EDC social shows energy of community

By Leslie Silverman

 

The Hill City Economic Development Corporation  held a meeting and social at Mangiamo April 25. 

Besides a smorgasbord of food and drink, the evening showcased all the initiatives EDC is working on and was an opportunity to learn more about several new businesses coming to town.

EDC executive director Angela Crisman thanked her board for its efforts to help the “community stay vibrant.” Those efforts comprise several initiatives, including the impact leadership development program, Ranger Square, a workforce partnership with the Hill City School District, exploring experiential tourism and solving the affordable housing dilemma.

Briant Rupert spoke about the impact leadership development program, saying it  grew out of a need for more leaders in the community, including having unopposed elections and seeing the “same faces” on multiple community organization boards. The Hill City EDC partnered with the Custer EDC to graduate 21 students for last year’s program and has plans to have another program again this fall.  

Rupert also spoke about the Hill City Trails initiative and the slow process of digging up grass to make dirt. 

“It’s gonna be awesome when it’s done,” he said.

Ranger Square is also a long-term project that will take some time to become reality.

Shonna McBride, housing chair for  EDC, said Hill City is looking at housing trust fund money, which would give developers low-interest loans to create affordable housing. 

“We are open to all ideas,” McBride said in regard to affordable housing.

The Hill City EDC, through the West River EDC, is also a partner for local businesses who may need funding. Grandma’s Daycare, Black Hills Barbell and the soon-to-be-opened Lemongrass restaurant have all benefited from this program.

Superintendent Blake Gardner, liaison from the school district to the EDC, spoke, saying, “I love the EDC vision statement. A ‘thriving and vibrant community,’ that sounds like a place you want to live in and raise your kids.”

The school district has repeatedly been the number one district in the state, which Gardner credits not only to the “awesome kids and wonderful staff” but also to the “community that really values education.”

Chad Ronish talked about the renovations taking place at Krull’s market, encouraging people to continue to shop locally. 

“Anything I’ve ever wanted is at Krull’s. Just ask,” he said.

The Hill City Center was touted as having a “kitchen second to none,” by senior center board president Dale Householder. According to Householder a new center coordinator will be on staff soon to help facilitate rental of the reasonably priced space.

There are several new businesses that have recently opened their doors or are about to.

Oak & Key Realty does residential and commercial real estate as well as interior design. Diamond Spur Events Center can hold up to 300 people for parties, weddings and the like in its new 7,000 square-foot space.

McGregor and Main developer Isaac Almanza expects his building to open in about a month. The building will house The Pack Mule on its lower level, a grocery and liquor boutique that will feature many artisan products. Benjamin Klinkel, a name synonymous with favorite local restaurants like the Gaslight and Tally’s Silver Spoon says The Pack Mule will be a space for “fun grocery and food items to buy.” 

June 1 Lost Cabin brewery will open  its taproom in the space formerly occupied by Insideout. 

“We’re really excited to be a part of the Hill City community,” said Steph Silbernagel.

The 1885 Steakhouse and Saloon will be open soon and has been remodeled to stay “true to the roots of the building,” said new owner Catherine DeSocio.

“We’re gonna be in it for the long haul,” with plans to stay open year-round, she said.

Lemongrass, located on the corner of Elm Street,  will also be open soon. The Balinese beach bar will feature indoor-outdoor space with Indonesian-inspired menu items.

To learn more about the EDC visit its website at hillcityedc.com.