Growing Places

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 Garretson.

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 last 8-9 months, listen to a few insights behind the process and planning of that work.

Hidden Gems:
Catalyst Tattoo - Centerville, SD
The Brewery - Salem, SD

Other Links & Mentions:
MirandaBasye.com
[email protected]

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 Jesse's passion for economic development throughout the progression of his career thus far, lessons learned along the way, and of course a plethora of hidden gems in the metro.

Hidden Gems:
Buffalo Trading Post
Tucker's Walk
The Seed

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's Place
Blindert Insurance

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 and various community members.  Jeremy also talks about Brandon's 50th Birthday Celebration in collaboration with the Brandon Optimist Club, as well as his love for the growing community!

Plus! Check out this episode's hidden gems!
The Upper Room
Palisades State Park

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 Paul Johnson and Lennox City Administrator Nate VanderPlaats all join SMGA's Miranda Basye in this episode of Growing Places to share their story to this milestone.

Plus! Check out this episode's hidden gems!
SESD Rough Sawn Lumber (Lennox Lumber Co)
Chuck's Drive-in

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's on Facebook and Instagram!

"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 economic development that will complement business, educational, residential, and recreational activities that will position Harrisburg for a well-rounded economy in the decades to come.

Plus, check out Adam's hidden gem, AirMadness! 

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 team! [email protected]
Get business support for starting an apprentice program! https://www.starttodaysd.com/businesses/about