Watertown Entrepreneur Selected for South Dakota Retailers Association’s Inaugural NextGen Cohort

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The South Dakota Retailers Association has introduced Watertown’s Lisa Converse of Element as a member of its inaugural NextGen Business Builders cohort.

The professional development and networking program is designed for entrepreneurs who have owned their business for five years or less or are currently on an ownership track. Converse joins a group of 18 business owners from across the state selected for the 13-month program.

The cohort met for the first time during the South Dakota Retailers Association’s Annual Board Meeting and Conference in January. During the event, participants networked with established business leaders and received specialized training in artificial intelligence and customer service strategies.

“The members of this NextGen cohort are impressive and energetic; we’re very fortunate to have them doing business in our state,” said Association Deputy Executive Director Brooke Bohnenkamp.

Throughout the program, participants will engage in both in-person and virtual sessions to expand their expertise in marketing, leadership, and operations. The initiative aims to provide a support system for new owners navigating the early stages of business development.

“This program has been great for helping me see I’m not alone in that ‘figuring it out’ stage,” said Amanda Dulitz, a cohort member from Webster. “I’ve gained tools and knowledge I could take back to my business and implement immediately.”

Other area participants in the inaugural class include Hope Karels of HK Cupcakes & Bakery in Big Stone City, and Amanda Dulitz, Bailey Meyer, and JC Rudolph, all representing businesses in Webster.

·        ​Lacey Birmingham​, I-29 Brick, Tile, and Stone Company

·        ​Ashley Boone​, The Farr House, Pierre

·        Leslie Brueggeman, Brue 605 Coffee, Miller

·        ​Lisa Converse​, Element, Watertown

·        Jeremy Cummings, The Rooster, Rapid City

·        ​Justin Dorn​, Western Vet Services, Kadoka

·        ​Amanda Dulitz​, Day County Printing, Webster

·        ​Alex Ellis​, Madame Peacock’s, Deadwood

·        Ian Escribano, Brunos Aquarium, Huron

·        ​McKenzie Farmen​, Shoe Science, Aberdeen

·        ​Erika​ and ​Travis Hellvig​, Hartford Building Center, Hartford

·        ​Hope Karels​, HK Cupcakes & Bakery, Big Stone City

·        ​Bailey Meyer​, Northern Edge Marketing, Webster

·        ​Shania Rozeboom​, Rainy Day Coffee, Beresford

·        JC Rudolph, Dave Hahler Auto, Webster

·        ​Samantha Wipf​, Optimal Performance, Aberdeen

·        ​Emme Yeske​, HealthFix & OnTrack Nutrition