Governor's Office of Economic Development
RELEASE DATE: Friday, January 25, 2002
For More Information Contact: Mary Lehecka Nelson, 773-5032

Runnings Farm & Fleet Selects Pierre for Distribution Center

Pierre – Runnings Farm & Fleet, a Minnesota-based retailer, is establishing a satellite distribution center in Pierre to service company-owned retailers across South Dakota and the Midwest, Chris Braendlin, commissioner, Governor’s Office of Economic Development, announced today, January 25, 2002.

“The new distribution facility will employ 20 full-time employees over the next three years and will provide an estimated annual payroll of $350,000,” Braendlin said. “Additionally,” he continued, “Runnings will retain more than 100 employees and add up to 30 positions in South Dakota.”

Runnings has existed in South Dakota since the mid-1960’s when it opened a store in Brookings. After more than 30 successful years in Brookings, the company expanded its operations to Aberdeen. “We experienced immediate success in Aberdeen and when the opportunity arose to expand statewide we jumped at it,” said Bill Joens, co-owner of Runnings.

In December 2001, Runnings purchased the assets of 15 Country General stores, nine of which are located in South Dakota. The new distribution center in Pierre will service the nine South Dakota locations and five out-of-state locations.

“Runnings has established itself as the major retail outlet for agricultural products in the state and we are pleased the company has chosen South Dakota for its distribution center,” said Braendlin.

Runnings will operate out of the 72,000-sq.ft. Century Building located in the Airport Industrial Park in Pierre. Jim Protexter, director of the Pierre Economic Development Corporation finds the partnership between Runnings and the City of Pierre to be an ideal match.

“It’s absolutely the best use for the former Century Building and I’m confident our labor force, our central proximity to Running’s stores and our outstanding highway system will support Running’s commitment to its customers,” said Protexter.

Mr. Joens agrees, “The central location and the availability of a top notch facility made Pierre the obvious choice for our distribution center.”

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