BEDC connects businesses and entrepreneurs to the many resources available in the Brookings region. BEDC aids in the retention and expansion of local businesses and works to attract new business that align with the area's assets. The organization also seeks to retain and attract workers for area businesses through workforce recruitment and retention programs. Brookings Accolades: - Named 2020 Outstanding Philanthropic Community in S.D. (S.D. Assoc. of Fundraising Professionals) - Perfect 100 Score - Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index (2020, 2019, 2018) - #16 - Best Performing Micropolitans in the Country (Policom, 2020) - #1 - Best Cities To Live in S.D. (Chamber of Commerce, 2019) - #1 - Best College Town in S.D. (Travel Pulse, 2019) - #7 - Most Arts-Vibrant Small Cities in the U.S. (SMU DataArts 2019) - Named National Micropolitan Success Story (Walton Family Foundation, 2018) - #2 - Safest Cities in S.D. (Alarms.org, 2018) - #1 - Best Places to Live in S.D. (Niche, 2018, 2017, 2016) - #8 - Top College Towns in America (Schools.com, 2017) - #25 - Best Cities for Entrepreneurs in America (Livability/Entrepreneur, 2017) - #2 - Best School Districts in South Dakota (Niche, 2019, 2018, 2017) - Beautiful Small Towns in Every State (USA Today, 2017) - America's Main Streets Contest Finalist (Independent We Stand, 2016) - #89 - Top 100 Best Places to Live in America (Livability, 2016) - #1 - Safest College Town in America (Safewise, 2015) - #5 - Safest City in America (ADTSecurity, 2015) - One of 11 Communities Chosen Nationwide (and only non-metro area) for "Case Study for Positive Economic Transformation" (State of Indiana Study, 2014) - #1 - Place to Live in South Dakota (Movoto, 2014) - #1 - Safest Place to Live in South Dakota (Movoto, 2014) - #6 - Classic American Small Towns You Should Visit (Destination Tips, 2014) - #5 - Top 10 Best Small Towns in America (Livability, 2013)