VERMILLION, S.D. (WNAX) – As the economy grinds to a halt, some smaller towns are looking to their past as a guide to the future.

Nate Welch, Executive Director of the Vermillion Chamber and Development Corporation, says they have seen the peaks and valleys in a short time.

Welch says their chamber got started at a tough time in history.

Welch says that history shows how cooperation can help most survive.

Welch says despite the slowdown, they are still working on economic development and job retention.