains SD’s tourism industry
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first of two stories examining the challenges some South Dakota businesses face as they attempt to hire international workers. The second story examines challenges in the agricultural industry. — Janet Boyer estimates she spent over $40,000 arranging housing for international workers and transporting them to the Black Hills before she […]
Business community greets new law to recognize out-of-state licenses
SIOUX FALLS – A new law to recognize out-of-state licenses for most professions in South Dakota will “do a lot of good” for the state’s economy, according to Ken Amundson, president of Midwestern Mechanical in Sioux Falls. “There will be more tradespeople coming to the state when they don’t have the red tape to deal […]
Child care is a major workforce concern. Why wasn’t it in Gov. Noem’s budget address?
Child care is one of South Dakota’s most pressing workforce issues, with cities, businesses and organizations searching for solutions to keep child care accessible and affordable across the state. Gov. Kristi Noem addressed it as such on the campaign trail, but it did not appear in her Dec. 6 budget address to the Legislature, in […]
SD counties to receive $15M in federal money with few strings attached
South Dakota counties will receive over $15 million in one-time funds from the U.S. Department of the Treasury over the next two years, with the ability to spend the money on nearly anything they want. The federal money is another form of COVID-19 economic relief stemming from the American Rescue Plan Act. This time, the […]
‘Workforce behind the workforce’: Businesses, organizations tackle child care in new program
The child care crisis is, above all else, a workforce crisis in South Dakota. Gov. Kristi Noem addressed it as such on the campaign trail, and Sioux Falls Mayor Paul Tenhaken says its one of the most common issues presented to him in recent years. But it hasn’t been treated as a “crisis” by businesses […]
Sioux Falls leaders bring high-schoolers to workforce event with hopes of stemming ‘brain drain’
SIOUX FALLS — High-schoolers received special focus at a day-long workforce summit Wednesday at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. The Sioux Falls Development Foundation hosted the WIN Summit. The event featured guest speakers and community business leaders sharing insights, and opportunities for young people to build relationships with those leaders. Approximately 70% of in-state students […]