Growing Places

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 favorite hidden gem, Lunch Thyme in Crooks!

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, get clued in on a few NEW hidden gems out in the metro.

Waddy's Bar - Hudson, SD
Chuck's Drive-in - Lennox, SD
Schmeckfest - Freeman, SD
Manolis Grocery - Huron, SD

Interested in advertising in an AGE Media publication (including the SMGA Growing Places Magazine)? Contact Bob or Garret today!
Garrett Gross - [email protected]
Bob Fitch - [email protected]

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 these gentlemen bring in the show!

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-term success.

Many wonderful hidden gems were mentioned in this episode. Here's a look at just a couple!

Monarch Steakhouse - Renner, SD
Hartford Steakhouse

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 region for continued growth and development. Plus, we've got a long list of hidden gems mentioned!


The Seed (Centerville, SD)
El Tapatio (Brandon, SD)
Lake Vermillion State Park
Lake Time Steakhouse (Canistota, SD)
Chuck's Drive-In (Lennox, SD)
Lenkota Country Club (Lennox, SD)

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, SD community in her role as a city councilor.

Learn more about supporting the Sioux Metro's housing needs, small town living, and some of Denise's favorite hidden gems in this episode of Growing Places!

Denise's Hidden Gems:
Order a coffee and treat at LaDelle and Fourth!
Bowling, food and drinks at Pinz!
Nature walks along the river.

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 learning more? Contact Brad!

Hidden Gems:
Pinz
Monarch Steakhouse
Buffalo Ridge Brewing
Palisades State Park

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 this episode of Growing Places for a bit of Marmen Energy history, education, and vision casting.

Follow Marmen on Social Media for event information!
Workforce development

Plus! Check out Yannick's hidden gems for lunch!
Tailgators
Bottoms up
The Gruff

 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 one year, after devastating losses to the community from the 2022 derecho, the Salem community rebuilt a local Economic Development Corporation, rallied together in fundraising nearly $250,000 for local economic development work, and launched an industrial park, and already has future housing plans in the works. 

Jeremy's Hidden Gem - https://www.mccookcountryclub.com/

https://www.facebook.com/SalemSouthDakota/
https://www.salemsd.com/
https://www.firstdakota.com/

Read more about Salem's accomplishments online here:
2022 Partners in Progress Awards
21-Acre Industrial Park
Salem Community Raises over $245,000 for Economic Development

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 on in Harrisburg? Check out the links below!

https://harrisburgsd.gov/
https://www.harrisburgdistrict41-2.org/
https://www.facebook.com/HarrisburgSoDak/
https://www.harrisburgsdchamber.com/
https://www.hedcsd.com/