Sturgis, SD (2/24/2015) – On March 3, Meade County residents will have an opportunity to vote on Referendum Resolution 2014-4, Creation of Tax Incremental Finance District (TIFD) Number One. The creation of this TIFD is a method of financing the proposed Fort Meade Way road project. After SEDC surveyed our very diverse membership base and gathered input from the Fort Meade VA, the SD Department of Transportation and the County Commission, the SEDC Board of Directors voted to neither publicly support nor oppose the road project. SEDC remains committed to responsible growth and planned development, and encourages everyone to be an informed voter and vote on March 3.

SEDC and the Rushmore Region joined the SD Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) and seven other communities at the SHOT (Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade) Show in Las Vegas in January. The show had its second largest attendance at nearly 65,000. The firearms industry is a major economic driver for our area. SHOT again proved to be an ideal venue for networking opportunities to strengthen our existing companies and generate new leads. SEDC President Pat Kurtenbach and Black Hills Power’s Mutch Usera look forward to hosting site tours with prospects they met at this year’s show.  

 SEDC attended the International Council of Shopping Centers retail industry trade conference in Omaha in January. It focused on regional, smaller market retailers seeking to expand. It was an excellent opportunity to meet directly with site selectors and brokers to promote the many commercial development opportunities and incentives available in Sturgis and Meade County. One of the retail brokers is expected to tour our area soon.

SEDC recently received a $2,500 marketing support grant from Black Hills Power. The funds will be used to re-design the SEDC website and videos. It has been four years since their last major makeover, and is an SEDC 2015 priority goal. Work on the project will start soon with The HomeSlice Group and TIE Media. 

Construction will begin in March on the 5,110 sq. ft. industrial incubator building at the entrance to the Sturgis Industrial Park. A public groundbreaking ceremony will be coordinated with the construction start. Approximately 1/3 of the building will house the high school’s new CTE machinist program starting in Fall 2015. Other space in the incubator is available for emerging businesses and will be finished to suit their requirements. For information, please contact SEDC. 

Weather permitting, Baron Properties plans to begin construction in March on the first phase of Sierra Vista Apartment Homes, a 48-unit multi-family housing development on Ballpark Road, Sturgis. The first 16 units should be ready for occupancy seven months after the foundation is laid. In the meantime, all leasing inquiries can be directed to Help-U-Rent at 722-7368. This rental management firm is owned by Jenni Tucker and will be located at 1238 Main Street, Suite #2, Sturgis. More information can be found at http://www.help-u-rent.net/ and 

http://sturgisapartments.homesandland.com/.