ABERDEEN, S.D.¨C The 2024 BIG Idea Competition celebrated entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking among high school students, culminating in an awards ceremony on December 11 at Northern State University. This year¡¯s competition drew an impressive 283 entries from 377 students representing 66 schools.

For the second consecutive year, the event featured a separate virtual competition for finalists outside South Dakota, judged independently with dedicated prizes. A total of over $50,000 in cash and scholarships was awarded across both competitions.

ABERDEEN, S.D.?¨C

Bea Smith, who leads the Northern Innovation and Startup Center at Northern State University, is among this year¡¯s Prairie Business 40 Under 40 honorees. The award highlights professionals making notable contributions to their organizations and communities.

Published monthly by Forum Communications' Grand Forks Herald, Prairie Business Magazine highlights business leaders and organizations across North Dakota, Minnesota, and South Dakota, covering industries such as finance, healthcare, energy, agribusiness, education, and more.¡­

ABERDEEN, S.D. ¨C Students in Dr. Sal Villegas¡¯ Business Policy and Strategy class at Northern State University have earned global recognition, tying for ninth place in the GLO-BUS business strategy simulation during the week of Nov. 25¨CDec. 1. Competing against 1,417 teams worldwide, the group showed impressive leadership and decision-making skills. It¡¯s the second time in two years that Northern students have placed in the top 10 globally in this competition.

The team, known as Flair Technologies (Company F), performed strongly in several areas:

ABERDEEN, S.D. ¨C The Northern Innovation and Startup Center is excited to announce its first inaugural FAIL Fest event, set for Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Engel¡¯s Event Co. The event is designed to show how setbacks, or supposed setbacks, can lead to success through creativity and innovation.

The keynote speaker for FAIL Fest is Sean Covel, a South Dakota native and producer best known for Napoleon Dynamite, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary. In his talk, ¡°From Small-Town Roots to Global Success: Innovation, Technology, and the Power of¡­

ABERDEEN, S.D.?¨C The winners of Northern State University¡¯s 2024 Idea Pitch Competition have been announced, with three students taking home top prizes for their entrepreneurial ideas. The competition, held on Oct. 17 in the Jewett Regional Science Center lobby, was sponsored by the Aberdeen Development Corporation.

1. Sam Tremelling, majoring in business administration, took first place and a prize of $500 for his app idea, Global Athlete Network. Tremelling also received a $50 People¡¯s Choice award for Greatest Need.
   
2. Abiah George, majoring¡­

ABERDEEN, S.D.?¡ª?Northern State University is pleased to announce that Dr. Sal Villegas, an assistant professor of management in the School of Business, will transition to lead the banking and financial services programs at Northern State University. With a passion for teaching and extensive industry experience, Dr. Villegas will lead the instruction and curriculum analysis of these innovative programs beginning in the fall semester.

Originally from southwestern Idaho, Dr. Villegas and his family have called Aberdeen home since 2020. He brings nearly two decades¡­

ABERDEEN, S.D.?¨C?Dacotah Bank has made a significant contribution to Northern State University, which will greatly enhance the resources and opportunities available to students and faculty within the newly established Business & Health Innovation Center. This generous gift includes the naming of the Dacotah Bank Dean of the School of Business.

The donation from Dacotah Bank will provide scholarships, marketing funds, and operational support to the NSU School of Business, as well as support the Northern Innovation and Start-Up Center. This investment¡­

ABERDEEN, S.D. ¨C The Northern Innovation & Startup Center and Aberdeen Development Corporation are excited to announce the finalists for the inaugural Aberdeen Business Pitch Competition. This milestone represents a significant advancement in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation within the Aberdeen community.

The competition aims to inspire and support entrepreneurial ventures, refine business ideas, and provide access to vital resources such as investment and financing. The first-place winner will receive a $10,000 cash prize, sponsored by¡­

ABERDEEN, S.D. - Northern State University has named Dr. Kristi Bockorny as the next dean of the School of Business. Bockorny assumes this leadership position as Northern begins construction of its new Business and Health Innovation Center, which will greatly enhance opportunities for students in the School of Business.

Bockorny is currently an associate professor of management and director of the NSU Honors Program. She will begin her new position on June 22.

"Dr. Bockorny brings a wealth of experience to this new position, including 14 years of full-¡­

ABERDEEN, S.D. ¨C The Northern Innovation and Startup Center will present two programs designed to empower those looking to bring their business ideas to life. The Center, established in late 2022, is committed to fostering innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship.

The Idea Workshop is scheduled from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 11 at Northern Valley Communications (NVC) hyflex conference room. The Idea Workshop is a collaborative, hands-on event tailored to inspire and guide individuals on their entrepreneurial journey. Led by Northern School of Business professors¡­