How VCDC Plans to Grow Vermillion's Workforce and Community
How VCDC Plans to Grow Vermillion's Workforce and Community
Join us for this episode of Tips for Change as we talk with Jim Peterson, President & CEO of the Vermillion Area Chamber & Development Company (VCDC), Joe Hoose, Director of Talent Management at the University of South Dakota and Chair of the Board for the VCDC, and Veronica Schmidt, CEO of Sanford Vermillion and VCDC Board Member, about the Grow Vermillion campaign. They discuss how the campaign aims to expand housing, grow the workforce, and improve life in Vermillion over the next five to ten years.
Key Takeaways:
Adding more housing and growing the workforce are vital for Vermillion’s growth.
Community engagement and local partnerships are being expanded.
Developing a stronger talent pool through local initiatives to fuel long-term growth.
Grow Vermillion: A Campaign for the Future
The Grow Vermillion campaign is a capital initiative with a goal of raising $1.5 million to address key challenges and support the city's growth over the next five years. Jim Peterson shares the major goals of the campaign, including building more housing units, increasing the population, expanding the labor force, and improving childcare availability in Vermillion.
The Grow Vermillion campaign is working to raise $1.5 million to meet the town’s biggest needs. A study in 2022 revealed that Vermillion doesn't have enough housing for its current and future residents. The campaign’s goals include:
Building 20 new single-family homes and 20 multi-family units annually
Growing the population by 1.5% annually
Increasing the workforce by 1% over the next five years.
Add more daycare spots to support working families.
During the interview Jim mentions the importance of having land ready for development and working with city planners and developers to resolve the ongoing housing shortage. “We’ve brought in new builders and developed land at Bliss Point to create more opportunities for single-family and multifamily housing,” Jim said.
Community Engagement and Quality of Life
Beyond housing and workforce growth, the campaign focuses on improving the overall quality of life in Vermillion. This includes expanding community events, improving local amenities like parks, and keeping a strong connection between the University of South Dakota and Vermillion, South Dakota.
Veronica shares her personal experience of choosing Vermillion as her home after graduating from USD. “I love that sense of community here,” she says. “This campaign will not only help grow Vermillion, but it will add more reasons for people to stay and raise their families here.”
Local Partnerships Drive Success
Grow Vermillion’s success partially relies on partnerships with local businesses and organizations. Jim explains how businesses like Voyage Federal Credit Union play an important role in supporting the campaign. “Every business in Vermillion is a stakeholder,” Jim says. “They all benefit from growth, whether it’s through an expanded workforce or increased community involvement.”
Joe highlights the ongoing relationship between the VCDC and USD, focusing on retaining students after graduation and making Vermillion a more attractive place for them to live and work.
“We’re constantly looking for ways to strengthen our connection with the university and provide opportunities for students and graduates,” Joe adds.
Looking Toward the Future
As the Grow Vermillion campaign continues, the team remains focused on its long-term goals. Jim, Joe, and Veronica all envision a future where Vermillion grows its population, expands its housing, and becomes a more exciting place to live.
“We’re excited to see where this campaign takes Vermillion,” Veronica says. “In five to ten years, we want Vermillion to be a place where people choose to stay because of the opportunities we’ve created.”
Plan your next visit to Vermillion and see why people are choosing to move there.
Episode Mentions:
About the Guests
Jim Peterson is the President & CEO of the Vermillion Area Chamber & Development Company (VCDC).
Joe Hoose is the Director of Talent Management at the University of South Dakota and board chair for the VCDC. Listen to Joe in this podcast episode as he talks about building success in higher education.
Veronica Schmidt is the CEO of Sanford Vermillion and a board member of the VCDC. Together, they are leading the Grow Vermillion campaign to build a brighter future for the community.
