Growing Places

Join us as SMGA's Tyler Tordsen sits down with Southeastern Electric Cooperative's CEO & General Manager, Chad Kinsley, and Communications and Public Relations Manager, Erica Fitzhugh. 

They discuss safety, communicating to members, understanding cooperatives & partnering with them, and their current partnership with Union County Electric Co-op. 

Erica's Hidden Gem: Twigs & Treasures

Chad's Hidden Gem: Wildeboer Dairy

Join us as Hayley Johnson and Josh Chase with SMGA sit down with Eric Fosheim, Economic Development Manager for East River Electric to talk about his personal and professional journey, indicators of a community with a growth mindset, and how East River Electric is giving back to their communities. 

Eric's hidden gem: Hartford Steakhouse

Honorable Mentions: TC Referee's and Breaking Burrito

Join us as Hayley Johnson and Joshua Chase of SMGA h ostBrandon Lane, Economic Development and Community Relation Executive for Sioux Valley Energy, as they discuss Brandon's personal and professional background, the Leadership Sioux Metro program, and Sioux Valley Energy's Revive 2030 initiative. 

Brandon's Hidden Gem: Nikki's Burritio Express

Meet the newest additions to the SMGA team, Berk Erhmantraut and Hayley Johnson

SMGA's Tyler Tordsen and Chris Fields sit down with Dusten Hendricksen, CEO of Mailbox Money, to talk about about small town real-estate and quality workforce housing. 

Listen in as SMGA CEO Tyler Tordsen and Economic Development Specialist Chris Fields discuss leadership. They'll also introduce a new program offered in collaboration with Think 3D Solutions, featuring CEO Tamien Dysart. 

Join SMGA's own Economic Development Specialists Bryce Healy, Chris Fields, and Josh Chase as well as SMGA's summer intern Porter Ihnen as they discuss internships, projects, and all the hidden gems in the Sioux Metro region.

In this episode of Growing Places, host Tyler Tordsen sits down with South Dakota State Historian Dr. Ben Jones to unpack the America 250 initiative. They explore how small towns, local traditions, and civic volunteerism help tell America’s story, from Liberty Trees and time capsules to parades, potlucks, and preservation projects. Listeners will hear practical ideas for celebrating 2026 in their own communities beyond the July 4th celebrations.

SMGA's Chris Fields and Tyler Tordsen chat with Midco's Senior Government Relations Director, Andrew Curley. Midco is a long time supporter of Sioux Metro Growth Alliance. Join the trio as they discuss Midco's footprint, the Fiber Forward initiative, and Andrew's seat on the Membership Advisor Board.

SMGA's Chris Fields talks tourism with Carmen Schramm Executive Director for the Tourism Coalition of South Dakota and return guest Kasi Haberman, Executive Director for Southeast South Dakota Tourism. Join the trio as they talk all things tourism, the #2 Industry in South Dakota.

Hidden Gems: Good Earth State Park, The Good Earth Farm, and Steever House.