South Dakota Trade, a 501c(6) non-profit association, opened its doors this week during the 2023 Governor’s Office Economic Development (GOED) Annual Conference as a revamped public-private partnership. Its mission is to navigate international trade for South Dakota.

Elevate Rapid City has partnered with the organization to establish an office in Rapid City. Now, West River-based businesses looking to export their goods and services will be able to receive free and confidential international trade consulting in Rapid City. Kallie Ruland joined the Elevate team in February as the business retention and expansion manager. Through this partnership her role has expanded to serve as a Trade Specialist for South Dakota Trade.

"We understand the importance of helping our local businesses thrive, and partnering with SD Trade to offer a West River office in Rapid City will do just that,” said Tom Johnson, President & CEO of Elevate Rapid City. “This collaboration will not only benefit our ag neighbors as they feed the world, but also provide regional companies with the resources needed to succeed in international trade. Elevate Rapid City is proud to work alongside SD Trade, as we strive to elevate the region for all."

Luke Lindberg, President & CEO of SD Trade added, "We are proud to be partnering with Tom, Kallie, and the rest of the team at Elevate Rapid City to provide international trade services to western South Dakota. Our partnership will ensure companies across the region receive access to the tools they need to succeed in expanding their global footprint."

Businesses looking for assistance can contact Kallie Ruland at 716.0588 or visit www.southdakotatrade.com.

A Deeper Dive

"But until now, South Dakota was one of only two states without a formal international trade office, which has undoubtedly led to missed business opportunities." If you want to take a deeper dive into the world of South Dakota Trade, check out this great story by South Dakota News Watch.