SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: May 21, 2014

Media Contact: Jerome Hertel, 605.353.7340

South Dakota Bank Provides Significant Gift toward State Fair's New Exhibit Hall

HURON, S.D. – The South Dakota State Fair Foundation announced today that BankWest has given a $50,000 gift to the Capital Campaign for the building of a new exhibit hall on the South Dakota State Fairgrounds. 

BankWest chairman, president and CEO Charles Burke III said the South Dakota State Fair is more than a family tradition; it’s a way to prepare young people for a future in agri-business.

“It’s encouraging for me to see young people bring their animals, their plants and their special talents to the South Dakota State Fair,” Burke said. “These young people are the future of agri-business in South Dakota and we need to encourage them and nurture their skills. Ultimately, they will be feeding our state, our nation and the world.”

“BankWest has four points to its mission statement,” commented Jerome Hertel SD State Fair director. “One of them is, ‘We will be advocates of our communities’ continued success.’ BankWest’s contribution to the Capital Campaign demonstrates that point to the fullest. We are proud to be part of the BankWest community.”

The new 46,910 square-foot exhibit hall will feature more than 35,000 square feet of exhibit space, multiple classrooms, a large kitchen for 4-H Special Foods competitions, year-round concessions and a performance stage.

Those interested in supporting the Capital Campaign should contact the State Fair office at 605.353.7340 or visit www.sdstatefairfoundation.com.

BankWest is a locally-owned, community bank with branches in 11 South Dakota communities. The bank provides a wide array of financial services including personal and commercial banking, trust, insurance and investment services. For more information, visit the bank’s website at: www.bankwest-sd.com or like them on Facebook.

Agriculture is South Dakota's No. 1 industry, generating over $21 billion in annual economic activity and employing more than 122,000 South Dakotans. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture's mission is to promote, protect, preserve and improve this industry for today and tomorrow. Visit us online at http://sdda.sd.gov or find us on Facebook and Twitter.

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Photo Caption: (left to right) Malia Schumacher, member of Hughes/Stanley County Prairie Winds 4-H Program; Becky Burke, Bankwest management development associate ;Charles Burke III, Bankwest chairman, president and CEO; Josiah Hays member of Hughes/Stanley County Prairie Winds 4-H Program; Secretary of Agriculture Lucas Lentsch; Ariana Schumaker and Jasmine Hays, members of Hughes/Stanley County Prairie Winds 4-H Program, Tom Harmon, secretary for South Dakota State Fair Foundation and commissioner for South Dakota State Fair; Jessica Hays, member of Hughes/Stanley County Prairie Winds 4-H Program