“It sounds a little vague and clichéd, but we feel Wahpeton’s a great place to live and work, play, and thrive,” says Chris DeVries, Community Development Director for the city. We have a really nice community that’s close to bigger amenities, but we don’t have some of the issues that the big cities do.”

Incentivizing business
Companies are very welcome to set up in Wahpeton or expand existing operations (“Wahpeton has a pro-industry, pro-business, and pro-economic development philosophy,” notes the city website).

To this end, the City of Wahpeton government offers incentives to businesses, new or existing, including “small, no-interest loans, or sometimes a grant to a new business. We do have a revolving loan fund; we have a lower-interest loan for a business if it’s new or if it’s expanding,” says DeVries. In tandem with the Bank of North Dakota, the city also offers the ‘PACE’ and ‘Flex PACE’ Interest Buydown programs which reduce interest payments on business loans.

The city isn’t picky about what industries it wants to attract: “We have a lot of agriculture-related businesses here, so we’re a good fit for these kinds of businesses. But really, we’re just interested in growing the community and making it better for the residents and businesses already here. We’re open to industry, retail, services, and more,” says DeVries.

Approximately 8 percent of Wahpeton’s workforce is engaged in agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting, or mining, (compared to 1.7 percent of the entire U.S. workforce). Wahpeton also has a strong manufacturing base, with 18.4 percent of the city’s workforce employed in this sector, “significantly larger than the 6.7 percent and 10.0 percent of jobs for which manufacturing accounts in North Dakota and the United States respectively,” states a report called the 2045 Wahpeton Comprehensive Plan. That said, almost a quarter (24.1 percent) of Wahpeton’s workforce is in education, healthcare, or social assistance, while 15.7 percent is employed in retail.

Excellence in education
The city has an excellent school system: “Our elementary school is only about eight years old, and there have been a lot of improvements to the middle and high schools,” shares DeVries.

Wahpeton is also home to the North Dakota State College of Science (established in 1903, it’s one of the oldest two-year public colleges in the U.S.), and the Circle of Nations School. Founded in 1904 and originally called the Wahpeton Indian School, the latter offers academic programs for Native American children.

Other attractive features for families include a safe community, comprehensive daycare facilities, and a reasonable cost of living. Wahpeton has two medical clinics (Essentia Health and Sanford Health) while surgical procedures are performed at the nearby CHI St. Francis Health, a medical center in Breckenridge, Minnesota (sister city to Wahpeton). And city residents needn’t drive great distances to access groceries, services, and other amenities either. The average commute time for a worker in Richland County, where Wahpeton is based, is under 20 minutes.

Thriving community
The city also plays host to a lively series of community events, many of which are held downtown.

“We’ve become a really strong arts community. We have a music festival in the summer, with two days of bands, mostly local. They will bring in a few bigger bands to headline in the evening. That’s in July: two days of music, mostly downtown, with kind of a street dance feel to it,” says DeVries.

Borderline Chalkfest is another big draw—literally. The city blocks off a designated area and invites chalk artists, some of them professionals from around the country, to turn asphalt and concrete streetscapes into canvases. The chalk drawings quickly wash away when it rains, giving the event a unique twist. “People can come and see the chalk drawings from beginning to end,” says DeVries.

Other popular yearly events include a Christmas tree lighting featuring music, a visit from Santa, food, and trees decked out in lights, while the Fourth of July is celebrated with “an annual baseball border battle” in which a team from Wahpeton faces off against a team from Breckenridge, plus fireworks and other fun, says DeVries.

Wahpeton also features a regular car show and a “Blue Goose Day” in early June that features a parade, activities, food, and craft vendors at the Chahinkapa Zoo, a local attraction with scores of animals from around the world. Other Blue Goose Day zoo highlights include educational talks and a birthday bash for an orangutan named Tal.

The city also boasts an extensive system of public trails, parks, and other outdoor recreational facilities, and for people seeking bigger-city vibes, Wahpeton is relatively close to Fargo, North Dakota.

Beauty treatment
Beautification is a major civic goal, and the city recently persuaded the owner of an old, unused downtown grain elevator to demolish the structure, says DeVries. The demolition of this eyesore “won’t add a lot of space as far as business is concerned, but it will improve the aesthetics of downtown. We’re beautifying our downtown, making sure it looks good and is a vibrant place for business,” he says.

The city is also eyeing a big new development on the west side of Wahpeton that is scheduled to break ground in spring 2025. The development will largely consist of housing, with a sprinkling of businesses.

Being in North Dakota, Wahpeton does experience cold wintery days and snow (although it barely snowed at all last winter, reports DeVries). Summers are frequently quite hot as well, and these climatic conditions can make it a challenge to lure workers from other states. Compounding matters, a low jobless rate means there isn’t a large pool of potential new hires (unemployment in Wahpeton is 4.4 percent—higher than the state average of 3.1 percent but lower than the national average of 5.4 percent). Thus, workforce recruitment represents one of Wahpeton’s biggest challenges at present, says DeVries.

Innovative recruiting
Some private companies have taken it upon themselves to address this issue in innovative ways. A Wahpeton manufacturer called ComDel Innovation recently tapped into an initiative called Uniting for Ukraine to augment its workforce.

Launched in 2022 by the Biden administration, Uniting for Ukraine is a federal government program that enables people from the war-ravaged nation to legally enter the U.S. for a period of up to two years. “Ukrainians participating in Uniting for Ukraine must have a supporter in the United States who agrees to provide them with financial support for the duration of their stay in the United States,” explains a webpage from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

ComDel has recruited several Ukrainians through the program for jobs at its plant. It’s a gesture that is both humanitarian and practical (most Ukrainians are used to bracing winter weather, notes DeVries). “Some of the other companies, especially the big manufacturers in town that need people, have taken notice and I’m hoping that really takes off,” says DeVries.

Sure and steady growth
Wahpeton traces its origins to 1864 when the first settler arrived in the area. A U.S. post office was opened in 1871 followed by a railroad line into Breckenridge the following year, which lured people to the area. Wahpeton’s population grew, hitting 1,400 people by the early 1880s. The next two decades saw the establishment of what would become the North Dakota State College of Science and the Circle of Nations School.

The city’s population continued to grow, reaching 3,069 people in 1920 and then 5,125 residents in 1950. By 1980, the population peaked at 9,064 and then declined slightly. In 2020, 8,007 people called Wahpeton home, a number projected to increase to around 8,169 residents by 2029.

Municipal officials want to improve their anticipation of the community’s needs, which is where the 2045 Wahpeton Comprehensive Plan comes into play. The thoroughly researched, recently released document represents the city’s “making sure we’re looking 20 years or so into the future. The plan is to help us as a guideline for when we’re moving forward to make sure we don’t lose sight of something,” says DeVries.

DeVries himself has an expansive, if mindful, vision for Wahpeton. “In five years, it would be great to be up to 10,000 people,” he says. “I would love to see our west side developed and our downtown even more vibrant than it is and for Wahpeton to keep growing—but not too fast. Some cities have felt growing pains when they grow too fast. I like a slow but steady pace,” he says.

“I just want more people to experience what we have here and be able to see this as a hometown, as a place to stay, to live, to raise the kids, raise the family, and hopefully retire here as well.”

The post A Small City with Big Plans<p class="company">City of Wahpeton, North Dakota</p> appeared first on Business In Focus Magazine.

Home to more than Mount Rushmore and stunning natural landscapes, South Dakota’s dominant agricultural sector produces large crops of soya beans, corn, and wheat, set among small towns and cities of warmth and charm that have many choosing to move here to pursue a different pace of life.

Here, life is still largely affordable, it is safe to walk the streets, and the simple ways of doing things await those who know too well the inconveniences and sensory overload of big city life. And as for opportunity, Elk Point’s economic development efforts have led to the establishment of a new business park offering commercial lots that are ready for the picking.

Recently, datausa.io reported Elk Point’s population at just under 2,200 in 2022. As a result, its city administrators are enthusiastic about new residential developments, with the new business park welcoming entrepreneurs looking to establish enterprises in the manufacturing and agricultural sectors.

Indeed, Elk Point is home to a rich variety of locally made specialty products and community events alike, crafted by those who live close to the land. Many local farmers and artisans open their doors to visitors, creating a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the region’s deep-rooted Midwestern traditions—making it an ideal place to raise a family.

Often, permanent new arrivals are attracted to the state for the first time by the famous Sturgis Motorcycle rally, an annual event that’s been running since 1938. As visitors then start to explore the rest of the state, some find themselves seduced by Elk Point as a landlocked rural hideaway tucked into the southeasternmost tip of the state. Even as a small town, it has much to be proud of, including its Jefferson Public Schools.

Principal of the Middle/High School, Skyler Eriksen, was recently honored with the Southeast Area Principals Association’s SEAP Principal of the Year Award. “I am extremely honored to receive this award as there are so many principals in our region that deserve recognition. This award is a testament to the staff at EPJ and their daily efforts to ensure student success. I am thankful I get the opportunity to be part of the great team we have at EPJ School District,” he says on the school’s website.

While online critics may bemoan the state’s lack of the high life, those in the know understand that the simple pleasures of living in agricultural communities include hard work that keeps people engaged with the land but with time to gather at events celebrating and enjoying the fruits of their labors. One such in Elk Point is a regular favorite that sees visitors coming from far and wide.

As reported by Keloland News in March last year, Fleurish Flower Farm, established outside Elk Point by Christy Heckathorn, won the South Dakota Specialty Producers Association (SDSPA) Specialty Producer of the Year Award in 2023 for her outstanding contribution to the region’s success. The farm is a wonderful contributor to the quality of life the area offers, hosting festive You-Picks where visitors arrive in droves twice a week to gather armfuls of flowers for their own bouquets.

There are also local growers and artisans producing wool, nuts, honey, cider, wine, and a cornucopia of other delicious and nourishing homegrown produce for locals to enjoy. That is, of course, over and above the state’s main gross domestic product earned from large-scale farming.

Considering that Elk Point is within the eligibility area of the United States Department of Agriculture’s land loan program, any United States citizen who qualifies and wants to set up their own agricultural outfit here can do so for as little as a $1,000 downpayment, according to land purchase advisor, Wayne Turner. According to Turner, such loans are not only available to first-time buyers, either; as he points out, some parcels of land already have infrastructure in place, which makes a move to the country a lot easier and less daunting.

Elk Point also offers a primary healthcare center, Horizon Health, alongside other healthcare services and facilities in surrounding areas such as the town of Vermillion just 17 miles away. There is also Sioux City, 21 miles away. Furthermore, Elk Point is home to several care facilities for senior citizens in the town itself, with more in neighboring towns. There are also more than a few recreational facilities in the area.

Locals benefit from a 9-hole public golf course, laid out in the Parkland style, complete with an events center. A lovely public swimming pool welcomes all to its well-kept grounds while the Todd Larsen Baseball Field Complex offers two baseball and two softball fields.

There is also a community library and school library, plus several others in outlying areas. Heritage Park, meanwhile, invites citizens of all ages to visit, providing playgrounds adapted for those with disabilities, walking trails, camping, fishing, soccer, disc golf, and even a sand volleyball pitch.

Beyond robust services and amenities, some note the distinct differences in the area’s seasons as another reason people are moving to this region: winters here are white, and autumn is ablaze with russet ambers.

Yes, life in Elk Point may be simpler than big city complexity allows. But to residents and visitors alike, this little gem looks and feels like the epitome of good country living at its best.

The post Dreamy South Dakota<p class="company">City of Elk Point, South Dakota</p> appeared first on Business In Focus Magazine.

When Nick Blaske and his wife, Alexis Monroe, moved to this small South Dakota city in 2009, there were no graphic design firms in the area. Hailing from Fargo, North Dakota, the two now call Sisseton their home, having established roots with neighbors, made lifelong friends, and become an integral part of the community. And word quickly got around that Blaske was an experienced graphic designer and Monroe an art school teacher.

Civic pride
Demand for a new mural in town saw Blaske and Monroe approached for their creativity. Through a partnership with non-profit GROW South Dakota, funds were allocated for a giant mural on the wall of an empty local building off Veterans Avenue, and the couple eagerly agreed to the project.

Proudly depicting an American Bald Eagle soaring skyward to the sunrise, the completed, brightly colored ‘Keeping Watch’ mural is accessible and relatable to both the Dakota people and the rest of the population, finding common ground and wide popularity. It also represents a first for the couple.

“We had no idea how we were going to create a 70-foot mural, but we utilized my technology,” says Blaske. Hooking up their projector to an Apple TV and iPhone, the couple projected a drawing made on the computer through the projector, which was then traced and painted. The striking image was such a hit that GROW South Dakota asked them to do another mural on the side of their building. This one was even more community-driven, with several designs posted on Blaske’s Facebook page, where locals could pick their favorite.

“Those first two murals showed how the arts can create something bigger than yourself,” comments Blaske. This led to the local Arts Council securing additional grant funding and working with the city to create a sculpture park. Blaske then designed ‘Reflections,’ a sculpture in the heart of Sisseton at the intersection of Highway 10 and Veterans Avenue.

“The eight-pointed star is a significant symbol in Sisseton’s Dakota and Scandinavian cultures,” reads the city’s website. “The sculpture’s mirrored finish invites viewers to see themselves as part of the community.”

Created in partnership with the Department of Transportation, the unique sculpture is also significant because of its location along Highway 10 (about four years ago, Sisseton became the first place in South Dakota to erect roundabouts on its highway). Blaske worked with a local welder and a concrete expert to create the sculpture and base.

A welcoming place
The word Sisseton is Dakota for ‘people of the valley’ or ‘people of the marsh.’ Since the area is an open reservation, residents don’t have to belong to the tribal entity to live in Sisseton. The population is about 51 percent Native American, and 45 percent white and European. “We’ve had an influx of Mexicans, Filipinos, and African Americans in the past few years,” says Blaske. “It’s a surprising and welcoming melting pot we have here.”

In Sisseton, pride in the Native heritage is everywhere. The Tiospa Zina Tribal School is home of the Wambdi, the Dakota word for eagle. The eagle—much like the eight-pointed star—is important to the Dakota people, as it represents the Morning Star. A few years ago, Blaske and Monroe adopted their son, Colton, who is thriving. Enrolled in the tribl system, the couple wants him to experience as much of his and his family’s culture as possible, through Sisseton’s rich heritage and strong Dakota roots.

For Blaske’s part, his artistic journey led him to the position of Executive Director of Sisseton’s Economic Development Corporation, Director of the Chamber of Commerce, and a position on the Promotion Board in the city’s tourism sector. When he took on his role as ED about three years ago, he had no background in economic development. But what he lacked in knowledge of economic development has been filled by the many connections he has made with residents and local entrepreneurs.

With a population of over 2,500, Sisseton is home to about 300 area businesses. Most are locally owned and operated, with no big-box stores. In just the past two years, almost two dozen new businesses have opened.

These include Katy’s Closet, a popular thrift and consignment store, and T&R Western Wear, a husband-and-wife team selling cowboy apparel and more. The store is well-suited to meet the needs of farmers around Sisseton. “They’ve been a great asset,” says Blaske.

The area is also home to Midwest Siouxvenirs, which sells merchandise exclusively made by local artists and artisans including unique beadwork, sculptures, and custom shirts. Foodies are catered for by Carlo’s, which offers authentic Mexican food; the Valley View Country Club; the famous Rosalie’s; and a bakery, restaurant, and lounge in the former home of the American Legion and dance hall.

“It’s crazy how hard-working this community is,” comments Blaske. If an unfortunate incident befalls a community member, businesses and local organizations pitch in and raise money or take other appropriate action. Fundraising includes weekly bingo at Rosalie’s, where funds are collected for different causes, along with Celebrate Sisseton. “You can get your bingo fix and help people who need it.”

A lot to see, a lot to do
One of the most prominent local attractions is the historic Stavig House. Seeking a better life, Norwegian immigrant Andrew Stavig came to the area, put down roots, raised a family, and established a business on the main street. Built in 1916, the Queen Anne-style home became a museum in 1996. Along with Stavig House, other attractions include Sica Hollow State Park and the Nicollet Tower & Interpretive Center.

These attractions will soon be joined by Unity Plaza. Blaske is currently working on a project with the City of Sisseton and area non-profits to transform the site of a former building into a plaza with a stage, amphitheater, seating, a grassy area for kids, and Wi-Fi. “GROW South Dakota has been an advocate for numerous public art projects around town, and they are going to be the fiscal sponsor for this project,” Blaske says of the work, which is expected to be completed by fall 2025.

Recently, in anticipation of population growth, the Sisseton Economic Development Corporation purchased agricultural land and residential lots near the local hospital. A 2023 housing study determined a mix of housing—including low, middle, and high-income properties, apartment complexes, single-family homes, and more—is needed in the area, and about one-third of the lots in question have been sold so far.

Also expecting more incoming businesses, the area is home to Sisseton Industrial Park. “It’s a perfect location to build that sector of the community because that also needs to be sustained as we grow,” says Blaske of the Park, which is owned by the Sisseton Economic Development Corporation (SEDC).

For Nick Blaske, Sisseton represents just how important art is to economic development. “It feels really rewarding to do something everybody can enjoy,” he says. “I think art is the unsung hero of economic development. It’s that place-making, that intangible sense of making your community better through its appearance. And the people themselves really take pride in what is around them.”

The post Building a Community on Art and Pride<p class="company">City of Sisseton, South Dakota</p> appeared first on Business In Focus Magazine.

“Our city has a focus on quality of life,” she says. “We have a really robust parks district, and then we also have 21 K-12 schools. We’re the second largest school district in North Dakota and have a good reputation for families wanting to be part of West Fargo for our strong school system.”

In addition, the cost of living is reasonable in West Fargo. “Housing is an issue in most places, but housing is relatively affordable in this area compared to much of the other parts of the country,” says Dan Hanson, Senior Director of Community Development.

The city of 41,000 boasts a wide range of business opportunities for newcomers eager to take advantage of all the area has to offer. “We’re really diverse,” Sanders-Berglund says. This economic diversity “keeps us very economically resilient,” making it a strategic win for the community.

“The metro area has a relatively well-rounded economy compared to a lot of other places,” adds Hanson. “And so, when we have issues in one sector, we have other sectors that are kind of taking over. Just as an example, during the most recent housing crash, the Fargo, Moorhead, and West Fargo area here didn’t really see many of the same issues that the rest of the country was seeing in terms of disruption to the local economy.”

One of the biggest economic sectors in West Fargo is agriculture. North Dakota is the nation’s leading producer of several crops. The Red River Valley is especially known for growing potatoes and sugar beets, and this ag presence has naturally attracted a growing AgTech sector.

“That’s another emerging industry not only in West Fargo, but throughout the region,” says Sanders-Berglund. Most notably, the city is approximately 20 miles from the Grand Farm Innovation Campus, “a collaborative network of growers, corporations, startups, educators, researchers, government, and investors working together to solve problems in agriculture through technology and innovation,” as Grand Farm says on its website. “It’s an autonomous farm, using unmanned equipment and new technologies to explore the future of the ag industry.”

This unique AgTech project attracts industry experts from around the globe, and local leaders expect West Fargo to benefit from the international activity. “We’ll see some spinoffs from people that won’t necessarily set up directly in the Grand Farm campus, but will be in an adjacent industry to what they’re doing, what they’re exploring,” says Sanders-Berglund.

Indeed, West Fargo’s many advantages have attracted major companies in myriad sectors. “We have a couple of national headquarters here, like Bobcat,” says Sanders-Berglund.

“I think the biomedical and technology industry is a blossoming area of our economy here locally,” say City Planner Aaron Nelson. “We’re also a regional medical hub.” Other leading companies, while headquartered elsewhere, maintain a major presence in the area.

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) is one exciting area of tech research located within the region, earning North Dakota the nickname ‘the Silicon Valley of Drones.’ “There’s not a lot of air traffic in these parts, so that’s one of the main advantages here,” says Nelson. “It’s a statewide initiative, and that’s tied into some of our local universities as well, including North Dakota State University, which is located in our metro here, as well as two other local universities.” This has a positive ripple effect on West Fargo and the local workforce. “We get a lot of college graduates that like to stay in the area and are always looking for jobs.”

Local leaders work closely with neighboring communities to benefit local and regional business. “Here in West Fargo, we’re part of a metro,” Sanders-Berglund explains. “The three big communities that come together often are West Fargo, Fargo, and Moorhead. But oftentimes, you’ll see [these efforts] aligned with Horace or Casselton, some of those other small communities.”

The Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation unites these communities with a common purpose. “It’s a metro-wide organization that all cities participate in and work very collectively together,” says Nelson.

In fact, people from outside the region often comment on how well these different entities collaborate for the good of all. “It’s almost surprising how well our elected officials can be aligned, how well we can work together,” says Sanders-Berglund. “[We] find some sort of common ground, some give and take.”

The city has plans in place to accommodate incoming businesses and is eager to attract businesses and professionals through incentives. “Right now, we’re in the process of doing the improvements for a new light industrial park called the Sandhills 6th Addition,” says Hanson. Developments are currently underway just north of I-94 on the west side of the city. The utilities were installed in 2024 and the roadways will be completed this year.

“In the last year, we also did a specific childcare facility improvement grant,” Sanders-Berglund tells us. “[Childcare is] a need for the workforce, and we decided to help maintain the childcare programs that we have within our city, paired with a goal to increase the capacity of childcare slots, whether that’s within existing programs or centers, in-home, or enticing a new childcare center or in-home program to kick off and start.”

Other incentives specifically target businesses that will help meet the city’s goals around quality of life while providing job opportunities, says Sanders-Berglund. “And not just jobs that increase the number of available employment opportunities, but jobs that offer a livable wage.”

Community leaders are working hard to maintain West Fargo’s growth and prosperity far into the future. “One of the big things that’s happening here locally is we have a major flood protection project that is underway that surrounds our metro area,” says Nelson. “That’s going to provide a substantial level of regional flood protection, including most of our extraterritorial area, or our future growth area. And so, once that project is complete, much of the floodplain will be remapped. There will be a lot of developable areas surrounding our city that will no longer be in the floodplain, opening up additional opportunity for more growth and development within our jurisdiction.”

In anticipation of this growth, local leaders are already putting together a master plan that will cover the targeted area. “That’s going to be taking a look at many different interrelated things that are necessary for future development and business opportunities, including a transportation network, expansion to future utility services into this area, and various land uses, whether it’s industrial, commercial, or housing,” Nelson explains.

In another effort to provide more developable land, the city is in the process of decommissioning its sewage lagoons. “The city is in possession of hundreds of acres of potentially developable land,” Nelson shares, “so that presents an opportunity for a substantial partnership.” Almost half of the lagoons have already been decommissioned and are now ready for development. Another four lagoon cells were decommissioned last year and will be ready for development within a year.

“There have basically been about 260 acres of lagoon property that have already been decommissioned,” says Hanson. “That’s one of the more exciting opportunities for growth and development.”

With burgeoning next-generation sectors like AgTech and UAS, a low cost of living, plenty of available land, and a cooperative spirit, West Fargo is sure to stay on a trajectory of growth far into the future. We look forward to seeing what comes next for this dynamic area.

The post Unbounded Opportunity<p class="company">City of West Fargo, North Dakota</p> appeared first on Business In Focus Magazine.

The services offered by Brosz Engineering range from civil engineering to surveying, the latter being a critical component of many engineering projects. The firm’s diverse clientele spans counties, municipalities, energy clients, and even some tribal entities, primarily in transportation-related work. Brosz Engineering also provides both preliminary engineering and construction engineering services for the Department of Transportation, in both North and South Dakota, and performs construction staking for contractors.

When asked about how customers benefit from working with Brosz Engineering, Brennan reflects on the company’s deep connection to small towns and rural areas. “We understand our clients well just because we’re in rural areas and we work for rural clients,” he says. “Most of our offices are located in a small town, and we work for a lot of the smaller communities where we reside. So, understanding what their needs are is one of the benefits that we can bring to them.”

This close-knit connection with smaller communities is central to Brosz Engineering’s mission. Many larger firms might overlook these smaller municipalities, feeling that the earning potential isn’t worth their time, but Brosz Engineering thrives in this niche, delivering highly personalized service to underserved clients. As Brennan puts it, “We serve the underserved communities. These are the ones that we serve well.”

Brosz Engineering is not just about providing excellent service to clients; it’s also about fostering a culture of dedication and teamwork among its employees. The company currently employs 114 people, with 110 working full-time. During peak summer months, that number can grow to 130 as the company brings in additional interns.

Indeed, Brennan attributes the company’s success to its dedicated workforce, which is motivated not only by company loyalty but also by a genuine desire to serve clients. “We have a highly dedicated staff,” he says. “They’re not just dedicated to the company but dedicated to our clients. Our people go above and beyond to provide the best customer service possible.”

This strong sense of teamwork is an essential part of Brosz Engineering’s culture. As Brennan explains, “We operate as a larger family within the company. Even though we work hard, we stress the importance of balancing work and life. We encourage our team to take time off to spend with their families, and we provide full-family health insurance, including HSA contributions to cover medical expenses.”

Brosz Engineering also places a strong emphasis on mentorship and skill development. When Gary Brennan took over as President, he recognized that there was a need for more structured mentorship within the company. This led to the implementation of the company’s new Project Management Program, which began in 2024. “We embarked on a strategic planning process, and one of our top initiatives was training and mentoring our staff. We kicked off our Project Management Program, starting with PMP 101, which focuses on the fundamentals of project management: finance, client development, customer service, and contracting,” he explains.

This program is designed not only to teach the technical aspects of project management but also to help employees develop personally and professionally. “We included strengths testing and personality training so employees can better understand themselves and how to interact with others,” says Brennan. “We also tasked them with working with their supervisors to identify additional training needs.”

The focus on internal growth is clear: by building up the skills of its employees, Brosz Engineering aims to foster an environment where project managers are equipped to deliver projects successfully, on time, and within budget.

Brosz Engineering primarily operates in the Dakotas, covering much of South Dakota and parts of North Dakota. In fact, the company works with half of the 64 counties of South Dakota and serves about two-thirds of the state’s land mass. The company has also extended its reach into southeastern Montana and has recently opened a satellite office there.

Despite its already substantial presence, Brosz Engineering is looking to grow further. “We’re always eager to expand, and right now we’re focused on growth internally,” Brennan shares. “Once we’ve developed our internal capabilities, we’re looking to expand geographically, potentially moving into Nebraska and exploring new areas.”

Beyond expanding into new regions, the team is also considering branching out into other fields. “We’re thinking about expanding into electrical engineering in the future. While that may not happen immediately, it’s something we would like to explore.”

In today’s rapidly changing world, technology plays a vital role in every industry, and engineering is certainly no exception. Brosz Engineering is staying ahead of the curve by adopting new technologies that improve efficiency and accuracy, particularly in surveying. “Technology is impacting our industry in many ways,” says Brennan. “Drones, for example, are revolutionizing the way we collect data. We’ve added several drones to our fleet, including LIDAR drones, which provide more accurate survey data, especially in dense vegetation.”

These technological advancements allow Brosz Engineering to complete projects faster and with greater precision. “We’ve upgraded our survey equipment, and the use of drones has sped up our processes. We can collect data quicker, which means we can handle more projects with the same number of employees.”

Despite these advances, Brennan acknowledges the challenges posed by new technology. “It’s not just about adopting new tools; the workforce issue is a real challenge. It’s something that’s affecting every industry, not just ours. But with technology, we’re able to do more with less, which is crucial for staying competitive.”

Over the years, Brosz Engineering has garnered industry recognition for its outstanding work. One notable achievement was winning an Engineering Excellence Award from the North Dakota chapter of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC). The award-winning project involved a unique collaboration between multiple communities to combine resources for a large-scale construction project. “We worked with four different entities to put together a joint powers agreement to make a project more cost-effective. By combining the work of several communities, we were able to get more competitive bids, which allowed us to complete about twice as much work for the same budget.”

This project exemplifies Brosz Engineering’s commitment to creativity and collaboration in solving problems for its clients. It’s a testament to the company’s ability to deliver solutions that not only meet but exceed expectations.

As Brosz Engineering moves forward, Gary Brennan remains optimistic about the future. The company’s dedication to customer service, employee development, and technological innovation positions it well for continued success. “Our vision is to be the engineering firm of choice for our clients, communities, and employees,” he says. “We want to keep building on that foundation and grow as a company while staying true to the values that have helped us succeed.”

Whether it’s expanding into new markets, adopting new technologies, or continuing to foster a strong company culture, Brosz Engineering is committed to its mission of serving its communities with integrity and excellence. The future looks bright, and the company’s ongoing efforts to innovate and grow will undoubtedly keep it at the forefront of the engineering industry. Brosz Engineering is not only ensuring its success but also laying a strong foundation for future generations of engineers. Its focus on providing excellent service to underserved communities, coupled with its strategic expansion plans, makes Brosz Engineering a company to watch in the coming years.

The post How Leadership and Commitment to Rural Communities are Shaping the Future of Engineering Services<p class="company">Brosz Engineering</p> appeared first on Business In Focus Magazine.