Old Lumber Company Wins 2026 Vermillion Pizza Battle
Old Lumber Company Grill and Bar has been crowned the winner of the 2026 Vermillion Pizza Battle. Their Maverick pizza earned the highest score from voters, impressing participants with its combination of pepperoni, bacon, cream cheese and jalapeños. During the month-long competition in February, Old Lumber Company sold 413 Maverick pizzas. “We couldn’t have done it without our staff,” said Owner Chad Grunewaldt. “They put a lot of work into making sure every pizza that came out of the kitchen was
Cornerstones Career Learning Center Survey
Cornerstones Career Learning Center wants to hear from you! Take their quick survey to help guide how federal, state, and local funds are reinvested into workforce education, training and skill-building in our community. Your feedback helps shape programs like workplace Spanish and English, Foundational Skills, Essential Skills, and Technical Skills. The survey is open now through March 31. Share your input and help support local workforce development. Take the survey.
Two Titles, One Town: Vermillion Named Community of the Year and Best Small Town Arts Scene
The Vermillion area community is celebrating two major recognitions this week. The city was named Community of the Year by the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Best Small Town Arts Scene by the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards. “It is a special week for Vermillion,” said Mayor Jon Cole. “It is an honor to not only be named the Community of the Year, but to once again be recognized as having the Best Small Town Arts Scene in the nation.”COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR Vermillion was
Everyday Tech Wins — How Local Businesses Can Save Time, Cut Costs, and Stress Less
Running a business in a place like Vermillion isn’t about chasing trends — it’s about finding tools that actually make life easier. The good news? You don’t need big systems or fancy software to run efficiently. Sometimes, the smallest tools can create the biggest time savings.TL;DR Local businesses can streamline daily operations with simple tools already on their devices — from calendar scheduling and digital payment systems to file-sharing apps and quick design platforms. Small, consistent
Start Smart, Grow Strong: A Founder’s Guide to Turning Vision into a Thriving Business
Launching your dream business isn’t just about passion — it’s about structure, vision, and strategic execution. The difference between an inspired idea and a thriving enterprise often lies in how well you align creativity with operational clarity. Below, we’ll explore actionable steps and systems that help founders build sustainable, growth-ready businesses. Clarify the Vision and Market Fit Every dream business begins with purpose — but purpose alone isn’t a business model.Before investing in
How to Promote a Local Event on a Shoestring Budget
Promoting an event without a big budget doesn’t mean you’re stuck with half-baked flyers and empty chairs. In fact, some of the most effective tactics cost little more than creativity, timing, and sweat equity. If you're a small business owner trying to get people in the door, the rules are different—you don’t need a national campaign, you need one that cuts through in your zip code. Here’s how to do it right, without draining your wallet. Start with Creative Guerrilla Buzz Tactics You don’t need
Buying a Struggling Business? Here’s How to Revive It for the Market You’re In Now
There’s a kind of pull that happens when you spot a business with bones. Maybe it’s the walk-in traffic. Maybe it’s the brand equity that’s still whispering through the dust. Or maybe it’s just the price tag — irresistible, because it comes with risk. But let’s not romanticize it: buying a failing business is a knife’s edge move. One that demands clarity, rhythm, and brutal specificity. If you’re going to do it, you need to know exactly where to look, what to keep, and what to rip out.Spot the spark, not
How Small Businesses Can Handle Organizational Shifts
Organizational change isn’t just for sprawling corporate skyscrapers with mission statements etched in glass. It’s for you, in the corner café with the espresso machine that rattles like it’s alive. It’s for the two-person accounting firm working out of a garage that still smells like oil. The moment you decide to shift how your business runs—whether it’s hiring a new manager, switching software, or moving your entire operation online—you’ve entered the ever-messy, deeply human, and rarely linear world of
Strengthen Your Business with a Streamlined Client Onboarding Experience
In the competitive landscape of service-based industries, the client onboarding process is a pivotal moment that can set the tone for future interactions. A well-executed onboarding experience not only enhances client satisfaction but also lays the groundwork for enduring partnerships. By integrating smart strategies and leveraging technology, businesses can transform onboarding from a routine task into a strategic advantage. This approach not only streamlines operations but also demonstrates a commitment
