FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 3, 2023

Contact: Ian Fury

Gov. Noem’s “Freedom Works Here” Surpasses 4,000 Applicants

PIERRE, S.D. –Governor Noem’s “Freedom Works Here” national workforce recruitment campaign has surpassed 4,000 applicants. 816 individuals are in the final stages of the process of moving to South Dakota. The ads associated with the campaign have been viewed more than 370 million times.

“Just over a month ago, we took a leap of faith and told South Dakota’s story to the nation. ‘Freedom Works Here’ tells folks about the strength of our economy, our strong apprenticeship programs, and our out-of-state professional license recognition,” said Governor Noem. “The nation is responding to our story in an incredible way. Hundreds of folks are already working with our job advisors to find businesses in need of workers. We are excited to welcome these Freedom-loving Americans to South Dakota.”

One “Freedom Works Here” applicant called Governor Noem’s office and expressed their gratitude for South Dakota’s Workforce Freedom bill, which recognizes out-of-state licenses for nearly every profession. Now, “Freedom Works Here” applicants don’t have to work through red tape to get a professional license. They can start working in their career fields as soon as they arrive in South Dakota. That applicant was excited to learn that their electrical license would be accepted by the South Dakota Electrical Commission.

The most applications have come from California (751), Texas, (293), Florida (278), Minnesota (267), and New York (171). 131 South Dakotans have also used the campaign as a tool to get plugged into career opportunities. A map showing where applicants are from can be found here.

These results are fantastic – and they only represent those working directly through the “Freedom Works Here” program. Even more people are finding jobs and moving to South Dakota of their own accord after seeing the ads.

If your South Dakota business has open jobs, find future talent here.

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