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third-generation South Dakotan, Dan Ahlers was born in Dell Rapids. During his elementary school years, Dan and his family moved to Rapid City and then Gillette, Wyo. He returned to Dell Rapids his senior year in high school to help care for his grandfather, a retired Army sergeant and state employee, while he was suffering from Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

During his senior year, he met his future wife, Amy Coffaa, at a high school dance. Dan and Amy attended Augustana College together and married the summer after Amy graduated from college. They currently live in Dell Rapids and enjoy spending time with their three-year-old son.

Even in high school, Dan was curious about politics and looked forward to his government classes. His interest in government grew during his college years, and he graduated with a bachelor's degree in government and international affairs. He also served on Augustana's student senate, wrote political columns for the student newspaper and served as an intern during one of South Dakota's legislative sessions.

Throughout his college years, Dan worked full-time at Menards to pay for his education. Attending school full time while working 40 hours each week taught Dan how to multi-task and handle pressure.

A few years after graduating from college, Dan contributed to the Dell Rapids community by opening his first business. Later he branched out by starting additional businesses in Hartford and Tea. He sold his Tea and Hartford stores in 2005 so he could care for his grandmother until she passed away. Dan bought a historic building on Main Street of Dell Rapids in 2006 and renovated the structure. He opened a coffeehouse and bookstore in that building in February 2008.

Dan has been a member of the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce, and he served on the chamber board for three years, with two of those years as president. He also worked with the Hartford Economic Development Corporation on creating a support-your-local-businesses program.

Owning businesses in small towns has taught Dan the importance of economic development in rural South Dakota. Strong business communities help South Dakota's small towns thrive by providing employment opportunities and generating tax revenue.

Dan has served as your state representative from 2006 to 2008 and your state senator from 2008 to 2010. For the past two years, he has served District 25 residents as a member of the appropriations committee. He would appreciate your vote this November.