News > From the Desk of Kecia Beranek

Why You Should Consider Owning Your Own Business.

 – By

Deciding to start your own business is a leap of faith. It requires pushing out of your comfort zone and trying something new. If that idea excites you, why wait around? You’re ready to take the leap and be the CEO of your BUSINESS. It’s a lot of work and there are some risks, but the potential for rewards is huge. If you’re not convinced yet, here are 10 of the best reasons for starting your own business.

Read More

Last Modified:


Great Leaders Put Funding Behind Passion

 – By


Most readers already know how much passion for Hand County, On Hand Development has. I believe that all of the leaders in Hand County share that passion for our community and they back that passion up with the necessary funding.

Read More

Last Modified:


Welcome, Summer!

 – By

SUMMER. IS. HERE. I recently asked followers on Facebook if they would send photos of why they love in Hand County in the Summer. The results were amazing. I got 97 pictures for future promotional efforts. I also got to hear and see what people really love about our area in the summer. Here is what I learned.

Read More

Last Modified:


Sidewalk Project Update

 – By

Recently, the City of Miller had a letter submitted from a concerned citizen about the upcoming sidewalk project on 5th street. It’s been a while since we have talked about this project so this is a great opportunity to talk about the history behind the sidewalk.

Read More

Last Modified:


Year Two

 – By

It’s hard to believe that I have been at On Hand for two years already. May 6, 2021 marks my official 2nd year anniversary date here at On Hand Development. (It’s also my husband’s birthday so it’s a big day at the Beranek home.) This last year has been a wild ride, but I am truly blessed to be sitting in this chair and doing the good work I get to do every day. 

Read More

Last Modified:


Cliquey Community

 – By

Let’s define a clique first. A clique is defined by a small group of people, with shared interests or other features in common, who spend time together and do not readily allow others to join them.

Read More

Last Modified:


Cliquey Community

 – By

Let’s define a clique first. A clique is defined by a small group of people, with shared interests or other features in common, who spend time together and do not readily allow others to join them.

Read More

Last Modified:


Our Community Needs Your Loyalty

 – By

As folks are feeling more comfortable getting out and traveling, it is good to have a gentle reminder of why shopping local is so important to our community. Small businesses need your loyalty now more than ever. Small businesses have struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep their doors open and products on their shelves. I realize that everyone wants to get out and see different places but just remember to keep that shop local mentality when you go

Read More

Last Modified:


Where are Our Champions?

 – By

Since my last article on “Pitching Miller,” a lot of people have asked me what is going on with the hotel project. I have met with my board and some experts and I am happy to share some details with you.

Read More

Last Modified:


Impact of our Revolving Loan Fund

 – By

Last week, I was visiting with other Economic Development professionals around the state about our programs here at On Hand Development and they were so surprised in the success of our most significant program, our Revolving Loan Fund (RLF). I decided it might be best to gather some information on our most significant program, and let my community know what kind of impact it has on Hand County and how other communities envy having that option for businesses.   

Read More

Last Modified:


On Hand Would Like to Welcome our Newest Board Member, Travis Stevens

 – By

Travis Stevens is the newest face to the On Hand Development Corporation Board of Directors. Travis was selected by the On Hand Board at the most recent board meeting on Wednesday, March 10. Travis is taking the seat of Mike Wetz who recently stepped down from his role because of a conflict in his schedule.  

Read More

Last Modified:


“Pitching” Miller

 – By

Last week, I had the opportunity to “Pitch” Miller to two different groups of potential hotel investors. I had three minutes to tell them why to invest in Miller. This process is brand new to me but surprisingly came really easy. I thought of the “pitch” much like I would anyone who was looking at moving to Miller

Read More

Last Modified:


We GET to Live Here.

 – By

I started working out with a trainer a couple months ago and one of her reminders almost every day is, “Change your mindset. Change it from, you have to work out at 5:30 am to you get to work out.”  There are people in the world who don’t get the opportunity to work out because of some type of issue and they would give anything to work out.

Read More

Last Modified:


We GET to Live Here.

 – By

I started working out with a trainer a couple months ago and one of her reminders almost every day is, “Change your mindset. Change it from, you have to work out at 5:30 am to you get to work out.”  There are people in the world who don’t get the opportunity to work out because of some type of issue and they would give anything to work out.

Read More

Last Modified:


Bringing Natural Gas to Miller

 – By

Last week, Northwestern Energy brought a presentation to Miller to discuss a non-profit entity being formed to bring natural gas to 89 communities in South Dakota. 15 people attended the meeting including city council members, school board member, On Hand Development board members, business owners, and citizens.

Read More

Last Modified:


Celebrate Life’s Important Events

 – By

The Miller Community Center is staying busy. Since the fall of 2014, Miller has enjoyed its Community Center.  The theme surrounding the Center has been donations and volunteer work. It all began when the Miller School gave the land and the old elementary building complex to On Hand Development Corporation for $1 for the purpose of developing a Community Center.  With that gift, the On Hand Board of Directors immediately went to work securing manpower and design teams to turn an old school into a beautiful, functional complex that benefits not only Miller citizens but surrounding businesses and families. 

Read More

Last Modified:


Questions and Answers about Law Enforcement

 – By

The City of Miller police force committee and the Hand County Law Enforcement committee are coming together to answer questions about the idea of combined law enforcement. This opportunity is for Hand County citizens to bring their questions to the leadership groups and get some answers. This is not the time or the place to talk about anything other than law enforcement.

Read More

Last Modified:


Give to Feel Better

 – By

For the last two weeks, I have been participating in the South Dakota Nonprofit Capacity Building Program. This credentialed professional development opportunity is a 15-month training program that involves: 1) Four fundraising courses taught by faculty from The Fundraising School at Indiana University 2) Attainment of CFRE credentials 3) Activities with a statewide cohort of South Dakota fundraising professionals.

Read More

Last Modified:


Step Up, Potential Leaders

 – By

On Hand Development is always looking for leaders to step up and fill in roles. Are you a potential leader in Hand County that is ready to step up in a leadership role?

First, it takes making your community a priority. I hear this a lot when I am talking to someone about taking on a leadership role, “I would but I am way too busy right now.” We are all busy but it’s not about being busy, its about what you take time to prioritize. Just be honest and tell me that it’s not a priority for you right now.

Read More

Last Modified:


South Dakota Nonprofit Capacity Building Program Excels Rural Fundraising Capacity

 – By

Press Release 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: JANUARY 29, 2021
CONTACT: paula@dakotaresources.org

South Dakota Nonprofit Capacity Building Program Excels Rural Fundraising Capacity


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Renner, SD
  Kecia Beranek, Executive Director of On Hand Development applied and has been selected to participate in cohort two of the South Dakota Nonprofit Capacity Building Program.

This credentialed professional development opportunity is a 15-month training program that involves: 1) Four fundraising courses taught by faculty from The Fundraising School at Indiana University 2) Attainment of CFRE credentials 3) Activities with a statewide cohort of South Dakota fundraising professionals.

Read More

Last Modified:


Treat Others How You Want to Be Treated

 – By

A couple weeks ago I got a call from a Miller resident wanting to talk about my articles for the Miller Press. She explained to me that what I am writing about is not always the truth here in Hand County.

Read More

Last Modified:


Dedicated to Your Business

 – By

At our annual strategic planning session, the On Hand Development Board of Directors, agreed that the number priority for 2021 is to assist our existing businesses in Hand County. We have always put existing businesses as a top priority, but this year, we are dedicating a larger portion of our time and resources into your business.  

Read More

Last Modified:


Blessed with the Best.

 – By

How fortunate is Hand County to have so many volunteers in our community? Think about it… firefighters, EMT’s, church volunteers, board members, and the list goes on and on.

Read More

Last Modified:


Think Local First in 2021

 – By

Each one of us has a duty to our community, to help create and sustain a vibrant place to live, work, and play. We can create thriving communities through even the smallest of everyday decisions — especially when it comes to the businesses we support. With a simple commitment to always think local first, we can create a wide ripple of impact.

When our local businesses are alive and doing well, our community will THRIVE. I understand not everything can be bought locally, but it may surprise you how much actually can be, and how willing our local businesses are to get you what you need. If you make the decision to think local first, you might be surprised in what you find.

Read More

Last Modified:


All Was Not Calm, But the Future Is Looking Bright!

 – By

Joy to the World, 2020 is almost over! It was a very tough year, but 2020 brought a lot of good things to our area that we shouldn’t forget about.

Read More

Last Modified: