One on One with NorthWestern Energy’s Brian Bird

On August 18, 2025, NorthWestern Energy and Black Hills Corp. announced plans to merge, creating a premier regional regulated utility company serving customers in 8 states throughout the Central U.S. Retired South Dakota Chamber of Commerce & Industry President David Owen will facilitate a discussion with NorthWestern Energy President & CEO, Brian Bird to discuss the proposed merger and what it will mean for customers and employees across South Dakota. Owen and Bird will also discuss the state of the nation’s energy infrastructure and delve into important energy initiatives that have the potential to strengthen the regional economy including next gen nuclear energy and renewable natural gas systems, among others.

The buffet lunch will be available beginning at 11:30 am. The menu will be announced soon.

The presentation, at the club’s regular weekly meeting, will be held at the South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance in Sioux Falls and will begin at noon. All Downtown Sioux Falls Rotary Club programs are open only to Rotarians and their guests. All programs are subject to the club's Privacy Policy. Local media are invited to attend to record the session.



Rotary International is one of the premier service organizations in the world. The Rotary Club of Downtown Sioux Falls is among the largest 15 clubs in the world. For more information on how to become a mentor or involve your organization in mentoring visit Sioux52.org.