Opportunity Central

Grow your business at the crossroads

of the nation:

Lincoln andMinnehaha Counties,

South Dakota

Opportunity Central

Grow your business at the crossroads

of the nation:

Lincoln andMinnehaha Counties,

South Dakota

Opportunity lives here

OOne of the fastest growing areas of the United States during the past decade is the two-county area insoutheastern South Dakota comprising Lincoln and Minnehaha Counties. Located at the intersection ofInterstates 29 and 90 at the center of the nation, this land of opportunity contains one of the nation’sstrongest economies in recent years, fueled by the growth of Sioux Falls.

The key to the successful, coordinated economic development effort of this area lies in the cooperationbetween the Lincoln and Minnehaha County Economic Development Associations and the Sioux FallsDevelopment Foundation. This cooperative effort provides maximum assistance to businesses exploringtheir expansion or relocation potential in this dynamic economic region.

Beresford

Hudson

Fairview

Canton

Worthing

Lennox

Harrisburg

Tea

SiouxFalls

ValleySprings

Brandon

Garretson

Sherman

Dell Rapids

Baltic

Colton

Crooks

Hartford

Humboldt

Minnehaha County

Lincoln County

IIn today’s networked business environment, a locationin Minnehaha or Lincoln County is right at the centerof the globe. With a well-established, reliable fiberoptic system, backed by SONET Ring redundancy, any company is instantly linked to customers, marketsand affiliates around the world.

The U.S. Geological Survey’s Center for Earth ResourcesObservation and Science (EROS), site of the NASA’sMission to Planet Earth, has been located here since the early 1970s. Thousands of gigabytes of satelliteimagery vital to the future of our nation and the worldare received and archived daily by EROS scientists, whostudy climatological and terrestrial resource changes.EROS, the nation’s library of Earth images, is connectedto international research centers and scientists aroundthe globe from their base in our area.

Connected to the stars

R.J. ThompsonDirector, USGS Earth Resources Observation

and Science

“The U.S. Geological Survey EROS was sited in rural Minnehaha County in 1971. Since then, we have consistently been able to recruit world-class people because of theamenities this area offers. The availability

of cutting edge technical capability and partnerships with exceptional educational

institutions are of great benefit in attracting and retaining scientists and

technology professionals.”

EROS is an international satellite imaging and earthresearch center operated by the U.S. Geological Survey.

In addition to EROS, major banking and high tech firms have found our region a successful location fortheir business. Citibank (South Dakota) N.A. has operated one of the world’s largest credit card facilitieshere since 1983. International bio-tech innovatorHematech is researching and developing medical breakthroughs at the company’s laboratories in Sioux Falls.

Global infrastructure, rural values

High tech success

The Sioux Falls regional airport is home to five carriers,as well as regional distributionfacilities for FedEx and UPS,which consider Sioux Falls an important hub. Every community in Minnehaha and Lincoln County is within a 30 minute drive of this vital air link. In addition, the U.S.Customs Service maintains aPort of Entry at the Sioux Falls Regional Airport, so

international shipments can come right into our counties, clearing customs here. The area is also hometo the second largest airport for based aircraft in South Dakota. The Marv Skie airport, located near the intersection of I-29 and I-229, is attended daily. The field boasts a 3,650 foot runway and has earned a “Clean Airport” designation.

With direct access to two interstate highways, our region is uniquely suited to maximizing the efficiency—and profitability—of ground-based transport. Over one hundred trucking companies are based in the two-county area, with over-the-road and less-than-load capabilities. Maintaining our infrastructure is a major priority, and raw materials, consumer goods and finished industrial products flow in and out of the market on an hourly basis.

Area economic development leadersopened the South Dakota TechnologyBusiness Center in January of 2004,providing an incubator for high techbusinesses and entrepreneurs. Thecenter has already spun off severalsuccessful technology start-up companies since its inception.

Technology incubator

The sky’s the limit

Doing business at the crossroads of the nation

Mike AdamsPresident, Adams Thermal Systems

“Thanks to employees who care about quality and a business environment that

encourages corporate expansion, our company has experienced excellent growth.

Our customer base includes John Deere,Freightliner, Cummins, Case New Holland,

Caterpillar and other international manufacturers who rely on our work ethic and our willingness to partner with them.

Our central location and super people help us succeed!”

TThere’s a reason that Minnehaha and Lincoln Countieshave some of the fastest-growing economies in the nation:companies make better profits. Our municipalities, counties and state share a pro-business philosophy thatyou can take to the bank. Among the advantages for every business located here:

■ NO corporate or personal income tax■ LOW workers compensation rates

■ NO business inventory tax■ NO personal property tax

■ LOW utility costs

A glance at our leading employers illustrates the widerange of businesses which find our business climateparticularly attractive. Two major hospital systems,together employing 9,700 people in the two counties,combine to make our metro area the most specializedregional medical center between Minneapolis andDenver. Citibank adds another 3,000-plus employeeswith its financial services operation, while John Morrell& Co., one of the nation’s leading food processing facilities, employs over 3,000 individuals as well. Asthese companieshave discovered, a location heremeans you’ll be upand running fasterthan anywhere elsein the Midwest.

CityDes Moines, IAMinneapolis, MNFargo, NDMilwaukee, WIOmaha, NEDenver, COLincoln and MinnehahaCounties

State CorporateIncome Tax

$125,500$ 98,000$ 103,335$ 79,000$ 76,985$ 46,300

0

Real Property Tax

$68,474$56,351$36,304$37,626$31,574$34,046$37,925

Total$193,974$154,351$139,639$116,626$108,559$ 80,346$ 37,925

Income Tax is based on $1 million in federal taxable income.Real Property Tax is based on $1.5 million assessed value.

Where businesses come to growBusiness tax comparison

A welcoming climate forany business

Tony BourPresident, Showplace Wood Products

“We found the right place to start our company in the Harrisburg Industrial Park—and room to grow. Since 2000,

we’ve expanded to more than 200,000 square feet, with over 400

employees. Our growth is based in large part on the quality people

we’ve been able to recruit—hard-working team members who

care about building the best cabinetry in America.”

South Dakota employees are protected by the Right to Work Law.This statute provides that any industry which is unionized is done so under “open shop” conditions, meaning that no employee can be discriminated againstbecause of membership or non-membership in the union, either by management or other employees.Three percent of the total labor force in Minnehaha County and Lincoln County belong to unions.

The strength of the economy in the communitiessurrounding the Sioux Falls metro area hasbrought hundreds of businesses to the region whose major function is to support and supplyother companies. This can mean substantial cost savings to your business because of the proximityof the materials and services you need. From steelsuppliers to trucking firms to precision metal cutting, you’ll find ready access to the companiesthat make your business more profitable.

Adams Thermal SystemsAmerican Equipment Corp.Amesbury-FastekCrimson Fire Hurco TechnologiesLou-Rich Luverne Truck EquipmentMonsanto CompanyPACE Manufacturing

Other major employers in Lincolnand Minnehaha Counties

A labor -management partnership

A network of suppliers

John SchulzetenbergPresident, Luverne Truck Equipment, Inc.

“Our move from Minnesota to Brandon, South Dakota was the smartest decision we ever made. Since we moved to our Brandon location, we’ve increased our business by a factor of five. From our

headquarters in the center of the nation, we distribute our products through 18

warehouses to 48 states, plus Mexico andCanada. Great people in a centrally

located, pro-profit business environment—that’s been a formula for success for us.”

Parkview Metal ProductsRosenbauerShowplace Wood ProductsSioux SteamSioux Steel/KoykerSlumberland Distribution

CenterTerex Bid-WellWausau Supply Company

The State of South Dakota and the communities inLincoln and Minnehaha counties know that the bottom line drives your business decisions. Our business-friendly economic, regulatory and pro-workenvironment makes our area an excellent opportunityfor your company. In addition to NO corporate or personal income tax, NO inventory tax, LOW unemployment and Workers Compensation rates and aworkforce whose productivity is second to none, thereare community incentives available to qualifying businesses looking to move or expand into Lincoln andMinnehaha counties.

These incentives include state programs such as theRevolving Economic Development and Initiative (REDI) Fund, property tax abatements and several available revolving loan funds. Complete regional incentive information is available on-line at www.siouxfallsdevelopment.com/regionalincentives.cfm.

LLincoln and Minnehaha county communities offer an affordable solution to your business expansion or relocation. In our region, higher profits, fewer taxes and less government red tape are just the beginning of the business advantages you’ll discover. A variety of corporateincentives and increased productivity combine with significant savings to make it easy to choose our region as a place to grow a business and raise a family. Webelieve in promoting your prosperity.

Our counties—and the entire state of South Dakota—are noted for clean air, fresh water and unspoiled landscapes. The state’s environmental legislation isdesigned to protect and preserve this quality environment without imposing excessive restrictionson business and industry. Most state and county environmental regulations maintain this balance byapproximating the minimum federal environmental standards. For details, visit www.state.sd.us/denr.

Partners in prosperity

Local and state incentives

Business friendly environmental regulations

Gail and Greg UtkeWausau Supply Company Managers

“We relocated here from Illinois and thought we’d find South Dakota flat and desolate. Instead, we found a community that is growing and well-maintained, with

a comfortable pace of life. We’re an outdoor family, and we found lots of hunting and fishing, soccer and family activities, away from the big city, but with everything we need.”

Developed industrial parks are available throughoutthe area, with infrastructure in place to save you timeand money in building or expanding your company.These parks offer prime access to railroad, interstatehighway and air service, and are surprisingly affordable, especially when compared to similar sitesin metropolitan areas. Most importantly, we can workwith you to find a site that is ideal for your business,whether you are seeking an industrial, commercial oroffice operations location. And residential property is abargain in Minnehaha and Lincoln counties, too!

Utility costs in our counties are among the most favorable in the Midwest, and utility companies in thearea communities are often the strongest proponents ofindustrial growth. As a result, utility rates in the countiesare an excellent value. We will be glad to provide gas,electric, water and sewer availability and cost information for each community or view utility optionsat www.siouxfallsdevelopment.com/utilities.cfm.

A ffordable land withestablished infrastructure

Flexibility in utility rates

Don SnydersGeneral Manager, Splitrock Telecom

Cooperative, Inc.

“Here in Minnehaha County, we have a truly state-of-the-art communications

infrastructure. With uninterruptible service, Synchronous Optical Network

and speed-of-light communication capabilities, this area can provide a global communications system for

any business.”

South Dakota has traditionally been known as having one of the lowest Worker’s Compensation ratesin the country. The average Worker’s Comp base rate in South Dakota is $1.48, compared to a regional average base rate of $1.82 and the national rate of$1.77. For additional information on Worker’s Compensation, contact the South Dakota Departmentof Revenue and Regulation, Division of Insurance at 605-773-3563 or visit their website atwww.state.sd.us/drr2/reg/insurance/index.html.

Low Worker’s Comp rates

Our crime rate is among the lowest in the nation. We have strong and visible police protection, in local lawenforcement and the county sheriff’s office, but our expenditures for protection are among the five lowest inthe nation. South Dakota also ranks in the top five for lowest crime rate. And people in the quiet communities

of our counties share a neighborly regard for each other—a kind of community CrimeWatch program.

Some of the finest schools in the state are in our ruralcommunities. We believe that our children are ourfuture—and we invest in that future with good schools.As a result, our children consistently test higher onSAT and ACT college placement tests than the nationalaverage. Our schools are the heart of the community, with plenty of opportunity for participation by students at all levels of athletic, artistic and scholastic ability.Check the South Dakota Report Card at www.doe.sd.gov.

QQuality of life is more than just an economic development phrase in Minnehaha and LincolnCounty—it’s the way we live. There’s time for family,for recreation and for friends. With no long commutes,no traffic jams and the prairie landscape just momentsaway, this is a good place to be—and one of the bestplaces in the country to raise a family.

A safer place to live

Education is a high priority

Where the living is easy

Photo courtesy of Garretson Weekly

Challenging golf courses, beautiful riverside parksand great sporting events to watch are just a few ofthe recreational opportunities here. This is a placewhere you can fly a kite with your kids, watch abeautiful sunset from your back porch, take a bikeride over rolling hills or go out for some of the bestcuisine in the world. In short—we know how tohave a good time!

A home in any of the Minnehaha or Lincoln Countycommunities is just minutes away from the restaurants, galleries, professional sports and symphonies of Sioux Falls. National performers supply the area with concerts from classical to country—and theater opportunities from Broadwayto Shakespeare.

And you’ll be just as close to opportunities for hunting, fishing or hiking. We offer your family allthe advantages of a metropolitan area with the bestelements of small town life. You’ll discover a placewhere a helping hand is still a daily occurrence,where friendships last a lifetime and people careabout their neighbors—and know them by name.

Brandon’s Performing Arts Center offers a widevariety of cultural activities.

We know how to have fun

City amenities with rural values

This is the home you’ve been looking for —for your family and your business. We’d like to help you discover for yourself how good life is right here!

And here are the reasons why:

Find out more about the place where you’ll see more PROFIT.Contact the Director of Rural Development for Lincoln and Minnehaha Counties.

Call 1-800-658-3373 info@siouxfallsdevelopment.com

www.siouxfallsdevelopment.com/regional

DiscoverLincoln and Minnehaha Countiesand make the profitabledecisionA location in our region means more profit for your business.

■ Governmental attitude that encourages profit and growth■ No corporate or personal state income tax■ Superior high speed digital infrastructure■ Growing, well-trained and highly motivated workforce

LCEDALincoln County Economic Development Association

MCEDAMinnehaha County Economic

Development Association

in partnership with the

Sioux Falls Development FoundationPO Box 907, Sioux Falls, SD 57101-0907

Phone: (605) 339-0103 * Fax: (605) 339-0055Toll Free: (800) 658-3373