NOVEMBER 30, 2023:
The Pierre Economic Development Corporation held its annual meeting this week (Nov. 28, 2023) to elect board members and review the work done in 2023.
Elected to three-year terms were Dawn Morris of Morris Inc.; Ron Wagner with First National Bank; and Gordon Woods with South Dakota Intrastate Pipeline. Jessica Mefferd of the Mefferd Agency – Farmers Union Insurance was elected to a one-year term.
PEDCO Chief Operating Officer Jim Protexter says they also recognized outgoing board member Karl Richards for his 12 years of service.
Former South Dakota State University Coach John Stiegelmeier was the keynote speaker, discussing leadership, making a difference and how to treat others and how those things translate into business life. Meeting attendees also got the chance to see SDSU’s 2022 FCS Championship trophy.
OCTOBER 30, 2023:
The past chairman of the Pierre Economic Development Corporation has been selected by the board of directors to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of chairman Damon Wheelhouse.
Hubbart served as chairman in 2021-22 and presided over several workforce and financing initiatives. A housing study, completed in October 2022, has been credited for helping to attract a nearly $17 million apartment complex near City Hall.
Wheelhouse recently tendered his resignation to focus on business interests. “The PEDCO board deserves someone who will give it more time and energy than I can offer moving forward,” Wheelhouse wrote in his resignation letter.
After assuming the office of chairman in January, Wheelhouse championed a proposal that would see PEDCO develop 34 lots for workforce housing. The project is awaiting a grant award from South Dakota Housing.
PEDCO COO, Jim Protexter, said that Wheelhouse was an effective leader. “In the world of board management, my goal is to attract the busiest people because they’re the ones that get things done,” said Protexter. “Damon was a good example of that, and it’s not surprising that he has created other ventures that require his undivided attention.”
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