Straight Shooter

Over the past few years, South Dakota has lured a number of small firearms factories, thanks to low taxes, minimal regulations and gun-friendly residents. While standing outside of the Bruce Bowen Company in Sturgis, I could see no less than five other businesses nearby that were engaged in gun manufacturing.

“We’re looking for more 12 month businesses,” Bruce Bowen said. Bruce is a member of the Future Sturgis organization and one of a growing firearms manufacturing industry that is hot right now in the area. Eight firearms companies call the town home, employing more than 120 workers in what the city estimates is a $3.8-million-a-year local industry. Five of the companies have moved to Sturgis since 2000.

 

 Bruce Bowen, Bruce Bowen Company [23:33m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

Day 6: The Spirit of the Black Hills

There’s just something about this area that inspires.
It inspires people to do their best, to make good use of what they’ve been given and to meet the challenges and opportunities with a quiet grace.
I wonder where that comes from. Someone mentioned to me that people “up North” have a more stoic nature and take the […]

Day 5: More Than Motorcycles

STURGIS, S.D.
Sturgis seems to be going through an identity crisis. Everybody knows that this sleepy little town of 6,500 in the Black Hills plays host to nearly 500,000 bikers (many riding Harley-Davidsons) each August for the Sturgis Rally (the 2008 version was the 68th).
But that’s just for 10 days each year.
The rest of the time, […]

Day Four: Tourism is Our Business

What we’ve seen of Sioux Falls seems very clean, orderly and well spaced. The park area around the “Falls” on the Big Sioux is a wonderful gathering space. I found myself wishing I had a picnic basket and my ball glove. The grounds are beautifully kept and there were a lot of people around enjoying a spectacular 75 degrees with a light wind and no humidity. I asked someone if this was typical of an August day and he said, “Quite the contrary. Generally 95 and lots of humidity.” Today was what is referred to as “Chamber of Commerce” weather.