Focus Watertown was founded in 1997 by a progressive group of business leaders. We are a non-profit economic development organization funded by public and private investors with the mission of increasing job opportunity and the property tax base of Watertown.

The associated Watertown Development Company (WDC) is a non-profit organization established to own and operate buildings, lands and development areas for the economic benefit of Watertown.

Craig Atkins was named President of Focus Watertown and Executive Director of WDC in 2006 when the previous leader was named South Dakota Secretary of Tourism and State Development by Governor Michael Rounds. Atkins has more than 15 years of economic development experience in South Dakota and has been serving Focus Watertown since 2003.

Becky Mahowald is Focus Watertown’s Marketing and Office Manager. She is an active citizen of Watertown and has developed a wealth of knowledge about Watertown businesses and is committed to enhancing the community’s future. She is a proven resource for businesses.

The Focus Watertown and WDC Board of Directors is composed of passionate, articulate and vision-minded business leaders who have led Watertown in becoming one of the most economically progressive communities in South Dakota.