May 1, 2018

Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Laura Schoen Carbonneau is the new executive director of the Prairie Family Business Association, a University of South Dakota Beacom School of Business outreach program that serves family businesses in the Midwest.

She starts her new job June 4.

“We are extremely honored to have Laura join PFBA,” said Venky Venkatachalam, dean of the USD Beacom School of Business. “Her wealth of knowledge and experience will provide the Prairie Family Business Association with the fresh perspective and energy necessary to propel the organization to the next level.”

Carbonneau also has experience in nonprofits and business development as well as in the public sector with the South Dakota Department of Transportation.

“We are excited for Laura to lead the organization, continuing our efforts to evolve and grow regionally,” said Tura Synhorst, chair of the Prairie Family Business Association advisory board. “Her extensive experience and passion working with family businesses through her past role with the chamber will be invaluable and offer great opportunities for us moving forward.”

The Prairie Family Business Association, founded in 1993, has a mission of enhancing long-term survival and success of its family business members through education, programming and networking.