Past Projects Completed

• The Center for Business, Entrepreneurship & Tourism is proud to announce to the community its new student-managed business, “Jackets on the Job” temporary help service!  Managed by BHSU student Dillon Julius, over 30 students are on call to work for local businesses when they have a temporary need for help.  Ready to work, the students have a variety of useful skills including CPR Certification, Photography, Accounting and Bookkeeping. They have the willingness to do manual labor and delivery or errands as well.  The community needs temporary help and the students need extra cash!  We are proud to be able to help both students and our community in this mutually beneficial relationship!  Students are paid directly by the employer.  A minimum of $8/hr. is requested.  During the remainder of 2009, our start up trial period, there is no membership fee to use this service. 
• The Entrepreneurship Professional Certificate Program, a series of 12 business courses for entrepreneurs and the established business community, kicked off in September at BHSU.  Hosted by the Center for Business, Entrepreneurship & Tourism, this series is orchestrated in cooperation with BHSU Education Outreach.  BHSU faculty and professional consultants bring the very best of their experience to the classrooms for business professionals and entrepreneurs who want to increase their skills to make their business more successful.  Courses run through December 3.  EdOutreach.BHSU.edu/registration
• In May of 2009, The Center for Business, Entrepreneurship & Tourism (CBET) at Black Hills State University was awarded $75,000 from Black Hills Vision demonstrating partnership in our mission to promote entrepreneurship through positive education experiences and the acceleration of entrepreneurial activities.   The Center is executing a three phased plan to promote and support entrepreneurship in our region, ultimately creating a business incubator on the BHSU campus in Spearfish.
• Corn Palace CVB (Mitchell, SD)
  A two-level survey of visitors to Mitchell (to attractions, and in local hotels/motels) sought to identify reasons for decreasing attendance at Mitchell’s premiere attractions. In addition, a profile of both average and upscale visitors was developed.
• D. C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery (Spearfish, SD)
  The economic impact of non-resident visitors’ spending was measured by an intercept survey on the Hatchery site. Wedding parties using the grounds were surveyed by mail. These expenditures were combined with the Hatchery’s regular operating and construction expenditures to discern total economic impact.
• Spearfish Trails and Recreation (STAR) Committee of Spearfish, SD, CVB
  A short survey initiated by the STAR Committee for use with the U.S. Forest Service was mailed to residents in a 60-mile radius to determine utilization of area bicycle/hiking trails. Establishing Forest Service trails that are currently “guerrilla” trails would create sanctioned utilization and regularly scheduled maintenance.
• St. Anthony’s Catholic Church (Cathedral of the Prairie), Hoven, SD
  A large residential building on the church grounds that formerly housed the rectory, then a nunnery, is now vacant and in need of repairs. The Church is considering several ideas to utilize and maintain the early 20th century building. A market potential forecast was completed for use as a bed-and-breakfast facility.
• Canyon Lake Resort, Rapid City, SD
  Considering possible areas of expansion for the Resort, the Center reported on the market potential of several niche markets:  Day spa, elder hostel, fly fishing, motorcoach and other group tours, weddings, and a boutique winery. Both typical and upscale travelers to the Black Hills were profiled.
  
• Yankton CVB/Lewis and Clark Recreation area (Yankton, SD) 
  Conducted two interrelated surveys:  one of visitors to the Lewis and Clark Recreation Areas, another of business owners in the city of Yankton.  
• BHSU Powwow
  Conducted a survey of attendees to the BHSU Powwow to document and qualify interest and opposition of tourism development on SD reservations, including an economic impact estimate of the Powwow.
• Mickelson Trail State Park Mail Survey (Trail HQ, Lead, SD)
  Designed a mail survey for daily pass holders of the Mickelson Trail to document a variety of qualitative measures for use in designing more effective advertising/marketing campaigns. 
• SD Office of Tourism and State Development (Pierre, SD)
  Developed a new, state of the art South Dakota Travel Monitoring System (SDTMS).
• Sisseton-Wahpeton Reservation (Old Agency Village, SD)
  The “Nominal Group Technique” (NGT) session was conducted for the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe in October 2005. The NTG did exactly what it was designed to do—fully explore and prioritize a wide range of economic development options without the process deteriorating into incivility and chaos. The CTR believes this methodology has tremendous potential anywhere there is difficulty in identifying and prioritizing economic developmental options on Tribal land.