Week of Work is scheduled for April 20-24, 2020, with the goal of introducing 10th grade students to career opportunities in their communities through job shadows, industry tours, and other business-classroom connections. The week will provide employers opportunities to engage with youth and develop connections with the state's future workforce.

 "As I talk with businesses owners and employers throughout the state, I hear the same thing over and over. They tell me that business is good and they'd like to expand, but they can't find skilled workers to fill the jobs that are open," said Gov. Noem. "Our Week of Work will help fill that gap and expose students to the opportunities available to them right here in South Dakota. Work-based learning works. It helps our young people learn the soft skills they need, like showing up on time, dressing professionally, and interacting with customers."

 Throughout the fall, businesses across the state will be recruited and asked to offer job shadow opportunities, and in the spring, schools will register their participating 10th grade students.

 "I'd like to encourage each business and employer in South Dakota to join this effort. Consider how your business can contribute to developing the next generation of South Dakota's leaders. Think about the ways you can encourage students to tap into their potential and experiment with high-demand careers right here at home," concluded Gov. Noem.

Schools with existing work-based learning programs are encouraged to use the week to celebrate the great work they're already doing by holding activities like "signing days" for high school seniors to announce their chosen career paths or special recognitions of students who have completed internships or earned scholarships.

The South Dakota Week of Work is a partnership of the Department of Education, the Department of Labor and Regulation, the Governor's Office of Economic Development, the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the South Dakota Retailers Association.

Notice of PEDCO Annual Meeting

The PEDCO board of directors has begun planning its Annual Meeting, which by rule will be held in November.

The main purpose of the annual meeting is to elect nominees to the board of directors. A nominating committee will develop the slate of nominees to be printed in the November newsletter. Members interested in consideration by the nominating committee may contact PEDCO at  [email protected].

The annual meeting will also include an update on corporation activities, the nomination of officers and the presentation of the corporation's annual Vernon Award for Excellence.

All active PEDCO members will be receiving an invitation as soon as the details have been finalized. Lunch will be provided. Please watch for your invitation in the mail in late October.

Pierre building  owners are welcome to list their available office or commercial space on the PEDCO website at no charge.

To list your property with PEDCO, simply email [email protected]. We will send you a form to complete along with a request for quality digital photos of the building or offices. An example can be found at www.pedco.biz under the Real Estate tab and blue "Available Commercial Buildings and Land" box on the right. All we ask is that you let PEDCO know when the building or space is no longer available so we can keep our information accurate.