Celebrating manufacturing in SD

BY PAT COSTELLO

In South Dakota, our manufacturers play a vital role in our state’s overall economic health From food to fuel, cabinets to custom fabrication, bio-adhesives and beyond, South Dakota manufacturers produce an astounding array of products

What does this mean for our state? It means jobs. It means tax revenue. And, it means putting South Dakota on the map

Each year, South Dakota manufacturers export nearly $1.5 billion in South Dakota-made products to approximately 125 countries worldwide South Dakota manufacturers make up $4 25 billion of the state’s Gross Domestic Product and produce more than $850 million in taxable sales each year

In 2013, there were 1,128 manufacturing establishments in South Dakota that employ 41,518 individuals The average salary for these jobs was $42,448

So, there is no question that their impact is great and far-reaching. And we want them to continue to thrive

At the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, we are working not only to assist our manufacturers, but also to create awareness of their significance among the general public and media

In 2013, we held the first-ever South Dakota Manufacturing Week. The event was well-received, and communities and companies across the state opened their doors and gave the public a special peek at what they do.

This year, we are going even bigger The 2014 South Dakota Manufacturing Week will be Sept 29-Oct. 3, and we are already working to get more companies, more communities, and more members of the media and the public involved

The week will kick off on Monday, Sept 29 with Tour Day, when the GOED team is hitting the road and tour several manufacturing companies throughout the state We are encouraging communities and companies to set up their own tours as well

Tuesday, Sept 30 is Speak Out Day Various local civic organizations will host speakers from the manufacturing industry to discuss the importance of manufacturers

Wednesday, Oct 1 is Media Day, where local media are encouraged to visit the manufacturers in their communities

Thursday, Oct 2 is Student Day Middle schools, high schools, tech schools and universities will be opening their doors to host speakers from manufacturing companies to discuss their business and the significance and impact of innovative manufacturing.

The week culminates on Friday, Oct 3, which is National Manufacturing Day First established in 2012, this great event is growing each year, and I would like to encourage you to take part whether you are a manufacturer yourself, a member of the media, or part of the general public

For more information on South Dakota Manufacturing Week, please visit www sdreadytopartner com/SDMfgWeek2014 And, as you participate in the week’s activities, join the fun on social media using hashtag #SDMfgWeek2014. For more information, or to share how you are recognizing manufacturers in your community, contact our media relations coordinator, Natalie Likness at natalie likness@state sd us or 605-773-3301 PB

Pat Costello Commissioner

S D Governor’s Office of

Economic Development

Pat Costello@state sd us Twitter: @sdgoed