SOUTHEAST

ENTERPRISE

FACILITATION

PROJECT

Nancy Larsen, Facilitator 501 South Broadway/ PO Box 106 Marion, South Dakota 57043 (605) 648-2909 or (888) 233-1239 Fax (605) 648-3778 email: sefp@southeasternelectric.com Website: www.sefp.com

SEFP QUICK STATS

June 1997—December 2006

838 Inquiries

441 Clients enrolled 48 New Businesses

18 Expanded Businesses

22 Retained Businesses

274.5 New/Retained Jobs 143 Business Plans (last 4 1/2 yrs)

2006 Calendar Year:

54 Inquiries

30 Clients enrolled

9 New Businesses

4 Expanded Businesses 2 Retained Businesses

43.5 New/Retained Jobs

28 Business Plans

“Believing in the Future...One Entrepreneur at a Time”

Building Value through the Years By Nancy Larsen, SEFP Enterprise Facilitator

Building value in a product, service and/or organization shows others a return on their investment. lasting benefits and a physical result which outweighs other prod-ucts, services and/or organizations. Value in economic terms involves money.

The total value of a good depends on the utility rendered by the last unit consumed. “You get your money’s worth!” is a quote from a satisfied consumer. Therefore, value is based on whether or not it meets his or her needs and the value in the judg-ment of the user. Collectively and democratically votes are taken everyday in organ-izations which determine the actions and effects of the organization into the future.

Ten years ago, a group of visionaries began meeting and researching the benefits and potential value of Enterprise Facilitation®, a grassroots economic development concept proposed as one solution of technical assistance to entrepreneurs with the passion to start and expand businesses. Research showed positive results in other rural counties—but it did not happen overnight. Lots of hard work would go into forming Southeast Enterprise Facilitation Project (SEFP) and hiring its first Enter-prise Facilitator. Volunteers would oversee this project and keep it on track.

From the first Task Force of sixteen, there are still five volunteers committed as SEFP board members, promoters, officers and committee men and women. (See the 2007 SEFP Board Members & Officers on page 4.) It takes time, energy, planning, commitment and a strategy of local leadership driven by a macro-vision of a larger community working together for the common good. It takes leadership vitality be-fore the economic development component can operate. Congratulations to the SEFP Board for making that happen!

What are the physical results of 10 years of hard work? Forty nine new businesses, seventeen expanded businesses and twenty two retained businesses assisted by SEFP. (See www.sefp.com for detailed information of the businesses.) Of the 88 businesses assisted, 79.5% of the businesses are still in business. Of the new busi-nesses which have been in business at least 3 years, their total 2006 annual gross sales were $193,778,376.00, a growth of 470% from their first year of business. This information includes gross sales from a major publicly traded agricultural busi-ness. This shows physical results of value.

So, what lasting benefits have been realized through the SEFP presence?

The facilitation of economic gain in the cities in Turner & Hutchinson Counties

Stronger, more knowledgeable business owners because of the business planning processes

Technical assistance, anytime, anywhere, free and confidential

Business and non-profit resource assistance—a toll-free phone call away or acces-sible through email, fax or face-to-face

A marketing strategy which communicates the benefits of SEFP and showcases the local businesses assisted.

Investors’ and Partners’ return on their investment of SEFP creates healthy, sus-tained rural communities maintaining a fantastic quality of life

Featured Stories

“Building Value ...” ________________________

Building the Economy... The Car Guy LLC, Parker

Petersen Portraits, Parkston Siggi’s Arbeit (work), Freeman

____________________

R & B Contracting, Freeman Attitudes by Kelsi, Parker

“Homegrown Businesses Offer Value” ______________________

Investors/Partners Find Value Valuable Board NOW & THEN

____________________________

Ten of the 15 Businesses were featured in the 2006 Annual and Semi-Annual Reports.

Building the Economy…one business at a time

“SEFP provides an innovative, grassroots approach to assist individuals with new business development or expansion.”

COMPANY: The Car Guy LLC

OWNER: Shannon Brooks

PHONE: (605) 297-0097

LOCATION: Parker, SD

NUMBER OF JOBS: 1.5

BACKGROUND: Shannon decided to go into business for himself after working in automotive repair for the past 19 years as an ASE Certified Master Technician. He has started as a NAPA Auto care Center too, which gives his customers extra security when traveling because if anything goes wrong while traveling it can be repaired by another NAPA Auto Care Center anywhere in the USA.

ASSISTANCE REQUESTED: Business Planning

QUOTABLE: “It has been quite an education putting together a plan for a business. From the first meeting with SEFP until the busi-ness plan was complete took 15-months. I really appreciate the time Nancy Larsen and Mark Slade gave to my wife and I as we researched, learned and decided the direction I would take as a business owner. Thank you very much for offering these services.”

A ribbon cutting and First Dollar presentation were held for Shannon Brooks, The Car Guy LLC, by PACC, PDC and SEFP. Those on hand to congratulate this new business were back row: Barbara Brooks, Mark Kasten, Justin O’Keefe, Bob Sneller, Isabella & David Lambert and Luverne Langerock. Front row: Mary, Paige, Sabrina, Mariah & Shannon Brooks, Abigail Lambert, Nancy Larsen, Julie Dykstra and Jane Hertel. Not shown is Mark Slade of SBDC. Picture courtesy of Southeastern Electric Cooperative Inc.

A New Business

COMPANY: Petersen Portraits

OWNER: Kim Petersen

LOCATION: Parkston, SD

PHONE/EMAIL: (605) 928-3525 / portrait@santel.net

NUMBER OF JOBS: 1

BACKGROUND: A naturally creative person, Kim was drawn to photography while in college. She started her own business five years ago in another community. A building on Parkston’s Main Street gave her the opportunity to create a beautiful setting to do business. She takes classes at Mid-America Institute of Professional Photographers every year to continue her education.

ASSISTANCE REQUESTED: Business Planning

QUOTABLE: “The SEFP and SBDC helped me put together the details of my business plan and it would not have gotten done without the help. It made me stop and think about the processes and the importance of planning. I thank you for this free and confidential business assistance.”

Siegfried and Amy Nicke and sons Tucker and Tyler are shown accepting the 1st Dollar of Profit as the Southeast Enterprise Facilitation (SEFP) board with Nancy Larsen, who assisted to develop a plan for business and Sharon Schamber of Freeman Community Development Corporation gathered to wish them well. The SEFP board above includes: Judy Rokusek, Lana Herlyn, Philip Svartoien, Curt Lukes, Dave Hoffman, Luverne Langerock, John Deppe and Karen Freier. Picture courtesy of Southeastern Electric Cooperative Inc.

The 1st Dollar of Profit was presented to Kim Petersen, owner of Petersen Portraits in Parkston from Nancy Larsen, Enterprise Facilitator. Those present include, back row: John Deppe, John McDonald, Parkston Mayor Dave Hoffman, Luverne Langerock (SEFP board members) and Mike Maxwell, representing Parkston Commercial Club. In the front are Lana Herlyn, Kim and Nancy. Not shown is Sue Stoll of SBDC. Picture courtesy of Southeastern Electric Cooperative Inc.

A New Business

COMPANY: Siggi’s Arbeit (work)

OWNERS: Siegfried and Amy Nicke

LOCATION: Freeman

CELL PHONES: (605) 660-9685 and (605) 660-9683

NUMBER OF JOBS: 1.5

BACKGROUND: Siegfried has gone through an apprenticeship in Germa-ny, Alaska and Wisconsin before moving to South Dakota. Throughout his entire life he has been employed by construction and painter’s unions and now looks forward to working for himself and his family.

ASSISTANCE REQUESTED: Business Planning

QUOTABLE: “Sharon Schamber encouraged us to contact the SEFP Facilitator for help in assisting with our business idea. Nancy Larsen helped us recognize our local market and develop our business image as we completed our plan for doing business. The help was just what we needed when we needed it. Thanks.”

A New Business

COMPANY: R & B Contracting

OWNERS: Rick Preston & Bryan Woodhams

CELL PHONES: (605) 660-5824 and (605) 660-6871

LOCATION: Freeman, SD

NUMBER OF JOBS: 2

BACKGROUND: Rick and Bryan grew up in different parts of the USA but came together in Freeman. Both have many years of concrete and land-scape experience and look forward to working for themselves and design-ing/creating for you.

ASSISTANCE REQUESTED: Business Planning

QUOTABLE: “The banker suggested we contact Nancy Larsen to look at owning a business. Throughout our time together she provided tools and understanding to get organized and complete a business plan. The SBDC also educated us on the financial aspect of business and we appreciate all of the help and encouragement.”

COMPANY: Attitudes by Kelsi

OWNER: Kelsi Groth

LOCATION: Parker

PHONE: (605) 297-5379

NUMBER OF JOBS: 2

BACKGROUND: Kelsi graduated from Stewarts School of Cos-metology in 1992 and after working for others began this business in 1998, renting the present facility. Over the years, walls, a new fur-nace, decorating and equipment have been added while building the clientele. Through this business expansion more services are added along with the services of a home town resident, Shelli Christiansen.

ASSISTANCE REQUESTED: Business Planning

QUOTABLE: “I didn’t know if my dreams to expand my salon would ever happen but after working with Nancy Larsen and Mark Slade everything just came together. I never had a business plan before and now I do and hope to follow the plan as best as I can. Thanks to everyone for making my dreams a reality.”

Kelsi Groth is excited to introduce Shelli Christiansen as a part of her business expansion at Attitudes by Kelsi. The PDC and PACC reps were on hand as well as SEFP board members for a ribbon cutting and presentation of 1st Dollar(s) of Profit. Front row (l-r): Tracey Olson, Shelli Christiansen, Kelsi Groth and Nancy Larsen. Second row (l-r): Mark Kasten, Curt Lukes, Julie Dykstra of Farmers State Bank, Char Hay and Lisa Carlson. Third row (l-r): John McDonald, David Lambert, Mark Joffer and Jim Jones. Picture courtesy of Southeastern Electric Cooperative Inc

An Expanded Business

Rick Preston and Bryan Woodhams are shown accepting the “1st Dollar of Profit” at the beginning of their R & B Contracting business with Nancy Larsen, who assisted to develop a plan for business. Sharon Schamber of Freeman Community Development Corporation was on hand to welcome this new business as well as the following SEFP board members: Lana Herlyn, Judy Rokusek, Philip Svartoien, Curt Lukes, Dave Hoffman,

Luverne Langerock, John Deppe and Karen Freier. Not shown is Sue Stoll, SBDC. Picture courtesy of Southeastern Electric Cooperative

*HOMEGROWN BUSINESSES OFFER VALUE*

The following outlines 10 ways locally owned businesses offer lasting benefits. 1. Local Character and Prosperity In an increasingly homogenized world, communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind busi-

nesses and distinctive character have an economic advantage. 2. Community Well-Being Locally owned businesses build strong communities by sustaining vibrant town centers, linking neigh-

bors in a web of economic and social relationships and contributing to local causes. 3. Local Decision-Making Local ownership ensures that important decisions are made locally by people who live in the community

and who will feel the impacts of those decisions. 4. Keeping Dollars in the Local Economy Compared to chain stores, locally owned businesses recycle a much larger share of their

revenue back into the local economy, enriching the whole community. 5. Jobs and Wages Locally owned businesses create more jobs locally and in some sectors, provide better wages and benefits than

chains do. 6. Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship fuels America's economic innovation and prosperity and serves as a key means for families

to move out of low-wage jobs and into the middle class. 7. Public Benefits and Costs Local stores in town centers require comparatively little infrastructure and make more efficient use of

public services relative to big box stores and strip shopping malls. 8. Environmental Sustainability Local stores help to sustain vibrant, compact, walkable town centers--which in turn are essential

to reducing sprawl, automobile use, habitat loss and air & water pollution. 9. Competition A marketplace of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the

long-term. 10. Product Diversity A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based, not on a national sales plan, but on their own

interests and the needs of their local customers, guarantees a much broader range of product choices.

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES! *Research available at www.newrules.org The HOMETOWN Advantage, reviving locally owned business

A New Business

The SEFP would not be possible without the support of participating communities, local businesses, organizations, corporate sponsors and partners in the MSA area of Sioux Falls, SD. The contributors listed below are the investors from 2006, into 2007.

Thank you for partnering for a stronger economy.

The Investors & Partners FIND VALUE in Turner & Hutchinson Counties

ORIGINAL SEFP Task Force on Feb 5, 1997

2007 SEFP Board Members & Officers “Valuable Volunteers”

Dave Hoffman, President (2005) Mayor of Parkston

Curt Lukes, Vice President (2002)

Parker Development Corporation John McDonald, Treasurer Southeastern Electric Cooperative Inc.

Karen Freier, Secretary (2002)

Corporate Representative John Deppe, Ex Officio Lower James RC & D

Mark Buechler, Past President (2002)

Deployed to Iraq until June 2008

Jennifer Friederich (2005)

Tripp City & Tripp Development Lana Herlyn Marion Community

Glenn Kirschenman (2004)

Menno Development Corporation

Luverne Langerock (1998) Turner County Commission

John Limoges (2006)

Centerville Development Corporation Judy Rokusek (2007)

Hutchinson County Commission

Philip Svartoien (2001)

Freeman Community Development Lyle VanHove Turner County Commission

Alan Ward Turner County Representative

Indicates 10 years of service to SEFP

Bill Hanson Centerville

Sharon Schamber Freeman

Harlan Brue Scotland

Lana Herlyn Marion

John Deppe Mitchell

John Chicoine, Chairman Parker

Jerry Isaak Centerville

Jay Nagel Irene

Kevin Storbakken Viborg

Laura Wilson Marion

Alan Ward Viborg

Michael Utter, Rep. Sirolli Institute

Randel Maass Bridgewater

Glenn Gering Freeman

Vhonda Miller Irene

Lyle VanHove Parker

John McDonald Parker

“VISIONARIES”

Avera Health, Sioux Falls Cargill, Parker

Centerville City Centerville Development Corporation

Citigroup, N.A., Sioux Falls CorTrust Bank, Freeman

Dakota Heritage State Bank, Chancellor East River Electric Cooperative Inc., Madison

Farmers State Bank, Marion & Parker First Dakota National Bank, Parkston

First MidWest Bank, Centerville First Savings Bank, Parker

Freeman City Freeman Community Development Corporation

FreMar Farmers Cooperative Inc., Marion FREMAR LLC, Marion

Great Plains Ethanol LLC, Chancellor Home Federal Bank, Freeman

Hutchinson County Commission, Olivet Lower James RC&D, Mitchell

Marion City Marion Development Corporation Menno Development Corporation

Menno State Bank, Menno Merchants State Bank, Freeman, Viborg & Hurley

Parker City Parker Development Corporation

Parker Pharmacy, Parker Parker Ford Inc., Parker

Parkston City Parkston Development Corporation

Parkston Commercial Club Prairie Wave Telecommunications Sioux Valley Hospital, Sioux Falls

Southeastern Electric Cooperative Inc. Tripp City

Tripp Development Corporation Turner County Commission, Parker Wells Fargo Bank, Viborg & Irene

Wells Fargo Financial Bank, Sioux Falls