Business

Registration Now Open for 91��Ƭ�� State University Agriculture Business Symposium

Desiree Kolb — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 20:33:34 +0000

Registration Now Open for 91��Ƭ�� State University Agriculture Business Symposium

Desiree Kolb Wed, 02/25/2026 - 14:33

ABERDEEN, S.D. — Registration is now open for Growing the Future: A Student Symposium on Agribusiness, a free event at 91��Ƭ�� State University designed to inspire students to become the next generation of leaders in agriculture. The symposium will be held Tuesday, April 7, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Centennial Rooms in the Student Center at 91��Ƭ�� State University.

The event is open to high school and college students interested in agriculture and agribusiness. The symposium is free to attend, and lunch will be provided. Space is limited, and attendees are encouraged to register early. Event is not open to general public.

The symposium will feature a strong lineup of presenters, including Wells Lamont Company, a student panel, an agricultural business partners panel, Dr. Matt Roberts presenting “The Truth About Trade,” greetings from 91��Ƭ�� State University President Alan LaFave, and Brian Hefty of Ag PhD and Hefty Seed Company.

“We are excited to host our first Agricultural Business Symposium on campus,” said Dr. Kristi Bockorny, Dacotah Bank Dean and professor of management at 91��Ƭ�� State University. “Our faculty committee has invested significant time and energy into creating a meaningful and engaging program, bringing together speakers who understand firsthand how agriculture and business intersect. This is an opportunity for students to gain insight into agricultural business industries and ask questions. We look forward to welcoming students to campus for what promises to be an inspiring and impactful day.”

“We are thankful for the grant monies that the School of Business was awarded from the Aberdeen Energy Agriculture Fund, an Aberdeen Area Community Fund sub-fund, to help support this year’s symposium,” Bockorny said.

91��Ƭ�� State University also now offers a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business, which prepares students for careers in agricultural finance, commodity marketing, supply chain management, and more. The symposium gives students an opportunity to explore the agricultural business field while connecting with professionals and learning about future career pathways.

High school and college students interested in attending can register at 91��Ƭ��.edu/ag-symposium. For questions, contact Lisa Anderson at lisamarie.anderson@91��Ƭ��.edu or 605-626-2400.

Aberdeen Business Pitch Competition Opens Applications for 2026

Desiree Kolb — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 21:57:05 +0000

Aberdeen Business Pitch Competition Opens Applications for 2026

Desiree Kolb Tue, 02/17/2026 - 15:57

ABERDEEN, S.D. – The Aberdeen Development Corporation (ADC) and the 91��Ƭ�� Innovation & Startup Center are excited to announce the opening of applications for the 2026 Aberdeen Business Pitch Competition. Entrepreneurs and startup businesses from across the region are invited to compete for a $10,000 cash prize while advancing their entrepreneurial ambitions.

Applications will be accepted March 1, 2026 through April 30, 2026. Finalists will be announced by June 1, 2026, with the final competition event scheduled for June 19, 2026.

“The Aberdeen Business Pitch Competition represents our ongoing commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in our community,” said Tim Hanigan, CEO of the Aberdeen Development Corporation. “This exciting event provides a tangible platform for aspiring business owners to refine their ideas, connect with potential investors, and take meaningful steps toward success.”

The competition welcomes startups and prospective businesses that are less than 5 years in operation with less than $500,000 in cumulative revenue as of the application deadline. Previous participants are welcome to apply again — those who entered in past years may submit the same business (if not previously selected as finalists) or a different business concept.

The competition is designed to inspire and support a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, assist prospective and startup businesses in fine-tuning ideas and plans to secure investment and financing, and advance businesses from concept to launch toward success and profitability.

"Each year, the Aberdeen Business Pitch Competition continues to grow — not only in the number of applicants, but also in the energy and attendance at the finalist pitch event," said Bea Smith, director of the 91��Ƭ�� Innovation & Startup Center. "That growth speaks to our region's excitement to celebrate innovation and support the ideas taking shape here. This competition is about giving innovations from across our region access to capital, whether it's an idea someone has been refining for years or something they've only recently started. It's an opportunity to step forward, share your vision and be part of a community that wants to see those ideas succeed."

Important dates for the 2026 competition are:

Application Period: March 1 – April 30, 2026
Finalists Announced: June 1, 2026
Final Competition Event: June 19, 2026

The final competition event will bring together finalists, community leaders, industry experts and potential investors for an evening of compelling pitches, networking and celebration of entrepreneurial vision.

For more information, to apply and to submit questions, visit adcsd.com/aberdeen-business-pitch-competition/.

91��Ƭ�� State University renames Management Information Systems degree to Information Systems

Desiree Kolb — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 16:54:25 +0000

91��Ƭ�� State University renames Management Information Systems degree to Information Systems

Desiree Kolb Thu, 01/22/2026 - 10:54

ABERDEEN, S.D. – 91��Ƭ�� State University’s Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems has been renamed to a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems.

The degree’s new title reflects how the field and 91��Ƭ�� State University’s curriculum have evolved. Information systems work today extends beyond managing systems and includes creating, innovating and leading with technology.

Students in the program develop skills in data analytics, cybersecurity principles, database concepts and coding. The program is designed to prepare graduates to analyze problems, design solutions and lead technology initiatives in modern organizations, connecting business strategy with effective technology solutions. The updated name aligns with industry language and is expected to reduce confusion for prospective students and employers.

“This name change reflects strategic updates to curriculum and courses that provide students with relevant knowledge and hands-on experiences that prepare them for careers in technology-driven industries,” said Dr. Kristi Bockorny, Dacotah Bank Dean of the School of Business. “Knowledge of information systems is broadly applicable across sectors, including for-profit organizations, nonprofit entities, government agencies, healthcare, and education.”

For more information about 91��Ƭ�� State University’s Information Systems program, contact Dr. Kristi Bockorny, Dacotah Bank Dean of the School of Business, at kristi.bockorny@91��Ƭ��.edu or (605) 626-2402.

Winners announced for the 2025 BIG Idea Competition

Desiree Kolb — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 21:37:10 +0000

Winners announced for the 2025 BIG Idea Competition

Desiree Kolb Tue, 01/20/2026 - 15:37

ABERDEEN, S.D. – High school innovators from South Dakota and across the country were recognized through the 2025 BIG Idea Competition, with winners announced during an awards ceremony held Dec. 18 at 91��Ƭ�� State University.

The competition was split into two finalist tracks. Out-of-state finalists presented on Dec. 9, while South Dakota finalists presented Dec. 18. In total, nearly $55,000 in cash and scholarships was awarded.

South Dakota winners

1st place: Dakota Detailing – Dean Castellano and Bennett Woolverton (Warner High School; advisor Pam Lane). $1,000 cash and $2,500 scholarships to 91��Ƭ�� State University, Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota.
2nd place: Bloom – Brynn Kindelspire (Tri-Valley High School; advisor Tracy Vogt). $500 cash and $2,000scholarships to 91��Ƭ�� State University, Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota.
3rd place: Sizzle Shakk – Max Lauseng, Chris McCormick and Kolbe Mohling (Watertown High School; advisor Tom Lenox). $250 cash and $1,500 scholarships to 91��Ƭ�� State University, Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota.

Out-of-state winners

1st place: Naturista – Planet and Health Friendly Coffee Pods – Aditya Herekar and Karan Verma (John P. Stevens High School, New Jersey, and Liberty High School, Texas).
2nd place: WheyMaker – Ayush Dadgale and Hasini Manne (Brookfield East High School, Wisconsin).
3rd place: EcoGrid – Taylen Li, Mason Hu and Hugo Ho (Winston Churchill High School, Maryland).

Special category winners

BIG Idea Elevator Pitch Video Winner (Recorded Pitch + Live Pitch): Dakota Detailing – Dean Castellano and Bennett Woolverton (Warner High School; advisor Pam Lane). Sponsored by Dakota Plains Commercial Real Estate.
Wellness Award: NeuroGrip – Pranav Srinivasan and Nishchal Talugula (Edison High School, New Jersey). Sponsored by Independent Health Solutions.
Agriculture Innovation Award: Boekelheide Airborne Mosquito Spraying – Ty Boekelheide (Northwestern High School; advisor Alexz Peterson-Smith). Sponsored by the South Dakota Agriculture Foundation.
Hometown Business Award: Pretty Paws Staycation – Macee McGregor and Bentley Miotke (Webster High School; advisor Jessica McGregor). Sponsored by the South Dakota Retailers Association.
Makers Award: EV Evolution – Zander Harry (Groton High School; advisor Eric Swenson). Sponsored by Blackout Industries.

The Partners in Business Award recognized educators for bringing networking and mentorship into their classrooms. This year’s recipients were Pam Lane (Warner High School), Jessica McGregor (Webster High School) and Chad Richardt (Ipswich High School). The Partners in Business awards are sponsored by Angelhaus.

For more information, contact 91��Ƭ�� Innovation and Startup Center at startup@91��Ƭ��.edu or 605-626-2815.

91��Ƭ�� State University Students Pitch Business Ideas in Annual Competition

Desiree Kolb — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 18:53:15 +0000

91��Ƭ�� State University Students Pitch Business Ideas in Annual Competition

Desiree Kolb Mon, 11/24/2025 - 12:53

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Eight 91��Ƭ�� State University students took to the podium Tuesday evening, turning big ideas into bold pitches during the university’s annual Idea Pitch Competition.

By the end of the night—with a packed room of students, community members and business partners looking on—Madi Jones claimed first place with her business concept, CR8 Soda. Elana Bishop earned second place for her proposal, Liora: Infrared Light Bed Studios. And Blake Clay, Cade Trenhaile and Maggie Kruger earned third with their business idea Behind the Pack.

Jones’ idea for a drive-through dirty soda shop housed in a shipping crate began with a summer trip to New Orleans, where she noticed the potential of shipping containers to serve as an affordable storefront. Originally considering a coffee shop, she shifted directions after realizing she wanted something that reflected a growing current trend like dirty soda, a mixture of fountain soda, flavored syrups, and creamer.

“I thought, what does Aberdeen need? And what’s trending? The perfect thing was soda,” Jones said.

The name CR8 Soda came to her during softball practice, and she said the concept has already gained support among her teammates.

Jones said she hopes to pursue opening the business as early as June, depending on funding and scheduling. She said feedback from judges on revenue projections will help refine her plan.

“The biggest thing is looking at the numbers—what profit looks like, what I charge, what I pay workers,” she said.

Second-place finisher Bishop presented a wellness concept centered on infrared light therapy.

She said she has researched the topic for several years, drawing from psychology, biology and medical studies, and sees potential for the technology to support athletic recovery and mental clarity among students.

Bishop has applied for the competition for the last two years but had not previously advanced to the finalist round.

“You’d think I’d be done, but I gave it one last try because I’m passionate about it,” she said.

She described presenting as both exciting and nerve-wracking.

“I think I blacked out for the 10 minutes I was up there,” she joked, adding that she felt more confident when answering judges’ questions.

Bishop said she hopes to continue developing the idea after graduation but would need mentorship to determine startup costs and next steps.

“If I had a mentor or an investor, I would 100 percent follow through with it,” she said.

In addition to the $250 second-place prize, Bishop also received $50 for a greatest need people’s choice award. Other $50 people’s choice awards went to the students pitching Behind the Pack—a student-produced podcast focusing on athletics and the athlete experience—for Best Entrepreneurial Spirit and Jones with CR8 Soda for Industry Disruptor.

The annual Idea Pitch Competition was organized by the 91��Ƭ�� State University School of Business and the 91��Ƭ�� Innovation and Startup Center. The Aberdeen Development Corporation sponsored the event’s prize money.

"The ADC is always happy and proud to sponsor this event," said judge Tim Hanigan, chief executive officer of the Aberdeen Development Corporation. “The competition was fierce. There were a lot of great ideas, and as a judge it was really tough to pick them out.”

Hanigan noted the strong turnout with a large crowd filling seats in the Black Box Theatre.
“I think this was the biggest crowd we’ve seen. Students did a great job recruiting their friends, and it brought so much energy to the room,” he said. “It was also great to see business partners and community members here supporting them.”

The Idea Pitch Competition is held annually to encourage entrepreneurship among 91��Ƭ�� State University students. Five finalists presented their ideas in a Shark Tank-style competition. In addition to CR8 Soda, Liora and Behind the Pack, Blake Stoks presented his business idea Craving Compost, and Trista Henderson and Angela Rowse presented their business idea EveryDrop.

“The students did a really good job,” Hanigan said, summing up the event. “I hope to continue seeing them do great every year.”

For more information, contact the 91��Ƭ�� Innovation and Startup Center at startup@91��Ƭ��.edu.

Finalists Announced for 91��Ƭ�� State University’s Annual Idea Pitch Competition

Desiree Kolb — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 16:18:29 +0000

Finalists Announced for 91��Ƭ�� State University’s Annual Idea Pitch Competition

Desiree Kolb Fri, 11/07/2025 - 10:18

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Five students and student groups will compete for cash prizes as they pitch their business ideas Shark Tank-style at 91��Ƭ�� State University’s annual Idea Pitch Competition, taking place Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m. in the Johnson Fine Arts Center Black Box Theater.

The event, which is free and open to the public, showcases innovative ideas from 91��Ƭ�� students and provides an opportunity for the audience to help select the winners of the People’s Choice Award, worth $150.

The finalists and their ideas are:

Blake Clay, Cade Trenhaile, Maggie Kruger, with their business idea Behind the Pack
Blake Stoks, with his business idea Craving Compost
Elana Bishop, with her business idea Liora: Infrared Light Bed Studios
Madi Jones, with her business idea CR8 Soda
Trista Henderson & Angela Rowse, with their business idea EveryDrop

Each finalist will have five minutes to present their pitch to a panel of judges, followed by four minutes of Q&A. The judging panel includes Tim Hanigan, Ryan Patnoe, Travis Schaunaman, and Kelly Weaver.

Sponsored by the Aberdeen Development Corporation, the competition offers $1,000 in total prize money, with $500 for first place, $250 for second, $100 for third, and $150 for the People’s Choice Award.

“The Idea Pitch Competition continues to inspire students across campus to think creatively and develop innovative solutions that could shape their communities and industries,” said Dr. Kristi Bockorny, Dacotah Bank Dean of the School of Business.

Organized by the 91��Ƭ�� State University School of Business and the 91��Ƭ�� Innovation and Startup Center. The Idea Pitch Competition has become a campus-wide celebration of entrepreneurship and innovation, encouraging students to explore their ideas and gain real-world experience through public pitching and feedback.

For more information and to learn about past winners, visit 91��Ƭ��.edu/idea-pitch-competition.

School of Business Receives Grant to Help Fund Student Symposium on Agricultural Business

Desiree Kolb — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 15:21:32 +0000

School of Business Receives Grant to Help Fund Student Symposium on Agricultural Business

Desiree Kolb Fri, 10/31/2025 - 10:21

ABERDEEN, S.D. – The 91��Ƭ�� State University School of Business has received a grant from the Aberdeen Area Community Foundation (AACF) to support “Growing the Future: A Student Symposium on Agribusiness,” which will be held Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

The grant was awarded through the AACF’s Aberdeen Energy-Agriculture Sub-Fund, created with funding from Advanced BioEnergy following the sale of its Aberdeen ethanol plant several years ago. The company established the charitable sub-fund to support agriculture in the Aberdeen area.

Dr. Dan Shannahan, Dr. Josh VanLaecken, Professor Candi Olson, Professor Lindsey Huber, and Dacotah Bank Dean Dr. Kristi Bockorny collaborated to apply for the grant, which will help fund the symposium and provide valuable experiential learning opportunities for students in 91��Ƭ��’s new agricultural business major.

“We are thankful for the financial support to help fund a student symposium for agricultural business,” said Dr. Kristi Bockorny, Dacotah Bank dean of the School of Business. “This is the first year of our agricultural business bachelor’s degree, and having the ability to promote agricultural business to high school and 91��Ƭ�� students is a privilege the School of Business is looking forward to.”

For more information, contact Dr. Kristi Bockorny, Dacotah Bank dean of the School of Business, at kristi.bockorny@91��Ƭ��.edu.

91��Ƭ�� State University Professor Presents Research at National Accounting Conference

Desiree Kolb — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 20:19:16 +0000

91��Ƭ�� State University Professor Presents Research at National Accounting Conference

Desiree Kolb Wed, 08/27/2025 - 15:19

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Dr. Eman Momeni, assistant professor of accounting at 91��Ƭ�� State University, was recently invited to present at the 2025 Fraud and Forensic Accounting Conference, hosted by the Louisiana State University Department of Accounting.

Momeni presented his research, “Corporate Reporting Fraud and Descriptive Decision Theories,” which explores the behavioral, psychological, and cultural factors behind fraudulent financial reporting. His invitation came as recognition of his scholarly publication and his service as an Editorial Advisory Board member for the Journal of Forensic and Investigative Accounting.

The conference brought together experts from across the country, including representatives from the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), and attracted certified public accountants, fraud examiners, internal auditors, attorneys, and educators.

“Corporate financial reporting fraud remains a serious threat to the integrity of our financial systems,” Momeni said. “My research shows that effective prevention requires more than traditional audits. It demands integrating behavioral insights into audit practice, ethics training, governance, and leadership modeling.”

Momeni said his key takeaway was the importance of bridging academic research with real-world application. “Participants valued the practical insights that rigorous scholarship can bring to combating fraud,” he added.

NSU Professor’s Research on Market Efficiency Published in International Finance Journal

Desiree Kolb — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 15:00:40 +0000

NSU Professor’s Research on Market Efficiency Published in International Finance Journal

Desiree Kolb Mon, 08/25/2025 - 10:00

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Dr. Eman Momeni, assistant professor of accounting at 91��Ƭ�� State University, recently had his work published in the Afro-Asian Journal of Finance & Accounting.

His article, “The impact of an emerging market’s microstructure legislations on market efficiency: evidence from Iran,” looks at how new trading rules on the Tehran Stock Exchange influenced both pricing efficiency and investor behavior. The research focused on four key areas — tick size, lot size, minimum order value, and base volume — and compared market data before and after those rules went into effect.

Momeni found that updating market microstructures can strengthen the pricing process and lead to more efficient markets. These results, he said, are especially valuable for policymakers and investors working in emerging economies.

“This publication contributes to a deeper understanding of how legislation shapes financial systems and complements my broader research on corporate governance and financial transparency,” Momeni said. “This perspective helps students grasp both the challenges of international markets and the influence that regulations have on how investors act.”

Samantha Wipf Wins Aberdeen Idea Pitch Competition with Optimal Performance

Chad Hatzenbuhler — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 15:42:39 +0000

Samantha Wipf Wins Aberdeen Idea Pitch Competition with Optimal Performance

Chad Hatzenbuhler Wed, 07/02/2025 - 10:42

ABERDEEN, S.D. — Samantha Wipf was named the winner of the Aberdeen Idea Pitch Competition, hosted by the 91��Ƭ�� Innovation and Startup Center and Aberdeen Development Corporation.

With more than 30 business pitches submitted and five finalists presenting at the competition finals, Wipf's business, Optimal Performance, stood out for its innovative approach to physical therapy. She will receive a $10,000 cash prize, sponsored by the Aberdeen Development Corporation.

"It feels awesome. I'm very appreciative," Wipf said after the announcement. "I feel like I've worked very hard on this pitch. All the others did so well. And it's so fun.

"The prize money is going to give me a great boost to help expand and bring on another therapist and just make care more accessible in Aberdeen and in the rural communities," she said.

Optimal Performance offers one-on-one physical therapy services, specializing in orthopedics, sports and pelvic health. The business features unique manual techniques, such as cupping and dry needling, to accelerate recovery. Additionally, the clinic provides advanced recovery tools, including compression and contrast therapy, with access to an infrared sauna and cold tub.

"We're a little bit different at Optimal Performance. We are a private clinic, which means that we are working for the client and with the client, rather than that secondary insurance system dictating what we can and can't do," Wipf explained. "I get one hour — a lot of times more than one hour — directly with my clients. We can chat more, get a personalized plan of care, and cover multiple issues in one visit — whether it's knee pain, headaches or neck pain."

The other finalists who presented at the pitch competition were surprised when Tim Hanigan, CEO of the Aberdeen Development Corporation, announced that the other four finalists would receive $1,000 to help with their entrepreneurial journey. Those finalists include Robin Niewenhuis with Frodo, Shaun McNeely with Mattress Medic Mobile, Jonah Schmidt with TopDown Drone Services, and Samantha St. Clair and Nicholas Tucker with Sunrise Greens LLC.

"This year's finalist event surpassed any expectation we may have had," said Bea Smith, director of the 91��Ƭ�� Innovation and Startup Center. "It was inspiring to witness five finalists take the stage to pitch their innovative ideas. The community's support for the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Northeast South Dakota was evident, with more than 100 attendees celebrating these visionary entrepreneurs."

Tim Hanigan, CEO of the Aberdeen Development Corporation, echoed the excitement: "It was an awesome experience. The judges faced a tough decision choosing among the finalists, underscoring the high caliber of ideas presented. We're committed to supporting these entrepreneurs as they navigate the next phases of their business journeys."

The competition highlights the strength of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Aberdeen, which continues to foster growth and innovation, helping local businesses like Optimal Performance expand their reach and impact.

For more information about the Aberdeen Business Pitch Competition and upcoming entrepreneurial events, visit 91��Ƭ��startupcenter.com.