Sioux Falls growing into high-tech hub. Hard workers, low costs a draw for businesses

Last month, Electric Pulp popped up on the nation’s technology radar screen. And no one was more surprised than the firm’s owners.

The small Sioux Falls-based Web development company had just debuted a computer program called FeedRinse, which helps sort through online information.

"We built it to scratch our own itch," said owning partner Michael Lehmkuhl. "As soon as we let it out the door, other people thought it was a good idea."

Did they ever.

Full Story: http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060723/BUSINESS/607230310/1003

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Digital technology helps rural Hilbert become base for international firm

By JOHN SCHMID

This rural hamlet of 1,089 residents and no traffic lights was a decidedly sleepy place until Todd C. Thiel returned and began to globalize his hometown.

After a 10-year stint as an investment banker, Thiel moved back, acquired the town’s red-brick bank building – built in 1908 for the State Bank of Hilbert – and turned it into the international headquarters for his financial services group.

As he settled in, Thiel lobbied Cingular Wireless to upgrade its local network to the international standard for cell phones. Before long, also at Thiel’s behest, the village had rigged a wireless Internet transmitter to its bright blue water tower.

"I love where I’m from," said Thiel, chief executive officer and founder of the McKinley Reserve, an investment firm with offices around the world and $1 billion in assets under management.

Full Story: http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=475674