Governor Names Canton Community Of The Year

     At the Governor’s Economic Conference held in Pierre on May 11, Governor Mike Rounds named our community the recipient of the 2004 Community of the Year. The former Canton Economic Development Corporation President Bob Lier accepted the award on behalf of the Canton community. Mike Adams owner of Adam’s Thermal Systems and Joel Dykstra also attended the conference.
     The Governor stated he extremely impressed with Canton’s approach to economic development, and by the way Canton officials worked with the local people.
     Lincoln County Economic Development President Dan Cotton submitted the Community of the Year Application. Canton is credited with devoting $4.2 million to economic development in 2003. He highlighted the following Canton achievements:
     Adams Thermal Systems - The CEDC purchased the Behr Heat Transfer Systems building with a REDI loan for $1.25 million with help of the CEDE, LCEDA, and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. The building is being leased to Adams Thermal Systems.
     Fastek Products – A 15,000 square foot $450,000 expansion, accommodating 45 additional employees, was completed by Fastek, now owned by Amesbury Group.
     Industrial Park Expansion – The 72 acre $286,000 acquisition for Canton’s Industrial Park was funded by the CEDC, City of Canton, an Xcel Energy grant, local banks and a $50,000 HUD grant obtained through Senator Tom Dashel’s office.
     Strive To Thrive – Participation in Xcel Energy’s Strive to Thrive study promoted the commitment of $40,000 annually to hire a local community development coordinator, as recommended by the study’s report.
     2003 Highway 18 Project – A $1.5 million project that involved various main street and utility improvements.
     Public Buildings & Improvements – A $1.3 million capital improvement that included the new fire hall and ambulance station, a new pumper fire truck and a new bus facility for the Canton Transit Buses.
     Private investments – These include a $136,821 expansion at Quarry Stone Greenhouse, a $21,000 hangar at the Canton Airport, and a $222,500 Phase 1 expansion at Keystone Treatment Center.
     The year 2004 has already started to show good economic growth. Framers Supply Company from Sioux Falls is moving their facilities to Canton in anticipation of the company’s future growth and operations could begin as early as June.