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South Dakota

2024 GOVERNOR’S CUPS RANKINGS: Winning Streaks

Texas wins for the 13th year in a row and South Dakota repeats as the per-capita champ. Editor Emeritus Mark Arend talks to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, former South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (now U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security) and new South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden about their states’ success. “Freedom” is a common thread.

Dakotas: By Air & By Land

A pioneering unmanned aerial vehicle program takes on in North Dakota, while an earthmoving equipment company expands in South Dakota.

The 2023 Governor’s Cups

A newcomer to the winner’s circle and a 12-time repeat winner explain their strategies for corralling enough capital investment projects to claim the Cups.

Heroes of the Heartland

Small Midwest counties take top spots in per-capita projects race, while Texas counties claim No. 1 and No. 2 in overall rankings.

Make Yourself Useful

An update on power company–affiliated economic development around the US shows the diverse economic meanings of the word 'utility.'

Moving Cheese

Portion control has become a big business for cheese manufacturing company Bel Brands USA. Sales have more than doubled over the past four years and sales of the company’s Mini Babybel products have tripled during that time period. Bel Brands USA also has plants in Leitchfield, Ky., and Little Chute, Wis.

Big Tent

When PharmaCline CEO Steve Keough needed a location to develop and commercialize his promising new pharmaceutical technology, he analyzed all 50 states. “When I arrived in South Dakota I was immediately embraced,” said Keough, who recalls how he met with the governor’s office, the South Dakota Biotech Association and venture captiatlist in his first day in the state.