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Governor Recognizes Brandon Leader and Arlington for Achievements in Economic Development
4/22/2010
PIERRE, S.D. – Dennis Olson of Brandon and the community of Arlington were recognized by Gov. Mike Rounds tonight for their achievements in economic development.
Olson received the Excellence in Economic Development award and Arlington received the Community of the Year award at the annual banquet of the Governor’s Economic Development Conference.
“Dennis has been involved in economic development for 25 years, both as a volunteer and in his city administration role,” the Governor said. “During those years, he helped form the Minnehaha County Economic Development Association and the Corson Development Association, which resulted in the acquisition of 200 acres and an investment of more than $6.8 million. He has worked closely with business prospects, including Tower Tech industries, which cited his knowledge of the community and ‘can-do’ attitude as the main reasons for locating in Brandon.”
Dennis also initiated three TIF projects, fostered relations between the local development foundation and the city council, and has been a driving force in quadrupling the size of Brandon, making it the progressive and vibrant community it is today,” Gov. Rounds concluded.
Arlington’s Community of the Year award is directly attributed to its volunteers.
“Arlington is a community that recognizes the importance of volunteers in achieving success,” the Governor said. “Nearly 10 percent of community members volunteered time last year to make economic development success a reality.”
Gov. Rounds noted that Arlington has closely aligned its goals with those of the state’s 2010 Initiative.
“Arlington has spearheaded promotional materials, implemented new websites and will host this year’s Tour de Kota bicycle ride. The community has also renovated run-down Main Street buildings and filled them with local businesses, and Arlington has collaborated with several local entities to land a call center,” the Governor continued.
“This community has also negotiated with TransCanada and convinced it to consolidate warehousing operations and relocate in Arlington’s industrial park,” Gov. Rounds said. “In the first six months of operation, the company requested negotiations to expand – doubling its current facility.”
Both Olson and the Community of Arlington will receive $2,000 checks for a community economic development project.
About the awards: The Excellence in Economic Development Award was established several years ago to honor the dedication and commitment of eight South Dakotans who lost their lives during an economic development trip.
Businesses and individuals from across the state helped finance the award established in memory of the late-Gov. George S. Mickelson, Roland Dolly, Ron Reed, Angus Anson, David Birkeland, Roger Hainje, Dave Hanson and Ron Becker.
The spirit of those visionary South Dakotans lives on through the current efforts of individuals across the state.
