Madison: 2007 Community of the Year

Governor Mike Rounds has recognized Madison as the 2007 Governor’s Large Community of the Year. Madison was bestowed the honor at the annual Economic Development conference held April 18 in Pierre.

Madison earned this award by setting and achieving some aggressive goals. In 2006, the Forward Madison campaign was launched with the goal of creating an economically viable community offering more for residents and visitors alike. Forward Madison is an important first step in Madison’s journey towards economic competitiveness with other communities statewide. Forward Madison set a goal of raising $1.5 million. Madison not only met, but exceeded that goal, raising a total of $2.3 million.

Madison has seen a number of other accomplishments that have driven the community forward in the areas of economic development:

• Ownership of 160 acres of land was transferred from the city to the development corporation. This land will help position Madison for future growth.
• Recruitment of new companies and expansion of existing companies has had a tremendous impact on Madison over the past year. Companies created more than 130 jobs in and around Madison, resulting in an estimated payroll increase of $2 million. These same companies had a combined capital and equipment investment of more than $16 million. The efforts are estimated to create a total impact on Madison’s economy of more than $18 million.
• The completion of the Heartland Technology Center set Madison in a unique position to recruit tech-based businesses, again positioning Madison for future growth.

Congratulations to Madison on being named the 2007 Community of the year!