Monday, May 2, 2011SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Gov. Dennis Daugaard recognized achievements in economic development across the state at the Governor’s Economic Development Conference in Sioux Falls tonight.Canton was awarded the Small Community of the Year; Mitchell was awarded the Large Community of the Year; Charles (Eddie) Clay of Hot Springs earned the Excellence in Economic Development award; and Jerry Prostrollo of Madison was recognized for his years of service on the Board of Economic Development. “These individuals and communities make economic development happen in South Dakota,” Gov. Daugaard said. “It is their diligence, commitment and desire for success that helps businesses move forward in the state.” The Governor attributed Canton’s award to major expansion projects in the past year at Adams Thermal Systems Research & Development Center and at Bid-Well. The two firms will create more than 50 new jobs and retain more than 125 jobs in the Canton area. “The city, economic development groups, volunteers and other community leaders have truly worked as a team to put Canton’s best foot forward,” Gov. Daugaard said. “They have proven that a small town like Canton can support quality companies and offer great jobs to residents.”Mitchell stands out because of its focus on smaller communities and innovative efforts to establish cooperative relationships with area organizations, the Governor said. “Mitchell has been a real pioneer this year when it comes to collaborative projects,” Gov. Daugaard said. Those projects include stimulating regional economic development by partnering with the Kelley Center for Entrepreneurship at Dakota Wesleyan University; partnering with Nation Job to recruit employees online for local businesses; and creation of the state’s first Entrepreneurs & Inventors Club, Mitchell Regional Investors, and the Dakota Heartland Development Association. “These entities will further spur entrepreneurship and encourage business growth in the Mitchell area,” Gov. Daugaard said. Charles (Eddie) Clay of Hot Springs received the Excellence in Economic Development Award. “Eddie Clay has played a major role in nearly every economic development project in the Black Hills area for the past 50 years,” Gov. Daugaard said. “Eddie was involved in promoting Ellsworth Air Force Base, the underground lab at Lead, the Ports-to-Plains Transportation Corridor, and Black Hills Vision. Most recently, he played a key role in maintaining Hot Springs as the site for a new Veteran’s Administration facility – a notable and worthy project for the community,” the Governor said. Eddie Clay and the communities of Mitchell and Canton will receive $2,000 checks for community economic development projects. Jerry Prostrollo of Madison was recognized with a Friend of Economic Development Executive Proclamation for his 16 years of service on the Board of Economic Development. “Jerry Prostrollo is one of those individuals who has contributed mightily to business expansion in South Dakota,” the Governor said. “His record of public service to the state is simply incredible.” -30-
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