Summit

Joni Ekstrum serves as executive director of South Dakota Biotech. She oversees its advocacy, communication, education, and membership services, representing more than 60 members in industries from food and agriculture to human health and renewable energy.

Since she assumed this role in 2012, Ekstrum has grown the membership and increased gross profit while maintaining and expanding membership benefits. Her collaborative approach has provided connections for networking and led to new business and partnering opportunities for both members and individuals. Her passion for the industry and charismatic personality have helped build relationships with other states and parent organization BIO, legislators, other advocacy groups, venture capital, economic development, and other industry partners.

Morning Plenary: Innovation in the Heartland

Jeff Lautt, President and COO at POET
Jeff Lautt is an accomplished executive with extensive experience in the motor vehicle manufacturing and semiconductor industries. Currently serving as the President and COO at POET, he has a strong background in leadership and strategic management. Jeff's career spans over three decades, with notable achievements in driving operational excellence and innovation. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and Business from South Dakota State University, which has equipped him with a unique blend of technical and business acumen. His leadership style emphasizes collaboration and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Jeff is passionate about leveraging technology to enhance manufacturing processes and sustainability initiatives within the industry. He is known for his ability to navigate complex challenges and deliver results in fast-paced environments. Outside of work, he enjoys mentoring emerging leaders and sharing insights on industry trends.

About POET
Founded in 1987, we have grown from a single, humble bioprocessing facility in Scotland, South Dakota to the world’s largest producer of biofuel and a global leader in sustainable bioproducts. Today, we are headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with 34 bioprocessing facilities across the Midwest, three corporate offices, four terminal locations, and nearly 2,400 team members. Our integrated business model combines research and development with expertise in design and construction, technology, operations, public affairs, and marketing.

The same spirit of ingenuity that helped us to pioneer an industry is still alive and well today. POET nurtures an unceasing commitment to innovating powerful, practical solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Our world-class team of researchers and engineers works to unleash the regenerative power of agriculture by creating plant-based alternatives to petrochemicals, like bioethanol, distillers grains, corn fermented protein, distillers corn oil, bioCO2 and dry ice, purified alcohol, and asphalt rejuvenator. Today, POET holds more than 140 U.S. patents and continues to break new ground in biotechnology, harnessing the potential of American-grown grain to yield even cleaner and more efficient renewable products and energy.

While the size of our business and the scope of our vision have evolved, we remain focused on reducing our dependence on foreign oil, revitalizing global agriculture, and creating a brighter world for generations to come.

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Featured Keynote Fireside Chat: Innovating Legacy

Robert Fouberg, Chairman and CEO at Dacotah Banks
Robert J. Fouberg received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Augustana University, Sioux Falls, South Dakota in 1992 with majors in Accounting, Business Administration and Economics and his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln in 1995; and graduated from the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin – Madison in 2007.

Robert began his professional career in 1995, practicing law for two years with the firm of Bantz, Gosch & Cremer in Aberdeen. In 1997, he moved to Washington, DC where he served as legislative counsel to US Representative John Thune, advising him on agriculture, banking, small business and taxation issues. In 1999, Robert left Capitol Hill to serve as the manager of agriculture and conservation policy for Ducks Unlimited, Inc. and in 2000 joined the American Bankers Association as senior counsel. At the American Bankers Association, Robert worked closely with the Center for Agricultural and Rural Banking and lobbied Congress and the Administration on all association issues with an emphasis on those issues of greatest importance to its agricultural and rural bank members. In 2003, Robert returned to South Dakota to begin his career at Dacotah Bank and today serves as chairman and chief executive officer of the bank and its parent company, Dacotah Banks, Inc. Dacotah Bank is based in Aberdeen and has 33 locations throughout Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Robert serves on the Board of Trustees of the Aberdeen Area Community Foundation; and the Boards of Directors of American Bankers Association Foundation, Avera Health, and Enterprise 605, Inc.; and was elected to serve on the Board of Directors of South Dakota Community Foundation beginning January 1, 2026. In addition, Robert has been active at the local, state and national levels with service to the Aberdeen Area Boys and Girls Club, Aberdeen Family Y, Augustana University, Children’s Home Society, Graduate School of Banking, Junior Achievement, Northern State University and United Way.

Robert is married to Dr. Erin Hogan Fouberg, associate provost, associate vice president of academic affairs and director of graduate studies at Northern State University. Robert and Erin have two adult children: Margaret and Henry.

Panel: Healing Beyond the City – Healthcare in Rural Communities

Erica DeBoer, RN, MA, CCRN, CNL, Sanford Health’s chief nursing officer
Erica DeBoer, RN, MA, CCRN, CNL, serves as Sanford Health’s chief nursing officer. A member of the organization’s executive leadership team, DeBoer provides clinical expertise for Sanford Health’s work in quality, safety, research and care management. She also oversees the integration of clinical initiatives.

DeBoer has more than 20 years of experience as a front-line registered nurse, including roles in critical care, clinical leadership and education. She most recently served as Sanford Health’s senior executive director of nursing and clinical services and clinical informatics. DeBoer has also served as adjunct faculty for nursing programs at South Dakota State University and the University of Sioux Falls.

The Sanford Health nursing practice DeBoer oversees is the largest division of the enterprise workforce supporting patient and resident care, including nearly 9,000 nurses across the post-acute, ambulatory and inpatient settings. She believes nurses are a critical part of the fabric binding the many facets of health care work together to achieve safe, high-quality care that exceeds patient expectations.

DeBoer is particularly interested in the link between patient experience and employee experience, knowing that changes in one sphere often directly drive improvements in the other. She sponsors a variety of initiatives in both areas at Sanford, including the use of predictive analytics to inform care and plan workforce needs; leveraging technology to automate non-value-added work so teams can focus on patient care; reducing clinical variations in care; and improving health equity and reducing the barriers patients face in accessing care. DeBoer says nurses are an incredibly flexible, innovative resource in these efforts and are essential to meeting the needs of our patients and communities.

Active in several professional associations, DeBoer holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from South Dakota State University and a master’s degree in nursing from Augustana University.

DeBoer resides in Lennox, South Dakota, with her husband, Shane, and their two children.

About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland.

Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 53,000 employees and serves over 2 million patients and nearly 425,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest, including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

As we grow, our policies, procedures and systems continue to support those who need it most. We’re focused on improving health outcomes and creating welcoming environments where we foster safety and respect regardless of lived experiences, backgrounds or socioeconomic status.

Each year, throughout the Sanford Health system there are:

• 9.7 million outpatient and clinic visits
• 362,428 emergency department visits
• 112,512 admissions
• 228,405 surgeries and procedures
• 13,094 births

Panel: Healing Beyond the City – Healthcare in Rural Communities

Dr. Kevin Post, Chief Medical Officer for Avera Health
Dr. Kevin Post has served as Chief Medical Officer for Avera Health since 2023, following his tenure as Chief Medical Officer of Avera Medical Group since 2020. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Des Moines University-Osteopathic Medical Center in 2002 and is board-certified in family medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians. With 15 years of clinical experience, Dr. Post dedicated 12 years to rural family medicine and three years to emergency medicine. His leadership within Avera Health also includes serving as a Physician Advisor, where he played a key role in advancing clinical excellence and operational efficiency. Dr. Post is an active member of the South Dakota State Medical Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American Medical Association. His professional interests include quality of care, patient experience, physician leadership development, and medical provider wellness. Through his leadership, Dr. Post remains committed to enhancing healthcare delivery and supporting the well-being of both patients and medical professionals.

About Avera Health
Avera cares for the whole person — mind, body and spirit. When you or your loved ones need help, a community of compassionate physicians and care teams is here. Together, we serve you at our over 300 convenient locations in 100 communities across five states in the Upper Midwest.

Avera Health, an integrated health system based in Sioux Falls, SD, is committed to making a positive impact in the health and wellness of persons and communities. Avera provides qualities care in SD, MN, IA, NE and ND through 315 locations in 100 communities and serves 1 million individuals. Our 20,000 employees live out our Christian values of compassion, hospitality and stewardship daily in patient encounters and through our non-clinical support teams.

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Healing Beyond the City – Healthcare in Rural Communities
Moderator

Tom Johnson, Vice President of Hospital Pharmacy and Laboratory Services at Avera Health

Treasurer of South Dakota Biotech Board
Tom Johnson is the Vice President of Hospital Pharmacy and Laboratory Services at Avera Health, in Sioux Falls, S.D. where he has responsibility for hospital-based pharmacy services across the health system. Tom also oversees laboratory operations at Avera McKennan Hospital. Over the years, he has consistently championed advancing optimal patient outcomes through the progressive use of patient centered healthcare teams.

Tom earned his Pharm.D. from North Dakota State University (NDSU) and completed an ASHP-accredited pharmacy residency at St. Alexius Medical Center/NDSU in Bismarck, N.D. Tom received his Masters of Business Administration from the University of Sioux Falls. He has served in multiple roles over his professional career including clinical practice, academia, research, and leadership.

Tom has been involved in professional organizations his entire career. Over the years he has been an active member in several organizations including SCCM, ACCP, ACHE, and ASHP. Tom’s main professional involvement has been with ASHP where he has served in multiple roles including Presidential Officer (2019-22); Treasurer (2016–2019); Board of Directors (2011–2014); numerous committees and councils; and as a state delegate for many years. He is also a Past-President of the South Dakota Society of Health-System Pharmacists (SDSHP) and was recognized as the 2005 SDSHP Pharmacist of the Year. Tom is a Fellow of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, a Fellow of the American College of Critical Care Medicine, and a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

About Avera Hospital Pharmacy and Laboratory Services
Diagnosis and treatment of many health conditions often involves tests or procedures that require special services to evaluate samples and report findings. You and your physician can rely on the Avera Laboratory Network for accurate pathology and laboratory results that help identify the most effective treatment for your specific situation.

Avera cares for the whole person — mind, body and spirit. When you or your loved ones need help, a community of compassionate physicians and care teams is here. Together, we serve you at our over 300 convenient locations in 100 communities across five states in the Upper Midwest.

Avera Health, an integrated health system based in Sioux Falls, SD, is committed to making a positive impact in the health and wellness of persons and communities. Avera provides qualities care in SD, MN, IA, NE and ND through 315 locations in 100 communities and serves 1 million individuals. Our 20,000 employees live out our Christian values of compassion, hospitality and stewardship daily in patient encounters and through our non-clinical support teams.

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Dr. Mark Stowers, Co-Founder and General Partner, South Dakota First Capital

South Dakota Biotech Board President

Dr. Mark Stowers is the Biotech Executive of The Global Bluefish Company, LLC, a global management and financial advisory company which focuses on de-risking agriculture, food, bioproducts, and bioenergy and chemical businesses globally. It provides diverse business and technical guidance encompassing research management, product development, business development, marketing, mergers and acquisitions, licensing, corporate finance and general management.

Mark was most recently Chief Operations Officer and President of North America at Inari Agriculture, an emerging gene editing and computational seed design company targeting improved yield and resiliency of corn, soybean and wheat. While at Inari, he was responsible for the early-stage set-up of the company, its product development, the development and launch of the company’s “go to market” strategy, information technology, and its seed supply chain.

Previously he held senior executive positions in the research and business development areas at Limagrain, POET and Monsanto (now Bayer Crop Science). He has also worked to commercialize new biotechnologies and helped new business start-ups as President and CEO of MBI International and the Bio-Business Incubator of Michigan. He was the co-founder of Draths Corporation and the UCDavis-HM.Clause Life Sciences Innovation Center. Over the last twenty-five years he led/supported equity and debt financings of over $2 billion including a $200+ million IPO.

Dr. Stowers holds a Ph.D. in microbiology from North Carolina State University (1982) and completed post-doctoral studies at the Boyce Thompson Institute at Cornell University (1983). He is a NC State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Distinguished Alumnus (2003). He (as the principal from HM.Clause) is the recipient of the UC Davis Chancellor’s award Innovative Community Partner award (2016). He has served on numerous company, not-for-profit, and university boards and advisory committees.

About South Dakota First Capital
South Dakota First Capital Group is an emerging investment firm that seeks to invest in clever, gritty, and charismatic team's working on compelling businesses in South Dakota and the Upper Midwest of the United States. The firm further leverages the strong business, governmental affairs, and scientific/technical expertise of its Partners to create dynamic opportunities for its portfolio companies.

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Exciting updates are on the way! We’re finalizing an incredible lineup of speakers for the 2025 South Dakota Biotech Summit—and we can’t wait to share who’s joining us.

✨ Confirmations in progress.
✨ Big announcements coming soon.
✨ Opportunities you won’t want to miss.

October 27 – Opening Day

4:00–6:00 PM
Opening Mixer: Building Biotech Bridges
Networking Reception with Drinks & Heavy Appetizers

4:30–5:15 PM
Featured Keynote Fireside Chat: Innovating Legacy
Robert Fouberg, Chairman and CEO at Dacotah Banks

5:15–6:00 PM
Strategic Conversations: Shaping the Future of South Dakota Biotech
Interactive Stations on Strategic Goals, Private Sector & Academic Collaboration

Kick off SD Biotech Summit with an evening designed for connection! Join peers, innovators, and industry leaders for a networking reception featuring refreshing drinks, heavy appetizers, and plenty of opportunities to spark new collaborations.

This welcoming mixer is your first chance to meet fellow attendees, exchange ideas, and start building the biotech bridges that will carry South Dakota into the future.

Don’t miss the perfect start to an inspiring convention—arrive ready to connect!

Featured Keynote Fireside Chat: Innovating Legacy

At this year’s Biotech Summit, don’t miss a powerful keynote conversation that explores how honoring tradition can ignite bold innovation. Innovating Legacy will dive into the ways established institutions, leaders, and industries are evolving to meet the future—without losing the values that built their foundation.

Join us for an inspiring fireside chat that will challenge perspectives, spark new ideas, and highlight how South Dakota’s biotech community is turning legacy into lasting impact.

More information coming soon.

Strategic Conversations: Shaping the Future of South Dakota Biotech

Ready to move beyond presentations and into action? Join us for an interactive session designed to spark fresh ideas and bold collaborations.

✅ Explore hands-on stations focused on South Dakota’s strategic biotech goals
✅ Dive into private sector + academic collaboration opportunities
✅ Engage directly with expert facilitators

This is your chance to share insights, build connections, and help shape the future of South Dakota’s biotech ecosystem. Don’t just attend—be part of the conversation that defines what comes next.

October 28 – Summit Day

8:00–8:15 AM
Opening Session: Welcome & Celebration of Excellence
Welcome by Ballard Spahr
LIVE and Distinguished Collaborator Awards Presentation

8:15–9:30 AM
Morning Plenary: Innovation in the Heartland
Fireside Chat on the Impact of Innovation in Rural Communities
Jeff Lautt, President, POET
More information coming soon

10:00–10:45 AM
Panel: Healing Beyond the City – Healthcare in Rural Communities
Moderator: Tom Johnson, Avera
Panelists: Kevin Post, CMO Avera, Erica DeBoer, CNO Sanford, Marcia O'Leary Clinical Research

11:15–12:00 PM
Keynote Fireside Chat: Vision for a Stronger Bioeconomy
More information coming soon

12:45–1:45 PM
Round Table Sessions: Driving Change Together
Small Group Dialogues on the Following Topics:
✅ Legislative Foundations: Creating an Environment for Growth
✅ STEM is Everywhere: Preparing the Workforce of Tomorrow
✅ From Innovation to Implementation: What’s Next?
✅ Forward Focus: Shifting the Mindset for the Future
✅ Workforce Ready: Community Solutions for Talent Gaps

1:45–2:00 PM
Summit Close: Reflecting on Momentum and Looking Ahead
Closing Remarks - Mark Stowers, Board President

Opening Session: Welcome & Celebration of Excellence

Kick off the second day of the South Dakota Biotech Summit with a moment of recognition, innovation, and momentum!

Welcome by Ballard Spahr
This year’s opener includes a special welcome from Ballard Spahr—whose long-standing commitment goes beyond legal counsel. Through their Biotech Legal Accelerator program, the firm has committed $300,000 in in-kind legal services over five years, helping early-stage South Dakota biotech companies scale by offering hands-on legal support in areas like IP protection, asset protection, business formation, and risk management Their ethos of going beyond traditional legal guidance adds credibility and strategic muscle to the state’s biotech ecosystem.

LIVE and Distinguished Collaborator Awards Presentation
Since 2014, these awards honor outstanding contributors advancing biotech in South Dakota.
LIVE Award
Celebrates leadership, innovation, vision, and entrepreneurship in bioscience—recognizing those working to heal, feed, and fuel the world. Past recipients include Mel Ustad (EPSCoR), Steve Statz (Avera Health), Governor Dennis Daugaard, and T. Denny Sanford, each exemplifying the spirit of local innovation.
Distinguished Collaborator Award
Honors individuals or organizations building bridges across academia, government, and industry to strengthen South Dakota’s biotech sector.

Join us for this inspiring launch to a Summit built on collaboration, leadership, and forward momentum.

Don’t miss this distinguished start—as we celebrate excellence and set the tone for a convening rooted in innovation and partnership.

Morning Plenary: Innovation in the Heartland

Start your day with a thought-provoking fireside chat exploring how innovation is transforming rural communities across South Dakota and beyond. This session will highlight the unique challenges and incredible opportunities that arise when biotech, technology, and agriculture intersect in the heartland.

Hear from leaders who are driving breakthroughs, fueling local economies, and proving that rural regions can be powerful engines of innovation.

Inspiring conversation at the South Dakota Biotech Summit—where the future of innovation takes root.

Healing Beyond the City – Healthcare in Rural Communities

More information coming soon

Keynote Fireside Chat: Vision for a Stronger Bioeconomy

More information coming soon

Roundtable Sessions: Driving Change Together

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Biotechnology Innovation Organization [BIO] is the world's largest biotechnology organization, providing advocacy, business development and communications services for more than 1,200 members worldwide. Our mission is to be the champion of biotechnology and the advocate for our member organizations—both large and small. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology technologies. Corporate members range from entrepreneurial companies developing a first product to Fortune 100 multinationals. We also represent state and regional biotech associations, service providers to the industry and academic centers.

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LUNCHEON SPONSOR

POET’s vision is to create a world in sync with nature. As the world’s largest producer of biofuel and a global leader in sustainable bioproducts, POET creates plant-based alternatives to fossil fuels that unleash the regenerative power of agriculture and cultivate opportunities for America’s farm families. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Sioux Falls, POET operates 34 bioprocessing facilities across eight states and employs more than 2,400 team members. With a suite of bioproducts that includes high-quality animal feed, corn oil, green asphalt rejuvenator, purified alcohol, and renewable CO2, POET nurtures an unceasing commitment to innovation and advances powerful, practical solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Today, POET holds more than 100 patents worldwide and continues to break new ground in biotechnology, yielding lower-carbon, more efficient renewable energy and bioproducts.

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The Research Park strives to establish itself as a physical environment that can deve​lop, attract and retain technology companies that are aligned to the talent and sponsored research conducted at SDSU. ​

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For over 60 years, it´s been our business to help better your business. Since 1954, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation (SFDF) has been leading the way in creating one of the most vibrant, secure, and growing economies in the nation. Founded by a group of far-sighted business leaders, the SFDF is a non-profit economic development corporation with the mission of improving the economy of the Sioux Falls region. We connect businesses with the tools and resources they need to be successful.
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2025 LUNCHEON SPONSOR

The USD Discovery District is an 80-acre contemporary corporate and academic research park is a public-private partnership effort between USD, the City of Sioux Falls, the South Dakota Board of Regents, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and the business community through Forward Sioux Falls. The research park's expansion is anticipated to conclude over a 25-year timeline. Upon full completion, the expected economic outcomes encompass 26 privately constructed buildings, with a combined construction value exceeding $314 million. Additionally, the research park is projected to provide employment opportunities for nearly 2,800 individuals through companies situated within the district.

The concept for the Discovery District began more than two decades ago, with leaders in business and education coming together to set a strategy on growing technology-based business in South Dakota. In 2012, the legislature passed and Governor Daugaard signed legislation to authorize research parks on lands controlled by the South Dakota Board of Regents. The USD research park corporation was formed later that year. The USD Discovery District name was formalized in 2015.

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BREAKFAST SPONSOR
2024 GOLD SPONSOR
The University of South Dakota is a vibrant setting of innovation artistry and discovery, with research and creative activity opportunities in all disciplines across campus. USD researchers collaborate with industry professionals to bring new technologies to market as well as carrying out fundamental research in order to elucidate physical processes, improve human health, and protect the environment. In addition to individual research, the university hosts multi-disciplinary competitive research centers that foster academic excellence and spur economic growth. Biomedical engineering, chemistry, and physics are the main pillars of USD’s materials research; key research strengths and facilities within this area include the Center for Ultra-low Background Experiments in Dakotas (CUBED), Graduate Education and Applied Research Center (GEAR), and Center for Security Printing and Anti-Counterfeiting Technologies (SPACT). USD is also home to the state's only medical school. Sanford School of Medicine faculty members teach students the latest techniques and skills for a career in biomedical research. Critical biomedical research areas include anatomy and structural biology, cancer biology, immunology, cardiovascular sciences, microbiology, neuroscience, rural healthcare, pharmacology and physiology, among others. Key research groups and facilities include: South Dakota Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network (BRIN), Neuroscience & Nanotechnology Network (USD-N3), Center for Brain & Behavior Research (CBBRe) and USD’s two biomedical cores: Behavioral Core and Physiology Core.

SUPPORTING SPONSOR

AdvaMed, The Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed), is a trade association that leads the effort to advance medical technology in order to achieve healthier lives and healthier economies around the world. AdvaMed’s membership has reached over 500 members and more than 80 employees with a global presence including Europe, India, China, Brazil, and Japan. AdvaMed’s member companies range from the largest to the smallest medical technology innovators and companies. The Association acts as the common voice for companies producing medical devices, diagnostic products and digital health technologies.

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SUPPORTING SPONSOR
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America's heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization serves more than one million patients and 220,000 health plan members across 250,000 square miles. The integrated health system has 47 medical centers, 2,800 Sanford physicians and advanced practice providers, 170 clinical investigators and research scientists, more than 200 Good Samaritan Society senior care locations and world clinics in 8 countries around the globe.

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SUPPORTING SPONSOR

No matter where you live across the Upper Midwest, count on Avera Health, an integrated health system based in Sioux Falls, SD, for the same top-quality health services you’d find at major medical centers and regional referral facilities. Avera serves South Dakota and surrounding areas of Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and North Dakota through six regional centers in Aberdeen, Mitchell, Pierre, Sioux Falls and Yankton, SD, and Marshall, MN. We serve you through 37 hospitals, 215 primary and specialty care clinics, 40 senior living facilities in addition to home care and hospice, sports and wellness facilities, home medical equipment outlets and more. You’ll benefit not only from the highest quality expertise and technology, but also from an emotional and spiritual connection with Avera caregivers.

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NETWORKING SPONSOR

South Dakota State University is the state’s leader in the creation and dissemination of knowledge through research, development and innovation. Whether it’s through in-house R&D or partnerships with industry leaders designed to give students hands-on experience, SDSU ensures graduates will make an immediate impact on the rapidly evolving biotech industry.

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