NEWS RELEASE

PIERRE, S.D. – The Canton Industrial Park has been approved as the first South Dakota Certified Ready Site, announced Pat Costello, commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.

The South Dakota Certified Ready Sites Program is an economic development tool available to all cities and counties in South Dakota to promote development-ready commercial and industrial sites.

“The Certified Ready Sites Program provides prospective buyers with well-packaged information, making it easier to select and develop a site,” said Costello. “I would like to congratulate Canton for taking advantage of this program and commend the continued focus on economic development.”

The program was launched earlier this year and established semi-annual application deadlines for May 1 and Nov. 1. Although only political subdivisions of the state: counties, cities, townships, planning districts and business improvement districts were eligible to apply in May, economic development groups are eligible to apply for the November round.

“Having one centralized and professional information source for prospects to learn about the Canton Industrial Park is invaluable,” said Amy Nelson, Canton City Manager. “I encourage all communities and counties in the state to collaborate with their local economic development groups and apply for this status.”

“The communities within Lincoln and Minnehaha Counties truly demonstrate a pro-business attitude and aggressiveness toward ensuring that companies are provided the information they need.  The Certified Ready Sites Program is a tool that will set our region apart by providing accurate and expedient information to companies considering relocation to our area,” said Erica Beck, executive director Lincoln & Minnehaha County Economic Development Associations. “The City of Canton is aggressively seeking additional recruitment opportunities and took advantage of this new GOED program to set themselves apart and showcase the initiative they have as a community to accomplish great things.”  

“Having Canton’s Industrial Park become the State of South Dakota’s first Certified Ready Site is an honor accomplished only through a strong partnership among the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, the City of Canton, Canton Economic Development Corporation, and Lincoln County Economic Development Association,” said Canton Mayor Chuck Smith. “Having a Certified Ready Site will help everyone to know what we already know about Canton, it is a great place to do business and a great place to live.” 

Located on the west side of Canton along U.S. Highway 18, the Canton Industrial Park covers nearly 28 acres and is certified and zoned heavy industrial, light industrial, research and development/business services and rural business park. The park already houses Adam’s Thermal and Terex.

The South Dakota Certified Ready Sites Program is operated under the supervision of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) for the purpose of providing consistent information on sites available throughout the state. For more information visit sdreadytopartner.com

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