Growing Places

On this episode of Growing Places SMGA's Economic Development Specialist Chris Fields visits with Chad Kinsley, CEO and Erica Fitzhugh, Communications and Public Relations Manager at Southeastern Electric Cooperative. If you're a member don't forget to mark your calendar for Southeastern Electric's annual meeting on Thursday, June 5 at 5pm. Chad's Hidden Gem: Lee's Me...

On this episode of Growing Places SMGA CEO Tyler Tordsen sits downs for another episode of our Mayors Series. Joining him are Mayor Butch Osbey of Crooks as well as Mayor Arden Jones of Hartford. They discuss their history serving their cities as well as a large scale regional wastewater facility slated to serve their towns. Mayor Jones' Hidden Gem: Hartford Main Street Farmers Market Buffalo...

In this episode of Growing Places SMGA CEO Tyler Tordsen and Economic Development Specialist Joshua Chase sit down the Mayor of Valley Springs, Rick Larsen. Rick is a veteran and career firefighter who is passionate about bringing new people to Valley Springs who he is sure will enjoy it as much as he has. He's standing by to give personal tours of the town he leads and loves! Mayor Larsen&ap...

On this episode of Growing Places SMGA CEO Tyler Tordsen and Economic Development Specialist Chris Fields sit down with a very special guest--Jay Buchholz. Jay is the Manger of Public Relations and Key Accounts for Sioux Valley Energy. In addition his work at Sioux Valley Energy, Jay has held many positions on the Sioux Metro Board of Directors, most recently serving as the Past Chairman of the Bo...

SMGA CEO Tyler Tordsen and Economic Development Specialist Joshua Chase are joined by Jay Mitchell, Sioux Empire Market President for First Interstate Bank on this episode of Growing Places. Tune in to hear what makes First Interstate Bank a special place in a city with so many options! Jay's Hidden Gem: Kuehn Park Golf Course   Special Mentions: Lenkota GC and The Bridges at Beresford

EOS Implementer Will Powell stops by to chat with SMGA CEO Tyler Tordsen and Economic Development Specialist Joshua Chase. Will brings a wealth of perspective to Growing Places and his clients while helping them to implement the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) in order to advance their businesses and business practices.  Will puts his teachings into practice in his own business, Podyum, whe...

Break down some acronyms with us in this latest episode of Growing Places. SMGA's Tyler Tordsen and Joshua Chase sit down with a very special guest and Hartford native -- Sadie Swier, Director of SD CEO East Women's Business Center. Sadie's Hidden Gems: Hartford Steak Co. Tavern , El Mezcal , and Dells Theatre .

In this episode of Growing Places, SMGA President and CEO Tyler Tordsen sits down with Tim Meagher, Chief Operating Officer for Vanguard Hospitality , to talk about providing quality meals to Metro patrons using locally sourced ingredients and working with local producers. Listen-in to hear about Tim's career, his wine endeavors, and how those experiences influence his mindset while providing...

In this episode of Growing Places Sioux Metro Growth Alliance President and CEO Tyler Tordsen and Economic Development Specialist Joshua Chase sit down with Eli Seeley, the Mayor of Beresford, South Dakota.  Mayor Seeley's Hidden Gems: Creme and Sugar , Wake & Bake , Rainy Day Coffee Co. , Kava Rose Brewhouse , Klassix, and Bertz and Bertz Beer Garden .  Visit us here to learn more about...

In this episode of Growing Places, SMGA CEO Tyler Tordsen sits down with Executive Director of Lewis and Clark Regional Water System - Troy Larson! Tune in for a discussion covering Troy's background, Sioux Falls eateries, and SMGA's 2024 Growth Summit on water.   Get tickets to the 2024 Growth Summit here! Troy's Hidden Gem : Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant Recommendations: Sambusa o...

On this episode of Growing Places SMGA CEO Tyler Tordsen sits downs with Mayor Casey Voelker of Tea and Mayor Danny Fergen of Lennox. Mayor Voelker's Hidden Gems- Squealers Smoke Shack in Tea and Sioux Valley Grille in Canton. Mayor Fergen's Hidden Gems- El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant in Lennox and the Royal Bake Shop in Centerville.  Hidden Gem: 'something valuable or special that...

Director of Economic Development of Heartland Energy and SD Senate Majority Leader Casey Crabtree sits down with SMGA President/CEO Tyler Tordsen to discuss the 2024 General Election. In this episode of Growing Places, get to know more about Senator Crabtree's background, thoughts on economic development while serving in Pierre, and a breakdown on everything you need to know about the seven b...

Part II of the newest season of Growing Places where you get to know the other half of the SMGA team in longtime regional advocate Karen Ruhland and Pukwana MSA's very own Bryce Healy! Learn more about their roles and experience working for the Sioux Falls MSA.   Karen's Hidden Gem: "Four Wheelin on Ditch Road" north of Sioux Falls. Bryce's Hidden Gem: "All of them&qu...

Join us for this episode of Growing Places and meet some of the new SMGA staff. Learn about their new roles and the highlights of SMGA's 2024 event season.   Josh's Hidden Gem: El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant in Lennox, SD. Chris' Hidden Gem: Palisades State Park near Garretson, SD.

Tune in to this episode and meet Tyler Tordsen SMGA's new President/CEO. Hear what excites him about this organization, how he got to this role, and why he chose to serve in the state legislature. Tyler's Hidden Gem: SD Game Fish and Parks

Jason and Amber Uphoff moved to Dell  Rapids three years ago and have began the journey of restoring one of the communities many historic buildings! Tune in to hear what drew their family to  Dell  Rapids, how they are renovating their building, and what the future of Downtown Dell  Rapids has in store!  Jason's Hidden Gem: Pinz Bowling Alley in Dell Rapids and King Skull Ironworks in Garrets...

It's not very often these days the whole Sioux Metro Growth Alliance team huddles around the mics for a podcast episode. In this bittersweet discussion, Ryan, Sheldon, and Lisa reminisce with stories, celebrations, and lessons with Miranda Basye as she exits the the organization. Carrying much of SMGA's marketing, communications, events, and business relationships over the course of the...

For nearly four years Jesse Fonkert has been at the helm of Sioux Metro Growth Alliance. After leading SMGA through unprecedented organizational growth, program expansion, and increased staff, Jesse joins the Growing Places Podcast in his final week serving SMGA before joining the Governor's Office of Economic Development as the Deputy Commissioner.  Jesse and your host Miranda Basye discuss...

SMGA's Ryan, Sheldon, and host Miranda join Intern Lauren Teller in discussing her internship, her impressions of economic development, and her plans for the future. Members of the SMGA team also offer pieces of sage professional advice and reflect on their own experiences as interns and young professionals. Plus! Check out this week's hidden gems! Hartford Steak Co. The Gruff Russ'...

Happy 50th Birthday Brandon, SD ! In honor the city's milestone, we welcomed Jeremy Risty, President of the Brandon Historical Society and Social Studies teacher at Brandon Valley High School, as a guest in this week's episode.  Jeremy joins SMGA's Miranda Basye to discuss all things Brandon, including the restoration of a local 1870 cabin in collaboration with the City of Brandon a...

Lennox, SD located just 15 minutes from the Sioux Falls Scheels boasts a desirable small-town charm and the buzz of growth. SESD Rough Sawn Lumber 's owner and operator, Chris DeHann begins his journey of taking his 8-year venture to the next step of expanding his space and services to feature a full-service lumber yard with a ceremonial groundbreaking on July 10th. Chris, local landowner Pau...

Linda Kokenge, founder and owner of Zook's Coffee Bar in Tea, SD joins Miranda Basye in this week's Growing Places. Linda shares her story of entrepreneurship, her love for marketing, her passion for the community of Tea, and what might be next in the Zook's coffee owner's business ventures. Plus, catch this week's hidden gem, Palisades State Park in Garretson! Follow Zook...

"Heart of Harrisburg" is a five-year initiative laying the foundation for a booming community future. Join Adam Walsh, Harrisburg Economic Development Corporation board chair, and Lisa Zens, Director of Economic Development to learn how Harrisburg continues to intentally grow. There's ample land, and the "Heart of Harrisburg" program provides for land use planning, and eco...

SD Secretary of Labor and Regulation, Marcia Hultman, and the Apprenticeship Program Manager, Tara Bartekoske join SMGA's Miranda Basye and Ryan Solberg in discussing SD's labor market trends, the StartToday SD Apprenticeship Program and of course their favorite hidden gems in the metro. PLUS, catch some data points about SD's work ethic and productivity trends! Email Tara's te...

SMGA is thrilled to welcome Lauren Teller to the team as our 2023 Summer Intern! She's already made an impact to our work. As a Sioux Falls native and senior at Augustana University studying English, Government/International Affairs, and Spanish, Lauren hits the ground running with policy work, writing, and research. Learn more about Lauren in this week's Growing Places. Plus! Catch her...