Thursday, October 13, 2011PIERRE, S.D. – For the second year in a row, firearm and ammunition companies from across the nation will gather in Rapid City, S.D., for the South Dakota Firearm Research and Technology Forum. Nearly 100 people are expected at the forum on Thursday, Oct. 20, at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSM&T). Gov. Dennis Daugaard says the forum’s goals are twofold: to identify resources and opportunities that will help South Dakota’s firearm industry expand, and to link firearm and ammunition companies with South Dakota universities and technical institutes. Established South Dakota companies can use the forum to identify common needs, look for ways to cooperate for mutual benefit and make business connections with the state’s educational institutions, the Governor said. "The Firearm Research and Technology Forum will familiarize industry leaders with the research and testing capabilities at South Dakota’s universities and technical institutes," Gov. Daugaard said. "As a result of last year’s forum, the School of Mines was able to establish research and development contracts with two of the nation’s biggest firearm companies."The Governor said such relationships create great opportunities for South Dakota students to gain real-world experience and make solid contacts in the firearm industry, help advance research programs and further establish South Dakota as a firearm industry leader.South Dakota has actively recruited firearm and ammunition companies since the mid-1990s and currently has 51 such companies that employ more than 630 people.The Firearm Research and Technology Forum will run from 8:45 a.m. – 5 p.m. MDT at the Surbeck Center on the SDSM&T campus. The agenda includes sessions on how to work with the Department of Defense, how the state is addressing workforce issues, industry trends, and research presentations from SDSM&T students. For more information including a complete agenda and registration details, visit www.sdreadytowork.com/firearms -30-