News

Businesses Looking for Workers

Businesses Looking for Workers

Dave Owen Photo: WNAX


After spiking to over nine percent at the start of the pandemic last spring, South Dakotas unemployment rate has dropped back down below three percent.

That has many businesses and manufacturers scrambling to find workers again.

Dave Owen, President of the state Chamber of Commerce and Industry, says its still a matter of matching skills and openings..

Owen says there are many efforts underway to expand the workforce….

Owen says there was also an attempt to increase housing….

Many businesses are offering higher wages and sign on bonuses as incentives to potential employees.

Recent Headlines

1 week ago in Local

October 3, 2025 The Friday News Round-Up

FEDERAL SHUTDOWN LEAVES SOUTH DAKOTANS GUESSING AS AGENCIES OFFER UNEVEN GUIDANCE SOUTH DAKOTA (South Dakota Searchlight) – The federal government…

2 weeks ago in Local

October 1, 2025 The Wednesday News Round-Up

GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN BEGINS AS NATION FACES NEW PERIOD OF UNCERTAINTY WASHINGTON, D.C.  (AP) – Plunged into a government shutdown, the…

3 weeks ago in Local

September 24, 2025 The Wednesday News Round-Up

SOUTH DAKOTA LAWMAKERS APPROVE $650 MILLION PRISON PROJECT PIERRE, S.D. (John Hult / SD Searchlight) – After 144 years, South…

3 weeks ago in Local

LEGISLATURE’S PRISON VOTE WILL CAP DECADES OF DEBATE

PIERRE, S.D. (Kevin Killough / South Dakota NewsWatch)  – The South Dakota Legislature convenes Tuesday for a special session to…

3 weeks ago in Local

September 22, 2025 The Monday News Round-Up

$20 MILLION DISPUTED GUN RANGE TO OPEN IN EARLY NOVEMBER PIEDMONT, S.D. (Bart Pfankuch / South Dakota News Watch) –…