NEWS RELEASE

FOR RELEASE: Monday, December 9, 2013
CONTACT: Natalie Likness, Governor’s Office of Economic Development, 605.773.3301

Dunes Eye Consultants Building New Office, Adding Jobs

Dakota Dunes, S.D. – Dunes Eye Consultants, a family vision medical care clinic that specializes in laser vision correction, will be constructing a 12,000-square-foot office facility, thanks in part to a SBA 504 loan from the South Dakota Development Corporation.

“It is exciting to announce this project in Dakota Dunes. This project is a testament to the strength and resolve of our community and demonstrates that we are moving forward after the devastation caused by the 2011 flood,” said Dr. Steven Ferguson, owner of Dunes Eye Consultants. “Working with the SBA allowed us to have a predictable business model by guaranteeing our interest rate over the extended term of our building amortization. This definitely allowed for more effective planning and a cost competitive interest rate with retention of working capital for the practice.”

“The SBA 504 loan program is an attractive and effective economic development tool that small businesses can use to grow,” said Commissioner Pat Costello. “It is great to see growth and development happening in the Dakota Dunes area following the flooding in 2011. I hope that Dunes Eye Consultants’ expansion is the first of many.”

“We are pleased to have the first commercial land sale since 2011 to Dunes Eye Consultants,” said Dennis Melstad, president of Dakota Dunes Development Company. “Dr. Ferguson and his team have been located at Dakota Dunes for more than 10 years. This expansion to a stand-alone building will add to the growing medical campus at Dakota Dunes, add new employees and provide additional optical services.”

According to Dr. Ferguson, the new facility will help the practice achieve several goals. A larger, more efficient facility will keep patient care and quality of experience at a premium and help Dunes Eye Consultants to provide highly efficient, value-based optical services. Most critically, the evolution of a three-physician practice during the next decade will help the company meet demands of its growing patient-base.

For more information about the SBA 504 Loan program and other financing programs offered through the GOED, please visit www.sdreadytowork.com.

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