Governor's Office of Economic Development

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, October 1, 2002

For More Information: Mary Lehecka Nelson, (605) 773-5032

Verifications Inc. to Cut Ribbon on New Facility

Pierre – State and local officials will join officials from Verifications, Inc. on October 9, 2002 at 2 p.m. for a ribbon cutting at the new Aberdeen facility. The day will include a ribbon cutting, presentations, tours and appetizers. The celebration will take place at the Dakota Regional Commerce Center at 516 Production Street North in Aberdeen and is open to the public.

Governor Bill Janklow said he's pleased with the expansion in Aberdeen, just two years after Verifications expanded from Minnesota to Watertown. "Nothing promotes our business climate better than this type of in-state expansion," Janklow said. 

Verifications’ CEO Curtis G. Marks agrees. "We are very enthusiastic about our decision to open our new business center in Aberdeen," Marks said. "We are confident that the City of Aberdeen, the State of South Dakota and Verifications will all benefit greatly."

"Having Verifications Inc. as our newest business in town is great news for Aberdeen," said Mayor Tom Hopper. The $2.5 million two-story building is situated just north of the Aberdeen Development Corporation’s office in Aberdeen's Business Park. About 40 employees are already at work on the second floor. Projections call for up to 150 employees. "It is with pleasure that we welcome Verifications to our community," Hopper said. "These are good, solid professional jobs, and we look forward to a great future. Economic development is a priority and the opening of Verifications in our community is another indication of our success," he added.

Verifications was founded 13 years ago in Minneapolis. Two years ago, an office was opened in Watertown, which currently employs approximately 150 people. In June 2001, the expansion into Aberdeen was announced, plans began immediately to design and construct a 40,000-square-foot, two-story office building, with the top floor committed to Verifications, Inc. Wells Fargo Bank – Aberdeen provided construction financing with long-term financing provided by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, South Dakota Rural Enterprise, Inc., Rural Electric Economic Development and the Aberdeen Development Corporation. 

Jim White, president of the Aberdeen Development Corporation said, "Verifications, Inc. is an excellent addition to Brown County’s already diversified employment base. The quality jobs created and the building constructed are right in sync with the Aberdeen Development Corporation’s goals to create above average primary jobs and to broaden the county tax base." The Aberdeen Development Corporation’s Smart Center provided temporary space until the new building was completed and occupied on September 9, 2002. Currently Verifications has more than 40 employees with plans to grow to 100 over the next 18 months.

Hopper said that construction of the new building makes him proud of the efforts to attract the business. "We're glad that they are part of the community. This was the result of numerous meetings and efforts of many dedicated individuals. It shows what we can do when we pull together," he said. Attracting Verifications began in April 2001 when the Governor’s Office of Economic Development first contacted 

The Aberdeen Development Corporation regarding the company’s expansion. Bill Maynard, the Executive Vice President of Operations for Verifications said they were extremely pleased with the success of the Watertown business center and were reviewing several options for the next center when the Aberdeen Development Corporation contacted them. 

Following the meetings and discussions with the Aberdeen Development Corporation, our decision was easy. "When it got right down to the Aberdeen Development Corporation’s competitive offer of renting a new building, built to our specifications, setting up shop immediately in the Smart Center, and the work ethic of this region, the choice of Aberdeen was a simple one," Maynard said.  "I am so happy we're here, and very pleased with the way things worked out. We have a great future in Aberdeen."

About Verifications, Inc.

Verifications, Inc. is a privately held company that specializes in employment screening for business and provides a broad range of background checks, drug screening, skills assessment testing and occupational health screening services. From its headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the company has been serving clients since 1987 and maintains a network of contracted field researchers covering the United States and Canada. Verifications serves small, medium and large companies internationally which includes over 25% of the Fortune 100 and over 30% of the Fortune 50 companies which represents a broad spectrum of industries.

Site Contractors and Partners 

Governor’s Office of Econ. Development 

Verification’s Incorporated

Aberdeen City Commissioners Aberdeen Development Corporation Automatic Building Controls

B & H Masonry Inc. Bank West Brink Engineering & Hase Inc.

Brown County Commissioners Ceramic Designs City of Aberdeen - Engineer

City of Aberdeen – Mayor Commercial Interior Custom Sheet Metal

Dacotah Banks, Inc. Dahme Construction East River Electric Power 

Fargo Tank & Steel Wright & Sudlow Concrete Contractors HKG Architects

Peter Hoon House of Glass Jack Riley & Son Masonry 

Jerke Irrigation Kyburz Carlson Construction Lien Transportation Company

Maloney & Maloney Mattern Electric Northern Electric Cooperative

Northern Valley Comm. Northern Woodworking Inc. Otis Elevator Company

Parkview Nursery Pro-Tec Roofing Company Qwest Dex & Service Signs

Schwan Electric SD One Stop Career Center Sichmeller Engineering 

US Bank & Wells Fargo Bank US Congressman John Thune Western States Fire Protection

US Senator Tim Johnson US Senator Tom Daschle Northern Electric Cooperative