Hartford Area Development Foundation: North Oaks Industrial Park
a pivotal development initiative led by the Hartford Area Development Foundation (HADF). This industrial park is at the heart of Hartford’s economic growth strategy, offering an ideal location for businesses looking to expand in a rapidly developing region. Here's an in-depth look at what makes North Oaks Industrial Park a cornerstone of Hartford's industrial landscape.
North Oaks Industrial Park is strategically positioned in Hartford, just west of Sioux Falls, one of South Dakota’s fastest-growing areas. The park is conveniently located near major transportation routes, including Interstate 90, which provides direct access to regional and national markets. This prime location reduces transportation costs for businesses and enhances logistical efficiency, making it an attractive site for companies in various industries.
The Hartford Area Development Foundation established North Oaks Industrial Park to attract diverse businesses, stimulate job creation, and drive economic growth in the Hartford area. By offering industrial space equipped with essential infrastructure, the park aims to provide a robust environment for business development. Its establishment aligns with
Park is its flexibility in lot sizes. The park can accommodate a wide range of business needs, whether a company requires a smaller footprint for manufacturing or a larger space for warehousing and distribution. This adaptability makes the park an excellent choice for companies looking to expand or relocate their operations.
Businesses interested in North Oaks Industrial Park can work with HADF to identify the best lot size and layout to suit their specific needs. This level of customization is a significant advantage, allowing companies to tailor their space to meet their operational requirements.
Looking ahead, the development of North Oaks Industrial Park is poised to continue driving growth and prosperity in the Hartford area. As more businesses take advantage of the park’s strategic location, highquality infrastructure, and supportive economic environment, Hartford is set to become a significant hub for industrial activity.
HADF’s broader mission to support local economic development by enhancing the region’s industrial and commercial capabilities.
This new development, North Oaks Industrial Park offers comprehensive infrastructure, including water, sewer, electricity, broadband internet, and brandnew roads. These amenities are crucial for businesses requiring reliable and high-quality services to operate efficiently. The park’s ready-to-go lots are designed to accommodate businesses of all sizes, from small enterprises to large-scale industrial operations.
One of the key attractions of North Oaks Industrial
To further attract businesses, the Hartford Area Development Foundation offers various economic incentives. These incentives are designed to lower the cost of entry for new businesses and support the longterm success of those establishing operations in the park. This industrial park was made possible by several partnerships that include the City of Hartford, Economic Development Administration and SD Governor’s Office of Economic Development.
North Oaks Industrial Park stands as a testament to the Hartford Area Development Foundation’s commitment to fostering economic growth and providing opportunities for businesses to thrive. With its strategic location, flexible lot options, robust infrastructure, and attractive incentives, the park is well-positioned to be a driving force in the region's future economic landscape. For businesses looking to expand or relocate, North Oaks Industrial Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to grow in a supportive and dynamic community.
The establishment of North Oaks Industrial Park has already begun to positively impact the Hartford community. By attracting new businesses, the park is helping to create jobs and boost the local economy.
For additional information on opportunities at North Oaks Industrial Park, contacting the Hartford Area Development Foundation is the best way to explore current availability and learn more about what this vibrant industrial hub can offer. Please call 605-5283338 or 605-201-2644.
Written by: Amy M. Farr, Director, Hartford Area Development Foundation
HARTFORD WELCOMES NEW opportunities TO THE COMMUNITY
DOWNTOWN HARTFORD INC.
Downtown Hartford Inc. celebrated the newest expansion of the Downtown Hartford Inc. historic photo project the ribbon cutting was held on Thursday, July 17, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at the corner of W Menth Street and South Main Avenue.
This celebration marks a significant milestone in our community's ongoing efforts to preserve and honor Hartford's rich history. The historic photo display, a collaborative project between Downtown Hartford Inc. and
local historians, features a stunning collection of images that capture the essence and evolution of our beloved city.
“Downtown Hartford Inc. started with the goal to revitalize the dying downtown district of Hartford, SD. We established the four main pillars of our organization: design/improvements, economic development, community events & engagement, and preserving the history,” said Kaitlyn Kibler, President of Downtown Hartford Inc. “This project not only beautifies our
downtown area but also serves as a reminder of our shared heritage and the enduring spirit of our community.”
The ribbon cutting ceremony included remarks from Mayor Arden Jones, a brief history presentation by Sandy Dean, the local historian, plaque presentation by the president of the Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce Scott Schrader (Ace Hardware store manager), and an opportunity for attendees to view the photo display up close.
Downtown Block Party Recap
Community celebrating summer with an evening of fun, food, and fellowship.
The streets of Hartford were filled with joy on the evening of July 17, as the community came together for a night of fun, food, and fellowship. From 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., residents of all ages gathered to enjoy a beautiful summer evening, packed with activities and entertainment for everyone.
Children had the time of their lives, bouncing on five different inflatable options, while indulging in sweet treats like cotton candy and ice cream. The energy was contagious as the kids hopped from one inflatable to another, making the most of a sugar-filled evening.
Local business vendors played a key role in the event, sharing swag, s’mores, and fresh watermelon, while also offering exclusive discounts to encourage everyone to stay and shop local. It was a fantastic opportunity for businesses to connect with the community, fostering a sense of local pride and support.
The evening was a true celebration of Hartford's lively and welcoming community. With perfect weather and an array of activities, it was a night to remember for everyone who attended. The event embodied the essence of summer, with residents coming together to create lasting memories.
For more information on upcoming community events, follow us on social media with the hashtag #livelively.
From left to right: Sandy Dean, Michelle Schilling, Arden Jones, Scott Schrader, Kaitlyn Kibler, and Wynne Hindt
whose contributions helped make the event a memorable one.
Ace Hardware also served as the Pin Flag Sponsor, adding a special touch to the tournament.
The Golf Classic continues to be a favorite among chamber members, offering a unique opportunity to engage in some fun while building stronger business relationships. The Chamber extends its gratitude to all the sponsors, participants, and volunteers who contributed to the event’s success.
T
he Chamber of Commerce successfully hosted its 7th Annual Golf Classic on August 6, 2024, bringing together chamber members for a day of camaraderie, friendly competition, and networking. The exclusive member-only event took place under beautiful weather, setting the perfect backdrop for a day on the greens.
Golden West, this year’s generous corporate
sponsor, played a crucial role in the event’s success. Chamber members participated in a golf scramble, with Black Hills Federal Credit Union emerging as the winners, showcasing their skill and teamwork.
Participants enjoyed a delicious lunch provided by Stomping Grounds, thanks to the sponsorship of Travis Electric and Midco. The event featured an array of hole sponsors, including Ace Hardware, Beaver Built, Sioux Valley Energy, Buss CPA, Midco, Black Hills FCU, Black Tie Components, and Hartford Steak Co Tavern,
Chiropractic care: a key to managing stress and enhancing wellness
Written by: Dr. Emily Keefer
A s a chiropractor focused on wellness, I see firsthand how stress impacts our community. Whether it's the demands of work, family life, or the everyday challenges we all face, stress can manifest physically in ways that affect our overall health and well-being.
When we experience stress, our bodies often respond with tension headaches, back pain, neck stiffness/tightness, digestive issues, and even disrupted sleep patterns. Over time, these symptoms can lead to more serious health issues, including chronic pain and reduced immune function. That’s where chiropractic care comes in.
Chiropractic adjustments are a powerful tool for managing stress. By realigning the spine and improving nervous system function, chiropractic care helps reduce tension in the body, relieve pain, and promote better sleep. It’s not just about FIXING WHAT’S WRONG, but also about maintaining balance and preventing future problems.
My approach is particularly beneficial for pregnant women,
children, and those dealing with chronic stress. I help moms and their littles experience pain relief in pregnancy, easier labor and recovery and happier, healthier kids. Whether it’s addressing colic, constipation, reflux, developmental challenges, or maternal discomfort, I provide specialized care through every stage of motherhood and childhood. And for anyone dealing with chronic stress, regular chiropractic care can be a crucial part of helping their body adapt to and manage stress.
In our busy lives, it’s easy to overlook the importance of spinal health. However, maintaining this aspect of our wellness can significantly improve our quality of life. I encourage you to consider chiropractic care as part of your stress management strategy and overall wellness plan.
If you’re interested in learning more about how chiropractic care can benefit you and your family, I invite you to visit my practice or schedule a FREE consultation. Together, we can create a plan to help you live a healthier, more comfortable life and add LIFE to your years.
Legacy Member: Salem Drug
Salem Drug focuses on personal connections and community atmosphere.
Eric Grocott grew up in the Montrose-Humboldt area and always knew he wanted to be an independent business owner.
After graduating from pharmacy school, he began working at Salem Drug, and in 2020, the opportunity to buy the business arose.
Grocott, whose family owns other small businesses in the area, loves being part of a smaller community.
“I want to continue supporting small towns and their youth programs and economic programs so that people and businesses can sustain and thrive in those environments and not be overrun by corporations,” he said.
At Salem Drug, which was originally started in 1985, the small town feel is strong.
“We’re an independently-owned community pharmacy, and our focus and mission is customer service. We aim to meet the needs of our patients in a timely and professional manner, with a common sense approach, treating everybody with the utmost respect,” Grocott said.
He emphasizes that his team is focused on providing a positive experience for customers, regardless of their situation or needs.
“Most people don't go to a pharmacy because they're having a great day, so we like to know what we can do for you, how we can make those transitions smooth, and we are readily available to counsel and consult on products,” he said.
Another community-focused touch is Salem Drug’s daily
delivery service. The drugstore offers free deliveries to Sunshine Foods in Hartford every weekday. Delivery service is also available in Montrose, Canistota, and Humboldt.
“It’s pretty well utilized, but we still run into members of the Hartford community who don’t realize it’s an option,” he said.
Customers can make their delivery orders via smartphone app, the Salem Drug website, or by phone. Regardless of how you order, you can be sure to experience personalized customer service.
“When you call in, you’re always going to be talking to another human. We love being able to connect with our patients,” Grocott said.
Those connections extend beyond customers, too. Salem Drug is a regular sponsor of area organizations, including West Central Athletics and the Hartford Chamber’s block parties and other downtown events. Their support has made a difference in helping student athletes get access to new equipment and uniforms.
“We’re trying to do our part to give these communities the ability to provide things to students in the district and give them those opportunities that aren’t always available in small towns,” Grocott said.
Salem Drug shines as an excellent example of a business that continues to meet the ever-changing needs of its community while maintaining that personal, small business touch.
For more information about Salem Drug, visit https:// salemdrug.com/.
Legacy Member: REliabank
Things are pretty steady in the banking world right now.
“Getting back to basics is really our main focus this time of year,” said Kyle Lamfers, branch manager at Reliabank’s Hartford and Colton locations.
For the team at Reliabank, that looks like centering their attention on the community and building and maintaining customer relationships.
“Our owners and founders really laid out the importance of being there for the community,” said Lamfers.
As Hartford continues to grow, that means more customers to meet and serve. Yet, Lamfers adds that he
appreciates the way Hartford’s growth has felt manageable.
“I’ve lived here for almost 10 years now, and as it continues to grow, you see new people, but you don’t feel like the town is getting overwhelmingly bigger,” he said.
He notes recent developments like the new Dairy Queen and east-side apartment complex, and emphasizes the way these new additions enhance the community.
From the banking side of things, whether it’s commercial projects or individual customers, Reliabank is focused on serving both the old and the new.
“Our goal is to be there for the entire community — to
get to know the new customers while not neglecting the people who have gotten us where we are today,” he said.
He adds that new customers have come in waves over the years, and a common trend they see is people switching from larger corporate banks to locally owned businesses like Reliabank.
“People want to be able to bank where they live,” he said.
Compared to other banks their size, however, Lamfers says Reliabank puts significant time and effort into staying at the forefront of technology. This serves customers from both a convenience and a security standpoint.
At times like this, when there aren’t major changes happening in the banking world, Lamfers says all their focus goes toward that local community aspect.
“You want to get to know the people you’re doing
business with, and right now on the bank’s side, there’s not a lot that’s changing, and that’s why we just stress getting out in the community and doubling down on all the things that keep our clients happy,” he said.
And Reliabank does just that.
Whether it’s town celebrations, serving lunch to the teachers at West Central High School, or grilling meals on Friday nights before football games, you’re sure to see the folks at Reliabank out and about in Hartford.
“Those are the types of things we want to be there for, whenever we can be,” Lamfers said.
For more information on banking with Reliabank, visit www.reliabank.com.
Reliabank doubles down on community support.
Legacy Member: Sioux Valley Energy
Sioux Valley Energy has proudly been serving the city of Hartford and the surrounding area with reliable electricity for decades and that commitment to community is continuing with the Cooperative making investments to power the current and future growth.
“The city of Hartford is a growing community and Sioux Valley Energy is preparing our electrical distribution system to handle that growth,” said Sioux Valley Energy Director of Operations Chris Graff. “Sioux Valley has completed or will be completing within the next year, nearly 20 miles of projects in and around the Hartford area.”
Graff noted that the community’s growth is coming in all forms including residential, commercial, and industrial.
“To facilitate that growth Sioux Valley Energy has been concentrating on strengthening the main backbone of the system into the Hartford area,” Graff said. “In addition to the main Hartford substation feeding members in the area, we have added or improved feeder lines from five additional area substations into the Hartford area system. This provides numerous backfeed options in the event of a major outage, improving service quality to all members of that area.”
Over the last four years, Sioux Valley Energy has invested over $3.25 million into the electric system in the Hartford area.
“Utility projects completed in this area include both overhead and underground construction. Overhead construction in areas with less right-of-way congestion and fewer areas
requiring service taps is more economical. The overhead line also provides our crews with an easier way to access facilities in the event of an outage given all facilities are visible without excavation,” Graff said.
In addition to infrastructure investments, the Cooperative partners with Hartford on community and economic development through its REVIVE 2030 program which was initiated four years ago to provide support to area communities. Brandon Lane, who serves as the Cooperative’s Economic Development and Community Relations Executive, spearheads REVIVE 2030 and is currently a member of the Hartford Area Development Foundation (HADF) board of directors.
Development (REED) Fund which provides businesses with access to financing. Sioux Valley Energy also financially supports the community’s economic development efforts through the HADF’s capital investment campaign which helped fund the North Oaks Industrial Park in the city’s northwest corner.
“The role that Sioux Valley Energy has played in advancing the Hartford Area Development Foundation goals has been instrumental in so many ways, such as assisting with identifying grants for projects, providing educational opportunities, and actively participating in community events,” said Amy Farr, Economic Development Director of the Hartford Area Development Foundation.
Beyond the human capital assistance Lane provides, the Cooperative is part of the Rural Electric Economic
“The North Oaks Industrial Park and similar projects are crucial to the community as they drive economic growth by attracting businesses and creating jobs, boosting local income, and reducing unemployment. These developments enhance local infrastructure, improve transportation, and support a thriving business ecosystem that benefits both existing companies and new ventures. Overall, such projects play a pivotal role in fostering sustainable development and long-term prosperity for the community,” said Farr.
For Sioux Valley Energy and its commitment to community, Lane says, “At the end of the day, we are just working to be an extension of that community’s family. It’s embedded into our mission of Serving Our Members. Always.”
For more information about REVIVE 2030, contact Sioux Valley Energy at 800-234-1960.
Reviving Area Economic Dreams.
New School Year Brings Facility
Upgrades and Program Enhancements
Every new school year brings fresh starts and
new beginnings for students, staff, and our buildings. Our custodial and maintenance staff spent the summer getting our buildings ready for the new school year. We are extremely grateful for their hard work and dedication to our buildings and district.
At Humboldt Elementary School, we moved three third-grade classes over to Hartford Elementary. That move freed up three classrooms that our special education staff now have for expanded services and therapies. The extra space in those areas was critically
needed. The new space allows for a designated occupational and physical therapy space. Utilizing these classrooms allows our special education teachers to have their own rooms to help better serve our students.
At Harford Elementary School, the construction continues. Our custodial staff worked hard working around construction crews to get ready for the school year. The third-grade classes took three of the eight new classrooms that were added. For the first time, the district has an elementary computer teacher. They
are utilizing one of those new classrooms. We moved our early childhood classroom over to one of the new classrooms as well. Our special education teachers were also able to move into new classrooms. The construction is anticipated to be complete by the end of September. With the new construction of the inside, we are also adding a new exterior playground set. The construction included new drainage for better usable space during snowy and rainy weather. the new play area is expanded will be able to host more students. It will have a rubberized surface for safer and cleaner play. Once construction is complete, the district will be hosting a community open house night.
Our middle school and high school campus also saw many updates to the campus and facility. The Becker Center bleachers were redone to provide a better viewing experience for our guests. The west parking lot of our campus had a resurfacing and restriping performed. This resurfacing is projected to extend the life of our parking lot. At the end of the 20232024 school year, Dr. Barron and the Career Technical Education staff applied for a grant to improve a couple of our programs. The district was awarded $108,615 to improve our greenhouse and culinary arts programs. We constructed a new greenhouse, the grant will replace all of the equipment in the greenhouse. This new greenhouse will have cutting-edge technology to regulate temperature, moisture, and nutrients. Our visual arts classes were awarded a new large-scale
printer with the grant. Our culinary arts class had residential kitchen equipment our students used for these courses. The grant has allowed us to purchase new commercial ranges, fridges, mixers, dishwashers, and other equipment. This will provide them with experiences they would see in commercial catering and industrial cooking work experiences. We are thankful and excited to see these grant dollars improve our facility and programs.
The district will be releasing a renewed strategic plan. This renewed strategic plan will run from 2024-2028.
Written by: Superintendent Dr. Eric Knight, Superintendent WCSD
Earlier this year, Danielle Polley noticed that Hartford residents were looking for somewhere local to donate clothes.
“We have a great food pantry that people utilize, but when it came to clothes, everyone was bringing their items to Sioux Falls where the places just turn around and sell it,” Polley said.
“I was looking for a way that we could keep our clothing in our community and provide a place to donate where you could also get items for free. I pitched the idea to my church, and they let me roll with it.”
operation vary depending on volunteer availability, but generally, they aim to be open on Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m.
Polley is a full-time nurse at Sanford Health, and she manages the operation alongside a team of other volunteers.
“I kicked it off, and then we have a handful of people who take turns organizing clothes, being there during open hours to take donations and help people find sizes. So far, it’s just church members, but as we grow, we might open up to other volunteers in the community,” she said.
hopes to serve people with financial needs, she emphasizes that it’s open to everyone.
“We’re trying to open it up — we don’t want people to hesitate to come in because they think they’re not in need.
The community has been so great about donating, and we have more than enough,” she said.
In fact, they have received so many donations that there has been a significant need for reorganization. At first, they were able to store everything in plastic totes, but inventory has grown enough to require a more advanced setup.
Polley says a local scout will be building them a system of hanging racks that can better sustain the larger inventory. She hopes to host an open house event after the racks are completed so the community can check out the updated space. She reiterates that everyone should feel welcome to “shop” The Closet, regardless of need, adding that it’s a great opportunity to reuse and recycle items.
Donations of all styles and sizes of clothing are welcome. The Closet currently stocks pieces from infant to adult, including plus-sizes. In addition to gently-used clothing, people are welcome to donate funds, which Polley says will be used to purchase new items like socks and underwear.
Visit The Closet on Facebook for more information and updated hours.
The Closet, which operates out of Hartford United Methodist Church, has been open since May. Hours of
Polley says donations have poured in, and she encourages people to take advantage of the offering. While The Closet
