Governor's Office of Economic Development
RELEASE DATE: Thursday, January 24, 2002
For More Information Contact: Mary Lehecka Nelson, 773-5032

New Owners for Milbank Call Center

Pierre – The former Midwest Card Services telemarketing firm is now under new local ownership, Commissioner Chris Braendlin, Governor’s Office of Economic Development, announced today, Jan. 24.

“We’re extremely pleased that South Dakotans have committed to purchase the company, retain 110 jobs in Milbank, and apply their management skills to build this company in the South Dakota,” Braendlin said. “Milbank is incredibly fortunate to be home to these entrepreneurs.”

The new partners, Christopher Berkner and Nicolle Berreth, were both managers in the call center under the previous owners. “We have a highly motivated and dedicated group of employees at this company,” Berkner, Director of Operations, said. “Our primary goal in purchasing this company was to retain this knowledgeable and experienced workforce. We knew we couldn’t go wrong with the team we have here.”

The company is an outbound telemarketer that employs 110 people in Milbank. The new company’s name is BER Communications Corp. DBA Midwest Communications Group.

The purchase of the company was facilitated by a partnership between the Grant County Development Corporation, the Northeast South Dakota Economic Corporation (NESDEC) and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.

“The Grant County Development Corporation is pleased to have been a part of keeping this business in Milbank,” said George Smith, executive director, Grant County Development Corporation. “The employment offered by this company resulting in a $1.5 million annual payroll are seen as being critical to the local economy. The existence of a trained workforce, experienced management team and a history of profitability would indicate every possibility of success for BER Communications.”

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