Pierre Aquatic Center

BankWest officials hope a new, high-tech scoreboard at the Pierre Aquatic Center will help attract new swimming events to the area and assist both athletes and spectators in following the action.

The new Daktronics scoreboard was recently unveiled by BankWest Chairman, President and CEO Charles Burke III, Pierre Mayor Laurie Gill and Ferding Electric Owner Scott Jacobsen. The scoreboard was purchased by BankWest and installed by Ferding Electric and City of Pierre employees.

“The scoreboard is a great addition to the aquatic center and it will greatly improve scoring and timing visibility for swim meet attendees,” Burke said. “As a banker, I look at this as an investment in our community. But as a grandfather, I look at this as an investment in our young people. Quite frankly, I tend to lean more toward the latter when I look around and see all of these young, smiling faces.”

The scoreboard donation was actually the second contribution in two years that BankWest has made to the local swim program. Last year, the bank donated a starting block which is removable when not being used. Assisting with the unveiling were BankWest AVP/Management Development Associate Becky Burke, City of Pierre Parks and Recreation Director Tom Farnsworth, BankWest Chairman, President and CEO Charles Burke III, Pierre Mayor Laurie Gill, Ferding Electric Owner Scott Jacobsen and BankWest Regional President Terry Fitzke.