BROOKINGS – Nick Schmeichel operates his own business in Brookings, and he thinks there’s more the Brookings City Council could be doing to represent and help other companies and workers in the community.
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BROOKINGS – Nick Schmeichel operates his own business in Brookings, and he thinks there’s more the Brookings City Council could be doing to represent and help other companies and workers in the community.
Schmeichel, 32, is one of four candidates vying for two spots on the council. This is his first run for public office.
Schmeichel has lived in Brookings since 2003, when he moved here to attend South Dakota State University. Later he went to work for Daktronics.
He now owns and operates Sideline Productions, a live events video production house with a new building near the Swiftel Center and Bel Brands. The company owns and rents out Dakotronics displays and creates live imagery at events like Jazz Fest, fairs, rodeos and other sporting events.
Schmeichel said he thinks a city council should be a diverse group of community members, spanning all different types of industries and professions.
“I am a small business owner who not only started in Brookings, but I was allowed to grow to the point of building my own location in town, and I would like to be that representation on the City Council,” he explained.
Schmeichel said his main goal, if elected, is to promote sustainability within the community.
“I don’t just mean environmental. I mean economic and social sustainability as well.
“The big issue that our town is facing right now, businesswise, is workforce development. We have a lot of young professionals leaving town. There are positions here, but there are a lot of young professionals leaving the city and we have to find out why and correct that so our companies can continue to grow.”
He and his wife, Joni, have a 2-year-old son, Hendrix.
Schmeichel will be joined on the April 11 ballot by incumbents Dan Hansen and Ope Niemeyer and newcomer Isaiah Croatt. There are two three-year posts opening on the Council.
Contact Jill Fier at jfier@brookingsregister.com.
