Building a Business From the Ground Up
LOCAL BUSINESS CASE STUDYBuilding a Business from the Ground UpHow two Yankton businesses combined vision, technology and practical experience to bring Red Magic Storage to life Paul and Jodi Smith weren't looking to become technology experts. They were trying to start a storage business. As longtime Yankton residents, they saw an opportunity to create secure outdoor storage for vehicles and equipment that do not always fit conveniently at home or at a local business. The idea became Red Magic
Thriving Together: Communities Don’t Grow by Accident
By Nancy Wenande Yankton Thrive CEOJun 17, 2026 Over the past several years, I’ve noticed something interesting. The phrase “economic development” often generates mixed reactions. Mention a new employer, a business recruitment effort, an industrial expansion, a housing project tied to workforce growth, or a discussion about incentives, and opinions quickly emerge.Some people become excited. Others become skeptical. Yet economic development should not be viewed with suspicion. Communities don’t grow by
Emergency Preparedness Essentials for Small Business Owners in Yankton
Small business owners in Yankton Thrive’s network know how quickly the unexpected can ripple through operations. Flooding, winter storms, equipment failures, power outages—each can disrupt revenue, staff safety, and customer trust. An emergency plan doesn’t eliminate risk, but it does shorten recovery time and strengthen confidence across your team and community. Learn below about: Why every small business needs a simple, repeatable emergency plan Steps to prepare your people, facilities, and


