WELCOME NEW INVESTORS
Please join the SEDC Board of Directors in welcoming these businesses as new SEDC investors: J & P Cycles, Rasmussen Mechanical, Discovery Kids University. For SEDC’s complete investor listing, visit https://sturgisdevelopment.com/investors.
TAX DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTIONS
If you want to make a 2016 tax deductible contribution that will benefit Sturgis for years to come, please consider giving to these local 501(c)(3) foundations before the end of the year.
- The Downtown Sturgis Foundation (DSF). Its mission is to foster economic and community development by creating a vibrant business district rich in appeal and distinct to Legendary Downtown Sturgis. Through its tax-exempt status, the DSF is able to assist caring people who desire to help revitalize the City’s core and make a positive impact on the quality-of-place of downtown Sturgis. Donors can contribute cash gifts in order to acquire items for the new Sturgis Main Street such as sculptures, benches, landscaping, etc. The DSF accepts all levels of contributions.
- The Black Hills Area Community Foundation (BHACF). Its mission is to inspire people to invest as a community to improve the quality of life of the people in the Black Hills area. The BHACF is home to the Future Sturgis Fund which grew out of the Future Sturgis Initiative in 2010. Past contributions to this fund have aided in the revitalization of downtown Sturgis, senior assisted living and Sturgis Industrial Park development.
For more info on how you can contribute to either of these funds and direct how your contribution will be used, contact Pat Kurtenbach/SEDC at 347-4906 or pat@sturgisdevelopment.com.
FABTECH TRADE SHOW
In November, SEDC joined other regional economic development organizations from five states in the Black Hills Energy booth at FABTECH in Las Vegas.
FABTECH is billed as North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing trade show with over 28,000 attendees and 1,300 exhibits. FABTECH provided an opportunity to meet with world-class suppliers, see the latest industry products and developments, and bring back information to support our existing manufacturers. With our concentrated metals-related manufacturing base, this was a great way to showcase our region’s workforce capabilities, business-friendly climate and affordable utility rates to prospective new businesses. We are proud to partner with Black Hills Energy.
INDUSTRIAL PARK INCUBATOR
The Sturgis Brown High School machine tool technology class occupies 1,800 sq. ft. of the industrial park incubator. The rest of the building will be completed and ready for occupancy by March 1st. It will have approximately 3,300 sq. ft., 3-phase power, natural gas, concrete floor, truck doors and separate utility hookups. This incubator is designed for a new or expanding business and will be available on a lease-only basis. The lease rate and terms will be determined by jobs and/or services created. For more info, contact Pat Kurtenbach/SEDC at 347-4906 or pat@sturgisdevelopment.com.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES
Since SEDC’s 2012-2016 strategic plan is quickly reaching an end, October’s annual board retreat served as a timely opportunity for both reflection and visioning.
Looking back, many of SEDC’s goals were not only met, but exceeded. Local business expansions, business relocations, new business start-ups, residential development, retail services, childcare and assisted living, as well as, industrial park near build-out have all contributed to unprecedented growth in sales and property tax revenues. Just as important is the enhanced quality-of-place for our residents and guests. A comprehensive review of 2016 will be compiled after year end.
For SEDC’s 2017-2020 strategic plan, the board established enhanced priorities while keeping SEDC’s fundamental goals the same. These foundation goals are:
Grow Business: Cultivate job creation and growth opportunities for new and existing businesses and industries.
- Develop Infrastructure: Create a diversity of fully developed sites, buildings and housing to provide adequate opportunities for new and expanding businesses and industries.
- Build Partnerships: Enhance or establish strategic alliances that foster focused, unified economic development strategies.
- Create Awareness: Increase public understanding of the role of economic development in the growth of the region.
- Grow the Organization: Strengthen SEDC through effective, sustainable operations to be recognized as the premier regional economic development group.
As in the recent past, SEDC will continue to promote residential, retail and industrial growth.
Residential priorities include more workforce housing options in line with local wages, as well as, market-rate independent congregate and senior living options.
Retail priorities include new ways to assist local businesses seeking to expand or innovate to increase their sales revenues. Other initiatives involve marketing to regional or national retailers to bring or enhance products and/or services available to our residents and guests.
Industrial priorities will focus on acquiring land to develop a new industrial park, as well as, constructing a new 9,600 sq. ft. spec building in the Sturgis Industrial Park. The success of metals-related manufacturing finds the Park nearly full, with no large buildings available for expanding or new manufacturers.
These are only a few of many strategies that will be undertaken by the SEDC Board in the next four years.
Looking forward, it is exciting to know that the momentum built over the past five years will continue to launch even more responsible growth and development. With a proven track record and many economic development partnerships in place, the future holds great promise.
We appreciate your partnership and look forward to your continued support.
Pat Kurtenbach, SEDC President
This institution is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
