CorTrust Bank Partners with Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines to Award Funds to Sesdac, Inc.
CorTrust Bank, in partnership with Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines), is pleased to award Sesdac, Inc. a $8,750 grant from the Member Impact Fund. This matching grant program will result in FHLB Des Moines awarding $12.9 million in funding to support affordable housing and community development in Alaska, South Dakota, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. “CorTrust Bank is proud to partner with FHLB Des Moines to contribute funds towards causes that are a driving
Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains Launches First-Ever, Five-Community, Eight-Site Raffle
For the first time in its history, Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains is bringing all five of its Eastern South Dakota communities and eight Club sites together under one powerful fundraiser: the 2026 Annual Raffle. Beginning April 1 and running through May 15, 2026, tickets are just $50 each — and online buyers who purchase four receive a fifth ticket free, giving them five chances to win for $200. The live virtual drawing will be held May 15. The prize lineup is nothing short of spectacular. The
Voyage FCU Partners with Federal Home Loan Bank to Award Funds to Kingdom Boundaries Prison Aftercare
Voyage Federal Credit Union in partnership with Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines), is pleased to announce that Kingdom Boundaries Prison Aftercare will receive a $13,125 grant from the Member Impact Fund. This matching grant program will result in FHLB Des Moines awarding over $12.9 million in funding to support affordable housing and community development in Alaska, South Dakota, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. “Voyage Credit Union is proud to partner with
National Music Museum Featured on 'World's Greatest...' Music Museum
The National Music Museum (NMM) in Vermillion, South Dakota, will be featured on the nationally broadcast television program “World’s Greatest!…”, a series that highlights outstanding organizations, destinations, and innovations from around the world. The segment showcasing the NMM will air on Bloomberg Television on Saturday, March 28, 2026, and again on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 1 p.m. Central Time for both cable and satellite viewers. Following the airing, the segment will be available on the
City of Vermillion Announces Opening Dates for Cotton Park Courts & The Bluffs Golf Course
Spring has arrived, and the City of Vermillion Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce the opening of The Courts at Cotton Park and The Bluffs Golf Course. The Courts at Cotton Park Opening Day Pickleball and tennis courts will open Monday, March 9, 2026, at 12 p.m. (Noon) Limited restroom facilities will be available at Cotton Park during this early-season period. Following Monday’s opening, the pickleball courts will be open daily from sunrise to sunset. All visitors are asked to
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
CorTrust Mortgage Expands Access to Affordable Homeownership
CorTrust Mortgage and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines) have joined forces to offer Mortgage Rate Relief, a housing affordability initiative designed to support income- qualified homebuyers by reducing mortgage interest rates up to 1.5% lower than the current market rate. The interest savings can be the difference in making the dream of homeownership a reality. “We’re very excited to be offering this product in partnership with FHLB Des Moines. We want to help make homeownership
The Strategic Advantages of Personalized Direct Mail for Modern Companies
In a digital-first world, personalized direct mail has re-emerged as a powerful marketing channel for businesses seeking meaningful customer engagement. Unlike mass email blasts or social media ads that compete for seconds of attention, personalized direct mail creates a tangible, memorable touchpoint. When used strategically, it blends data-driven targeting with physical presence, giving businesses a distinctive edge in crowded markets.Why Personalized Direct Mail Still Works Personalized direct mail
United Way of Vermillion to Offer Free Tax Preparation Services
United Way of Vermillion is again providing free tax preparation services at the Community Connection Center through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. This initiative aims to assist individuals and families in need by offering reliable and trustworthy tax preparation at no cost. The VITA program has been serving communities for over 50 years, providing free tax help to individuals who generally make $70,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and retireess on fixed incomes. While the IRS
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
