FREEMAN, S.D. — A buzz of anticipation filled the halls of Freeman Junior-Senior High School on Wednesday morning as students in grades 6 through 12 explored what their future could look like — not in some distant city, but right here at home.
The first-ever Greater Freeman Area Career Fair, organized by the Freeman Community Development Corporation in partnership with Experience Freeman, brought together more than 20 local businesses, two technical colleges and community leaders for a hands-on, hometown career showcase. For many students, it was their first opportunity to speak directly with employers about the work available in their own community — and to envision how they might one day contribute to it.
“This is more than just a job fair,” said Shelly Wanninger, Marketing and Development Coordinator for the Freeman Development Corporation. “It’s about showing our students that they don’t have to leave Freeman to find opportunity. Development doesn’t always have to come from the outside — we can grow from within.”
That message resonates deeply in small towns across South Dakota, where youth retention has become a growing concern. According to the South Dakota Board of Regents, 24% of South Dakota students attend college out of state, and only 46% remain in the state to live and work after graduation. While many students seek broader horizons — and rightly so — the challenge lies in showing them that meaningful, fulfilling careers can be built right at home.
Enter the Freeman Career Fair.
Over the course of the morning, students rotated through booths hosted by local employers, learning about job roles across a range of industries — from automotive repair and construction to real estate, banking and retail. They had the chance to ask questions, make connections and even consider part-time jobs that could give them a foot in the door while still in high school.
Businesses were encouraged not only to explain what they do, but to highlight the benefits — both financial and otherwise — of working in Freeman. From competitive wages and flexible scheduling to team culture and opportunities for advancement, the message was clear: regardless of your skillset, there’s a place for students here.
Jennifer Leither / Mitchell Republic
Freeman’s strong economic foundation supports this claim, Wanninger said. With two thriving business districts — one in the heart of downtown and another along Highway 81 — the town has seen steady growth over the years. Employers range from family-owned shops and service providers to manufacturers, health care facilities and educational institutions. There’s even room for teens looking to earn extra money, thanks to jobs at grocery stores, convenience stores, child care centers and local restaurants.
Emily Hofer, a Freeman native and CFO at Merchants State Bank, kicked off the event by sharing her own story. After studying abroad and exploring the world, she ultimately found herself drawn back to her hometown.
“That’s okay if you want to blow this popsicle stand and get away from home as far as possible,” Hofer said with a smile. “But come back.”
She encouraged students to look beyond labels when considering careers.
“Banking may sound boring, but it’s more than just bankers,” she said. “There are IT roles, marketing positions, and so much more. Talk to these businesses and see what they may have for you now — or five years down the line.”
Wanninger echoed that sentiment, noting that even after living in Freeman collectively for over a decade, she’s still discovering what local businesses have to offer.
“I’ve lived here collectively for 12 years, and only recently took a tour of Vermeer. I was amazed,” she said. “I think a lot of residents may not even realize the range of opportunities we have right here.”
Also present were representatives from Mitchell Technical College, Lake Area Technical College and the Build Dakota Scholarship program, all offering students post-secondary pathways that connect directly to in-demand local careers.
Principal Mitzi Wynia praised the event’s dual purpose — exposing students to real-world opportunities while helping employers connect with the next generation of talent.
“It’s about giving our students the tools to envision a future here — not because they have to, but because they want to,” Wynia said.
Organizers hope this is just the beginning. With positive feedback and strong turnout, there’s momentum to make the Greater Freeman Area Career Fair an annual tradition — one that invests in Freeman’s most valuable resource: its youth.
“If we show them the possibilities,” Wanninger said, “they just might choose to stay — or to come back.”
Jennifer Leither joined the Mitchell Republic in April 2024. She was raised in Sioux Falls, S.D. where she attended Lincoln High School. She continued her education at South Dakota State University, graduating in December 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism. During her time in college, Leither worked as a reporter for the campus newpaper, The Collegian. She also interned for Anderson Publications in Canistota, SD the summer of 2000. Upon graduation, Leither continued to reside in the Sioux Falls area and worked as a freelance writer for the Argus Leader for a number of years.
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