Good Thursday All!
South Dakota is having a hiring crisis. I read a headline the other day that said businesses in our state are looking for over 23,000 (yes THOUSAND) new employees. I know for a fact that various organizations in our area have tried to have job fairs with dismal results. While there are lots of businesses and organizations that show up to hire, nobody comes out to get hired.
I often hear “but there’s no GOOD jobs in South Dakota.” Baloney! There’s good jobs all over – you’d be hard pressed to find a job in Lead or Deadwood that pays something less than $12/hour. That’s more than two full dollars above minimum wage. And we’re not a super expensive place to live (not the cheapest, but not the most expensive). There are also many opportunities for higher level jobs, management and skilled work – to say nothing of all the small businesses and trades people that are overtaxed, and over worked and booked into next year!
It’s a weird and wonderful time to be alive. A person can do anything, make anything, work towards anything. You want it, the internet will teach you how. You want to move up in the world? Keep working (even at moderately consistent levels), you will. Being on this side of the hiring desk has made me realize that really awesome jobs are pretty close to anyone’s fingertips if they display ANY interest or show ANY initiative. Employers are desperate to find a warm body who could possibly do the job – let alone excel or move up.
With a tidal wave of the tourist season dawning upon us our hiring situation becomes even more dire. I look forward to seeing how this year plays out – South Dakota, and Lead along with it – is poised for a big shift in how work gets done and how we hire. Lynn’s just put in four self checkout stations. These stations aren’t cheap, but they’re replacing jobs that just couldn’t get filled. How will the whole face of work change in the next five – ten years? It will be interesting to see.
All that to say, if you want a job and you’re not afraid of hard work, elbow grease and creativity, you should move here. We have plenty of ‘em!
_________ Here’s what’s going on around town this week
Today, Thursday 4/22
12pm – Preservation Thursday: James K. P. Miller: The Savior of Deadwood. Author and historian, Dr. David Wolff, will discuss the career of Deadwood businessman, J. K. P. Miller. From the time he arrived in 1876 until the fire of 1879, he operated a successful grocery store and exchange bank, but as the town’s economic fortunes began to wane after the fire, he started speculating on real estate, mines, and railroads. In the process, he organized an investment syndicate which spent heavily in Deadwood and convinced the Burlington Railroad to build to town. His efforts brought the economic boost that Deadwood needed, leading some observers to label him the “savior” of Deadwood. Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center; free for members and $5 for non-members. Masks are required.
5-7pm – Our April Mixer will be held as a support measure to the First Interstate Bank’s Lead Deadwood Community Fund Chili Feed. This is a fundraiser for the organization with door prizes, 50/50, and all the chili you can eat for $7! Come on down and support the Lead Chamber and the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center! At the Deadwood Mountain Grand.
Saturday, 4/24
4-6pm – Health and Wellness Open House at the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center. This event is co-hosted by the Lead Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Fitness & Adventures! Fitness class demos, kombucha samples, and various vendors will offer education, samples and fun! Free and open to all!
Thursday, 4/29
6pm – Virtual Event: Meet Sanford Lab’s artist in residence, Leekyung Kang. Meet celebrated artist and assistant professor at the Idaho State University and Artist-in-Resident. She will explore the physical and scientific landscapes of the underground facility. Join us to learn about Kang’s previous work, her background and what attracted her to this program. Register for the zoom event or watch live on Facebook. https://www.sanfordlab.org/
______ Save the Date
5/8 – Second Saturday’s on Main Street will be hosted by the Main Street businesses and all are invited to come out and support our main drag businesses!
5/22 – Our first Hard Rock Golddigger Fashion Show! Sponsored by the Lead Area Chamber of Commerce, our members and the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center. Tickets are $30 at the door and $25 in advance. You won’t want to miss!
5/27 – SCIENCE ROCKS: Cadaver Working Dogs! Learn the science behind searching for missing persons dead and alive at the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center!
UNLEADED LEAD! A new event in Lead to coincide with Kool Deadwood Nites! We’re working on this so stay tuned for more info! (Thank you to commissioner Stewart for the great name idea!)
______ News & Notes
-Have you seen our job hiring page? Here is a sampling of who’s hiring
https://business.leadmethere.
Whitetail Creek Resort – housekeepers and maintenance
Lynn’s Dakotamart – various departments
Thyssen Mining – various higher level and lower level administration jobs (includes benefits and nationally competitive pay)
Cheyenne Crossing – many and various
Lead Area Chamber of Commerce – tour guides
Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center – retail help and janitorial services
-The Small Business Administration (SBA) released information on their Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). You can find more information here: www.sba.gov/restaurants You can also find out more information here: SBA SD District Office 605-330-4243; www.sba.gov/sd
-We’re getting ready to start our trolley tours with Visit Lead starting May 1 (weather permitting!) We’ll have more information hashed out soon, but we’re looking forward to promoting our town and our businesses this summer!
-Deadwood History is starting their expanded summer hours in all their museums starting in May. See their website for all details on Adams House Museum, Days of ‘76 Museum, Adams Museum, and the Brothel tours. https://www.deadwoodhistory.
With Love from Lead,
Sierra Ward
ED