Growing Places

South Dakota's Secretary of Tourism Jim Hagen and Industry Relations Representative Calvin Bloemendaal stop by the Sioux Metro offices this week for an engaging conversation about all things tourism in the Sioux Metro and South Dakota as a whole. They focus on the department's new strategic initiatives including the Great Finds Passport Program and how our communities can best attract to...

This week the SMGA team sits down with Kyle Peters to talk agriculture in the Sioux Metro. Kyle is a Business Development Representative with A1 Development Solutions. A1 is a full-service firm focused on attracting Agricultural development to South Dakota. Kyle shares information about the ag market, why the Sioux Metro is seeing an explosion of dairy operations, and so much more.

More Sioux Metro businesses rely on international trade than one might think! Tune into hear from South Dakota International Trade Officer Rock Nelson and Luke Lindberg from the South Dakota District Export Council. Rock and Luke share about how to start importing and exporting, the current and future state of international trade for our region, and so much more! If you know Rock, you probably are...

Today, Sheldon and Jesse sit down with Rhiannon Israel from the Relocation Companion and Welcome Sioux Falls. Rhiannon shares her family's relocation story from Tennessee to Harrisburg, SD. After their move, Rhiannon started a business dedicated to assisting employees, employers, and communities in the relocation process. Tune in to learn more!

In today's episode, the SMGA Crew sits down with Ladd and Jacob from Primary Manufacturing. Primary is a world class additive manufacturing company based on Main street in Humboldt. They provide wonderful insight into their technical business, the model train industry, the Humboldt community, and SO MUCH MORE!

Tune in to hear from the Mayor of Worthing, Crystal Jacobson! Crystal shares her background, and gives a great update on the community of Worthing. Crystal is joined by her daughter Maggie and you will not want to miss the banter back and forth with our SMGA hosts!

Amy M. Farr is the director of the Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Foundation. In today's episode, she sits down with SMGA staff to share all about the happenings in Hartford. Tune in to hear about ice cream, manufacturing, housing, and more.

As one of South Dakota's leading Economic Developers over the past 20 years, Steve Watson has developed a wealth of knowledge. The team at SMGA was lucky enough to sit down and talk with Steve during this week's episode of "Growing Places." We chat with Steve about his time at Augustana University, the Governor's Office of Economic Development, and how he continues to prom...

From working as a lawyer for the NBA Player's Association to serving as Brandon, SD's Director of Planning and Development, Patrick Andrews has led an interesting life! Tune into this weeks episode of Growing Places to hear Patrick's story and catch up on all the development going on in Brandon!

SMGA is THRILLED to introduce Lisa Zens as our newest EDS to the Sioux Metro. She will be serving the communities of Harrisburg and Worthing. Tune into to this episode of "Growing Places" to learn about Lisa and what she hopes to accomplish alongside these cities! Also, the team provides a brief round-up of summer festivals throughout the Sioux Metro.

Hear from our intern Molly on her last day. The SMGA reminisces on memories from the last 8 months and talks about future plans. Congratulations to the Fonkert family on the newest addition!

Baltic resident, small business owner, and Baltic Area Development Foundation President, Zach Nebben teaches all of us something about black walnut and why hobby businesses are important for a community.  Find Nuts & Stuff on Facebook and Instagram: @NebbensNutsAndStuff

Travis Lape is the Innovative Programs Director and Breanne Lynch is the Career and Technical Education Coordinator at the Harrisburg School District. Together they work with business and students to combine student passions and skills with the needs of the greater community.

Hear all about the upcoming Sioux Metro Growth Alliance Grow Smarter Conference. The conference will be held on April 11-13 in Harrisburg SD. Register online at the link below and we look forward to seeing you there. https://www.siouxmetro.com/events/2022/04/11/conference/grow-smarter-2022/

Hear from Ward 3 Alderman, Chad Ronshaugen, and LaDelle & 4th Coffee owner, Aaron Delgado, about all things Dell Rapids, owning a small business, and being involved in the local community

Grant Park Capital has made big moves in the community of Baltic including creating a housing development, only the third one in 60 years, and donating the land for a brand new high school. Hear from Brian Hefty, CEO of Hefty Seed Co, and Mike Wendland who have both been instrumental in these projects and in the community of Baltic throughout the years.  Learn more about SMGA: https://www.siouxmet...

Lennox SD is poised for exponential growth. Hear from Nate Vander Plaats, city administrator, and Sharese Ihnen, president of the Lennox Area Development Corporation, about all things economic development and why Lennox was deserving of the SMGA Community Innovation Award.

Meet the SMGA Regional Economic Development Champion from 2021, Kris Frerk from Garretson SD. Hear about Kris' involvement in a plethora of projects over the years including the Garretson food pantry and future expansion of the nonprofit daycare, the Blue Dragon Academy. With Kris involved, Garretson has a great future ahead.

Hear from staff with a certified development corporation here in South Dakota, South Dakota Development Corporation, about all things SBA 504 lending.

The team at SMGA discusses the ins and outs of business attraction and retention to rural communities and characteristics of successful small businesses. 

Our economic development team talks about all things Sioux Metro Growth Alliance: what we do, how we got here, what we might see in the future and more! Tune in to hear all about economic development in the Sioux Falls Metro Area.