BROOKINGS — Campaign co-chairs Jay Bender of Falcon Plastics and Kevin Tetzlaff of First Bank & Trust have announced that Vision Brookings will invest more than $3 million over the next five years in game changing opportunities for the Brookings area.

“Sixty private businesses and individuals invested in the growth of the Brookings area economy,”said Bender.

Tetzlaff added, “Thanks to those investors, our community will continue to have a vibrant and growing economy. More than $3 million will be invested to secure continued economic growth over the next decade.”

Vision Brookings started in 2005 to catalyze initiatives that contribute to Brookings’ area long-term economic growth and development.

Success has been achieved by aligning private sector leadership and resources around a shared agenda.

Through this and the three previous campaigns, Vision Brookings has raised $10.45 million.

These contributions leveraged an additional $50 million from other sources for local economic development projects.

Vision Brookings will continue to build on prior investments and successes while focusing on the region’s challenges and opportunities.

Tim Reed, Brookings area chief economic development officer, said “Vision Brookings 2027 private sector leadership and investments will have game changing impact through projects that will accelerate regional economic growth.”

Kelsey Doom, president and CEO of the Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce added, “Vision Brookings funding is imperative to our community. It is motivating to see so many individuals and businesses invested in supporting economic development — our collective efforts will continue to advance economic prosperity in the Brookings area.”

Over the next five years, Vision Brookings will support projects to capture new and expanding business opportunities that will result in regional economic growth.

Some key components include:

• Increase in affordable and workforce housing.
• Increase in quality child care
• Develop and expand the Research Park at South Dakota State University
• Fulfill private sector match for new I-29 Interstate interchange.

Vision Brookings is managed by Brookings Economic Development Corporation (BEDC).

For more information, contact BEDC at 605-697-8103 or visit www.visionbrookings.com.