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Editor’s Note: These awards were scheduled to be presented at the GOED’s annual conference in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on April 11. Due to inclement weather conditions, the conference was cancelled. Please contact Jessica Falk at jessica.falk@sdreadytowork.com or 605-773-GOED (4633) for more information.
PIERRE, S.D. – During her State of the State address, Governor Kristi Noem tasked her Office of Economic Development with kickstarting the economy, and today, she recognized two communities and an individual for their commitment and involvement in economic development.
“Advancements in economic development are happening across South Dakota in communities large and small. As professionals, educators, and parents, it is our responsibility to build a state, an economy, and a future where the next generation of South Dakotans can prosper,” said Governor Noem. “This year’s recipients exemplify what it means to lead in economic development and it’s my pleasure to announce those today.”
The Excellence in Economic Development Award honors the dedication and commitment of eight South Dakotans, including Gov. George S. Mickelson, who lost their lives when returning home from an economic development event in 1993. Chuck Turbiville, of Deadwood, South Dakota, was honored posthumously with this year’s award. Turbiville passed away in October 2018.
“Chuck served our country in the army. He served our state as a State Representative and served faithfully in GOED and other areas of state government. He served his community as Mayor and as the director of economic development. Chuck was active in his church, in the VFW and in the American Legion,” said Noem. “He was a servant leader who led, not for himself, but for the people of South Dakota.”
Volga and Huron were selected as “Community of the Year.”
“The Volga community, realizing its elementary school was outdated and outgrown, added 11 classrooms to accommodate the community’s growth,” Governor Noem continued. “While 11 classrooms are impressive on their own, constructing them without the need for increasing taxes is impressive and commendable. It’s no surprise that Prairie Aquatech, a leading producer of a high-protein feed ingredient used in the aquaculture industry, chose Volga as home for its new 45,000-square-foot, $60 million facility. The Volga community has a lot to be proud of, and these accomplishments are surely just the tip of the iceberg.”
“The Huron Regional Medical Center’s (HRMC) pre-apprenticeship program, which was approved by the South Dakota Department of Labor, connects area students with the healthcare industry through a job shadowing program. This program connects minority and English as a Second Language (ESL) students to careers in the healthcare industry,” Governor Noem said. “Additionally, the South Dakota State Fair increased its attendance by more than 2.5 percent. For these reasons and more, Huron is leader in developing a bright future.”
