NEWS RELEASE

FOR RELEASE: Tuesday, March 17, 2015
CONTACT: Natalie Likness, Governor’s Office of Economic Development, 605.773.3301

Vermillion Celebrates Economic Development Successes

VERMILLION, S.D. – Gov. Dennis Daugaard spent the afternoon participating in two events showcasing the city’s continued growth and development.

Gov. Daugaard made his first stop at the Polaris Industries’ Parts, Garments and Accessories (PG&A) Distribution Center, where he joined city and company representatives to announce that the company is expanding its Vermillion facility, a multi-million dollar project which will add 224,500 square feet to the existing facility. “I am delighted to announce this expansion. This is a flagship location for the PG&A Division, and it is good to see that South Dakota’s business climate paved the way for continued investment in our state,” Gov. Daugaard said.

The company’s new conveyor system was also showcased during a tour with the Governor. “The material handling system upgrade significantly increases the capacity, efficiency and technology of the facility,” Gov. Daugaard said. The $10 million project was approved last year for a reinvestment payment of sales and use tax through the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED).

Polaris will have the capacity to add up to 40 full-time jobs in Vermillion over the next few years as a result of these two projects.

“We are grateful for the city of Vermillion and the state of South Dakota for their support as we continue our investment in the community,” said Paul Eickhoff, director of North America Distribution. “We’ve been in Vermillion for almost 20 years, this location has served us well and we continue to invest here. We enjoy doing business in South Dakota because of the business environment and direct line to our community and government leaders. When I have a question they are only a phone call away.”

Gov. Daugaard also delivered the keynote speech at the Vermillion Area Chamber and Development Company’s Annual Meeting, where he also announced the approval of three South Dakota Certified Ready Sites in Vermillion.

“It is my pleasure to announce the Brooks Industrial Park, the Riverbend Business Park and the Heikes Addition Business Park as the newest South Dakota Certified Ready Sites,” Gov. Daugaard said. “The Certified Ready Sites program provides prospective businesses with consistent information on shovel-ready sites available throughout the state. This is yet another example of Vermillion’s commitment to economic development in South Dakota.”

“I couldn’t ask for a better day in Vermillion,” said Nate Welch, executive director of the Vermillion Area Development Corporation. “It was our pleasure to host Gov. Daugaard today. We’ve seen a lot of accomplishments over the last few years, and it’s great to see our businesses, such as Polaris, continue to grow and invest in the community.

“Achieving certified ready status for not one, not two, but three of our sites is huge,” Welch added. “It gives us a leg up on our competition, allowing prospects to make a more informed decision when choosing to set up shop in Vermillion. We’re very excited to have that edge.”

For more information on all of the GOED’s programs, visit www.sdreadytowork.com.

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