Allen was honored with the Excellence in Economic Development award, which is given out at the annual Governor’s Economic Development Conference.

 Allen and her late husband moved their firearm company to Sturgis in 1985, and started what has become the largest firearm-manufacturing cluster in the state.  “Norma Allen has donated her time, provided leadership to the state, and helped cultivate new prospects for South Dakota communities in the firearm industry,” the Governor said. “She was also a driving force in the fundraising and unveiling of two Sturgis interstate welcome signs that have become very popular photo stops for visitors.”

 The generosity of Allen has touched all ages and economic groups, and it has inspired countless others to become involved in economic and community activities, Gov. Daugaard said.

 Allen will receive a $2,000 cash prize to be used for an economic development project in the Sturgis/Meade County region. 

(Excerpts from the GOED press release)

SD Wins brings together government, education and business leaders to capitalize on South Dakota’s tremendous potential.  This program will help South Dakota develop and attract a stronger, more educated workforce, positioning us to compete in a dynamic global economy.

For more information, click http://southdakotawins.com/ or  http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/daugaard-unveils-major-programs-aimed-at-building-workforce/article_d33237ae-3bc8-11e1-909b-001871e3ce6c.html.

The partnership involves Horizon Machine, a Sturgis manufacturer specializing in firearm components, and Sioux Falls-based South Dakota Silencer.

Sound suppressors for South Dakota Silencer have been made for about six months by Horizon Machine, which will add 8,000 square feet onto its existing facility because of increased demand for those products.

“This is great news for both businesses. We have long said that firearm companies just make sense in South Dakota, and this partnership is a great example,” Gov. Daugaard said. “Sound suppression devices are gaining popularity among hunters and outdoorsmen, making silencers the fastest-growing segment of the firearm industry.”

Brandon Maddox, owner of South Dakota Silencer, said a South Dakota manufacturer is beneficial for his firm.

“Our sales have jumped 35 percent in North Dakota and South Dakota now that a Dakota-based business is manufacturing for us,” Maddox said. “We moved all of our production operations to South Dakota as well as our product that was already produced in Georgia.”

To accommodate the work-flow influx, Horizon Machine will break ground for its plant expansion this spring and also create an underground firing range for research and testing.

“Horizon Machine’s partnership with South Dakota Silencer, in addition to other growth we have been experiencing, really prompted this expansion,” said Dale Mack, President of Horizon Machine. “We produce .22-caliber, .223-caliber, and .308-caliber products, which cover 97 percent of the silencer market, and we are excited to see additional growth.”

Sturgis is home to 12 of South Dakota’s 49 firearm companies, and Pat Kurtenbach, President of the Sturgis Economic Development Corp., said the Horizon Machine expansion project is welcome news.

“We are excited about the expansion opportunities this provides the firearm manufacturing cluster in the Sturgis area,” Kurtenbach said. “It’s a great example of how in-state partnerships can create jobs and strengthen local economies.”

The Governor’s Office of Economic Development has actively supported and offered technical assistance to both companies. 

Horizon Machine is also pursuing military contracts for the silencers and recently displayed its products at the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

SEDC has showcased the Sturgis area by exhibiting at the SHOT Show for over 20 years and continues see success as a result of the effort.  Sturgis is currently the home of the largest firearms manufacturing cluster in South Dakota.

“During last year’s show, we connected with several companies in various phases of business relocation,” said SEDC President Pat Kurtenbach.  “This year’s SHOT Show was an opportunity for us to strengthen relationships with these companies, to introduce others to the advantages of doing business here, and to continue to bring new economic development opportunities to the region.”

Relocating a business involves many partnerships and can take several years.  Bar-Sto Precision is the latest manufacturing recruit from the SHOT Show.  The auto pistol barrel manufacturer relocated to the Sturgis Industrial Park from California in Fall 2010 and has 12 employees.

The SHOT Show is the largest trade show of its kind.  This year, it set an overall record-breaking attendance of more than 61,000, which included 1,600 exhibitors attracting industry professionals from all 50 states and 100 countries.

Starting today, the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development will begin a new marketing campaign that targets California, Illinois and Minnesota businesses.

Gov. Daugaard says the campaign is specifically designed to educate business leaders about the benefits of operating in South Dakota.

“South Dakota is a small state. Because of that, companies sometimes overlook the amazing opportunities we provide,” the Governor said. “We want them to know that South Dakota is consistently rated as one of – if not the most – business-friendly states in the nation. Our low-taxes, positive regulatory environment, stable economy, and highly-productive workforce make South Dakota a great place to expand or open a business.”

For the remainder of the summer, industry leaders in California, Illinois, and Minnesota will receive information about South Dakota’s impressive business climate. The campaign features Gov. Daugaard and includes direct mail, print advertisements and radio commercials.

The marketing campaign will place special emphasis on taxes you won’t find in South Dakota: no corporate income tax, no personal income tax, no personal property tax, no business inventory tax, and no inheritance tax.

“South Dakota is fortunate to have a very hospitable regulatory climate and a stable economy. Not all businesses are currently being afforded this kind of business environment,” said Commissioner J. Pat Costello, South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development. “We want those companies to know, South Dakota is open for business.”

STURGIS  (8/17/11) – Jessica Carmichael, owner of Sturgis Cigar & Knife Co., recently opened her retail cigar and knife shop at 2275 Lazelle St.  Located in the Sturgis Coffee building, Jessica and husband Cory relocated this portion of the family business in time for the 71^st Rally.  The custom engraving operation will open soon.

     The store features over 50 types of imported cigars, ranging from $3 – $30.  All cigars are housed in a fully encased, cedar-lined walk-in humidor to insure maximum freshness.

     Knives range from pocket knives to swords, and include rare, custom, and military collectibles dating back to the Civil War.

     The Sturgis Cigar & Knife Co. also carries firearms manuals and a variety of unusual gift items.  It will soon offer custom engraving and branding on marble and other unique surfaces.

     Jessica learned of South Dakota’s friendly business and tax climate while attending the 2011 SHOT Show as a vendor, promoting the engraving and printing portion of the business.  “After speaking with members of the GOED, SEDC, City of Sturgis and Meade County, I was amazed at how easy it is to do business here,” states Jessica.  “Everyone has been great to work with.  I’m looking forward to getting involved in the community.”

     The business has plenty of off-street parking and is open Monday-Saturday, 7:00 am – 6:00 pm.  For more info, call 605-347-0177.

     Long Rifles, Inc. opened in 2009, sharing a small section of the Competition Distributing building.  Chad states, “I chose Sturgis because South Dakota is a firearms friendly state and the established network of firearms/ammunition manufacturers in the Sturgis Industrial Park and Black Hills area offers a tremendous resource.”  He goes on to say, “Lonnie and Marianne Isam, owners of Competition Distributing, have been a vital asset to the successful startup of this company. “ 

     As the demand for high quality, custom gun making increases, Chad continues to develop both his client base and inventory of precision CNC equipment.  LongRifles, Inc.’s reputation for accuracy, attention to detail, and personal customer service has earned a solid footprint in domestic and international markets. 

     Chad’s extensive firearms career spans over 20 years.  He’s been a marksmanship instructor and competitive shooter in the Marine Corps, a Gunmaker specializing in Olympic 3P, International Long Range, sporting, and LE/Military tactical rifles.  He’s held management positions with Nesika Bay Precision, The Anschutz National Service Center, and Dakota Arms, Inc.  Chad’s experience also includes a three year tenure as the Chief Armorer and Firearms Instructor for the US Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq.  He has also worked as a Security Contractor throughout the Middle Eastern Theatre.

     For more info, call 605-490-2561 or click www.longriflesinc.com.

A recent study released by the Praxis Strategy Group, in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, ranks South Dakota the fourth best state in the nation for its efforts to create favorable conditions for business growth and job creation.

Gov. Dennis Daugaard is pleased that the state’s positive business climate is again being recognized nationally.

“These are trying economic times, but we are dedicated to maintaining South Dakota’s outstanding business environment,” the Governor said. “This study reaffirms that South Dakota’s concentrated focus on economic development is one of the best ways to recover from a lagging national economy.”

The study states: “A leader in tax policy and overall job-growth rankings, South Dakota continues to show steady economic performance.  South Dakotans have reasons to be optimistic moving forward.”

Among reasons for South Dakota’s top rankings, the study lists the recent establishment of South Dakota’s targeted tax refund program that provides an incentive for business-building projects; the state’s favorable business-tax climate; South Dakota’s investment in specialized economic development infrastructure, such as SDSU’s Innovation Campus; a stable manufacturing sector; and the Dakota Seeds workforce development program.

Additional South Dakota rankings cited in the study include:

• 1st in the nation for its business tax climate
• 1st in the nation for small business survival
• 2nd in the nation for its productivity growth
• 3rd in the nation for its Gross State Product Growth
• 5th in the nation for its short-term job growth
• 8th in the nation for its long-term job growth

Praxis Strategy Group is an economic research and community strategy company that works with leaders and innovators in business, education, and government to create new economic opportunities.

South Dakota also was recently ranked first in the nation for economic freedom by George Mason University, and third in the nation by the Camelot Index. The Camelot Index measures economic vitality, health, education, crime, society and government.
Excerpts from http://www.sdreadytowork.com/South_Dakota_Ranks_No4.aspx