Press Room > 2004 :

Governor Recognizes Excellence in Economic Development

RELEASE DATE: Wednesday, May 12, 2004

For More Information Contact: Mary Lehecka Nelson, 773-3301

Pierre, SD – Gov. Mike Rounds recognized three communities and one individual for their achievements in the area of economic development. The awards were presented at the Governor’s Economic Development Conference held May 11 in Pierre.

Gov. Rounds named Canton as this year’s Community of the Year. Canton, population 3,300, was named for its aggressive approach to economic development. “When faced with the closure of Behr Heat Transfer, Canton officials took matters into their own hands by working with local people to purchase the operation and keep the jobs in Canton,” Rounds said.

The community also purchased 72 acres of land to develop, participated in Xcel Energy’s Strive to Thrive Program and completed major street and utility improvement projects. “It truly is that kind of pro-active, can-do attitude that deserves recognition,” Rounds said.

The Governor awarded Tom Farber of Britton a $2,000 check for being named the 2004 Excellence in Economic Development winner. The money is used for a community project in Britton. “Tom Farber exemplifies excellence in economic development,” Gov. Rounds said. “He has served on the local board for many years, has been instrumental in helping develop single family homes and local businesses and has truly worked to make Britton a better place to live and work,” he added.

Gov. Rounds said that volunteers, like Farber, are the foundation of economic development in South Dakota. “Volunteers drive so much of what goes on in South Dakota,” the governor said. “It is fitting that we take time to recognize those individuals who make this state so great,” he added.

A new award was created this year to honor outstanding economic development web sites. The governor presented the award to Deadwood for Communities of less than 5,000 and to Rapid City for Communities of more than 5,000.

“Studies show that 72 percent of site selection decision makers are getting their information from the Web so it’s imperative that our communities continue to constantly upgrade their sites,” he concluded.