More than a dozen manufacturing firms call Yankton home Why? What makes Yankton a community where they want to build a plant and employ workers? According “We’ve been in Yankton to Mike Husman, for more than division 50 years and have head of the plans to remain here,” Inductor he added. “For the Division most part, the political of Vishay, environment in Yankton Yankton and South Dakota is allows the friendly to business/ company to manufacturing.” be relatively close to some of its major customers and build strong relationships with them. “We’ve been in Yankton for more than 50 years and have plans to remain here,” he added. “For the most part, the political environment in Yankton and South Dakota is friendly to business/manufacturing. Our Yankton location provides an experienced, stable workforce who work well together and also with their worldwide teams.” Worker compensation permits Vishay to be competitive, and operating costs such as utilities are low compared to the company’s other sites throughout the world, Husman said. “The work ethic in Yankton is generally as good, if not better, than other regions of the world,” he stated. “Yankton is sometimes more attractive than other regions when comparing concerns for corruption, ethics, safety and regional political stability.” Vishay has locations in places such as Marshall and Duluth, Minn.; Dover, N.H.; Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; Juarez, Mexico; Beer Sheva, Israel; and two locations in China. Like most Midwestern communities, 66 – Yankton, South Dakota Yankton and the surrounding area is filled with people who have a strong work ethic. Also, South Dakota programs designed to support the creation of job opportunities have benefited the Yankton market. But for some, the reasons for doing business in Yankton are much simpler. That’s the case with Brian Strahl, Ken Karolevitz, Jackie Smith and Lee Orth, who own Dakota Trailer Manufacturing. “For the four of us, we’re all from here,” Strahl said. “I love this town. I love the fishing, the hunting. I like that my kids play sports at Yankton High where I graduated. These other guys have a lot of the same thoughts.” Strahl said he believes there must be advantages to having a manufacturing plant in Yankton, otherwise his peers wouldn’t be located here. One such advantage is the presence of the Regional Technical Education Center (RTEC), he stated. “For me, it’s my hometown,” Strahl admits. “I can’t tell you the advantages of the other towns, because I’ve never •Free continental breakfast looked. I’ve •Free local phone calls never wanted to. Maybe we’re •24-hour front desk service a little odd that •Free Cable, HBO way.” •Clean, quiet accommodations Of course, Yankton •Pool/Hot tub •Free Wi-Fi also poses Major credit cards accepted challenges for manufacturers. 605-665-8717 Husman said it’s a challenge 2410 Broadway Ave. Yankton to add staff for -Meeting Roomnon-traditional Book your Block rooms for your guests.