Photo of Mike Derby and Blaise Emerson
More than 400 people attended Black Hills Vision meetings in eleven Black Hills communities to offer ideas for moving the region forward.
The open meetings were held last October and November.
“There have been many efforts over the years to get the communities to look at the region as a whole and understand that each needs to be involved in the shaping of the region,” said Blaise Emerson, Black Hills Council of Local Governments executive director. “This process gave each community an opportunity to express thoughts and perspectives about the region, and a reason to be involved in future initiatives.”
Mike Derby serves as chairman of Black Hills Vision. In the past the organization has played lead roles in saving Ellsworth Air Force Base and in advancing the underground science and engineering laboratory, affordable housing, improved air transportation, and the business incubator at SD School of Mines and Technology.
Collaborative marketing and communication, expansion of post-secondary education to most Black Hills communities, transportation, assistance to entrepreneurs, and lobbying policy-makers with one voice were just a few priorities suggested at the meetings. A detailed report is available by contacting Blaise Emerson at bemerson@iw.net.
