Spearfish, SD – June 25, 2019 – Recognizing the attraction of Spearfish’s strong economic advantages -as well the area’s outdoor recreation/active lifestyle appeal- Spearfish Economic

Development Corporation (SEDC) continues our strategic initiative to recruit additional outdoor product manufacturing companies to the Spearfish community.  As part of these efforts, SEDC Marketing Coordinator Laine Mitchell recently attended the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market tradeshow in Denver.

The Outdoor Retailer Summer Market is North America’s largest tradeshow in the outdoor industry drawing attendees from throughout the world, including over 600 exhibitors from a variety of industries including backpacking, camping, hiking, climbing, skiing, mountain biking and fly fishing. “This show ignited conversations directly with key decision makers and influencers and gave us the opportunity to share the Spearfish story,” said Mitchell.  “Our participation was especially timely as MarketWatch recently recognized Spearfish as one of ‘The best little cities to live if you love the outdoors.’”

According to the Outdoor Industry Association, outdoor recreation is an economic powerhouse in the United States, each year generating $887 billion in consumer spending and supporting 7.6 million jobs.  Every year, American consumers spend more on outdoor recreation than they do on

pharmaceuticals and fuel, combined.  In fact, the impact of outdoor recreation on America’s economy is almost as big as that of hospital care. “Spearfish is very fortunate to already be home to a handful of outdoor product manufacturers,” explained Executive Director Kory Menken. “SEDC’s goal is to attract and foster more companies of this nature, as they create the type of clean industry and good-paying jobs our community desires.” Last year, Menken attended the same show and which resulted in numerous prospective leads and a site visit to South Dakota.

In addition to attending the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, SEDC has also placed strategic advertisements in numerous regional and national publications including the Summer 2019 issue of The Drake magazine.  Founded in 1998, The Drake has become one of the premier fly fishing magazines and is sold in nearly 2,000 stores nationwide. SEDC will also be participating in the International Fly Tackle Dealer tradeshow in Denver later this year.

It just makes sense.

Spearfish, South Dakota recently received another accolade suiting an outdoor-centric lifestyle. This is another example of why Spearfish is a perfect fit for outdoor product companies:

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Spearfish Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) recently hosted an informative roundtable discussion

with local business leaders and representatives from Western Dakota Tech (WDT), Black Hills State University, and the Spearfish School District.  Read more