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Mitchell Today
By the People, for the People
Mitchell Business Leaders Highlight Community Priorities
Panelists discuss growing Mitchell through family-friendly activities, affordable housing, and workforce development
Published on Feb. 21, 2026
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At a recent event hosted by the Mitchell Republic, local business leaders discussed strategies for growing the Mitchell, South Dakota community. Panelists highlighted the importance of providing family-friendly activities, affordable housing, and workforce development initiatives to attract new residents and businesses. They emphasized the need to balance business costs, customer affordability, and employee wages to create a thriving local economy.
Why it matters
Mitchell, like many small Midwestern towns, faces challenges in retaining and attracting residents and businesses. The insights from these local leaders provide a roadmap for how the community can proactively address issues around housing, workforce, and quality of life to drive economic growth.
The details
The panelists, which included owners of local businesses like Palace City Brewing, Iverson Auto Group, and the Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce, discussed several key strategies for growing Mitchell. They highlighted the need for more indoor activities and entertainment options, especially during the winter months when many residents leave town. The panelists also stressed the importance of affordable housing, quality schools, and after-school programs to attract families. Additionally, they discussed the balance between paying competitive wages and maintaining business profitability, noting the need for a skilled local workforce.
- The event 'Moving Mitchell Forward' was held on Thursday, February 18, 2026.
- Cabela's opened in Mitchell around 20 years ago, sparking development south of town.
- The High Plains Processing soybean plant opened in Mitchell in September 2025.
The players
Brett Farnham
Owner of Palace City Brewing and Dental Designs.
Austen Iverson
Owner of Iverson Auto Group.
Mike Lauritsen
Executive at the Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce and Mitchell Area Development Corporation.
What they’re saying
“You have to have things for people to do.”
— Brett Farnham, Business Owner (Mitchell Republic)
“I would argue we probably are about to have the best education system.”
— Mike Lauritsen, Economic Development Executive (Mitchell Republic)
“There's just a certain price that you must charge in order to pay a living wage.”
— Austen Iverson, Business Owner (Mitchell Republic)
What’s next
The Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce and Mitchell Area Development Corporation plan to launch new initiatives this year to support local entrepreneurs, including a 'shark tank' program with Dakota Wesleyan University and Mitchell Tech, as well as allowing students to use the chamber's courtyard business fronts.
The takeaway
Mitchell's business leaders recognize the need to holistically address community priorities like family-friendly activities, affordable housing, and workforce development in order to attract new residents and drive economic growth. By balancing business needs with quality of life factors, the town hopes to position itself as an attractive destination for both companies and families.
