The governor’s office recognized economic leaders at an annual conference last week.
Gov. Kristi Noem presented the city of Belle Fourche with the Community of the Year award. Andrew Nilges received the Excellence in Economic Development Award.
Nilges is the director of the North Sioux City Economic Development Corporation. He said his team and state officials made it possible to make an impact in the North Sioux City community.
“And you know I’m from North Sioux City, born and raised," Nilges said. "So, to be able to be in a position to better my hometown and help grow in the right direction and to be recognized and to have that validation that, ‘Yep, you’re growing your hometown,’ it’s pretty unreal.”
Nilges is working on a retention and expansion program and a 330-acre industrial park to attract new business.
The city of Belle Fourche attracted a ramen noodle manufacturing company that will employ 500 people. It also expanded the city’s rail park.
