Our Mission – Job Creation
SEDC actively pursues economic development by assisting expanding or new business, industry and housing in Sturgis and Meade County. SEDC is the only local organization with this full time focus.
History
In 1973, local businessmen formed the Sturgis Industrial Expansion Corp. (SIEC) as a private non-profit corporation to secure federal funds to create an industrial park. Today, the 45-acre Sturgis Industrial Park is home to 25 businesses and over 200 employees.
In 2007, SIEC realized the need to expand its industrial real estate focus and formally changed its name to Sturgis Economic Development Corp (SEDC). SEDC also targets residential and commercial development to focus on quality of place and additional revenue generation.
SEDC employs a full time Executive Director and is governed by a 12-member volunteer Board of Directors. SEDC is funded through property sales and leases, revolving loan interest, as well as the City of Sturgis, Sturgis Municipal Utility Board, Meade County, Investors and grants.
How We Do It
SEDC markets the assets of Sturgis and Meade County to businesses looking to expand, relocate, or start-up. Prospects are developed through targeted strategies of direct sales, trade shows, website, networking and coordination with State and other development partners. SEDC is the “go-to” organization in Sturgis and Meade County for economic development initiatives.
Buildings and Sites
SEDC developed the 45-acre Sturgis Industrial Park and constructs, owns, and manages industrial buildings in the Park to accommodate business growth. In 2015, SEDC constructed a 5,100 sq. ft. industrial incubator that is home to the high school machinist training program. SEDC purchased properties on Sturgis Main Street and at I-90 Exit 32 for commercial development. SEDC also maintains a list of other available business sites and buildings.
Community Information
SEDC compiles and maintains a community profile. This contains information frequently requested by prospects looking for area investment, such as tax structure, labor force, demographics, infrastructure, and community amenities.
Financial Resources and Incentives
SEDC directs three revolving loan funds (City, County, SEDC) to assist in financing business growth. SEDC also brokers local, state and federal financing, as well as job training grants to assist expanding and new businesses.
SEDC is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
