South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem launched an ad campaign through her Office of Economic Development to attract businesses to her state. “South Dakota means business.”
The ad campaign targets Minnesota businesses that have been burdened by recent government overreach and unprecedented regulation. The campaign rolled out TV, radio, social media, and print ads.
“South Dakota Means Business. As out-of-state businesses become more and more frustrated with overreach by their state governments, they’re turning to South Dakota,” said Governor Noem. “The number of new businesses interested in moving to South Dakota has increased dramatically. We’re ready to show these businesses what South Dakota can do for them.”
The ad features Noem
“Right now Governor Noem is unquestionably our biggest marketing tool. The national exposure she has received for how South Dakota handled COVID-19 really resonates with business owners,” said Steve Westra, Commissioner of the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development.
“We hear over and over from business owners in Minnesota and other states that increased government regulations are making it difficult to earn a profit and plan for growth,” said Westra. “We want to get the word out that it doesn’t have to be this way. South Dakota isn’t just a great place to do business—it’s a great place to live, work and play, and raise a family.”
Noem refused to shut businesses in her state down during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“My role with respect to public safety is something I take very seriously. (But its) the people themselves [who] are primarily responsible for their safety. They are the ones entrusted with expansive freedoms – they are free to exercise their rights to work, worship, and play – or to stay at home, or to conduct social distancing,” she said during a press briefing in April addressing her approach during the pandemic.
“The calls to apply a one-size-fits-all approach to this problem in South Dakota is herd mentality, not leadership,” Noem added.
South Dakota had the fewest restrictions.
South Dakota is also a business-friendly state. They do not have corporate or personal income tax. Their regulatory climate is extremely friendly compared to Minnesota and Iowa.
According to the Tax Foundation, South Dakota is only second to Wyoming in terms of an overall business climate. Iowa ranks 42 and Minnesota ranks 45.
The campaign launched before the Independence Day holiday, and will continue until Labor Day. Watch the ad launched Thursday last week below.
Here is the transcript of the ad featuring Noem:
“I’m South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem. There’s no place in America like South Dakota.
“Mount Rushmore, our country’s enduring symbol of freedom makes its home here for good reason. Because our state celebrates freedom like none other, especially for anyone running a company.
“When it comes to supporting growth, and eliminating heavy-handed government interference, South Dakota means business.
“In our state, you won’t find the restrictions that hold companies back in other places. South Dakota offers freedom from corporate and personal income taxes, freedom from red tape and regulation and a business friendly environment that’s second to none.
“Here in South Dakota, we trust our people. We respect their rights. We won’t shut them down. We allow them to make their own decisions to innovate and succeed with less government to get in the way.
“And South Dakota isn’t just the best place in America to do business. It’s also the best place to live, work and play People are outstanding. Our communities are welcoming. our quality of life is unmatched. And we’re surrounded by some of the world’s most spectacular scenery.
“If you like what you see, if you value our approach to reducing government and increasing personal freedom, we’d love to have you come join us. Come grow your company, live your life, achieve your dreams. We can make it happen for you right now. Because South Dakota means business.”