REDCO Announces Blue Stone Strategy Group Will Conduct Commercial/Retail Feasibility Study for Keya Wakpala Development
Mission, SD, May 9, 2018 –Rosebud Economic Development Corporation (REDCO) recently awarded a contract to the Blue Stone Strategy Group to conduct an Economic Feasibility Study for Keya Wakpala Waíçageyapi (Turtle Creek Sustainable Community Development). The Feasibility Study will focus on commercial and retail development opportunities around the Turtle Crossing Supermarket area in Mission, SD. REDCO received a grant from the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Division of Indian Energy and Economic Development (IEED) to support the study.
The Economic Feasibility Study will help determine the right mix of retail and community program tenants to be located in the commercial area of the Keya Wakpala Development. Red Dawn Foster, Community Development Coordinator said, “We are working purposefully to design a mixed-use community, creating a sense of place and improve access to goods and services, where people can live, work, play and grow” When complete, Keya Wakpala will be a safe place for all Lakota people and their neighbors who seek a unique community encouraging health, education, and helpfulness while renewing a culturally meaningful way of life. In addition to establishing homes and businesses, Keya Wakpala promotes traditional culture and language.
Blue Stone Strategy Group, an experienced economic development firm, will complete the study and present its findings in September. “We are honored to be chosen to begin this important initiative of Economic Development with REDCO. We are excited to see what the future holds for the Sicangu Oyate”, Jamie Fullmer, of Blue Stone Strategy Group said. Work on the Feasibility Study will include community member input and surveys. REDCO CEO, Wizipan Little Elk said, “We get a lot of ideas and suggestions from people about what kind of development we can bring to the rez. People talk about a movie theater, so let’s see if its commercially feasible. The same for all other kinds of stores, restaurants, and anything else people can think of.”
Community feedback will be sought from the general public through surveys. Further information will be available later on REDCO’s website, www.SicanguCorp.com. For more information, contact Red Dawn Foster, REDCO Community Development Coordinator by phone at 605.856.8400 or email at reddawn.foster@sicangucorp.com.
ABOUT REDCO
REDCO is a chartered corporation owned by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe and managed by an independent Board of Directors for the purpose of generating revenue for the Tribe and promoting economic development. Through business management and development, policy development, and community development, REDCO works to create employment, strengthen the local economy, and provide self-sufficiency for the Sicangu Lakota Oyate.
About Blue Stone Strategy Group
Blue Stone Strategy Group is a Native-owned company, working exclusively in Indian County with over 10 years of experience. The company focuses on economic development, governance, and strategic planning – working with Tribal Governments and Tribal entities to assert their sovereignty and build strong Tribal economies.