Aberdeen, South Dakota
Aberdeen’s current tagline – “Life is Good in Aberdeen” – seems to be an accurate depiction of the city’s recent past and current situation. The northeastern South Dakota community of nearly 25,000 residents is enjoying a growing economy – nearly 2,000 new jobs are expected over the next five years from new and relocating businesses in various industries. Business-friendly incentives, such as no corporate income or business inventory taxes, are likely playing a key role in this economic growth.
The city has been designated the 2008 South Dakota Governor’s Large Community of the Year, and Mayor Mike Levsen has said, “We haven’t been this optimistic in 25 years.” 
In terms of technology, Aberbeen claims to be a “regional leader in computer and telecommunications technologies.” This statement is supported by demographic statistics as well as numerous initiatives that have been implemented across the area, including:
- Broadband access, “even in rural areas”
- Free public Wi-Fi access on Historic Main Street (six-block corridor) in Downtown Aberdeen, an initiative of the Aberdeen Downtown Association and Tel Serv Communications – implemented in August 2008
- Wireless capabilities being added at local educational institutions, including Northern State University, Presentation College, the Aberdeen Public School System and Catholic School System
- A new, state-wide High Speed REED (Research Education Economic Development) Network that will connect two of South Dakota’s research centers and the six state public universities – including Aberdeen’s Northern State University as a hub