Business Retention & Expansion Visits in Mitchell, South Dakota

South Dakota Manufacturing & Technology Solutions (SDMTS) recently participated in a Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) visit in Mitchell, South Dakota. These visits are an important part of staying connected with local businesses, understanding current challenges, and identifying opportunities to support continued growth.

We appreciate the Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce and Development Corporation for coordinating the visit and bringing together partners and local businesses for meaningful discussions.

Collaboration Across Statewide Partners

This effort included several organizations working together to support the Mitchell business community:

• South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED)
• South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation
• South Dakota Manufacturing and Technology Solutions (SDMTS)
• NorthWestern Energy
• Central Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Bringing these groups together allows businesses to access a wide range of resources, from workforce development and operational support to infrastructure and energy solutions.

Businesses Visited

During the visit, partners met with several organizations representing different industries in the Mitchell area:

• POET
• Abbott House Youth Services
• Pepsi-Cola of Mitchell
• Patzer Woodworking Inc.

These conversations provided valuable insight into day-to-day operations, current challenges, and future plans.

What We’re Hearing from Businesses

Across visits like this, a few consistent themes continue to emerge:

• Workforce availability and retention remain key priorities
• Companies are focused on improving efficiency and increasing capacity
• Facility layout and workflow improvements present opportunities for growth
• Businesses are evaluating investments in equipment, automation, and process improvements

How SDMTS Supports These Efforts

SDMTS works with manufacturers and growing businesses across South Dakota to help address challenges like these. Our services focus on improving operations, increasing productivity, and supporting long-term growth through practical, hands-on solutions.

BRE visits like this help ensure we stay aligned with the needs of South Dakota businesses and continue to provide relevant support where it matters most.