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Economic Development Committee
Eddie Clay - Chairperson

Committee Report

This has been an exciting year for the Economic Development Committee. We launched a highly successful affordable housing program that saw its first new home completed in 2007. A young Hot Springs couple excitedly accepted the keys to their first home this past fall, keeping them in Hot Springs and adding a new property to the city’s tax roles. By taking the revenues generated from the sale of the first house and an economic development grant from Golden West we are able to keep the program moving forward. Three additional lots have been identified for new homes; one of the lots will be purchased by the chamber, on the other lots, the owner is willing to wait until the homes have been sold. We have a waiting list of several qualified buyers which confirms there is a need for such affordable housing here in Hot Springs. The City of Hot Springs may also have some surplus land that can be used for affordable housing that will keep our program moving forward rapidly in 2008.

Steve and Carla Simunek were recognized at the 2007 Governor’s Economic Development Conference with a coveted award for their economic development efforts in our community. Governor Rounds presented the award personally to Steve and Carla at the conference banquet.

Despite the Alabaugh Fire and pending litigation concerning the golf course, the economy of Hot Springs continued to grow at a modest rate. The economic development committee continues to look for ways to capture high tech industries, expand destination retail in Hot Springs and attract retirees to our community. The Horizons Project Strategic Plan also identified economic development as a major area of focus in reducing poverty in our community as this group’s plan will add momentum to the chamber’s economic development efforts.

2007 was also a sad year with the passing of John Rock. John served as the president of the Economic Development Committee and had a great deal of influence throughout the state as a member of the Governor’s Board of Economic Development.
John, with nothing to gain personally, had a great passion to see Hot Springs grow and develop smartly. His leadership and influence will be greatly missed. Eddie Clay, a member of the South Dakota Hall of Fame, has graciously stepped into the leadership position of the economic development committee. We are blessed to have a leader of his experience and stature who is willing to guide our efforts in 2008.