Buxton Update.
Representatives from the City of Sturgis, Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce, and SEDC received initial training from Buxton on the numerous reports that can be customized for our retail businesses. They include sales leakage and surplus, consumer buying tendencies, and demographic information. While we become familiar with using and interpreting the information in the reports converted through sodapdf.com, Buxton is completing the VISA data extraction that will give us further insight into the buying patterns of local shoppers and visitors. Once the information is complete, it will be presented to local businesses to assist in strengthening their marketing and advertising programs. In May, the City and SEDC will attend RECON, a retail trade industry show, to meet with national and regional retailers who could be a match for Sturgis.
Sierra Vista Apartment Homes.
The owner of Sierra Vista Apartment Homes reports that Phase II of the planned 3-phase development should have units ready for lease by May 1.This 16-unit, pet-friendly building on Ball Park Road in Sturgis offers these configurations and rates:
- Three 4 bed / 2 bath (1st floor
- with finished basement) $1,300
- One 3 bed / 1 bath (1st floor) $ 900
- One 3 bed / 2 bath (2nd floor) $1,000
- Four 2 bed / 1 bath (1st floor) $ 800
- Seven 2 bed / 2 bath (2nd floor) $ 850Questions regarding rates and lease information may be directed to property/leasing manager Help-U-Rent at www.help-u-rent.net or 605-490-3974.
Industrial Park Spec Building.
Bids for a 9,600 sq. ft. speculative shell building to be built in the Sturgis Industrial Park were opened in February. Of the four bids received, Iverson Construction was the low bidder for a wood building, and the only bidder for a metal building. The $164,324 bid was awarded to Iverson. Construction should begin in two weeks, weather permitting. The building shell will be ready by July 1. Spec buildings are designed to shorten the start-up time for businesses seeking to expand or relocate. By having the building’s foundation and exterior in place, the remainder of the building is customized to meet the needs of the new owner or tenant, often cutting their start-up time in half.
Reverse Career Day.
Will be held March 21st. Now in its fifth year, this industry-education partnership finds local high school students applying to tour Sturgis Industrial Park businesses. Accompanied by faculty, 25 students will meet with business owners, managers, and employees to gain a firsthand perspective on modern manufacturing processes. These processes include software programming, CNC programming, and product development. Participants will also learn about the coursework required for entry-level success, aptitude and skill sets necessary for career success, regional salary expectations and career development opportunities. Local tours include: Bar-Sto Precision, Hi Qual Livestock Equipment, Horizon Machine, Landsport, and Rasmussen Mechanical.
Industrial Park Tour.
On April 6th, educators from a 16-state region will have an opportunity to tour the Meade School District’s machine tool technology classroom located in the SEDC incubator, as well as, some of the Sturgis Industrial Park manufacturers who helped make this industry-education partnership possible. The Association for Career and Technical Education is the largest national education association dedicated to advancing education that prepares youth and adults for careers. The educators will be touring these manufacturers: Horizon Machine, Bar-Sto Precision, Legend Suspensions, and HiQual Livestock Equipment.
