PIERRE, S.D. (KELO-AM) – Pat Costello, Commissioner, Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), announced today five sites in Yankton have been approved as South Dakota Certified Ready Sites. The sites include: Archery Business Park, Brown Industrial Development Site, Marquardt Industrial Site, Schenk Property-Industrial Development Site and Yaggies Industrial Development Site.
"Congratulations to the community of Yankton on being approved for five Certified Ready Sites," said Costello. "Yankton’s continued commitment to excellence in economic development is a huge benefit to the community. Prospective buyers will be pleased with Yankton’s selection of possible sites for future development."
"Yankton is serious about economic development," said Ron Kraft, past executive director for the Yankton Office of Economic Development. "It is important for communities to apply for the South Dakota Certified Ready Sites Program because when prospects are looking at potential sites, they are reassured proper preparation of these Certified Ready Sites has already taken place—these development sites are complete and held to a high standard."
Kraft extended a generous "thank you" to District III for all of their help with the research during the application process.
"The Certified Ready Sites application process was an excellent example of collaboration between Yankton Area Progressive Growth (YAPG), the City of Yankton and District III," said Greg Henderson, executive director of Planning and Development District III. "I hope other communities within our 16 county region use a similar approach in anticipating development opportunities. Certified Ready is a tool that helps communities focus on development issues and support systems, as part of their overall planning efforts. Ideally, the process should save both time and money when the right prospect comes along."
"We appreciate the Governor’s Office of Economic Development for doing this, giving Yankton an edge in a competitive market," Kraft added.
The South Dakota Certified Ready Sites Program is an economic development tool available to all counties, cities, townships, planning districts, business improvement districts and economic development groups.
The South Dakota Certified Ready Sites Program is operated under the supervision of the GOED for the purpose of providing consistent information on sites available throughout the state. For more information on the South Dakota Certified Ready Sites program, visit www.sdreadytopartner.com.