Governor Rounds Recognizes Achievements in Economic Development

Press Release

Governor Rounds Recognizes Achievements in Economic Development

The city of Brandon has been selected as the 2009 Community of the Year and Jerry Prostrollo of Madison has been awarded the 2009 Excellence in Economic Development award, Gov. Mike Rounds announced today at the Governor's Economic Development Conference in Pierre.

"Brandon's rapid growth and aggressive business recruitment fall in line with the goals of the 2010 Initiative," Gov. Rounds said. "This past year, several quality companies have made Brandon their home, and several others have expanded existing operations."

The governor cited Tower Tech, a wind-tower manufacturer, and Wausau Supply Company as two companies growing in Brandon. "Tower Tech recently made a $21 million investment in Brandon and will create up to 150 jobs. Wausau doubled the size of its Brandon facility. That's particularly noteworthy in today's economy," the governor added.

Brandon's success is attributed, in part, to its role in the Corson Development Association - a collaborative group of city leaders and economic developers that represent several entities in the area. For more than 10 years, this group has worked together to promote growth. As a result, they have seen results that have a positive impact on the region.

The governor also recognized Jerry Prostrollo, a Madison businessman, for his contribution to economic development in South Dakota. "Jerry is an individual who cares a great deal about economic development and that shows in his actions," Gov. Rounds said.

"Jerry has spent countless hours in board meetings, on hostings and walking the streets of his community to let people know the importance of economic development in South Dakota," Gov. Rounds said. "He has served on the Board of Economic Development for 14 years, many of those years as chairman; he was instrumental in rebuilding Highway 34 west of Madison; and, he was one of the leaders who worked to incorporate DakotaState into the community with a recreation center."

Other achievements Prostrollo has assisted with include the purchase of the Milwaukee Railroad, effectively preserving railroad service to Madison; and securing funding for a Fine Arts Center in Madison.

"It is people like Jerry who continue to encourage growth for both his community and the state," Gov. Rounds said. "His hard work and dedication to economic development is truly commendable."

The Excellence in Economic Development Award was established in 1993 to honor the dedication and commitment of eight South Dakotans who lost their lives when returning home from an economic development trip. Businesses and individuals across the state helped finance this award established in honor of those who died: Governor George S. Mickelson, state business leaders Roland Dolly, Ron Reed, Angus Anson, David Birkeland, Robert Hainje, and pilots Dave Hanson and Ron Becker.

Both Prostrollo and the Community of Brandon will receive $2,000 checks for a community economic development project.

Source