RELEASE DATE: Tuesday, May 17, 2005

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

PIERRE, S.D. – Sioux Falls and Rapid City made Forbes magazine’s top 10 list of the nation’s best small metropolitan cities for starting a business or a career. For the third straight year, Sioux Falls received the top ranking. Rapid City was ranked number six.

“This simply confirms what we in South Dakota already know. The word is getting out that our state not only has an unparalleled quality of life, but that there is tremendous opportunity for businesses and individuals to thrive,” Gov. Mike Rounds said.

Economy.com assisted Forbes in ranking cities by weighing business costs and living costs. Cities were also ranked according to other factors, such as job growth and educational attainment. “These are many of the same factors we are using to gauge the success of the state’s 2010 Initiative,” Gov. Rounds said.

“This reinforces what we have been telling folks for a long time. Bring your family, bring your talents, and bring your ideas to South Dakota and good things will happen,” Gov. Rounds said. “Having two of our cities on this list shows that South Dakota is one of the most business friendly states in the nation and highlights one of our best resources – our people.”

Sioux Falls also finished No. 1 in 2003 and 2004. This year, Sioux Falls ranked first in income growth and third in cost of doing business. Rapid City which ranked sixth overall, ranked ninth in income growth and seventh in cost of doing business.