Learning Network Mentor Award celebrates Krista Atyeo-Gortmaker
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.The Learning Network Mentor Award for 2022 was given to Krista Atyeo-Gortmaker, Executive Director of Grant County Development Corporation, in recognition for her support and cheerleading for other economic development professionals. While the Learning Network exists to empower leaders to build connections, gain confidence, support each other, and develop professional skills, there are members within the network that go above and beyond to mentor others, and according to nominator Ashley Geigle, Atyeo-Gortmaker fits that description well.
As Ashley stated in her nomination, Krista, who she met at Ashley’s first Learning Network Gathering in Pierre earlier this year, has been a constant support for Ashley. The two connect regularly to check in on the accomplishments being made in their work, process together how to make progress, and discuss best practices to overcome conflict.
“Krista has so much to offer as a newer economic development professional with her sparky personality, knowledge, and experience,” Geigle said. “She hasn’t let resistance hold her back as she continues to move forward for her community, to make her home a better place for all! To sweeten the deal even more, I know whenever I need a boost or someone to call on, Krista is there.”
In accepting the award, Atyeo-Gortmaker shared how the work of Dakota Resources has helped her to cultivate a thriving rural and a sustainable future, both in Grant County and in collaborating with other economic development professionals.
“I have learned that bringing leaders together for discussion and future planning can only help to motivate growth,” Atyeo-Gortmaker said. “To be nominated by my peers for the Mentor Award means that I am doing my job sharing the knowledge Dakota Resources has bestowed upon me for my community and around the state. This award means that I answer questions, share what I have learned, and provide a listening ear to talk through hard decisions or pitch presentations with my peers around the state. In the end, I just want to do good work for a good cause and leave my own community in a better place than when I got here. I love to be a cheerleader for all the great things happening around South Dakota, and I see my peers in economic development doing great works for great people in their own communities.”
TAKE ACTION: Please join us in congratulating this year’s award winners! Please visit our Facebook page to leave a message of congratulations for Lake Francis Case Development Corporation, Krista Atyeo-Gortmaker, and Campbell County Commissioner Bob Shadwell.