SD Economic Development Chair Has Multiple Ties to Food Company Receiving Millions in State Aid

SD economic development chair has multiple ties to food company receiving millions in state aid

The chairman of a state economic development board not only sits on the corporate board for a company benefiting from millions in state aid but also has connections to the company’s landlord. As reported Friday by South Dakota Searchlight, Jeff Erickson is the chairman of the South Dakota Board of Economic Development and a member of the CJ Schwan’s corporate board. While he’s held those positions, CJ Schwan’s has benefited from a total of $69 m…

Minnesota-based CJ Schwan’s benefits from South Dakota revolving door

A sign identifies a CJ Schwan's office in downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in September 2025. (Photo by South Dakota Governor's Office)Steve Westra was South Dakota’s commissioner of economic development four years ago when the office first agreed to provide financial assistance for a CJ Schwan’s company project. After leaving state government, he’s now a vice president for the company, which has benefited from state grant and loan approvals …

The State of SD needs to eliminate GOED – South DaCola

I don’t have a problem with the office, most states have a department like this. But our version of GOED has been corrupt for years. In fact, I got a GOED director fired during the Huether administration. I have never trusted anyone in that office; Steve Westra was South Dakota’s commissioner of economic development four years ago when the office first agreed to provide financial assistance for a CJ Schwan’s company project. After leaving state…