Black Hills Community Economic Development’s newest board member, Kory Menken, brings a wealth of experience to the position, as well as West River roots. Menken grew up in Rapid City and worked in the congressional offices of Senators Thune and Pressler. His work in economic and workforce development then took him east for 12 years, where he served as the Director of Workforce Solutions for The Siouxland Initiative and the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce in Sioux City, Iowa and also as the Executive Director of the North Sioux City Economic Development Corporation. However, he knew he would come back, “I’ve always been a West River guy, and I want to put my expertise and experience to work for West River.”

Kory became Executive Director of the Spearfish Economic Development Corporation two years ago and has been active with the Rushmore Region Economic Development Alliance. He has prior experience working with the SBA 504 Loan Program and says he’s looking forward to doing 504 loan reviews while serving on the board, “It’s a great tool for small businesses.”

Kory says he was honored when the BHCED board reached out to him and asked him to join, “I’m impressed by what they do and like the regional approach. I’m glad to be part of such a good organization.”