Growing Places

Garrett Gross and Bob Fitch know a thing or two about storytelling. Add Mindy's technical expertise, and you've rounded out the skill set of one of the leanest, most impactful media teams in our region! AGE Media and Promotion, proud publisher of SMGA's own Growing Places Magazine joins host Miranda Basye to talk small town stories, business lessons, and relationship building. Plus,...

It's not often a town of 900 sees a tattoo artist setup up shop on main street.  Catalyst Tattoo owners, Stephan and Dan are enjoying life in small town South Dakota and finding success in their craft.  Join this week's episode with Stephan, Dan, and Jared Hybertson to learn more about one of Centerville's newest businesses. We know you'll love the joy, energy, and excitement t...

DGR Engineering 's Trent Bruce joins Miranda and Sheldon for this episode of Growing Places. We're thrilled to celebrate DGR Engineering as the 2022 Business Partner of the Year! Trent explains DGR's approach to solving complex problems and supporting each community to achieve their on unique growth needs and pushing the envelope to set communities in the Sioux Metro up for long-ter...

Each year the Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED) highlights an individual who has excelled in economic development over their careers. This year, GOED honored two, one of which was Sioux Metro Growth Alliance (SGMA) President & CEO, Jesse Fonkert! In this episode, Jesse, Ryan, and Miranda reflect on Jesse's journey to his role today and what he looks forward to in the r...

As our region looks to increase housing options to give our growing workforce and families a place to call home, it's not always single family homes that help fulfill those needs. Denise Hanzlik, Executive Director of South Dakota Multi-Housing Association joins SMGA's Miranda Basye and Sheldon Jensen to discuss the pillars of advocacy and education. Denise also supports the Dell Rapids,...

The South Dakota Development Corporation (SDDC) team is more than good office mates. The small-but-mighty team at SDDC is making small business owner dreams come true every day! Brad Jankord, Vice President of Lending, joins Miranda Basye to discuss the ins and outs of 504 loans, his personal passion for finance and way too many hidden gems to count! Looking for a 504 loan, or interested in learni...

Marmen Energy's presence just to the north of I90 near the Brandon exit is hard to ignore - where ginormous wind towers are carefully and expertly constructed. Yannick Laroche, one of the original Marmen leaders assigned to constructing and getting the Brandon location up and running, continues to call the Sioux Metro his home, noting he found love here. Join Yannick, Miranda, and Ryan in thi...

 At each annual meeting, SMGA recognizes the accomplishments of businesses, people, and communities from the prior year. Honored for Community Innovation was the City of Salem. Jeremy Grady, member of the Salem Economic Development Corporation and market president at First Dakota National Bank, joins the Growing Places Podcast to unpack the keys Salem's Exponential Growth where in less than o...

Every community, organization, and business needs leadership. The right kind of leadership is essential in a growing community. This week's guest, Harrisburg Mayor, Derick "Digger" Wenck discusses his path to mayoral duties, community involvement, and of course the origination of the coolest nickname in local government, Digger. Interested in more information about what's going...

Owning a gym let alone two wasn't the original plan for Rapid Fitness owner and founder, Matt Beukelman. And yet, here he and his wife, Margo, are, leading the charge for healthier living in two Sioux Metro Communities - Brandon, SD and Dell Rapids, SD. In this episode, Matt shares his journey of entrepreneurship with us and discusses his community-first approach to leadership as he grows his...

Travel South Dakota's Erin Weinzettel joins the Growing Places Podcast to discuss South Dakota's Passport Program highlighting the hidden gems across our state, many of which are located in small communities. We also discuss  some community marketing strategies and the Marketing Assistance Program offered to communities.  Feel free to contact Erin or Calvin for any Travel South Dakota qu...

Owner, Founder, and lead cake lady at Sugar Palace by Emily, Emily Studemann  joins SMGA's Miranda Basye and Lisa Zens on this week's Growing Places. Emily shares her story of falling in love with frosting, gaining baking experience, and ultimately knowing she wanted to open up her own bakery since the age of 16. Tune in to hear more about Harrisburg's newest sweet spot!

This week Sheldon sits down with Eric Pauli, Community Relations Manager for Xcel Energy . Eric shares his background from serving as a lineman to moving into the corporate side of the utility world. Eric also speaks on different grant opportunities Xcel offers our community members. Tune in to hear about the future of the electric utility world as well! Eric would love to connect via phone at (60...

This week Miranda and Sheldon sit down with Jared Hybertson and discuss Sioux Metro Growth Alliance 's newest municipal member: Centerville, SD ! Jared is the executive director of the Centerville Development Corporation. In our conversation, we hear about the history of Centerville, the unique retail opportunities the community offers, and the city's new housing development. Contact Jar...

This week the SMGA Team sits down to learn more about their newest teammate, Miranda Basye! Miranda is joining SMGA as the Director of Engagement working on Marketing, Events, and Fundraising. Tune in to learn more about her, why she is excited for this role, and a story about why Minnows lead to strong marketing!

This week Ryan and Sheldon sit down with the Dakota Institute CEO Dr. Jared McEntaffer. They learn about the resources this new organization will provide the region including business consulting and economic analysis. Dr. McEntaffer provides a unique look at what conditions our communities will face over the next few months. 

In this episode, the entire SMGA team (Jesse, Lisa, Ryan, and Sheldon) come together and provide a retrospective look at 2022 and share goals and predictions for what 2023 has in store! 

This week Callie Tuschen Co-Owner of Buffalo Ridge Brewing in Hartford, SD sits down with the SMGA team to share about her business and downtown Hartford. Buffalo Ridge Brewing started in 2018 and recently celebrated its 4th Anniversary. Tune in to hear about exciting plans for the future of downtown Hartford and a great story of entrepreneurship! 

This week Tyler Klatt, Assistant Commission Administrator with Minnehaha County swings by to provide SMGA with an update from the county. Our discussion focuses on the potential for a new county juvenile detention facility and the new highway department building under construction.

This week Rachel Neiman, Executive Director of the Brandon Valley Area Chamber of Commerce stops by to talk with Jesse and Sheldon about the Brandon Community. Tune in to hear about their Pizza Battle and the future of SMGA's largest community.

This week, Carrie Bell, Executive Director of the Harrisburg Chamber of Commerce sits down for a conversation with Sheldon about the explosive growth seen by the community. The Harrisburg Chamber supports the business community of Harrisburg and South Sioux Falls connecting members together through regular events and networking opportunities.

This week Sadie Swier with the SDCEO Women's Business Center East stops by the office for a conversation about her organization, how she ended up in her position, and the amazing programming SDCEO provides our region. Tune in to hear about the power of connection, a supportive ecosystem, and so much more.

Peter Hauck is the Assistant Director of the Prairie Family Business Association. This week Sheldon and Jesse sit down with Peter to discuss the vital role PFBA plays in the Sioux Metro's entrepreneurial ecosystem. PFBA provides a variety of resources for family businesses including retreats and peer groups. Peter is also a small business owner himself. Learn about Peter's business, his...

This week Sheldon sits down with Jay Buchholz and Ben Pierson from Sioux Valley Energy. Jay and Ben provide an overview of our power grid, electrical utiltities and the gradual shift to renewable energy. Sioux Valley Energy is hosting an Electric Vehicle Drive event on Thursday, September 29th at the Sioux Empire Fairgrounds. Learn more about this event by listening to our conversation!

This week Councilmember Mitch Rayman and Superintendent Matt Alley swing by for a conversation sharing the story of Salem, SD. Salem is SMGA's newest member community and this episode features a great overview of what the community has to offer, why it is unique in the metro and why the future looks bright!