Watertown Development Company

Patent and Trademark Searching
2025-05-06 10:00 - 11:30 UTC
About the event

A discussion of patent and trademark searching and the free resources available for conducting searching. We will discuss why and why not to conduct a search prior to filing, briefly demonstrate some of the free online resources available for conducting searching, explain the classification systems used by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and provide some searching tips.
Presented by: Jim Larson
Jim is an intellectual property attorney based in Minneapolis, MN. Jim has an undergraduate degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Minnesota and a law degree from Mitchell Hamline School of Law. Prior to entering private practice, Jim was a Patent Examiner at the United States Patent & Trademark Office. Jim also helped start and run a law firm from 2005 to 2024. Jim represents clients of all sizes from multinational corporations to individuals.
Presented by: Greg Golla
Greg Golla practices general intellectual property law with an emphasis on trademark, Internet, copyright, licensing agreements, and litigation. He has successfully represented clients involved in domestic and foreign trademark oppositions and cancellation proceedings and litigated trademark infringement, unfair competition, and trademark dilution cases and appeals. Greg has broad experience with Internet law, including domain name disputes and acquisitions.
He is also experienced in all phases of trademark prosecution, including the preparation of trademark clearance and availability opinions, preparation and prosecution of trademark applications, and conducting appeals before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. Greg has published articles and given frequent presentations on Internet law issues.
Link to register: https://www.score.org/twincities/event/patent-and-trademark-searching

Robot Games 2025
2025-05-02 10:00 - 13:30 | Lake Area Tech, 1201 Arrow Ave NE, Watertown, SD, 57201, United States
Robot Games 2025
Wednesday, April 30, and Friday, May 2, 2025 from 10am-1:30pm
Wednesday, April 30 – IS FULL
Friday slots are still available
Open to all grades
Lake Area Technical College – Student Center Level 4
Hands-on in the LAB
Day includes stem tours & free lunch

https://www.lakeareatech.edu/academics/on-campus-programs/robotics/robot-games/

Success Mindset Mastery
2025-05-01 12:00 - 13:30
About the event

Do you ever feel like you aren’t getting the results you want even though you are smart, hard working, and good at what you do? Many times people are held back by unconscious patterns or beliefs they aren’t even aware of.
In this workshop you will learn:

Three sources of mental blocks: When you identify where your blocks come from it makes it easier to shift them.
Six common blocks: When you shift these blocks you unlock keys to your success.
Five Success Mindset Tools: How to take action so that you reprogram your mindset for success.
Goal, Intentions, and Visualization: These are the steps that create a habit where you see yourself in the future having achieved your goals.

This workshop is for anyone who wants to bring more success into their life or business and is feeling stuck about how to get there. You will learn about old thought patterns that need to shift, so that you can get the results you know you are capable of accomplishing.
Presented by: Christopher Leier
I am passionate about helping people succeed. I teach small business owners, consultants, and budding entrepreneurs how to build the confidence to reach their full potential. Helping someone move from self-doubt to unwavering belief to reaching their goals is one of the most rewarding aspects of the work that I do.
So many times business professionals have amazing talent and strong work ethic but they lack the confidence to take action. I work with them to reprogram the patterns and beliefs that are holding them back, and I do it using hypnosis. It amazes me the way the mind works. After we shift the beliefs and thoughts that are getting in the way, they are able to achieve their goals (and often in a bigger way than they had even imagined).
Link to register: https://www.score.org/twincities/event/success-mindset-mastery-3

Simple Systems to Save 10+ Hours a Week in Your Business
2025-04-30 11:00 - 12:30
About the event

Tired of doing the same tasks over and over again in your business?
Join us for a fast-paced, beginner-friendly session designed to help you work smarter — not harder. This webinar will introduce you to simple, low-cost tools and automations that can save you 10+ hours a week — even if you’re not tech-savvy.
You’ll learn:

Where most small business owners waste time without realizing it
Easy automations you can set up in under an hour
How to use AI tools like ChatGPT to streamline your emails, content, and admin
Real-world examples from businesses just like yours

Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or managing a small team, you’ll walk away with practical ideas and free tools you can start using right away, no coding required.
Presented by: Alex Storey
Alex Storey is the founder of Skill Mammoth Digital, a Minnesota-based firm that helps small businesses save time and scale smarter through workflow automation, AI tools, and system design..
Link to register: https://www.score.org/twincities/event/simple-systems-save-10-hours-a-week-your-business

Supply Chain Symposium
2025-04-30 09:00 - 16:00 | “The Lab” The Steel District, 505 North Metli Place, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, United States
Welcome to the Supply Chain Symposium! Join us at The Lab in The Steel District on Wed Apr 30 2025 at 9:00 AM for a day filled with insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and industry trends. This event is perfect for anyone interested in learning more about supply chain management and connecting with professionals in the field. Don’t miss out on this chance to expand your knowledge and grow your network!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/supply-chain-symposium-tickets-1297403862879?aff=oddtdtcreator

The Basics of Contracts
2025-04-29 11:00 - 12:30
About the event

No matter the service or industry, business is all about relationships. Without relationships, there would be no transactions. In business, those relationships are often formalized and governed by contracts. Every small business owner can benefit from knowing the basics of how contracts work.
In this presentation, business attorney Kimberly Hanlon will cover the most important things you need to know about contracts in plain-English. She will also provide a handy guide you can take with you to reference the next time you are getting ready to nail down your next business agreement.
In this presentation, Kimberly will cover:

What is (and isn’t) a contract?
What are the minimum requirements for a contract?
What things can never be a contract?
When does a contract have to be in writing?
Can an oral (unwritten) contract be enforced?
What are the steps to documenting an agreement informally?
When can I use an informal agreement process?
When should I seek legal help?

Presented By: Kimberly Hanlon
Kimberly Hanlon is one of the founding attorneys at Lucere Legal, where she serves business owners and entrepreneurs with business law and litigation matters. She is also the author of The Minnesota Small Business Owner’s Legal Survival Guide. She has been awarded with a Women in Business Award, an Up and Coming Attorney award, and she has been named a Super Lawyer’s Rising Star for four years. She is married to her wonderful husband Richard, and in her spare time she loves to travel (at least before COVID-19 times), read, and to do fun and creative projects.
link to registration: https://www.score.org/twincities/event/basics-contracts-6

The Unique Challenges of Marketing a Service
2025-04-29 11:00 - 12:30
About the event

Are you struggling to market your service-based business? Do you find it difficult to differentiate yourself from competitors and communicate the value of your services to potential clients? If so, our upcoming webinar on The Unique Challenges of Marketing a Service is for you!
This workshop will provide valuable insights and strategies for effectively marketing a service-based business. Topics covered will include the challenges of making your service tangible and dealing with other issues that are unique to marketing a service versus a product.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a competitive edge in the service industry!
LINK TO REGISTER: https://www.score.org/twincities/event/unique-challenges-marketing-a-service-4

SBA Small Business Basics
2025-04-24 17:30 - 20:30 | 100 4th St. SW, 100 4th St. SW, Huron, SD, 57350, United States
Event description
Join us for the Small Business Basics on April 24, 2025 at the Huron Event Center in Huron!
Learn about the small business basics and how to build your “startup team’ in the MRS BAIL lens. English and Spanish speaking professionals will present in the following areas: Marketing, Human Resources, Support, Business Banking, Accounting, Insurance, and Business Law.
One workshop will be conducted in English and another workshop in Spanish.

This workshop is open to women and men!
Childcare services will be offered during this program. Please register before April 10 if you need these services!
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EVENT SCHEDULE
5:30pm-6:00pm Registration, Networking, FREE headshots
6:00pm-7:00pm MRS BAIL Breakout Presentations
7:00pm-7:30pm Supper, Local Small Business Speakers
7:30pm-8:00pm Networking, FREE headshots
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Featured Speakers:
Small Business Speakers:
TBA
MRS BAIL Breakout Workshop Speakers:
Marketing | TBA
Human Resources | TBA
Support | TBA
Banking | TBA
Accounting | TBA
Insurance | TBA
Law | TBA
—
Individual tickets cost $35 and table (8) eight seats cost $250. Each ticket includes (1) one lunch and refreshments.
CHILDCARE DEADLINE: April 10, 2025 at 5:00pm
TICKET DEADLINE: April 16, 2025 at 5:00pm
Late TICKET DEADLINE: April 21, 2025 at 5:00pm and individual tickets will cost $50
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Vendor Booths cost $70 and include (1) one lunch meal.
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Interested in sponsoring this event? Contact Sadie Swier at Sadie.Swier@bhsu.edu
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Have questions? Need help registering? Contact the SD CEO team at 605-631-9106 or email Sadie.Swier@bhsu.edu.
The SD CEO East Women’s Business Center, is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact Sadie Swier (Sadie.Swier@BHSU.edu.)

Register(Link is external)

SBA Social Media Playbook: Real Strategies for Big Results
2025-04-24 14:00 - 16:00 | BHSU Black Hills Campus, 4300 Cheyenne Blvd, Box Elder, SD, 57719, United States
Event description
Date: 4/24/2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (MDT)
Status: Open – 7 places remaining
Registration Deadline: 4/23/2025 7:00 PM (MDT)
Fee: $35.00 Registration Policies(Link is external)
Point of Contact: Ashley Wingert(Link sends email) (605) 642-6948
Location: BHSU – Rapid City Campus 4300 Cheyenne Blvd, Box Elder SD 57719(Link is external)
Training Topics: Marketing/Sales, Social Media
Description:
Ready to turn your social media into a business growth machine?
This hands-on workshop is designed for busy business owners who want real, actionable strategies to grow their online presence without the stress.
You’ll learn how to:
– Create content that connects with your audience.
– Build a simple yet effective social media strategy.
– Save time while posting consistently.
– Turn followers into paying customers.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to level up, this workshop will give you the tools and confidence to make social media work for you. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your online presence and attract the customers you’ve been dreaming of!
—–
Registration Fee: $35
This event is hands-on and limited to 20 attendees.
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MORE ABOUT TONYA DIRKS
Tonya Dirks is the owner of Inspired Bliss Creative, a social media marketing agency that helps businesses grow through effective, time-saving social media strategies. With a passion for creativity and helping other businesses, Tonya understands the unique challenges small businesses face and makes social media approachable, fun, and impactful. Known for her laid-back, “no-drama” approach, she believes social media is never an emergency—but consistency and strategy are key. Her mission is to give business owners their time back while helping them attract and connect with their ideal audience.

Register(Link is external)

Insurance Basics for Small Businesses
2025-04-24 12:00 - 13:30
About the event

Are you a small business owner looking for the right insurance coverage? Join this workshop where we will help you understand the different types of insurance coverage available and which ones are best suited for your specific business needs.
LEARN:

When does my small business need an insurance policy ?
What questions should I be asking about my business and coverage?
What types of coverage ( e.g. people, property) is most essential?
What is covered under various policies?

LINK TO REGISTER: https://www.score.org/twincities/event/insurance-basics-small-businesses-14

23rd Annual Governors Luncheon
2025-04-24 11:30 - 13:00 | Lake Area Tech, 1201 Arrow Ave NE, Watertown, SD, 57201, United States
Purchase Your Sponsorship or Tickets Today!

Date: Thursday April 24, 2025

Time: 11:30am – 1:00pm
Location: Lake Area Technical College, Watertown SD – Student Center Level 4
Join Governor Larry Rhoden in building a stronger future for Lake Area Tech with scholarships & campus improvements!
Keynote Speaker: Governor Larry Rhoden
Please complete each of the following fields. Thank you for your consideration.

Sponsorship Level and Ticket Options
Event Sponsor……….…………………….$1,500.00

Corporate logo on paper or e-invite (deadline passed)
Corporate logo in the event program
Corporate logo displayed on table
Corporate pop-up banner displayed at event (Please note, pop-up banners work best.)
Corporate logo displayed on the event page on Lake Area Tech’s website
Corporate logo in event advertising (radio – if received prior to radio ad being recorded)
Reserved table of 8 (tickets valued at $40 each)

Event Sponsor status must be secured by April 12th in order to finalize marketing pieces, if time allows or as indicated above for invite and radio ad.

Event Partner…….………………………..$750.00

Corporate name in the program
Corporate logo displayed on table
Corporate pop-up banner displayed at event (Please note, pop-up banners work best.)
Corporate logo displayed on the event page on Lake Area Tech’s website
Reserved table of 8 (tickets valued at $40 each)

Event Partner status must be secured by April 12th in order to finalize marketing pieces, if time allows.
Reserved Table of 8 …………………….………………$500.00

Corporate logo displayed on table
Corporate name in the program
Reserved table of 8 (tickets valued at $40 each)

Shared Table of 8 ……………………………….………$300.00

Shared corporate name displayed on table
Reserved shared table of 8 (4 tickets each business) (tickets valued at $40 each)

Individual Event Tickets……………….$40/each
LATC Alumni Event Ticket………………………$35/each

TICKETS:
https://forms.donorsnap.com/form?id=9653b33f-36f8-474b-a1ad-b89cbddec73d

Start with Brand 3: Design Basics
2025-04-24 11:00 - 12:30
About the event

Start with Brand (Win at Marketing)
Marketing is a heavy investment. With all its complexities, it’s tempting to “throw stuff at the wall” to see what sticks. But when you have limited resources, this approach can be costly and detrimental.
Start with Brand is a three-part series designed to help small business owners stop gambling with their time, money, and success. Brand Strategist, Kesha Lien, will lead you through creating a brand blueprint – a strategy-driven approach to eliminating guesswork, making smart decisions, and gaining marketing confidence.
Learn how to define your unique selling proposition, communicate with your audience, and make sure all of your marketing efforts align with your true north.
Brand Positioning (February 27, 2025):Tackle the behind-the-scenes work that determines your competitive edge.
Messaging & Identity (March 27, 2025): Move beyond features and benefits to connect with your audience in meaningful ways.
Design Basics (April 24, 2025): Create visual content that communicates your story and amplifies your purpose.
Presented by: Kesha Lien
Kesha Lien is a brand strategist + designer who partners with C-suite executives, marketing professionals, and small business owners to launch, grow, and redefine brands.
Her no-nonsense, strategy-driven approach is rooted in 20 years of professional experience and lessons learned. In 2018 she founded Brickhouse, a brand strategy consultancy, to change how real-world business leaders apply marketing in theory and practice.

LINK TO SIGN UP: https://www.score.org/twincities/event/start-brand-3-design-basics-2

Coding Game Night
2025-04-22 19:00 - 20:00 | SDSU Extension, 1910 West Kemp Ave, Watertown, SD, 57201, United States
Join East Central AEYC at one these three locations to explore coding with preschool aged children! Coding helps take the fear out of making mistakes or failing. It teaches persistence in finding a way to solve your problem. We will engage in conversation and
connection while learning more about South Dakota AEYC.
Location:

Watertown – Audrey Rider SDSU Extension
1910 West Kemp Ave (Entrance B)
audrey.rider@sdstate.edu

Coding Game Night (2)

SBA Strengthen your property with SBA mitigation assistance - virtual webinar
2025-04-22 18:00 - 19:00
Event description
The U.S. Small Business Administration is hosting a virtual Information Session where you’ll learn:

How to protect your home or business from the next disaster.
How additional SBA disaster loan options can be used to strengthen your property.
Examples of mitigation strategies with industry experts from FEMA.

These sessions are designed to provide SBA borrowers and future borrowers, with the information and guidance on the SBA disaster loan option. This option allows property owners to add funds to their SBA physical disaster loans – up to 20% of the verified loss – to mitigate their property from any future peril.
The application period for SBA’s physical disaster loans has been extended through April 27.
Read more about SBA mitigation assistance.
Register(Link is external)

SBA Money Smart: Selling Your Business and Succession Planning: Developing an Exit Strategy for Your Business
2025-04-22 11:00 - 12:00
Event description
Join the Nebraska/South Dakota/Oklahoma District Offices of the U.S. Small Business Administration for an instructor-led webinar series, Money Smart, designed for new or operating small business owners ~ with or without formal business training. This series provides a practical introduction to aspects of starting and managing a business. The curriculum is developed jointly by the FIDC and the SBA.
The curriculum includes twelve modules. All sessions will be virtual only, running every Tuesday beginning February 4, 2025 through April 22, 2025 from 11AM CDT to 12PM CDT. The last session in the Money Smart Webinar Series is:
4/22/25 Selling Your Business and Succession Planning: Developing an Exit Strategy for
Your Business.
We look forward to seeing you!
Register(Link is external)

SBA South Dakota Business Builders - Connecting Businesses to Global Markets
2025-04-17 15:30 - 16:30
Join us for an insightful webinar where we’ll explore how our global network of trade professionals, based in the U.S. and U.S. Embassies worldwide, can help your business expand internationally. Learn how the U.S. government can provide exclusive access to lucrative opportunities in over 80 countries, opening doors that others can’t. Our expert, results-driven counseling is tailored to help you navigate global markets and achieve business success. South Dakota Trade was created to help navigate international trade for South Dakota businesses. Our association administers South Dakota’s STEP Grant program, conducts export education, facilitates trade missions, and offers free and confidential consulting services to South Dakotan companies. We will share local success stories, how to use the STEP grant, upcoming trade missions, our partners, etc.
Register(Link is external)

Learn the Basics of Canva!
2025-04-16 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Learn the Basics of Canva!

GROW South Dakota and the Small Business Development Center have teamed up to offer you the Basics of Canva class. You will learn how to design a variety of graphics, including logos, social media posts, and posters. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this class will help you bring your creative ideas to life!

Virtual location
You will receive a confirmation email with a URL.

Apr 16, 2025 10:00am – Apr 16, 2025 11:00am
Add to Google · Outlook Web · Outlook Mobile · Yahoo · iCal

Register

SBA HR for Small Businesses - Session 4 - Benefits & Payroll
2025-04-15 08:00 - 17:00
Event description
You have your LLC, EIN, State Tax License, and now you’re ready to take the next step to grow your business and hire an employee – WONDERFUL! But how do you do THAT?!?
Join industry experts Shelly Rose, Coeur Wharf, Christine Burger, Sanford Underground Research Facility, and Synova Nicolaisen, Black Hills HR Consulting, for four practical workshops in the series to kick-start the process of hiring employees.
This workshop series is perfect for any small business owner, whether you’re new to having employees or want to make sure you’re compliant and following industry best practices.
Benefits & Payroll
How do you balance providing employee benefits when you feel like you’re not making money? Do you feel like your business is too small to offer benefits?
In this session we will discuss:

Benefits you must offer (i.e., wages)
Benefits employers offer to keep their team happy (PTO, flexible workschedules, retirement, etc.)
How frequently to pay employees and reporting
When to consider increasing wages and by how much

You’ve invested so much to hire a great employee, training and onboarding them to learn the nuances of your business, and now you want to keep them long-term. Let’s talk about all these topics and more.
Register(Link is external)

EXC!TE Watertown Elevate Series: Career Progression​
2025-04-08 14:00 - 18:00 | Element, 1 N Broadway, Watertown, SD, 57201, United States
EXC!TE Watertown Elevate Series: Career Progression​
Tuesday April 8th, 2025 2pm-6pm​
Element​
1 N Broadway​
Watertown SD 57201​
​
Career Progression: How to grow in your career​
​
EXC!TE Watertown invites you to join us for key note speakers and a panel discussion about career progression. ​
We’ll follow the educational event with a networking happy hour social.​
​
FREE for enhanced level EXC!TE members* | $20 for basic level EXC!TE members & non-members​
RSVP NOW!
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RSVPS REQUIRED.​
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*Enhanced members, please email ashley@watertownsd.com to RSVP.​
​

Student For A Day
2025-04-08 08:30 - 12:30 | Lake Area Tech, 1201 Arrow Ave NE, Watertown, SD, 57201, United States
Student for a Day​
​
We are excited to invite you to participate in Student for a Half Day, an immersive experience that provides hands-on exposure to one of the 31 programs offered at Lake Area Technical College. This event offers a unique opportunity to explore our state-of-the-art facilities and gain firsthand insight into the skills and training our programs provide.​
​
What to Expect:​

Hands-on, engaging classroom experiences​
A fresh perspective on the programs and opportunities at Lake Area Tech​
A fun and enriching experience to share with colleagues, friends, and family​

​
Please note: This is not a recruiting event, and there will be little to no interactions with current students. It is simply an opportunity for you and/or your coworkers to explore what Lake Area Tech has to offer in a relaxed, interactive setting.​
​
Registration & Details: ​
Student for a Half Day Registration​
Space is limited – register soon!​
​
Questions?​
Reach the Foundation Team at: Foundation@lakeareatech.edu or 605-882-5284 ext. 292​

Lean+Leadership for Supervisors - Watertown
2025-03-27 08:00 - 17:00 | Lake Area Tech, 1201 Arrow Ave NE, Watertown, SD, 57201, United States
This workshop originally designed for emerging supervisors and those who have been in their position for less than five years, however leaders from at all levels are welcome.
This 6-part series meets once per month for 6 months.
Location: Lake Area Tech 1201 Arrow Avenue Northeast Room 1201
Dates in the series:

May 6th, 2025
June 3rd, 2025
July 1st, 2025
August 5th, 2025
September 2nd, 2025
October 7th, 2025

Topics covered:

Building your lean leadership foundation
Fundamental lean principles
Understanding yourself and others
Living into your values
Priority and time management
Delegating and motivating with purpose
Approaching difficult conversations
Effective goal setting
Becoming a coaching leader
Lean problem-solving and decision making
Managing your team effectively

Please join us for this 6-part workshop series with a learn-do approach to sharpen your skills, increase your influence as a leader, and master the art of coaching.
For more information please contact Suart!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/leanleadership-for-supervisors-watertown-registration-1144554586579?aff=oddtdtcreator
Stuart Giere
320-894-6464
stuart.giere@sdmanufacturing.com
*To be billed for your ticket please use promo code: INVOICE
