The Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce, Government Affairs Committee will be holding two forums with local legislators on Saturday February 11^th. The forums are being conducted to allow area residents an opportunity to become better informed about the legislative session.

The forums will be with District 7 and District 4 legislators. The Brookings forum will be held from 9-10:30 AM in the City Council Chambers at 311 3^rd Avenue with the first hour of the forums broadcast live on the city television channel (Mediacom and Swiftel Channel 9). The forum will be replayed on Sunday from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, Monday from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and Wednesday from 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM

The second forum will be held at the Valley Restaurant in Volga from 11:00 to 12:00. With the new legislative redistricting, Volga will be in District 4 for the upcoming elections. The forum gives Volga and other area residents a chance to visit with the District 7 legislators while meeting the District 4 legislators that will be representing them in the next election.

Area residents are encouraged to participate by attending the forum in person or viewing electronically.

Please contact the Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce at 692-6125 with any questions about the forums.

   Maker of The Laughing Cow, Mini Babybel and Boursin Cheese to create up to 400 new jobs in South Dakota.

 January 31, 2012, Chicago, Ill. — Bel Brands USA, headquartered in Chicago, today announced plans to build a new 170,000 square-foot manufacturing facility in Brookings, S.D., to produce its Mini Babybel cheese. Bel Brands manufactures and markets The Laughing Cow cheese wedges and Mini Babybel – America’s #1 branded snacking cheese, as well as Boursin, Merkts, Kaukauna and other natural and gourmet cheese spreads. The U.S. subsidiary of Paris-based Fromageries Bel currently has two other production facilities in the U.S., located in Leitchfield, Ky., and Little Chute, Wis.

 “The robust South Dakota dairy industry and its hard-working Midwestern values make Brookings an ideal location for our new plant,” says Lance Chambers, President and CEO of Bel Brands USA. “Bel Brands has experienced significant growth over the past few years, and this new plant is essential to expanding our production capacity to meet the growing demand for our Mini Babybel cheeses.”

 Bel Brands USA has more than doubled in size over the past four years. Three of the Company’s key brands: Mini Babybel, The Laughing Cow and Boursin have fuelled much of the growth. Mini Babybel, which represents close to one-third of Bel Brands’ U.S. sales, has almost tripled in size with consistent 25+ percent growth. To date, sales of Mini Babybel in the U.S. total 17 million pounds (8,000 metric tons).  To meet the current demand, the company now imports more than 50 percent of the Mini Babybel business. Bel’s goal is to attain a sales volume of 22 million pounds or 10,000 tons (US) by next year.  

 The Company will invest approximately $100 million to build its new manufacturing plant on a 48-acre land parcel along 32^nd Avenue near the I-29 corridor. Plant construction is planned in two phases. The Company will break ground on the first phase this summer. Bel Brands expects to hire around 200 employees when the first phase of the plant becomes fully operational by 2014. Phase 1 of the project will have a production capacity of approximately 22 million pounds or 10,000 metric tons. The second phase of the plant, which is contingent on anticipated increased market demands, is envisioned to be built in 2016-2017 and will bring another 200 jobs to the area. 

“I am thrilled to welcome Bel Brands to South Dakota,” Gov. Dennis Daugaard said. “The impact of this project goes beyond the creation of up to 400 jobs. It goes beyond the estimated annual $500 million economic impact once the plant is fully operational. And it goes beyond the opportunity for our dairy operations to expand both capacity and market share,” the Governor said. “Having an internationally respected company like Bel Brands as our newest corporate citizen tells the world that South Dakota is open and ready for business from anywhere around the globe.”

 Bel Brands to Build New Plant in Brookings

“We wish to thank Governor Daugaard, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development team, the Brookings Economic Development team, Mayor Reed and the city of Brookings for their tireless effort in helping us select Brookings as the site for our new plant. We are excited to become a part of the Brookings community and we look forward to providing new opportunities for economic growth and employment in the area,” adds Chambers.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is an integral part of Bel Brands’ global development policy. One of the pillars of Bel’s CSR initiative is to be actively committed to economic, social and environmental sustainability in the local communities in which Bel operates. Bel Brands has ear-marked funds for this purpose and will be working closely with city officials to find the best use for this investment.

“Brookings is excited that Bel Brands has selected our community to construct a state-of-the-art production facility”, said Mayor Tim Reed.  “Bel Brands is an innovative international company and an excellent fit within our Brookings area economic growth strategy. This project will complement our efforts to build upon regional advantages, such as the SDSU Dairy Science program, while adding value and creating new economic opportunities for regional agricultural producers.”

 Bel Brands began the search process for its third manufacturing facility in early 2011.  The states under consideration included Iowa, Idaho, Michigan and South Dakota.  The Company also considered expanding its production facility in Leitchfield, Kentucky, where it currently produces The Laughing Cow and Mini Babybel cheese.  Bel Brands has made multi-million dollar investments in its Leitchfield plant to increase production capacity over the past four years and has grown from nearly 300 employees in 2007 to more than 420 employees in 2011. Jones Lang LaSalle and T. C. Jacoby and Company represented Bel Brands in the site selection process.

 Francine Moudry, previously Director of Operations for the Leitchfield plant, was recently appointed Project Director to lead the planning and construction of the new Brookings manufacturing facility. Moudry will be relocating to the Brookings area in early 2012.

About Bel Brands

Bel Brands USA, Inc. manufactures and markets branded cheeses, including The Laughing Cow^® cheese wedges and Mini  Babybel^® – America’s #1 branded snacking cheese; as well as Boursin^®, Kaukauna^®, Port Salut^®, Leerdammer^®, WisPride^®, Merkts^®, Owls Nest^®, Connoisseur^®, and Price*s^® natural and gourmet cheese spreads.  The mission of Bel Brands USA is “To delight people with a great tasting, unique cheese experience that fits their lifestyle.”  Bel Brands USA was named as one of Chicago’s “101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For” from 2009 – 2011. The company is headquartered in Chicago, Ill., and operates two manufacturing plants in Little Chute, Wis. and Leitchfield, Ky. Bel Brands USA is a subsidiary of Paris-based Fromageries Bel, a world leader in branded cheeses. Visit www.bel-group.com or www.thelaughingcow.com.

About Bel

The Bel Group is a world leader in branded cheeses. Its portfolio of differentiated and internationally recognized brands, including such products as The Laughing Cow, Kiri, Mini Babybel, Leerdammer, and Boursin, as well as some 20 local brands, enabled the Group to generate sales of €2.4 billion in 2010.  Nearly 11,300 employees in some 30 subsidiaries around the world contribute to the Group’s success. Its products are prepared at 26 production sites and distributed in over 120 countries.

Bel Brands Media Contact:                                         GOED Media Contact:
Kimberly Mulcahy                                                       Mary Lehecka Nelson
kmulcahy@belbrandsusa.com                               mary.leheckanelson@state.sd.us
(312) 267-1840 office                                                 (605) 773-3301 office
(630) 567-0299 cell                                                     (605) 280-2026 cell

This annual event, titled “Rising Powers,” describes and discusses changes in the political, economic and social power of key countries in their relations with the United States. The Republic of Korea, commonly called Korea, was selected for 2011, because of close ties forged between people of Korea and South Dakota through U.S. military, educational exchanges, trade and business partnerships, and Korean immigrants who are citizens of South Dakota.

Following WW II, the Korean peninsula was partitioned into North Korea and South Korea. The Republic of Korea, the southern part, was proclaimed in 1948. When the South was invaded by the North in 1950, the United States backed by United Nations fought against the North, known officially as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Technically, the war ended in 1953 but no treaty was signed. The growth of democracy and prosperity in the Republic of Korea will be described throughout the symposium. In the north, the lives of people have been affected by an authoritarian government that maintains a position of political power through its nuclear capabilities.

 A panorama of videos will be shown beginning at noon with the keynote address delivered by Jin-Hyun Lee, Consul from the Consulate of Korea in Chicago at 1 p.m. He will provide a perspective of the nation’s history and current role in the global economy and its political relationships that play a significant role in maintaining world peace.

Jennifer Smyser, from the Stanley Foundation, Muscatine, Iowa, will discuss “Balancing Power – Promoting World Peace” and the role the Republic of Korea government plays promoting stable relationships. Maj. Gen, Maury Forsyth, USAF (Ret), will describe the part played by the U.S. military on the Korean peninsula.

“Earning Power” – a description of the Republic of Korea’s economic development and place as a global trader – will be covered by Nicholas Hamisevicz from the Korean Economic Institute and Chul Chung, Chief Economist with the Korea International Trade Association. Evert Van der Sluis, SDSU Economics Department, will react with American and European viewpoints.

 Speakers in the final group will talk about the personal links between South Dakotans and the people of the Republic of Korea. Professor emeritus Carl Edeburn will look at education; Harriet Svec and Valerie Parsley will describe being parents of adopted Korean children; Mary Haug will read reflections contrasting Korean and South Dakota culture written as her outcome of a semester of teaching in the Republic of Korea. SDSU faculty and students who are natives of Korea will participate in these dialogues.

The program is free and open to the public. Audience can attend individual presentations beginning each hour as well as the entire program. Registration is not required except for a speakers’ reception following the program featuring buffets of typical Korean foods. There is a $15 fee for the reception and reservations must be made by noon on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012.

Call 688-5416 or send an e-mail to harriet.swedlund@sdstate.edu for additional information about the program and to reserve a place at the reception.

The South Dakota World Affairs Council organizes the symposium based on a series proposed originally by The Stanley Foundation which is a co-sponsor. Other sponsors include the Consulate of Korea in Chicago, the Korea Economic Institute, South Dakota State University, and Brookings Visitor Promotions.

Please consider encouraging your employees and staff to investigate the benefits available to members. We currently have members from many businesses who are members of the Brookings Chamber. We are not looking for numbers; we are seeking active members who, like ourselves, desire better communication and leadership skills.

We offer the opportunity for potential new members to just observe Brookings Toastmaster meetings. Acquaint yourself or your employee with the advantages and opportunities available through Toastmasters. Come join us for lunch and observe a program of impromptu speaking, prepared speeches and evaluations. Meet our members and be a part of a very unique experience. Learn what Toastmasters has to offer – improved speaking ability, faster thinking on your feet and better leadership skills are just a few of the benefits.  For any further information please contact Chris Chase VP of Membership, 605-695-0462 chase@brookings.net.

The editors of Construction Digital magazine have selected Brookings-based Civil Design Inc. as one of the world’s top engineering firms.  Of the 10 international companies selected by the magazine, CDI was ranked in the top five.  “This is a big honor, as our staff does extensive due diligence to select only the best in the industry,” said Philip Diehl of Construction Digital.  “This is a global competition, so it’s obvious that CDI is doing something right.”  The magazine does not solicit entries or applications for the distinction; instead, they research engineering companies that are the best of the best in the industry based on specific qualifications.

CDI President Carey Bretsch said he is very flattered by the honor, especially considering the monumental number of engineering companies throughout the world.  “To be in the company of such impressive and well-respected engineering firms, such as KBR with 35,000 employees in 45 countries, Black & Veatch, a company with $2 billion in revenue, and ARUP Group, who designed the Sydney Opera House, is a tremendous privilege.”  

Here is Construction Digital’s complete Top 10 list, published in its September, 2011, issue:

10) J2 Engineering – Florida, USA 
9)   KBR – Texas, USA
8)   Worleyparsons, Ltd. – North Sydney, Australia
7)   SNC-Lavalin, Inc. – Montreal, Quebec
6)   China Communications Construction Group – Beijing, China
5)   Civil Design, Inc. – South Dakota, USA
4)   Enterprise Electric – Tennessee, USA
3)   Black & Veatch – Kansas, USA
2)   ARUP Group Ltd. – London, England
1)   Qualis Corporation – Alabama, USA

This isn’t the first time CDI has earned a distinguished honor.  In 2008, Civil Design Inc. was ranked #1 by Inc. Magazine as one of the top 50 fastest growing, privately held independent engineering firms in the nation. CDI also earned the number 585 spot on the same magazine’s “Top 5,000″ list of the country’s fastest growing, privately held, independent companies.

CDI, with 14 employees, is a full-service civil engineering and land surveying firm.  Their specialties include land surveying, environmental and transportation engineering, and residential, commercial, industrial, and athletic site design.  Their professionals are registered in South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Iowa, and Indiana. 

Construction Digital is a leading digital media source of news and content for C-level executives and is focused on business and industry-specific issues such as: Green Building; Building Technologies; Project Management, and Design and Engineering.  Construction Digital is headquartered in San Diego, California, with additional offices in Boston, Toronto, Mumbai, and Norwich, England.  To view the September issue featuring the top ten engineering companies, go to http://www.constructiondigital.com and click on the “Read Now – Back Issues” tab in the upper right hand corner.

The print is a community visual time capsule captured in art. This artistic rendition, done in pen and ink, chronicles Brookings’s businesses, architecture, people and sites forever in history.

This keepsake of Brookings will be sold at the Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce (414 Main Avenue).

Standard prints are $20
Signed and number prints are $50.

For more information, please contact the Chamber office at 692-6125.