It’s an incredibly exciting time to be in Watertown for various reasons! A new city government format, including our new City Manager, great community partners and leaders in the Watertown Area Community Foundation, Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), Chamber of Commerce, Codington County, the School District, and Lake Area Technical College (LATC) among others…

CHICAGO, IL –  The Watertown Development Company (WDC) was recognized with an award for its efforts in attracting workforce on Thursday in Chicago.

Michelle Kakacek, Director of Business Development for the WDC, accepted the award in the Workforce and Talent category for WDC’s Intern Engagement Initiative, a collection of tools designed to engage summer interns and integrate them into the community via networking opportunities and introduction to local attractions and amenities, greatly improving the probability of those interns returning to Watertown after graduation.

The WDC, with assistance from a committee within the WDC-administered Watertown Workforce Advisory Council, collaborated on ideas to encourage interns to bond with the community and gain a real sense of living and working in Watertown post-graduation. In 2020, the committee created a “Passport to Watertown” to be given to interns, which included a free pass to the city attraction of their choice and $20 in Chamber Bucks to kick-start their Watertown experience. The Passports were designed with graphics from nine Watertown attractions and included QR codes linking to lists of events and restaurants and maps of recreational trails. A Connections card was included as well, to encourage networking. In 2021, the Passport added an additional attractions pass, plus a visitor discount card. Also in 2021, an in-person event was held to allow interns to network with community leaders and other interns.

WDC’s “Attract and Enhance” program, which provides matching funds for relocations and training, complimented the above engagement efforts by providing matching funds to companies for intern relocations, helping alleviate some of the housing cost burden for students in Watertown for the summer.

Kakacek noted the Intern Engagement Initiative as “an excellent example of the impact and importance of collaboration in attracting and retaining our area workforce.”

For many years, The Mid-America Economic Development Council has sponsored the annual Economic Development Awards competition to recognize and stimulate the creative use of quality marketing by economic development organizations throughout the 13-state Mid-America region in promoting their respective communities.

Mid-America EDC members are dedicated economic development professionals who share best practices to add value in their organizations and communities.

Mid-America EDC is a multi-state association dedicated to being the leading resource for making contact with site selectors, advancing regional economic development programs, and accessing thought leadership.

Kakacek and other award recipients will also be recognized in the January issue of Site Selection magazine.

For more information about The Mid-America Economic Development Council, visit www.midamericaedc.org.

WATERTOWN, S.D. — Prevail Realty, LLC is excited to announce the opening of their Real Estate Brokerage and Partnership. Partners Jesse Kiihl, Mindy Craig and Julie Knutson announce that Prevail Realty, LLC is projected to open their new location in The Lofts later this Summer. Their current office is housed in The Goss with CP Business Management.

The partners are looking forward to offering Watertown a unique combination of business experience and expertise in areas such as construction, commercial and residential sales, leasing and investment properties. Multi-medium professional marketing of properties, and a multi-state client base.

Jesse, a Watertown native, has years in the real estate industry. With that comes a wealth of knowledge that he has put forth in the development company, Prevail, LLC and, now, Prevail Realty, LLC as the firm Broker. Jesse is currently the construction manager for Parkside Place, Generations on 1^st (the 55 and older project), The Ruins, portions of The Lakes at Willow Creek and more to be announced.

The draw to Watertown is strong for Mindy as she began her Watertown journey with the first of its kind in Downtown at The Lofts and has since fell in love with the city and its citizens, as well as realizing the potential it holds for growth and development.  Mindy will continue to offer clients, and the public, the best possible experience and lifestyle.

Julie, also a Watertown native, most recently was with Watertown Convention & Visitors Bureau; prior to that she worked as the General Manager of the Watertown Mall. Julie has a deep knowledge of Watertown, leasing, property management and marketing. Julie brings with her a number of professional memberships and affiliations, she has served on boards and committees assisting in projects like the Downtown Park, intern engagement, Urban Renewal Grants, and ice arena just to name a few. Over recent years Julie has traveled the US representing Watertown and has accompanied the WDC and City of Watertown for purposes of seeking out new commercial real estate development for Watertown.

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To obtain more information regarding commercial, retail, investment, or housing opportunities, please call Mindy at 605-237-8806 or email info@prevailrealtysd.com

News Release
April 16th, 2021
7:00 A.M.
Contact: Traci Stein
Director of Marketing and Public Communication
Phone: 605 884 0340
Email: traci@wdcsd.com

WATERTOWN, S.D. —Watertown Development Company (WDC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Vaux as Executive Director.

Mark brings to the WDC a diverse background that includes a proven record of community service, with sixteen years in economic development; serving as CEO of a 450+ member chamber of commerce and 200+ member economic development corporation, and working as a Senior Business Development Representative for the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED). Throughout his career, he was fortunate to have made connections with key stakeholders in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota.

His roots began in Watertown and he has spent many of his years in economic development working closely with the WDC on several business expansion and retention plans.

“My parents were born and raised in Watertown, and my grandfather, Claude Paterson, was the Chief of Police in the late ’50s to early ’60s. From my years with then-Congressman Thune, and while at GOED, I spent a lot of time in Watertown working on a variety of projects with the WDC. I have always been impressed with the vision and passion of the WDC team, the board, and civic and business leaders. I’m excited to join the community and keep building on the momentum.”

Mark has led many successful economic development initiatives, including the implementation of a public-private workforce development council to address workforce needs, successfully collecting more than $70,000 from a fundraising campaign to support it. He also led the efforts of a public/private partnership to address the community’s affordable housing needs by securing a large donation of land from a business for housing development. As the GOED’s Business Representative, Mark played a key role in developments such as a food processing plant in Huron, the wind manufacturing plant in Aberdeen, and the recruitment of a call center.

It was also under Mark’s leadership in Mitchell that led the redevelopment efforts of Main St Mitchell, which included the acquisition and development of five new properties/businesses in six months.

Jim Redlinger, board chair of the WDC, said of Vaux’s hiring, “The WDC Board of Directors is excited to work with Mark as the new executive director of the WDC. He is well known in the state of South Dakota. We’ve previously crossed paths with Mark in economic development projects in Watertown and I believe he will prove invaluable in his new position at the WDC. We look forward to working with Mark in 2021 and beyond.” Redlinger added, “The WDC Board, along with its staff, thank Chris Schilken for his leadership and the commitment he has given the WDC during his three years as executive director. His contributions have been significant.”

A $1 million gift from First PREMIER Bank and PREMIER Bankcard will help kickstart Watertown’s new ice arena building project.  City Councilman Ried Holien announced earlier this month that an anonymous donation had significantly moved the project forward. That donor was recently revealed as the PREMIER organization.

First PREMIER Bank CEO Dana Dykhouse said the gift is part of the organization’s commitment to supporting the people and communities it serves. He also commended the City of Watertown for its vision and challenged others to help support the project. “We all have a responsibility to give back to our communities,” Dykhouse said. “Things like parks and athletic facilities are important quality of life features. They make a community vibrant and help attract new people and businesses.”

PREMIER Bankcard CEO Miles Beacom echoed this sentiment.

“We are excited to be a part of this project and we hope others will step up and lend a hand,” Beacom said. “This facility will help provide added opportunities for our young people to participate in some fun winter activities. This is a great partnership between the City of Watertown and PREMIER.”

First PREMIER Bank and PREMIER Bankcard have a history of supporting philanthropic ventures in the community. In 2016, the organization provided a $500,000 gift to create the PREMIER Softball Complex in southeast Watertown. PREMIER also donated a building to the City of Watertown that currently houses the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce and other entities.

The proposed Watertown Ice Arena carries an estimated $15- to 17 million price tag. It will feature two sheets of ice and help alleviate early-morning and late-night practices. The Watertown Hockey Association is currently fundraising for the project and the Watertown Figure Skate Club has pledged an additional $750,000.

First PREMIER Bank VP and Market Leader Mark Dunn said the project is something people in his community have discussed for several years and PREMIER is proud to champion its progress. “This is a win-win situation for our community, our local economy and the many kids who enjoy hockey and figure skating,” he said.

About First PREMIER Bank and PREMIER Bankcard 
First PREMIER Bank and PREMIER Bankcard is one of Watertown’s largest employers with nearly 400 employees. The company supports nearly 700 organizations and its leadership team and employees have donated more than $1.5 billion to South Dakota entities since 1995. For more information visit www.firstpremier.com.

About the Watertown Development Company
The Watertown Development Company (WDC) is a non-profit organization established to own and operate buildings, lands, and development areas for the economic benefit of Watertown. For more information visit www.wdcsd.com.

The lack of housing in Watertown has been well-documented as the area continues to grow. But developers say building workforce housing is not easy without some help in reducing the costs of construction. State, city, and economic development leaders say they are aware of the problem and are taking action.

To combat the problem, The Governor’s Office of Economic Development has recently revamped its South Dakota REDI (Revolving Economic Development and Initiative) Fund to include low-interest loans to developers for workforce housing projects.

“I want to thank community leaders in Watertown for their visionary approach to filling the workforce housing gap,” said Governor Kristi Noem. “Strong communities start with strong families, and families belong in a home. This project puts Watertown in a good position for future development.”

Until recently, the REDI Fund has been known as South Dakota’s flagship financing tool that is available to start-up firms, businesses that are expanding or relocating in South Dakota, as well as local economic development corporations. The only projects allowed under the program have included land purchases; site improvements; construction, acquisition, or renovation of a building; or the purchase and installation of machinery and equipment. But now that list includes workforce housing.

“The changes to the REDI Loan Fund program will reduce the costs of construction and bring much-needed workforce housing to the community,” said Chris Schilken, Executive Director of the Watertown Development Company.

Along with addressing the city’s need for affordable housing, the development is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy.

Watertown Mayor Sarah Caron said, “The city supports the new development because it’s designed to increase the number of affordable housing units in the city and stimulate economic development, meeting two of the city’s community growth initiatives.”

Berg Group, a firm in North Dakota that develops and manages a diversified portfolio of projects, including housing, will be the developer. They have partnered with the Watertown Development Company to complete the first phase of the project by the second quarter of 2022.

The City of Watertown also plans to adopt a Tax Increment Financing Plan to further reduce the cost of construction.

“Fortunately, we are working in a community that understands the critical importance of investing in housing and helps make this possible by assisting with developing the infrastructure for this project,” said Scott Houle, Chief Operating Officer of Alliance Management Group, LLC. “The Plains will provide a high-quality housing option to cost-burdened families, opening new doors and fostering a stronger community through its unique design and inclusive amenities.”

The idea for The Plains Apartments transpired through conversations with another Fargo developer Jesse Craig of Craig Development, LLC who has several re-development housing projects currently in progress throughout Downtown Watertown. While working on these projects, Craig recognized the need for even more workforce-style housing and introduced the Berg Group to local leaders in Watertown.

This new development will be located on the north side of Watertown, at 1604 4th Street NE, along Highway 81, and will consist of 216 units arranged across three buildings with each building having seventy-two units. There will be a mix of studio, 1-bedroom one bath, 2-bedroom two baths, and 3-bedroom two-bath apartments. Amenities include controlled access, security cameras, an oversized elevator, grilling area, pet wash station, pet park, cardio room, 9 ft ceilings, private balconies, in-unit laundry, stainless steel appliances, modern fixtures, and heat included in the monthly rent.

Based on estimates from a 2015 report from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the project is expected to create over three hundred direct and indirect jobs and generate over $6 million in tax revenue over twenty years. These benefits will continue to benefit the community in the years to follow, providing a lasting positive impact on the community.

About the Watertown Development Company

The Watertown Development Company (WDC) is a non-profit organization established to own and operate buildings, lands, and development areas for the economic benefit of Watertown. For more information visit www.wdcsd.com

About Alliance Management Group, LLC

Alliance Management Group will be the property managers of the project. For more information visit https://www.alliancemgmtgroup.com/.

I am pleased to present you the 2020 Annual Report for the Watertown Development Company (WDC). Our commitment to WDC’s vision – a healthy, thriving, and resilient community – has never been stronger than during this time of the COVID-10 pandemic and the expanding conversations on supporting business and workforce…

Over the last couple of years, the Watertown Development Company (WDC), the organization known for marketing Watertown as a destination for businesses to relocate, has made it its mission to take an active role in the redevelopment of downtown, including participation in the development of The Lofts, Parkside Place, the redevelopment of many empty downtown buildings, and soon, the development of a new downtown park. Now the WDC is working to transform the city center into a beacon of holiday cheer over the holidays.

The seasonal celebration will be called “A Merry & Bright Christmas”.

The WDC is committed to creating more family-friendly events in Downtown Watertown to complement the events that are already put on by the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Watertown Committee.

“Through the assistance of some local sponsors, we are excited to announce that the WDC will contribute a significant amount of time, and effort towards providing a one-of-a-kind family-friendly shopping experience all month long,” said Chris Schilken, WDC Executive Director. “Christmas is a wonderful season that brings together family and friends who spread cheer and give thanks for the many blessings we have. Thanks to continued support for Downtown by our investors and sponsors, it is now possible for us to make Downtown Watertown a Christmas destination.”

Downtown will be converted into the “North Pole of Downtown,” with giant decorations, lighted boulevard trees, and a 20-foot-tall Christmas tree. Many of the shops and businesses of Downtown will convert their storefronts into a “Window Wonderland”, an event hosted by the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce, featuring installations curated by local artists, and a grove of live Christmas trees—decorated by families, business, and organizations from throughout Watertown—will fill The Lofts retail area.

Because of the Covid pandemic, trade shows and other marketing opportunities have been canceled,  limiting WDC staff for places to market Watertown as a place for businesses to locate. The only other option is to draw the attention of shoppers, and prospective businesses and retailers – to them.

WDC Director of Marketing Traci Stein said,  “The pandemic has really taken a toll on our businesses, and therefore Watertown’s retail sales numbers have suffered,  so the WDC is trying to create a buzz-worthy experience for our downtown businesses to try and get those numbers back up. The WDC is committed to making sure our businesses survive and conquer, and to show prospective retailers we are committed to the continued growth of Watertown.”

A Merry & Bright Downtown Christmas begins with three events on the weekend of November 27th. Things kick-off on Thursday, November 26th, with the Holiday Lighted Parade featured by the Downtown Watertown Committee,  and the lighting of the official Christmas tree of Watertown and Christmas Tree Extravaganza, hosted by the WDC, and an opportunity to meet Santa Clause.

The annual Holiday Lighted Parade rolls through Downtown on Thursday, November 26th. The parade is held annually by the Downtown Watertown Committee and marks the “official” arrival of Santa in Watertown. Santa will be on a float in the parade and children are encouraged to bring their letters for Santa to mail to the North Pole.

The Christmas Tree Extravaganza begins on Friday, November 27th. The Extravaganza is a friendly Christmas tree decorating competition open to all businesses, organizations, families, and creative individuals throughout Watertown. Participants will decorate trees to display throughout the holiday season in a grove at The Lofts. Visitors can vote on their favorite tree online and in person. Winners of the competition will be announced in a grand finale event on December 18th. Those interested in participating in the Extravaganza can find more information on the Extravaganza Kick-Off page.

A web page has been dedicated to the event. You can view the event schedule and registration page for the Extravaganza at www.wdcsd.com/christmas.

Sponsors of the Merry & Bright Christmas include the Watertown Area Community Foundation, The Watertown Lions Club, Dial – A – Move, Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce, Benchmark Foam, Mavericks, Target, and KXLG Radio.

Michelle Kakacek, Director of Business Development of the Watertown Development Company in Watertown, South Dakota earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), a national recognition that denotes a mastery of skills in economic development, professional attainment and a commitment to personal and professional growth.

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) administered the first-ever Virtual CEcD Exam on October 3, 2020, and notified candidates of their results on October 9, 2020. With six years of economic development experience, Kakacek has been an integral part of many sectors in the Watertown Development Company. Leading the Workforce Development program, Kakacek works closely with the Watertown Workforce Advisory Council and other local stakeholders to develop and execute programs designed to recruit workforce to Watertown and retain and up-skill the area’s incumbent workforce – such as the WDC’s Attract & Enhance Program. She has played an active role in the revitalization of Downtown Watertown,  helping redevelop several properties to bring new small businesses to the city’s core. Kakacek also works closely on industrial business retention and expansion, working with business prospects and managing projects for new and expanding companies.

“I do whatever I can, wherever I can, to help and hope that the next project can build on the last. As long as we continue to press forward with meaningful action, our community will keep going in a positive direction,” said Kakacek.

The CEcD designation recognizes qualified and dedicated practitioners in the economic development field and sets the standard of excellence within the profession. Candidates must pass a rigorous and comprehensive examination, which has three parts and spans two days. The exam tests a practitioner’s knowledge, proficiency, and judgment in the following key areas of economic development:

• business retention and expansion
• finance & credit analysis
• marketing and attraction
• strategic planning
• entrepreneurial & small business development
• managing economic development organizations
• neighborhood development strategies
• real estate development & reuse
• technology-led economic development
• workforce development strategies
• foreign direct investment & exporting

As highly competent economic development professionals, Certified Economic Developers work with public officials, business leaders and community members to create leadership to build upon and maximize the economic development sector.  Excellence in the economic development profession improves the well-being, quality of life, and opportunities for individuals, businesses, and communities. There are currently over 1,100 active CEcDs in the United States.

About the International Economic Development Council

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 5,000 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities, by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members are engaged in the full range of economic development experience. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in a wide variety of settings including local, state, provincial, and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities, and a variety of other institutions. IEDC’s members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions www.iedcONLINE.org.

About the Watertown Development Company

Founded by a group of far-sighted business leaders, the WDC is organized as a private non-profit economic development corporation for the purpose of establishing, funding and directing programs designed to promote and increase the commercial, financial and economic vitality of the City of Watertown and its citizens. The organization is responsible for the creation of jobs and overall economic opportunity and owns and operates buildings, lands, and development areas for the economic benefit of Watertown.

The growth of Downtown continues as a prominent financial planning and consultation business, VisionPoint Advisory Group, has made the decision to move into one of the commercial spaces available at The Lofts.

“We started looking for space about a year ago due to our growth locally, and vision of future growth.” Scott Munger, Partner and Senior Financial Consultant of VisionPoint said “We looked all over town but continued to be pulled to the Downtown area due to its tremendous growth, appeal, and future potential.”

The Lofts Developer, Jesse Craig, was thrilled to have VisionPoint be one of the first commercial tenants moving into the building. “They will be a great fit for the space we’ve built as well as the downtown area. We are excited to have such a well-known and respected business and proprietor as a tenant/partner.” said Craig.

The Lofts building was designed to have four commercial spaces on the first floor with 39 total apartments on the second and third floors.  VisionPoint, being the first official tenant, was able to have first pick of the available areas.

“The space chosen allows us to build out our VisionPoint Family Office to the level desired and continue to bring further resources to enhance our clients’ financial futures.” Munger said, “We look forward to passing this new experience onto our valued clients.”

Currently located on 10th Street SW, VisionPoint will make the move to their new location on Broadway in October. Details on their grand opening will be coming soon.

About VisionPoint Advisory Group

VisionPoint Advisory Group specializes in holistic financial planning and consultation for families through our Wealthbridge process, and corporate retirement plan consultation. An independent RIA with over $2 billion in assets under management.