Three major awards were doled out during this year’s Governor’s Conference on Economic Development, including Community of the Year and the Excellence in Economic Development awards.
Centerville was recognized as Community of Year. GOED officials said Centerville has “committed to building a better future for itself and its residents.” They noted the growing industrial and business presence in the community, along with their recent focus on housing development.
The award is given annually to a community that has “made strides in economic development, community enhancement, job creation, and quality of life.”
Two individuals, Dean Dziedic of Sioux Falls and Brooke Rollag of Madison, were given the Excellence in Economic Development awards.
Dziedic is the Vice President of Economic Development for the Sioux Falls Development Foundation. GOED described him as someone who is “passionate” about Sioux Falls. They credited Dziedic for building relationships with company leaders, giving them the tools they need to relocate and expand in the area as well as introducing them to the city.
Rollag is the Executive Director of Lake Area Improvement Corporation. Officials said during her time at LAIC, she focused on priorities such as workforce development and child care. She also connected with community and business leaders to better serve Madison.
“South Dakota continues to prove that hard working individuals make a difference in every community,” said Gov. Kristi Noem. “Congratulations to today’s winners – and to everyone who works to make the freest state in the nation the best state to live, work, and raise a family.”
GOED said this year’s conference set attendance records, with 400 individuals attending the awards luncheon alone.