Education a vital economic development partner

BY SLATER BARR

One of the reasons for the consistent growth of the Sioux Falls, S D , regional economy, population base and business community has always been our effective partnerships We work closely with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Sioux Falls City Hall and with civic leaders in the surrounding communities, as well as county governments, to create a partnership for progress that has fueled economic success in our area. The integration of resources, energy and prospects has led to synergies that bring companies and families to our region

An equally vital partner in building a better future for the Sioux Falls area is the education community Representatives of the Sioux Falls public school district and regional higher education literally sit at the economic development table by serving as members of the Sioux Falls Development Foundation board of directors Other education leaders participate in task forces, fact-finding groups and committees that shape our economic future. These well-educated and dedicated professionals understand the importance of developing jobs, enhancing diversity and expanding opportunity throughout our fourcounty metropolitan statistical area

The mission of the regional educational community is to prepare students for the future, whether that future is the next educational step or a meaningful career That progression towards educational success has serious ramifications in one of the most critical aspects of economic development today workforce development In Sioux Falls, our historically low unemployment rate is sometimes misunderstood as representing a limited workforce. The recent experience of Marmen Energy, a Canadian company opening a wind energy tower manufacturing plant in our area, proved that excellent candidates are always avail- able for good jobs in the Sioux Falls area Marmen advertised 200 jobs and received 2,000 applications

Educational institutions in our region are working directly with companies in creating effective courses of study to meet specific employment needs and ensure students rewarding careers upon graduation In addition, Sioux Falls developed innovative high school programs, focusing on hands-on courses in one location and technology courses in another, to prepare students for the future.

Education is a factor in attracting new companies, too Most business executives ask us two key questions that revolve around our educational system The first is about our workforce learning programs for creating effective, efficient, motivated workers. Second, executives want to know about the educational systems in our area, as a quality of life issue that affects new families. Because education has long been a priority in the Sioux Falls area, we are able to point with pride to institutions that place job preparation at the head of the list of goals, both on the K-12 and post-secondary levels Working closely with the business community, our institutions of learning are keeping their curricula relevant to the marketplace

In the same way, innovative education keeps business fresh, as students with new ideas and the ambition to create their own companies drive an exciting and inventive marketplace As we look to the future and the new businesses that will thrive here, education is a key component of maintaining our momentum as a great place to do business and raise a family PB

Slater Barr President Sioux Falls Development Foundation slaterb@siouxfalls.com

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