Faulkton Area’s Evolution of Economic Development

In the spirit of Economic Development Week, we thank the past that has brought the Faulkton area to the present.

Faulk County has a long history of community members stepping up and doing what was needed to keep the Faulkton area going and the community alive. In December 1978, local farmers, businessmen, and other interested community members met to discuss building an ethyl alcohol plant. In January 1979, this supportive group became FALCO Development Corp. Its goal was to explore more possibilities for industrial development within Faulk County and an industrial park in Faulkton. That was the start of what would later become the Faulkton Area Economic Development Corporation (FAEDC).

What is Economic Development?

Economic development is a revenue strategy used to stabilize a community’s economy. On a deeper level, economic development is more than a storefront opening/ribbon cutting. Economic development enhances the quality of life for all residents by helping the community offer:

• Safe environment with responsible law enforcement
• Great schools with excellent teachers and administrators
• Jobs
• Quality healthcare
• Responsible childcare
• Sufficient recreational & cultural activities

As FAEDC continues its commitment to stabilizing the Faulkton area and enhancing the quality of life, Census data shows from 2010 to 2020, there was a resident increase of 91 members in the community. For a community as small as Faulkton, this number is huge. It is a testament to how great of a place the Faulkton area is to live.  

Highlighting History

In 1978, Members of FALCO attended a meeting focused on how small communities can brighten their financial outlook through a development group. They learned how to promote new job opportunities and growth in a community by:

• Assisting existing industries/businesses
• Creating homegrown industries
• Attracting outside businesses

To date, FAEDC continues to do the same as what FALCO learned and more. So much has taken place to grow, improve, and expand the Faulkton area. At every turn, it was the community that bonded together to make all things happen.

From 1978, when an idea was presented, through 2001 and beyond, discussions have brought about change. Whether it was FALCO, FDC, or FAEDC, Faulkton’s economic development team has always been and will always be community-inclusive. With community meetings, passing out surveys, and adding items to voting ballots, Faulkton can not be the small, yet strong community it is without its unity. And this dedication within its economic development sector brought a greater Faulkton area from 1978 to 2024.

From 2002 - 2022, the Faulkton area has raised and received donations and grants totaling over $2M. This money remained in the area and helped:

• Build a community center and gym
• Build Faulkton Area Medical Center
• Housing Developments (buying and building houses and apartments)
• School presentations
• Workforce training
• Construction and maintenance of Faulkton’s Industrial Park
• Build Hope’s Playground and Park 
• Safe Routes to School (Phase I)
• Faulk County Community Transit Authority
• Benefit charitable causes
• Graduating Senior Scholarship Program

That is only a glimpse into the results that economic development has given the Faulkton area. While funds were not donated to or raised by FAEDC alone, the revenue strategy of economic growth and development is a partnership that encompasses government entities, businesses, and community stakeholders. Together,

We Believe In Possible!

What started in 1978, is still happening today, continued promotion of recreation, education, jobs, and healthcare. “Faulkton is the place to be, not just a place to be from,” - Joel Price, former FDC Board Chairman.

Happy Economic Development Week! Contact FAEDC to learn more about all the Faulkton area has to offer.