PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Mike Rounds recognized two standout South Dakota communities and an exemplary volunteer at the Governor’s Economic Development Conference on April 9 in Pierre.

Aberdeen - 2008 Governor’s Large Community of the Year

“Aberdeen has made great strides in economic development this past year. Its aggressive recruitment of several large employers, in addition to civic improvements and new cultural activities, take the state another step closer to accomplishing the goals of the 2010 Initiative,” said Gov. Mike Rounds.

 

Aberdeen is home to several new companies. Molded Fiber Glass Companies will be manufacturing blades for GE’s 1.5-megawatt machine, one of the most widely used wind turbines in the world. Northern Beef Packers will process up to 1,500 cattle per day while providing producers in the region a place to process their cattle. The plant will place an emphasis on SOUTH DAKOTA CERTIFIED™ Beef.

 

“These are just some of the projects that will contribute to the influx of workers to the city,” said Gov. Rounds. “The addition of approximately 2,000 jobs will be a major boost to the economy.”

 

A supply of jobs will also mean a demand for housing. And that’s why several entities have come together to provide quality housing at reasonable prices. Government representatives, the Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce, Aberdeen Development Corp., and professionals in the real estate and construction industries have banded together to form a task force that will evaluate what steps need to be taken to meet this goal. Homes Are Possible Inc. sold nearly 20 homes to income-qualified individuals in 2007.

 

“Aberdeen has proven that when different groups work together, extraordinary things become realities,” Gov. Rounds said.

 

 

“The 2008 small community of the year is home to about 2,000 people. It is a community that understands the need to move forward and is taking proactive measures to accomplish that goal,” said Gov. Rounds.

 

In 2007, Lennox made improvements to its city hall with additional office space and a modern presence on Main Street, upgraded its infrastructure with major improvements to the water system, and sold all properties in the city’s industrial park.

 

Lennox is welcoming new companies that will increase job opportunities for its residents, as well as bringing more people to town. The increase of 190 jobs that were created in 2007 represent nearly 10 percent of the community’s population. The community investments made during the past two years represent $2,800 per person.

 

The Lennox Area Development Corporation (LADC) has played a crucial role in the community’s success. Since the mid-90s, LADC has followed a textbook timeline to build its economic development capacity. Now, the fruits of that labor are becoming apparent.

 

In 2007, Lennox made a commitment to economic development by hiring a city administrator. After a short time on the job, this individual was working on recruiting Wilson Trailer, a deal that ended up being a major boost to the economy.

 

“The level of commitment that Lennox has shown to economic development deserves to be noticed,” Gov. Rounds said. “It is by setting high standards that we, as a state, can look forward to a prosperous future.”

“Going above and beyond the call of duty seems like second nature to Trace Beck. His commitment to volunteering to the betterment of Pierre is commendable, and that is why he is the winner of the 2008 Excellence in Economic Development Award,” said Gov. Rounds.

 

Beck, a native of Pierre, has been active in economic development for a number of years and has used his knowledge of the area and personal contacts to schedule activities beyond the scope of traditional economic development.

 

He led an initative to change the direction of the Pierre Economic Development Corporation by taking a more proactive approach to address the needs of potential companies. He took personal time to travel out-of-state to visit prospects and gain additional knowledge of the companies and their management teams.

 

“Trace Beck’s commitment to Pierre is to be admired,” said Gov. Rounds. “The amount of time he takes away from his family and his business to attend company hostings and other events truly demonstrates his passion. He has been instrumental in securing Eagle Creek’s expansion and sets a fine example for volunteers in any arena.”

 

The Excellence in Economic Development Award was established in 1993 to honor the dedication and commitment of eight South Dakotans who lost their lives when returning home from an economic development trip. Businesses and individuals across the state helped finance this award established in honor of those who died: Governor George S. Mickelson, state business leaders Roland Dolly, Ron Reed, Angus Anson, David Birkeland, Robert Hainje, and pilots Dave Hanson and Ron Becker.

 

To view photos from the award ceremony, visit http://www.sdreadytowork.com/news/pics/index.asp