FINANCE: Banking industry consolidation continues

Many industries have seen significant consolidation over the past few decades.

• Joe Witt

EDITOR'S NOTE: The little things

Few things are as important to a business as hiring and keeping quality employees, particularly in this region, where unemployment is low and businesses are steadily expanding their workforces.

• Kris Bevill

The future is now, let's not miss it

As we prepare to write the next chapter of North Dakota, having an appreciation of the past can often be a guiding tool for looking ahead.

• Jasper Schneider

Social Security dilemma: Just plan for it

Social Security, the big unknown: Will it be there for me? Will it fall victim to political maneuvers in Washington? Or is it a sacred cow that can’t be touched? All these questions are swirling around in the news and in the minds of Baby Boomers as they plan for retirement.

• Rob Montgomery

Offering the right degrees for a growing community

A resurgence is underway within the business program at Williston State College, as more courses are being offered to meet growing needs within the Western Star City.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: South Dakota: Not a low-wage state

Here in the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, a two-year-long study of occupations and wages is showing the country what we in the state have known for some time: South Dakota is not a low-wage state.

• Pat Costello

RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY: Water is life

Water scarcity and lack of safe drinking water is one of the world's leading problems.

• Delore Zimmerman

FINANCE: Running a year-round business in a seasonal market

If you own a landscaping business or air conditioning repair service, the busiest time of the year is just around the corner.

• John Giese

Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Since 2006, the month of May has meant one thing for the Red River Valley Research Corridor — the annual preparation of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Action Summit.

• Ryan Aasheim

EDITOR'S NOTE: Changing with the season

I don’t know about you, but I am ready for summer. Spring and its rejuvenating sense of change and renewal is typically my favorite season, but since we seem to be skipping spring on the northern Plains this year, I’ll take what I can get.

• Maplewood State Park

SD trade mission to China connects 14 exporters with potential customers

As governor, my job is almost always here in South Dakota. Last week, however, I had the opportunity to lead a delegation of South Dakota business and agricultural leaders on a trade mission to China.

• S.D. Gov. Dennis Daugaard

RESEARCH/TECHNOLOGY: Proof in numbers

Research and technology play vital roles in many enterprises and significantly impact the economies of the communities within which they are located.

• J. Bruce Rafert

EDITOR'S NOTE: Steps toward a more sustainable future

If the upper Midwest had a collective mantra, it would probably be simply: We need more.

• Kris Bevill

BUSINESS ADVICE: Long-term investment

Business owners often face the difficult task of deciding to make large, long-term investments which may dramatically affect the cash flow and profitability of the enterprise, such as building a facility.

• Matthew D. Mohr

SBA wants to give small businesses the world

In today's global economy, selling goods around the world can bring large rewards.

• ELIZABETH ECHOLS