Mitchell Area Development Corporation Launches “Welcome to Your Palace” Program to Support New Resid

October 9, 2024                                                                                             CONTACT:  Johanna Allen at 605-996-5567
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                       
 
Mitchell Area Development Corporation Launches “Welcome to Your Palace” Program to Support New Residents and Local Businesses
Mitchell, SD – The Mitchell Area Development Corporation (MADC) is excited to announce the launch of the Welcome to Your Palace program, a new initiative designed to welcome and integrate new residents into the Mitchell community. Building on the success of the earlier $1,000 “Move to Mitchell” relocation incentive program, which helped bring 50 families to Mitchell, this new program offers a $100 incentive to anyone who moves into the 57301 ZIP code and works full-time.
 
“The Welcome to Your Palace program is designed to help new residents feel connected and supported as they settle in Mitchell,” said Mike Lauritsen, CEO of the Mitchell Area Development Corporation and Chamber of Commerce. “We want to personally welcome everyone moving into the community, and this initiative provides the opportunity to meet new residents, introduce them to local businesses, and help them quickly feel at home.”
 
Partnership with Local Businesses
 
Local businesses are essential partners in this initiative. Through the Welcome to Your Palace program, Chamber and Development Corporation members can become Sponsoring Members by contributing $250 or $500 annually. These businesses will have the opportunity to include special offers and promotions in a Welcome Booklet distributed to new residents. This booklet will help introduce newcomers to the wide range of services available in Mitchell, encouraging them to explore and support local businesses.
 
Targeted Marketing and Direct Engagement for Businesses
 
Participating businesses will receive monthly updates on new residents, including their names and contact information. This allows businesses to engage directly with newcomers, building relationships and establishing a loyal customer base. It’s a valuable marketing opportunity, fostering stronger ties between new residents and the local business community.
 
“We see this as a win-win for both the community and local businesses,” said Lauritsen. “Not only are we welcoming new families to Mitchell, but we are also fostering strong ties with local businesses by encouraging new residents to engage with our business community from the start.”
 
Welcome Booklet Distribution
 
The Welcome Booklet, filled with exclusive offers, will be handed out at the Chamber of Commerce or delivered directly to new residents at their homes or workplaces. This ensures that newcomers feel a personal touch and are introduced to the best that Mitchell has to offer from the moment they arrive.
 
Fostering Community Growth
 
The broader goal of the Welcome to Your Palace program is to create deeper engagement between new residents and the community, helping them not only settle in but also actively participate in Mitchell’s growth. This aligns with MADC’s mission of expanding the local workforce, growing the economy, and supporting the continued development of Mitchell.
 
“We are working hard to grow housing and move new people into Mitchell,” Lauritsen emphasized. “Our housing projects, in partnership with Mitchell Area Housing Inc., include $8 million in infrastructure for 100 new workforce housing lots. This is critical to meeting the demand for new residents and ensuring that Mitchell continues to thrive.”
 
A Community Poised for Expansion
 
With the second-lowest unemployment rate in South Dakota—currently at just 2%—Mitchell is facing a workforce shortage. South Dakota boasts the lowest unemployment rate in the country, which is a testament to its thriving economy, but it also highlights the need for more workers to sustain business growth and expansion.
 
“We are thrilled to have such a low unemployment rate, but we need more people to fill the many open positions in Mitchell,” said Ken Schlimgen, President of the MADC Board of Directors. “We’re proud of our efforts to bring new families to town through innovative programs like Welcome to Your Palace. By recruiting more residents, we’re supporting local businesses, expanding our workforce, and ensuring that Mitchell remains a place where businesses can grow and succeed. We’re excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead.”
 
Economic Impact
 
The influx of new residents and the expansion of housing opportunities will have a significant economic impact on the community. By attracting new workers and families, Mitchell is bolstering its workforce, supporting local businesses, and driving economic growth. The Welcome to Your Palace program and new housing developments are part of MADC’s comprehensive strategy to ensure a strong and prosperous future for Mitchell.
 
For more information about the Welcome to Your Palace program or to become a Sponsoring Member, please contact the Mitchell Area Development Corporation at (605) 996-1140 or visit mitchellchamber.com.
 
Media Contact:
 
Johanna Allen
Vice President of Relations, Communications, and Engagement
Email: johanna@mitchellsd.com
Phone: (605) 996-5567