WATERTOWN, S.D.(AlphaMedia)–Governor Kristi Noem was in Watertown Monday for the 19th annual Lake Area Technical College (LATC) Governor’s Luncheon.

During her remarks to several hundred people in the Student Center, the governor says South Dakota remained, “open for business” throughout the pandemic, and people all over the country have taken notice.

She says one of South Dakota’s greatest challenges is workforce development, and that’s where LATC comes in.

The governor says LATC, a former Aspen Prize winner as the top two year college in the nation, has an impressive story to tell.

And the governor spoke of a $10 million gift to LATC.

LATC President Mike Cartney told the audience that 74% of the school’s students graduate within two years, far outpacing other two year schools across the country.