Aug. 28, 2024

This paid piece is sponsored by Sioux Valley Energy.

Sioux Valley Energy’s REVIVE 2030 program boosts area communities’ economic dreams with renewed vision and restoration.

The cooperative, which serves nearly 30,000 members in eastern South Dakota and southwest Minnesota initiated the community and economic development program in 2021 after meeting with communities across the region to learn more about their needs.  

“We look to be a resource, shifting to meet the community’s needs,” said Brandon Lane, Sioux Valley Energy’s economic development and community relations executive who heads up the REVIVE 2030 program and serves as a liaison to local communities. He also takes on the role of facilitator, sounding board, encourager and connector. 

Two communities – Hardwick, Minnesota, and Hartford, South Dakota – are partnering with the program to facilitate growth and development.

Hardwick, a town of about 180 people north of Luverne, Minnesota, looked to create an area of affordable land that could house an event/auction center and a small engine, diesel repair and truck inspection center in two light-industrial buildings, with the possibility of a township/fire hall.

The REVIVE 2030 program provided Hardwick with community planning assistance and strategic planning services to get that project started. Lane’s expertise and partnership with community leaders kept momentum going, assisting city officials.

“He’s amazing,” city clerk Tammy Johnson said. “When you hit a quandary and think, ‘What do we do next?’ he pops in and says, ‘What about this?’ He connects us to resources but also is a great cheerleader that brings gravity to the situation.”

The cooperative also is investing in electric infrastructure to ensure that the system in that area is robust enough to power the community’s plans. A new electrical distribution line on the southwest side of Hardwick was built to serve a new commercial development.

The cooperative also focused on replacing and strengthening the main portions of the system around the area to improve service quality, reliability and capacity. In conjunction with L&O Power Cooperative, Sioux Valley Energy’s power supplier in Minnesota, upgrades were made to the Hardwick substation southwest of town. New tie-lines will provide additional back-feeding options for the Hardwick area, improving reliability.

“Recently and in upcoming years, Sioux Valley is investing significant amounts into strengthening the distribution system in this area and will continue to evaluate possible future projects to facilitate growth,” said Chris Graff, the cooperative’s director of operations. “Sioux Valley Energy has always prided itself on being forward-looking and making responsible investments into the system that will provide reliable service to its current members and future members at an economical rate.”

Heading west on Interstate 90 into South Dakota, the REVIVE 2030 program efforts are woven throughout the community of Hartford, where the cooperative has a member service center and an operations outpost.

Sioux Valley Energy has been active in Hartford’s economic development efforts for years, most recently with Lane serving as a Hartford Area Development Foundation board member.

“The role that Sioux Valley Energy has played in advancing 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, the foundation’s economic development director.

“Having a dedicated employee such as Brandon Lane has been and continues to be a great resource for the Hartford Area Development Foundation and the community. The entire team at Sioux Valley Energy is amazing!”

Beyond the human capital assistance Lane provides, the cooperative also has supported economic development efforts financially through the foundation’s capital investment campaign. Through Sioux Valley Energy, communities such as Hartford and area businesses have access to financing through the Rural Electric Economic Development, or REED, Fund. And, the area has been a focus of electric system planning and construction efforts to ensure that the town has the vital electrical capacity needed for its growth.

“In total over the last four years, Sioux Valley Energy has invested over $3.25 million into strengthening the distribution system in this area and will continue to evaluate this area for possible future projects to facilitate growth,” Graff said. The investments include nearly 20 miles of projects in the area, strengthening the cooperative’s main backbone.

These investments have benefited the community directly.

The foundation, city and other partners have been working to establish a light-industrial park, which was part of the Envision Hartford 2025 plan. According to the foundation, “Envision Hartford 2025 is a five-year community and economic development initiative designed to ensure Hartford’s growth and prosperity while maintaining its unique quality of life and place.”

The North Oaks Industrial Park on the northwest edge of town is the fruit of these efforts.

“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,” Farr said.

“For the people of Hartford, the light-industrial park represents more than just a cluster of buildings and businesses,” she continued. “It embodies hope and opportunity, a promise of economic stability and a brighter future for their children. It stands as a testament to what a community can achieve with vision, determination and a little help from new neighbors.”

For Sioux Valley Energy and its REVIVE 2030 program, Lane said: “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 information about REVIVE 2030, contact Sioux Valley Energy at 800-234-1960.