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 PRESS RELEASE 711 E. Wells Ave. | Pierre, SD 57501 | 800-872-6190 | fax 605-773-3256 | |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, Oct.15, 2010 CONTACT: Mary Lehecka Nelson, Marketing and Public Relations Manager Firearm Research and Technology Forum in Rapid City RAPID CITY, S.D. – Firearm and ammunition companies from across the nation will be in Rapid City next week for South Dakota’s first Firearm Research and Technology Forum. The forum, set for Thursday, Oct. 21, will link firearm and ammunition companies with South Dakota universities and technical institutes. The companies will learn about the state’s research capabilities, and the schools will have an opportunity to discover new research possibilities in the firearm industry. “This event will highlight South Dakota priorities,” said Gov. Mike Rounds. “As a state, we continue to expand our university research and development activities, and firearms have long been one of our target development industries.” The forum will bolster both goals, the Governor said. “We have a cluster of firearm and ammunition companies already operating in South Dakota,” he said. “That knowledge base, paired with our positive regulatory environment and lack of a state income tax, makes South Dakota a perfect fit for firearm research and technology discussions.” South Dakota currently has 33 firearm and ammunition companies. They employ more than 700 people in 15 communities. The forum will run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. MDT on Oct. 21 at the Surbeck Center on the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology campus in Rapid City. Guest speakers include Mike Magouirk, Senior Vice President of Operations and Chief Operating Officer of Colt Defense, LLC; and Fred Neal, Cabela’s Senior Director of Merchandising of Hunting Hard Goods. -30- Media Note: Media interested in attending a portion of the forum should contact Mary Lehecka Nelson of the Department of Tourism and State Development by Oct. 20. | |