South Dakota

State Profile

South Dakota is the home of unsurpassed beauty and a business climate you will not find anywhere else. Study after study ranks South Dakota as one of the best states in the union to do business and as one of the highest qualities of life.

EDUCATION
When it comes to education “South Dakota Students Shine”. In 2013, our students received the nation’s eighth best SAT scores. Our K-12 student/teacher ratio ranks among the top and we offer students a whole host of secondary education opportunities including public and private universities, technical schools and other customised training programmes.

TRANSPORTATION
South Dakota is ideally located for prompt distribution of goods and services throughout the US. Our air, freight, rail and telecommunications systems provide quick, efficient delivery to all major points in the country.

With expanding facilities and services at the Sioux Falls Regional Airport, the city has become a hub for regional air transportation, with three major airlines, two shuttle services, and also a separate, privately-owned facility that serves corporate and private aviation interests.

TAXES AND BUSINESS CLIMATE
South Dakota is home to America’s most famous “great faces” – those found on Mount Rushmore National Memorial. It is also home to many companies that are experiencing “great profits” as a result of the state’s outstanding business climate.

We understand that you need the most advanced technological infrastructure available to compete in today’s market place. We understand that you need employees that are trained and ready to work. And, most importantly, we understand that when you make a profit (which you will in South Dakota), you should keep that profit.

KEY INDUSTRIES
South Dakota is a great place for any type of business to grow and prosper. However, we have found South Dakota is especially well suited to companies in the following industries:

• Advanced Manufacturing
• Bioscience
• Financial Services
• Oil & Gas
• Professional Business Services
• Shooting, Hunting and Outdoors
• Value-Added Agriculture

QUALITY OF LIFE
From a business perspective, it is hard to argue with the benefits in South Dakota. Our quality of life is the best in America. We have recently been ranked the Best Run State in the US.

TOP QUALITY LABOUR FORCE
South Dakota has long been known for its high-quality labour force. Our people learned how to work on the farm and then took that work ethic to the factories, the processing plants and the service centres. Our companies find an absenteeism rate that is low and employee loyalty that is high. South Dakota’s high-school graduation rates are the 13th best in the country.

In addition to quality, South Dakota can also offer quantity. Where there are quality jobs, there are top quality South Dakota workers. South Dakota is as diverse as its almost 850,000 people. From outdoor activities to art galleries and museums, to professional sporting events, this region offers it all.

Further Information

For more information, contact:

Governor’s Office of Economic Development
711 East Wells Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501

Tel: +1 605-773-3301
Email: goedinfo@state.sd.us
Website: www.sdreadytowork.com

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