Brookings Regional Growth Alliance

10/29/2026

🗳️ Election Day is this upcoming Tuesday, November 3, and our region has a lot on the ballot!

From local races to statewide decisions, the choices made this November will shape the future of Brookings and the communities across our region.

Want to know who’s running? Watch our candidate forums to hear directly from several of our local candidates, in their own words. 👉 https://www.youtube.com/

Absentee voting is open now, and polls open at 7:00AM on Election Day. Check your voting site and ballot status at the Secretary of State’s voter portal: https://vip.sdsos.gov/

Every voter in our region has a voice. Be sure yours is heard.

10/27/2026

Introducing Perspectives💡The Growth Alliance is launching Perspectives, a new series of informational and educational sessions designed to explore important topics and provide multiple viewpoints on issues affecting our region.

Our first session will be held November 9 from 8:30–10:30 AM, exploring the growing role of data centers and what they could mean for our community. The session will feature presentations from Scott Sandal of Sunbird Software and Russell Halgerson of Brookings Municipal Utilities, followed by a panel discussion.

From technology and economic opportunities to infrastructure needs and community considerations, this session will provide information to help you better understand this evolving topic.

The event is free and open to the public. Coffee and pastries will be provided, and attendance is limited, so register early!

Have a question you would like addressed? Email [email protected] by Thursday, November 5, at 5:00 PM.

Register here: https://business.brookingschamber.org/events/Details/perspectives-understanding-data-centers-1973409?

10/26/2026

Join us in celebrating Brookings Beacon's new home in Downtown Brookings!

The Brookings Growth Alliance invites you to an open house and ribbon cutting at The Brookings Beacon’s new downtown offices. Come tour the space, meet the team, and help us celebrate this exciting milestone!

Join us on Thursday, October 29, from 4:30–6:30 PM, with the ribbon cutting taking place at 4:30 PM. The new office is located at 406 5th Street in Downtown Brookings, across from the Post Office.

We hope you’ll join us in celebrating The Brookings Beacon and their continued presence in our community!

10/22/2026

Applications are now open for the Brookings Regional Growth Alliance Board of Directors!

We’re seeking engaged community and business leaders who are passionate about Brookings and the region’s future.

Interested in serving? Complete the application by Monday, November 9.

Apply here:

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10/19/2026

Looking for ways to strengthen your workforce? Join us in Brookings for the Build Dakota Scholarship Fund’s Building Your Future, Your Way Roadshow!

This session is geared toward area employers interested in learning how the Build Dakota Scholarship program can help connect businesses with students pursuing high-demand careers. Learn about opportunities to get involved and how the program can support your future workforce needs.

📅 Thursday, November 5
⏰ 12–1 PM
📍 Brookings Regional Growth Alliance
🍽️ Lunch provided!

10/14/2026

Feed the Farmer was a success! Over the last week, we delivered 79 meals to 14 regional ag producers to show our appreciation for the people who help keep our region growing.

Thank you to our sponsors, Abra Auto Body Repair of America, First Bank & Trust, NextEra Energy Resources, and Summit Contracting, Inc, for supporting this effort. We appreciate everyone who helped make this program possible and support our region’s agricultural community!

Feed the Farmer is just one of the many ways our Ag Relations Committee gives back to those who keep our agricultural community strong.

10/13/2026

Ready to start or grow your business? The Rural CO.STARTERS Online Bootcamp is back this November!

This free, virtual program connects entrepreneurs across South Dakota and neighboring states with practical tools and guidance to refine their ideas, better understand their customers, and take the next steps toward building a business.

📅 November 10, 12, 16, 18 & 20
⏰ 11:30 AM–1:30 PM CST
💻 Online via Zoom

Registration closes November 6 at noon CST. Learn more and register here:https://www.northernstartupcenter.com/upcoming-events/rural-costarters-nov2026

10/09/2026

Help us welcome Audree Schaefer to the Growth Alliance team as our new Member Relations Specialist!

Audree will be working with current and future Growth Alliance members to build relationships, learn about their goals, and help them grow and succeed. She especially enjoys getting to know the business owners who make Brookings such a great place to be and finding ways to help bring their goals to life.

Outside of work, Audree enjoys spending time with her husband and their two dogs, gardening, reading, cooking, and playing board games.

A perfect day in Brooking for her starts at Kool Bean getting coffee and playing board games, then strolling Downtown and doing some shopping at all the boutiques. Lunch stop at Nick's Hamburger Shop (with pie for dessert of course). Then, depending on the season, heading to the lake, watching a football game, or going to the movies, and finishing the night off with some amazing food at Saki!

We’re excited to have Audree on the team and look forward to the connections she’ll help build throughout our business community! 💙

10/06/2026

There was a lot to love about Fall Classic! 🍂

From fall activities and local vendors to time spent downtown with friends and family, there was plenty happening throughout the day. We’re sharing a few photos from the event to look back on some of the fun.

Thanks to everyone who came out and made Fall Classic a great part of the weekend!

10/05/2026

Join us in celebrating Tee'd Off Golf Simulators and their new ownership! ⛳

Under new ownership since January, Tee'd Off is celebrating this exciting next chapter with a community event filled with golf challenges, prizes, giveaways, and great food. Stop by, connect with the team, and help us celebrate their continued growth in Brookings!

📅 Saturday, October 10
⏰ Celebration: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
✂️ Ribbon Cutting: 12:00 PM

We’re excited to celebrate alongside the Tee'd Off team and invite the community to join in on the fun!