PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota economic development officials are pleased with the results of last month’s Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT).

“This was the 12th consecutive year South Dakota has attended the SHOT Show,” said Pat Costello, Commissioner, Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED). “The quality and number of leads that came out of the 2013 show reaffirmed the benefit of our continued presence. Our delegation was pleased with the number of new and existing contacts they were able to connect with at the show.”

The South Dakota delegation included state representatives, city-level economic developers and Bar-Sto Precision of Sturgis. The delegation held more than 25 meetings throughout the show with previously established prospects, new leads and existing South Dakota companies.

“The Sturgis Economic Development Corp (SEDC) and local development partners have participated in the SHOT Show for many years,” said Pat Kurtenbach, SEDC President. “It is a great opportunity to connect with companies in various phases of business relocation. Each year, allows us to strengthen those relationships, introduce others to the advantages of doing business in South Dakota, and continue to bring new economic development to the region.”

The 2013 show also provided an excellent opportunity to promote South Dakota’s business climate.

GOED representative Joe Fiala was featured in a NRA News segment on Jan. 14. Fiala discussed the benefits of doing business in South Dakota for shooting, hunting and outdoors companies.

The annual SHOT Show in Las Vegas is the world’s premier exposition for industries involved in firearms, ammunition, and other equipment and supplies for shooting sports and hunting. SHOT Show attendance was more than 62,000 this year, with 1,600 exhibitors. There were nine South Dakota companies exhibiting independently of GOED at the show.

“Our delegation came away from this show with new leads and stronger relationships with existing prospects. I look forward to continuing to develop our relationships with these companies, and welcome them to South Dakota in the future,” Costello concluded.
To learn more about South Dakota’s shooting, hunting and outdoors industry visit www.sdreadytowork.com/firearms.