Media Contact:
Mary Lehecka Nelson
711 E Wells Ave
Pierre, SD 57501-3369
Phone: 605-773-3301
Toll Free: 800-872-6190
email: Mary.LeheckaNelson@state.sd.us
Registration underway for Governor’s Economic Development Conference
4/5/2010
PIERRE, S.D. - With a change in location and expanded breakout sessions, registration is now underway for the 2010 Governor’s Economic Development Conference. The conference will be April 20-21 at the Sioux Falls Best Western Ramkota.
“In addition to our great sessions for our economic development partners, we branched out this year and have added a business track designed with South Dakota companies in mind,” said Richard Benda, secretary of the Department of Tourism and State Development. “We are encouraging businesses and students to attend, as well as those involved in economic development.”
Keynote speaker is Jill Konrath, author of “Selling to Big Companies,” an Amazon top seller for more than three years. Konrath will discuss how to shorten the decision-making cycle and how to differentiate yourself from your competitors.
Also on the agenda are: updates on the state’s targeted industries, tips on how to prepare a site, the launch of the National Career Readiness Program in South Dakota, a banker’s perspective on combining public and private financing programs, information on community development and encouraging entrepreneurship.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet the next generation of entrepreneurs and see their innovations first hand at the Governor’s Giant Vision Competition, as well as hear the 2010 gubernatorial candidates’ plans for economic development at the candidate forum, both of which will be held in conjunction with the conference. The candidate forum is sponsored by the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
