PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- After spiking to over nine percent at the start of the pandemic last spring, South Dakotas unemployment rate has dropped back down below three percent.

That has many businesses and manufacturers scrambling to find workers again.

Dave Owen, President of the state Chamber of Commerce and Industry, says its still a matter of matching skills and openings.

Owen says there are many efforts underway to expand the workforce.

Owen says there was also an attempt to increase housing.

Many businesses are offering higher wages and sign on bonuses as incentives to potential employees.