BROOKINGS, S.D. – With roots of its business starting in Brookings, Furniture Mart USA has made a financial commitment towards First Bank & Trust Arena. Furniture Mart USA, a company that was established 45 years ago, has joined in supporting the new arena project at South Dakota State University.
The Furniture Mart USA Showroom will serve as a hospitality space on the east side of First Bank & Trust Arena as a part of Furniture Mart USA’s contribution to the project. The area will provide another first-class experience for Jackrabbit fans while keeping spectators close to the action.
The founder of Furniture Mart USA, Bill Hinks, developed his business acumen while not only attending classes as a student at South Dakota State University, but also running a Texaco filling station in his time on campus. His experience grew his portfolio into the mobile home business while in Brookings. His next venture eventually led him to his current operation. His first furniture store originated in 1977 in Sioux Falls and the business flourished from there.
Furniture Mart USA today has over 50 stores in a six-state region.
“First Bank & Trust, including Bob and Van Fishback, helped a new furniture business get going and grow fast,” Hinks said. “We needed a bank and First Bank & Trust was a great supporter. They helped our company become very successful. The name Furniture Mart USA became well known after a few years of growth.”
Hinks’s time in Sioux Falls allowed him to become a supporter of Jackrabbit Athletics over the years. He always had a passion for basketball and his relationship with friends and alums loyal to South Dakota State had always been prevalent since his days where his growing professional career started. In addition, Bill and his wife Carolyn are also supporters of the School of Performing Arts. They were honored as the 2022 Friends of the Pride for their donation to the Pride’s performance at the upcoming Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The gift towards First Bank & Trust Arena provides a name of another South Dakota founded business to be on display in the home of Jackrabbit Athletics, as well as various other events hosted by SDSU and the Brookings community.
“My greatest memory of Frost Arena was the people and watching the tremendous growth in all sports at SDSU,” Hinks said. “The opportunity to follow this growth has created many lasting friendships for me.”
Construction and renovation began on First Bank & Trust Arena earlier this summer with the project expected to take two years. Significant funding has already been generated from private donors and industry partners. The arena project is part of the SDSU Foundation’s Bold & Blue campaign, which is the largest comprehensive campaign in South Dakota State University’s history.
About First Bank & Trust Arena: The renovation and expansion of First Bank & Trust Arena will include premium seating and hospitality areas, video displays, locker rooms, team rooms, athletic training facilities, an academic center and other amenities to enhance the event experience for all fans. or more information on how you can invest in this one-of-a-kind venue, please contact the Athletic Development Office or the SDSU Foundation.
For more information on First Bank & Trust Arena, click here.
Athletic Development Office – 605-696-7475 – [email protected] – www.BackTheJacks.com
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