S.D. could be next ‘Silicon Valley’ as state announces USD, Eagle Creek partnership
The Vermillion community can expect an increase of 200 job openings as Twin Cities-based Eagle Creek Software Services announced they will be expanding their operation by building a $10 million technology center and offering academic programs through the University of South Dakota.
At a press conference held March 13 at the Al Neuharth Media Center, Ken Behrendt, president of Eagle Creek, formally announced the company’s plans to expand in South Dakota, which is expected to bring 1,000 jobs to the state. The jobs will be phased in over the next three to five years.
“We are convinced this is the place where Silicon Valley can be,” Behrendt said. “It’s cheaper to do work in South Dakota rather than outsourcing in India.”
USD and Eagle Creek also announced their recognition of the Information Technology Consultant Academy. A trade-off between scholarships and strategic career planning, USD will provide undergraduate students the opportunity for two scholarship possibilities: one for an undergraduate student pursuing an information technology certificate program and one for a student pursuing a master’s degree in information technology.
Classes to meet the criterion for each program are expected to begin next fall. A trial period of some of the courses is currently being conducted this semester.
The undergraduate program is expected to be approved by the Board of Regents at its April meeting, while the master’s program is still being discussed between Eagle Creek and BOR.
Outside of the classroom, the partnership will allow students the chance to obtain internships and steady jobs, said S.D. Gov. Dennis Daugaard, who was also present at the press conference.
“This is an exciting day for students across the state,” Daugaard said.
While the technology center is not expected to be operational until 2014, Behrendt said he hopes Eagle Creek will have temporary offices up and running later this year. The location for the technology center will be northwest of USD along highway 50, and groundbreaking for the new technology center is slated to begin in May.
