Box Elder’s Bullet Proof Economy
By Mark O’Loughlen
As I write this, (April 16, 2025) there is some discussion among economists whether a recession is looming. These can be difficult discussions to have as many are politically motivated and not based on a factual basis. Depending on who you are listening to, on the same day you can hear two or more thoughts on what exactly is going on with the economy.
Keeping all that in mind, even having the discussion, whether it is based on fact or fear can create uncertainty for businesses and consumers alike. This uncertainty can drive developers, site selectors and a community crazy. Keeping all that in mind, even having the discussion, whether it is based on fact or fear can create uncertainty for businesses and consumers alike. This uncertainty can drive developers, site selectors and a community crazy.
Let’s zero in on South Dakota. Historically, we’ve fared well with past recessions compared to other areas. Our way of life, business climate and conservative approach to government and business
give us a little cushion when things go bad on a national level.
Now, let’s focus on Box Elder. A large portion of our economy is fueled by Ellsworth Air Force Base. Having a foundation like that gives us the luxury of consistent residents with consistent paychecks. Even if the economy were to tank, we still have those Air Force and civilian personnel spending their money in our local businesses.
On top of what Ellsworth already provides to the local economy, sprinkle a 2-billion-dollar infrastructure investment and new mission with the latest bomber in the American fleet. What we have now is a needlemoving situation evolving right before us. All this is happening regardless of what the random economist may say on TV or what the S&P 500 is doing day to day.
Quoting Coach Herb Brooks: “Great moments are born from great opportunity, and that’s what you have here tonight, boys.
That’s what you’ve earned here tonight.”
That great opportunity is happening right here, right now. Don’t miss this one.
Sentinel Federal Credit Union
On March 21, Sentinel Federal Credit Union hosted a ribbon cutting at their new location in conjunction with the Box Elder Chamber of Commerce. This new branch is located at the intersection of Liberty Boulevard and North Ellsworth Road (right by the main gate at Ellsworth Air Force Base). The new location features a beautiful mural showcasing the rich local aviation history.
Sentinel Federal Credit Union was established in 1955 as Ellsworth Air Force Base Federal Credit Union. It initially served U.S. Air Force military personnel. The name changed in 1994 to Sentinel Federal credit union and now has a service area of 9 counties.
Starbucks
Starbucks opened its doors in Box Elder on February 28th. This new location is located on Liberty Boulevard just north of Interstate 90. With convenient drivethrough and outdoor seating options, we’re optimistic this location will thrive.
The Box Elder Chamber of Commerce hosted a well-attended ribbon cutting ceremony with members, city staff and Starbucks employees.
Welcome to Box Elder!
Congratulations to Highland Senior Solutions breaking ground for their new adult day services facility on Wednesday, April 30.
The new facility will be located at 10905 Sourdough Road in Belle Fourche and will offer adult day services and dementia education/caregiver support with an onsite primary care clinic, Legacy Medical, with providers specializing in dementia and palliative care.
This new facility is owned by Dr. Deborah Kullerd: triple board certified physician in family medicine, geriatrics and palliative care/hospice; Lindsey Sainsbury: administrator/owner of Belle Estates with nearly 20 years of geriatric care experience; and Jenni Karp FNP-C: certified nurse practitioner and specialty certified in dementia and geriatric care.
We are so blessed they chose Belle Fourche for this new business!
Highland Senior Solutions
A supportive community where seniors can connect and thrive, offering a wide range of senior care services in the Northern Black Hills.
Belle Fourche, SD
Meet Ana Komar, Owner of Fly Badlands
We’re thrilled to welcome Ana Komar, the new owner of Fly Badlands, offering unforgettable scenic flights over the breathtaking Badlands near Wall, South Dakota.
Originally from the East Coast, Ana’s path has taken her around the world. At age 14, she moved to Peru and spent the next decade living and learning across Europe and South America. After earning her master’s degree in Germany, Ana
found herself working as a park ranger at Theodore Roosevelt National Park— where she fell in love with the rugged beauty of the Badlands.
Ana’s adventurous spirit led her to a unique life on the road, living full-time in a van and working as a logistician building off-grid hospitals in disaster zones across the globe. It was during a helicopter evacuation from Haiti that she had a life-changing realization: she wanted to
Wall Welcomes More Fly-In Guests
Wall’s airport has been seeing an increase in fly-in visitors, and we’re excited to welcome them to our community!
Mayor Mary Williams has generously stepped up to help by providing transportation into town so guests can enjoy our local shops and restaurants.
At Wall Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), we’re actively working on transportation solutions for our fly-in guests to make their experience even better. In the meantime, we’ve posted a list of local lodging options and restaurants in the pilots’ lounge at the airport. This guide also highlights which
become a pilot.
After years of dedicated training, Ana is now thrilled to share the magic of the Badlands from the sky—and to inspire others to connect with and protect our wild places.
To book a flight or learn more, reach out to Ana at: ana@flybadlands.com 605-215-0640
lodging providers offer courtesy rides to and from their hotels—an added convenience that we hope encourages even more visitors to stay and explore.
WEDC is also working with local developers and businesses to build hangers and add self-pay fuel station.
With the Philip Airport closed for the summer, Wall has seen an uptick in air traffic. We’re doing all we can to support and promote this growth as part of our ongoing commitment to the economic development of Wall.
Hyatt Place Rapid City / Downtown Celebrates Official Opening
A physical presence in Rapid City, SD accommodates business growth throughout North America in the in situ and ex situ thermal soil remediation marketplace. Published Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Belgium-based company, Haemers Technologies, Inc., selected Rapid City, SD for its recent global expansion to North America.
Hyatt Place Rapid City / Downtown, the first hotel built in downtown Rapid City in more than 35 years, is now open. As the only Hyatt hotel in the region, the expansion of Hyatt Place brand’s footprint demonstrates World of Hyatt’s commitment to growing in markets that matter most to guests and members. The new hotel features the Hyatt Place brand’s intuitive design, casual atmosphere and practical amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and all-day food options. The hotel is operated by Lloyd Companies.
Hyatt Place hotels combine style, innovation and 24/7 convenience to create an easy-to-navigate experience for today’s multi-tasking traveler. Located in the heart of Rapid City, Hyatt Place Rapid City / Downtown offers convenient access to shopping, dining destinations, museums and attractions, all within walking distance. The hotel is also five minutes from The Monument Event Center and 25 minutes from Mount Rushmore.
“As Rapid City continues to grow and thrive economically, we are excited to add to the momentum by welcoming the first
Hyatt Place hotel to the area,” said General Manager, Erik Olsby. “With our smartly designed social spaces and guestrooms with ample workspace and desks, our multitasking guests can easily accomplish what they need to do while on the road.”
Hyatt Place Rapid City/Downtown offers:
• 117 spacious guest rooms with separate spaces to sleep, work and play, as well as a Cozy Corner sofa-sleeper in every room.
• Breakfast Buffet for guests featuring hot and cold breakfast items, fresh fruit, steel-cut oatmeal, yogurt and more to meet guests needs.
• The Market serving freshly prepared meals anytime, day or night.
• The Bar/The Placery features specialty coffee, premium beer and wine and a variety of food items.
• Necessities program for forgotten items that guests can buy, borrow or enjoy for free.
• Free Wi-Fi throughout hotel and guestrooms.
• Event Spaces offers over 5,000 square feet of flexible, high-tech meeting/function space.
• Fitness Center featuring cardio equipment with LCD touchscreens, dumbbells and
stretching area.
“Rapid City is a vibrant city filled with friendly people, great neighborhoods, and an ever-expanding list of great places to visit and things to do or see,” said Jennifer Seifert-Brenna, Vice President of Hospitality for Lloyd. “This hotel is central to all of them, and we are confident that the Hyatt Place Rapid City / Downtown will exceed guest expectations and provide them with everything they need while visiting our area.”
Hyatt Place Rapid City/ Downtown Leadership
Hyatt Place Rapid City / Downtown is under the leadership of General Manager, Erik Olsby, and Director of Sales, Jessica Kramer. In his role, Erik is directly responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the hotel, including overseeing the hotel’s estimated 50 associates and ensuring guests encounter the thoughtful service for which the Hyatt Place brand is known. Jessica Kramer is responsible for providing sales service and support to travelers and meeting planners frequenting the Rapid City area. For more information, please visit hyattplace.com.
Haemers Technologies, Inc. Selects Rapid City, SD to Expand Manufacturing and Operations in the U.S.
A physical presence in Rapid City, SD accommodates business growth throughout North America in the in situ and ex situ thermal soil remediation marketplace.
Published Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Belgium-based company, Haemers Technologies, Inc., selected Rapid City, SD for its recent global expansion to North America.
Haemers Technologies is a technology provider active in thermal soil remediation with more than 30 years of experience. Haemers Technologies, Inc. was formed in 2022 to expand the 30 years of global success of Haemers Technologies SA (Belgium) to North America. Elevate Rapid City (Elevate) assisted in the company’s decision to locate in Rapid City. Key deciding factors were: economic favorability, regional service providers, and centralized location to service North America.
Miles Stumbaugh, president of Haemers, Inc. said, “We conducted an extensive search throughout the United States to evaluate the best location for Haemers operations to expand. Lori Frederick at Elevate was key in our selection of Rapid City. She assisted with identifying potential lease/partner opportunities, and as a result we were fortunate to find a location in cooperation
with a contract fabrication facility. Elevate’s guidance not only connected us with key businesses in the Rapid City region that will further assist with our manufacturing but also matched us with the best business climate to grow our U.S. operations.”
“Another technology win for the Rapid City area. We are excited to see Hamers put their first investment in the USA in the Black Hills,” said Tom Johnson, president and CEO of Elevate Rapid City. “This will create more inertia for our technology-based recruiting strategies in Rapid City and provide goodpaying jobs for more of our workforce.”
Haemers Technologies is the pioneer of the Smart Burners™ and holds numerous global patents for both in situ (ISTD) and ex situ (ESTD) thermal remediation technologies/applications. Our technologies and unique business model help reduce overall remediation costs, environmental impacts and increases the applicability to projects in remote locations.
Jan Haemers, CEO of Haemers Technologies, Inc. and inventor of the
Specialty Repair Shop Relocates from Spokane, WA to Rapid City, SD
A love of the outdoors, tax environment, and strong workforce pipelines were key factors.
Published Thursday, March 13, 2025
Sven Osusky immigrated to the United States in 1989, shortly before the fall of the Berlin Wall, to escape the communist rule in Slovakia. Prior to immigrating, he started his career in automotive repair and brought that expertise with him. With over 30 years of experience, Sven’s passion for the automotive industry led to opening his first European repair shop in Spokane, WA. 13 years after opening the Spokane location, Sven and his wife Lani Jo knew it was time to make a change once again. That was when they reached out to Elevate Rapid City for assistance in relocating their business.
“The market and business environment in Washington is very different from South Dakota,” Sven said. “Kallie and the Elevate Rapid City team helped us tremendously with providing guidance and resources to navigate the changes we would face as business owners in a new state. They specifically helped us understand the market, workforce pool, and the challenges we may face, providing valuable information to help us in setting realistic expectations and goals.”
SoDak AutoHaus specializes in European automotive repair
Smart Burners™ stated “We are very excited to return to the U.S. market. Our team of engineers and scientists have been improving thermal desorption technologies over the last 30 years and have created a more sustainable technology that uses less energy and still achieves high pollutant removal rates.”
About Haemers Technologies
Haemers Technologies, Inc. is a leader in remediation technology development and implementation with support from the headquarters in Belgium. The company’s team of engineers and scientists have been working in the field of thermal remediation for over 30 years. The history dates back to 1989 in California, with the construction and operation of one of the world’s first low-temperature thermal desorption fixed facilities for petroleum-contaminated soil. Haemers initial growth was primarily focused in the European and Asian markets, but has expanded globally, including the recent return to North America.
along with domestic and Asian vehicles. Brands include Audi, BMW, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volkswagen & Volvo. Sven added, “We expected the European automotive repair market to be different than it is in Washington but weren’t quite sure how to determine the exact differences, challenges and how to address them. [Elevate] walked along side of us, providing us with automotive repair market statistics, labor market information and encouragement.”
Elevate business development manager Kallie Ruland assisted the company with their relocation. Kallie shared, “I’m thrilled to see SoDak AutoHaus making the move to Rapid City! The addition of specialized businesses like this not only strengthens our local economy but also enhances the overall quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Their expertise and unique offerings contribute to the growing diversity of services in our community.”
The new specialty repair shop opens March 17 at 1330 Deadwood Ave, the previous location of Inland Truck Parts & Service. For more information visit www.sodakautohaus.com.
Bringing Unsurpassed Selection of Work and Western Wear
The 33,000 square-foot footwear and apparel store will open in Rapid City in July 2025
Trav’s Outfitter, a trusted name in work and western footwear and apparel for over 20 years, is opening of its second South Dakota location in Rapid City in July 2025. Located in the Dakota Market Square development, the 33,000-square-foot store will feature an unsurpassed selection of high-quality footwear, workwear, and apparel, with a knowledgeable staff dedicated to delivering a superior retail experience.
“What sets us apart is our unrivaled selection, commitment to quality, and a customer-first approach,” owner and founder Travas Uthe said. “Beyond just selling products, we understand the needs of the hardworking individuals we serve– whether they’re blue-collar workers, ranchers, or outdoor enthusiasts. We prioritize fit, function, and long-term value.”
Trav’s Outfitter believes in supporting the people who keep industries running, families supported, and communities thriving. The company sees footwear and apparel not just
as products, but as essential tools for safety, comfort and performance.
“Our mission goes beyond retail – we’re here to make a real difference in people’s lives,” said Uthe. “Whether it’s helping a worker find the right boot to prevent fatigue, ensuring a rancher has durable gear for tough conditions, or simply treating every customer with honesty and respect, our goal is to enrich lives. When customers are well-equipped, they work better, feel better, and live better. That’s a responsibility we take seriously.”
Local Job Creation & Community Growth
Trav’s Outfitter’s expansion will bring approximately 40 new jobs to the Rapid City community. The company is committed to hiring locally and providing training that equips associates with expert knowledge and enthusiasm for serving customers.
