Nominations being accepted for development awards

Nominations are now being accepted for the Governor's Community of the Year Award, the Excellence in Economic Development Award and the Achievement Awards to be presented at the Governor's Economic Development Conference "2010 & Beyond: Ready to Work" scheduled April 12 in Pierre.

Nomination forms have been mailed to all mayors and development corporation directors across the state.

The Excellence in Economic Development award is given to an outstanding volunteer in the area of economic development, the Governor's Community of the Year Award is given to a community who has exhibited leadership and a commitment to the 2010 Initiative, and the Achievement Awards are given to four communities for community projects that advance the state's 2010 Initiative.

"The conference is the perfect time to recognize outstanding individuals and communities. The strong leadership of individuals throughout the state plays a crucial role in reaching South Dakota's 2010 Initiative, said Jafar Karim, director of the GOED.

All nominations should be submitted to the Governor's Office of Economic Development, 711 E. Wells, Pierre, SD 57501-3369 by Feb. 8. For more information on these awards, contact the GOED at 800-872-6190 or visit www.SDreadytowork. com.