PIERRE, S.D. (8/22/12) – For the ninth year in a row, South Dakota has earned a spot on the Pollina Corporate Real Estate list of Top 10 Pro-Business States.

South Dakota is listed as the seventh best state in the nation for business in 2012. South Dakota was also ranked No. 7 last year.

The Pollina Corporate Top 10 Pro-Business States study evaluates and ranks states based on more than 30 factors, including taxes, human resources, right-to-work legislation, energy costs, infrastructure spending, workers’ compensation laws, economic incentive programs and state economic development efforts.

“Economic development continues to be one of my top priorities, and this outside study confirms that South Dakota is a great place to start, grow, and run a business,” Gov. Dennis Daugaard said.

A similar study by CNBC in July also ranked South Dakota the seventh best state for doing business, based on the cost of doing business, workforce, quality of life, infrastructure and other transportation, economy, education, technology and innovation, business friendliness, access to capital, and cost of living. The CNBC study also named South Dakota the most business-friendly state.

The first Pollina Corporate Top 10 Pro-Business States Study was released in 2004. South Dakota has been ranked as a Top 10 state each year since.

Sturgis, SD – August 15, 2012: Rural Development South Dakota State Director Elsie M. Meeks announced the award of $99,999 Rural Business Enterprise Grant Funds (RBEG) to the Sturgis Economic Development Corp.

The Rural Development funds will be used to construct a business incubator in the form of a 4-unit industrial mall complex. It will assist small and emerging businesses within the Sturgis Industrial Park.

“This project provides opportunity and resources to support economic development. The partnership with the Sturgis Economic Development Corp. (SEDC) shows what can be accomplished when government and entrepreneurs work together to bring increased economic stimulus and jobs to rural South Dakotans,” stated Meeks. “The Obama Administration is committed to improving the lives of rural Americans, put people back to work and build thriving economies in rural communities.”

SEDC has 38 years of successful experience in economic development and assisting rural small businesses. It was formed in 1973 by a group of visionary local businessmen. The mission of SEDC is to actively pursue economic development by assisting new or expanding business and industry in Sturgis and the greater Meade County area.

“We are excited about the economic growth potential of this project,” commented Pat Kurtenbach, SEDC President. “The goal of the industrial incubator is to assist entrepreneurs with the resources to develop, expand, and create jobs. Its location in the Sturgis Industrial Park will allow easy access for mentoring and sharing of best practice resources.”

USDA Rural Development serves as the lead federal agency for rural development needs by offering financial and technical assistance to individuals, businesses, and communities. USDA Rural Development programs include funding for day care centers, fire trucks and other community facility projects; the purchase, construction or repair of homes; loans and guarantees to rural businesses to save or create jobs and renewable energy; and loans and grants for water and sewer utility projects.

STURGIS (8/2/2012)- A collaborative effort among the City of Sturgis, the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce, Sturgis Economic Development Corp., and FourFront Design, Inc. is underway to develop a Downtown Framework Plan for Sturgis. A task force of 15 community members has been formed to collaborate with FourFront Design, Inc. to complete a 10-week effort to “facilitate change and betterment” of the downtown district. FourFront Design, Inc. was involved with revitalization efforts in Downtown Rapid City and in particular with the Main Street Square and surrounding projects.

FourFront’s Planning and Landscape Architectural Department will lead the effort and work directly with the City of Sturgis to intertwine recommendations with current City policy. Various planning efforts are under consideration as part of the effort. The Task Force is also charged with developing branding and visioning efforts, as well as identifying pilot projects that would “bring the flavour back” to the downtown district with hopes to return a vibrant economy that attracts businesses, visitors, and revenues year round. Integration with existing planning efforts such as the Sturgis 2030 Comprehensive Plan is particularly important to the process, as are other policies currently in place.

This grassroots collaborative effort will present recommendations to the public at key milestone dates in September and October. The project is funded through the generosity of downtown business owners and all participating organizations.

Three Sturgis business people were honored June 1 at the Black Hills Community Economic Development banquet.

Willie Whelchel was named the Black Hills Entrepreneur of the Year. A film produced for the banquet noted that Whelchel’s retail malls, convention center, and Sturgis Holiday Inn Express have transformed I-90’s Exit 30. Lonnie Isam won the Black Hills Volunteer of the Year award for his community service projects with the Future Sturgis initiative, and as a board member of the Sturgis Economic Development Corp. Isam owns Competition Distributing of Sturgis.

Sturgis Economic Development Corp. nominated Whelchel and Isam for the awards, and they were selected by the Black Hills Community Economic Development board of directors.

Norma Allen was also recognized at the banquet for her 2012 Excellence in Economic Development Award, presented in April by SD Governor Dennis Daugaard. She was selected because of her leadership in developing Sturgis’s firearms manufacturing cluster, and for helping South Dakota gain a prominent place in the firearms industry nationally.

Black Hills Community Economic Development represents the business development interests of 15 western South Dakota communities. Its offices are located in Sturgis and it is affiliated with Black Hills Special Services Cooperative.

Reprinted courtesy of BHCED.

PIERRE, S.D. – The Enterprising States study rates South Dakota in the Top 10 when it comes to economic performance, a talented workforce, and being in the best position to prosper in the next five to 10 years.

“These accolades are testament to common sense policies that allow for business development with reasonable taxes and regulations,” said Gov. Dennis Daugaard. “South Dakota is making its mark in the global economy by expanding existing businesses and attracting new ones; providing a quality workforce and helping train workers who need additional skills; increasing exports; and improving the quality of life for our residents.”

In ranking South Dakota as No. 1 on taxes and regulations, the Enterprising States study says the Mount Rushmore state ranks in the top five in four categories: tax environment for mature firms, overall tax environment for business, business closure rate, and the small business survival index.

“The state has no corporate income tax, no personal income tax, and no tax on business inventories, greatly lowering tax burdens on companies,” the study says. “In addition to pledging to hold the line on taxes, Gov. Dennis Daugaard made regulatory reform one of his key initiatives focused on improving South Dakota’s business climate.”

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce study made a special note of Gov. Daugaard’s “Better Government” initiative, begun in 2011 to review the state’s regulatory climate and streamline state government interactions with businesses. The study also lauds the governor’s South Dakota Workforce Initiatives (WINS) strategy of improving education, increasing worker training, expanding health-care jobs and opportunities in rural areas, and attracting new residents with valuable job skills.

Enterprising States rates South Dakota No. 5 in the nation for educating and training workers, and No. 7 for growth, productivity and livability.

The study also said South Dakota is No. 9 among potential boom states whose economies are expected to have steady growth and job creation within the next decade.

“Known for its friendly business climate, South Dakota ranks eighth in long-term job performance, fifth in projected job growth and fourth in per capita personal income growth,” the study concludes.

Reprint from SD Governor’s Office of Economic Development.

SIOUX FALLS, SD  (4/10/2012)  – Norma Allen of Sturgis was recognized by Gov. Dennis Daugaard in Sioux Falls for her achievements and contributions to economic development.

 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)

Sturgis, SD  (3/9/2012)  –  Sturgis Economic Development Corp. hosted an informational session yesterday for northern Black Hills businesses to learn more about Gov. Daugaard’s new workforce development initiative, South Dakota Wins, and the recruitment opportunities available to area employers. 

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.

STURGIS, SD  (4/4/12)  –  This 1,800 sq. ft.  industrial shop with 3-phase power gives the owner or manager the ability to live on the premises – above the business – for a limited period of time.  It is ideal for a small start-up business, or an established one seeking easy relocation options.  It is in excellent condition and is located within the 45-acre Sturgis Industrial Park.  The property is owned by the Sturgis Economic Development Corp (SEDC) and is available immediately.  Creative lease options are available and negotiable based on job creation and economic impact. Click info@sturgisdevelopment.com for details.

PIERRE, S.D. (2/23/12) – Gov. Dennis Daugaard says increased sales for one South Dakota business will soon mean an expansion project for another company on the opposite side of the state.

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.

STURGIS, SD  (2/7/12) –  Local and state economic development partners worked to expand the area’s firearms industry by participating in January’s 2012 SHOT Show in Las Vegas.  Representing the City of Sturgis, Meade County, and Black Hills Power, respectively, Rick Bush, Gary Cammack and Mutch Usera teamed up with Sturgis Economic Development Corp (SEDC) representatives Scott Sabers, Norma Allen, and Pat Kurtenbach in the SEDC exhibit booth at the world’s largest Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor, and Tactical Trade Show and Conference.  Representatives from the Governor’s Office of Economic Development were also on hand to discuss South Dakota’s business friendly environment.

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.