South Dakota now has five communities with sites that are certified and ready for development under the South Dakota Certified Ready Sites (CRS) program.

North Sioux City, Aberdeen, Madison, Colman and Arlington recently were approved under the last certification cycle, and can now market their sites as ready for development.

"One of the best ways to get y our community on a business's short list is to have a site that is ready for development," said GOED Commissioner Scott Stern. "The Certified Ready program assures companies that th ey are receiving the most accurate, detailed information about the site including availability, utilities, access and environmental concerns."

In 2016, the CRS program added some additional requirements - soil borings and an archaeological assessment - to the certification requirements. As a result, some formerly certified sites had to undergo additional work to be re-certified.

However, with the new certifications comes new marketing opportunities.

GOED is partnering with ISG, an architectural firm, to draw new attention to South Dakota's certified sites.The newly re-certified sites will receive a full assessment to best utilize their site, have drone footage shot to highlight the sites amenities, and will receive digital and/or print marketing materials tailored to the site.

"This is really unlike anything we have ever done before," said Stern. "It is going to be exciting to see the potential of our state's certified sites blasted out and marketed in a whole new way."

The date is set and plans are underway for 2018 South Dakota Manufacturing Week! Oct. 1-5 will feature a full range of activities and events that showcase the presence and impact of South Dakota manufacturers.

"In past years, companies and communities have got involved in a lot of different ways," said GOED Commissioner Scott Stern. "We have seen everything from company tours, to hosting job fairs, to community picnics, to announcements and advertisements on traditional media like billboards, radio, television and newspaper articles - the list is extensive and diverse."

Stern is encouraging South Dakota companies, communities, and service organizations to participate in this year's festivities.

"It really doesn't matter how. What is important is that we celebrate our manufacturers and educate the public on the presence and impact that manufacturers have on our state's economy," Stern said.

To get involved or for more information, contact Natalie Likness, media relations coordinator, at [email protected] or 605-773-4633.