Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Growing Places
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Growth Summit Recap: Nuclear Energy Keynote Eric Meyer | 31 Dec 2025 | 00:59:12 | |
Eric Meyer, Founder and Executive Director for Generation Atomic, addresses the crowd at the 2025 Growth Summit as the morning keynote. Listen in as Eric explains the advancements in nuclear energy and discusses what is on the horizon nuclear power generation in the United States. | |||
| Growth Summit Recap: Power 101 | 31 Dec 2025 | 00:44:33 | |
Didn't have a chance to attend the 2025 Growth Summit? Listen in to our Power 101 panel featuring SMGA CEO Tyler Tordsen as the panel moderator and panelists: Sam Wagner (Business and Community Development Manager, MidAmerican Energy), Steve Kolbeck (State Director-SD, Xcel Energy), and Mike Jaspers (VP of Business Development, East River Electric). | |||
| Catching Up with the Commissioner: Bill Even | 23 Jul 2025 | 00:38:24 | |
On this episode of Growing Places SMGA CEO Tyler Tordsen and Economic Development Specialist Joshua Chase sit down with Mr. Bill Even, Commissioner of South Dakota's Governor's Office of Economic Development. Commissioner Even has a long history in South Dakota including a family homestead which started near Humboldt, SD in 1884. His roots power his passion for service and growth here in South Dakota. Tune-in to learn more about Commissioner Even's background and how South Dakota is approaching economic development at the state level. Commissioner Even's Hidden Gem: Lake Vermillion Recreation Area | |||
| Return of the Mack! | 09 Jul 2025 | 00:39:17 | |
In this episode of Growing Places SMGA CEO Tyler Tordsen and Eco Devo Specialist Chris Fields visit with Amanda Mack, ICMA-CM EMPA who serves as City Administrator for the City of Harrisburg. Amanda is returning to the Sioux Metro region after having served the City of Watertown, Spencer (Iowa), Canton, and Worthing in previous years. Join us as the trio discusses a booming city in the Metro as well as detailing Mrs. Mack's journey to her newfound role. Amanda's Hidden Gem: Walking trail near the Harrisburg Community Gardens. | |||
| Behind the Lines w/ Chad and Erica at Southeastern Electric Cooperative | 28 May 2025 | 00:27:44 | |
On this episode of Growing Places SMGA's Economic Development Specialist Chris Fields visits with Chad Kinsley, CEO and Erica Fitzhugh, Communications and Public Relations Manager at Southeastern Electric Cooperative. If you're a member don't forget to mark your calendar for Southeastern Electric's annual meeting on Thursday, June 5 at 5pm. Chad's Hidden Gem: Lee's Meats in Tea, SD and Rural MFG in Freeman, SD Eric's Hidden Gem: The Den in Salem, SD | |||
| Mayor Round Up: Winning on Wastewater with Mayors Jones and Osbey | 14 May 2025 | 00:44:37 | |
On this episode of Growing Places SMGA CEO Tyler Tordsen sits downs for another episode of our Mayors Series. Joining him are Mayor Butch Osbey of Crooks as well as Mayor Arden Jones of Hartford. They discuss their history serving their cities as well as a large scale regional wastewater facility slated to serve their towns. Mayor Jones' Hidden Gem: Hartford Main Street Farmers Market Buffalo Ridge Brewing and Hartford Steakhouse Mayor Osbey's Hidden Gem: Critters (Lucky Ladz) - Dakota Rosken's Dakota Pizza | |||
| Mayor Round Up: Rick Larsen of Valley Springs | 30 Apr 2025 | 00:23:06 | |
In this episode of Growing Places SMGA CEO Tyler Tordsen and Economic Development Specialist Joshua Chase sit down the Mayor of Valley Springs, Rick Larsen. Rick is a veteran and career firefighter who is passionate about bringing new people to Valley Springs who he is sure will enjoy it as much as he has. He's standing by to give personal tours of the town he leads and loves! Mayor Larsen's Hidden Gem: The robust trail system in Sioux Falls | |||
| Powering Progress with Sioux Valley Energy | 16 Apr 2025 | 00:36:33 | |
On this episode of Growing Places SMGA CEO Tyler Tordsen and Economic Development Specialist Chris Fields sit down with a very special guest--Jay Buchholz. Jay is the Manger of Public Relations and Key Accounts for Sioux Valley Energy. In addition his work at Sioux Valley Energy, Jay has held many positions on the Sioux Metro Board of Directors, most recently serving as the Past Chairman of the Board. Jay's Hidden Gem: South Dakota State Parks | |||
| First Interstate Bank | 02 Apr 2025 | 00:25:48 | |
SMGA CEO Tyler Tordsen and Economic Development Specialist Joshua Chase are joined by Jay Mitchell, Sioux Empire Market President for First Interstate Bank on this episode of Growing Places. Tune in to hear what makes First Interstate Bank a special place in a city with so many options! Jay's Hidden Gem: Kuehn Park Golf Course Special Mentions: Lenkota GC and The Bridges at Beresford | |||
| World Wide with Will Powell - EOS Implementer and Business Coach | 19 Mar 2025 | 00:31:56 | |
EOS Implementer Will Powell stops by to chat with SMGA CEO Tyler Tordsen and Economic Development Specialist Joshua Chase. Will brings a wealth of perspective to Growing Places and his clients while helping them to implement the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) in order to advance their businesses and business practices. Will puts his teachings into practice in his own business, Podyum, where he and his team work to place athletes across the world. Will's Hidden Gems: Palisades State Park and Good Earth State Park | |||
| Empowering Entrepreneurs: A Conversation with Sadie Swier | 05 Mar 2025 | 00:33:21 | |
Break down some acronyms with us in this latest episode of Growing Places. SMGA's Tyler Tordsen and Joshua Chase sit down with a very special guest and Hartford native -- Sadie Swier, Director of SD CEO East Women's Business Center. Sadie's Hidden Gems: Hartford Steak Co. Tavern, El Mezcal, and Dells Theatre. | |||
| Wine'd Down with Tim Meagher | 19 Feb 2025 | 00:48:39 | |
In this episode of Growing Places, SMGA President and CEO Tyler Tordsen sits down with Tim Meagher, Chief Operating Officer for Vanguard Hospitality, to talk about providing quality meals to Metro patrons using locally sourced ingredients and working with local producers. Listen-in to hear about Tim's career, his wine endeavors, and how those experiences influence his mindset while providing a top of class dining experience in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Tim's Hidden Gem: Union Social in Harrisburg, SD. | |||
| Serving Rural Communities with Lorraine Polak | 03 Dec 2025 | 00:23:21 | |
In this episode of Growing Places, SMGA CEO Tyler Tordsen sits down with Lorraine Polak, State Director for USDA-Rural Development. Listen is as the pair discusses improving infrastructure in rural South Dakota, USDA-RD efforts to bolster preparedness in rural communities, and how your community can get connected to resources. Lorraine's Hidden Gem: Lewis and Clark Trails Tyler's Hidden Gem: Grey Goose Social Club | |||
| Mayor Round Up: Eli Seeley of Beresford | 05 Feb 2025 | 00:46:08 | |
In this episode of Growing Places Sioux Metro Growth Alliance President and CEO Tyler Tordsen and Economic Development Specialist Joshua Chase sit down with Eli Seeley, the Mayor of Beresford, South Dakota. Mayor Seeley's Hidden Gems: Creme and Sugar, Wake & Bake, Rainy Day Coffee Co., Kava Rose Brewhouse, Klassix, and Bertz and Bertz Beer Garden. Visit us here to learn more about Sioux Metro Growth Alliance. | |||
| Growth Summit Preview with Troy Larson (LCRWS) | 04 Dec 2024 | 00:37:34 | |
In this episode of Growing Places, SMGA CEO Tyler Tordsen sits down with Executive Director of Lewis and Clark Regional Water System - Troy Larson! Tune in for a discussion covering Troy's background, Sioux Falls eateries, and SMGA's 2024 Growth Summit on water. | |||
| Mayor Roundup: A Tale of Two Cities | 26 Nov 2024 | 00:33:55 | |
On this episode of Growing Places SMGA CEO Tyler Tordsen sits downs with Mayor Casey Voelker of Tea and Mayor Danny Fergen of Lennox. | |||
| Breaking Down the Ballot Measures with Casey Crabtree | 25 Oct 2024 | 00:44:59 | |
Director of Economic Development of Heartland Energy and SD Senate Majority Leader Casey Crabtree sits down with SMGA President/CEO Tyler Tordsen to discuss the 2024 General Election. In this episode of Growing Places, get to know more about Senator Crabtree's background, thoughts on economic development while serving in Pierre, and a breakdown on everything you need to know about the seven ballot intitiatives and constitutional amdendments which voters will decide on Tuesday, November 5th. | |||
| Fresh New Faces, Still Growing Places - Part II | 10 Oct 2024 | 00:25:51 | |
Part II of the newest season of Growing Places where you get to know the other half of the SMGA team in longtime regional advocate Karen Ruhland and Pukwana MSA's very own Bryce Healy! Learn more about their roles and experience working for the Sioux Falls MSA. | |||
| Fresh New Faces; Still Growing Places | 25 Sep 2024 | 00:28:22 | |
Join us for this episode of Growing Places and meet some of the new SMGA staff. Learn about their new roles and the highlights of SMGA's 2024 event season. | |||
| Passing the Torch to Tordsen with SMGA CEO Tyler Tordsen | 07 Nov 2023 | 00:24:02 | |
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. | |||
| Reinvesting into Downtown Dell Rapids with Jason Uphoff | 25 Oct 2023 | 00:37:56 | |
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! | |||
| Basye Bits & Miranda's Memorandums | 10 Oct 2023 | 00:49:57 | |
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. | |||
| A Fonkert Farewell - Concluding SMGA's Jesse Fonkert Era | 29 Aug 2023 | 00:40:30 | |
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. | |||
| The Electric Eric Pauli - Xcel Energy | 19 Nov 2025 | 00:33:42 | |
Join us as SMGA CEO Tyler Tordsen invites Eric Pauli, Community Relations Manager for Xcel Energy, to the podcast studio. The pair discuss Xcel Energy’s role in supporting economic and community development across South Dakota through reliable power delivery and strategic infrastructure planning and more. Eric's not-so-hidden Gem: Scheels | |||
| Intern Insights: Navigating Economic Development with SMGA | 08 Aug 2023 | 00:33:15 | |
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. | |||
| The Past, Present and Future of Growth with Brandon Historical Society | 25 Jul 2023 | 00:37:57 | |
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. | |||
| Perfect Partnership leads to Lennox Lumber Company Groundbreaking | 18 Jul 2023 | 00:42:05 | |
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. | |||
| Coffee and Community with Zook's Coffee Bar owner Linda Kokenge | 20 Jun 2023 | 00:48:32 | |
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. | |||
| The Heart of Harrisburg with Adam Walsh and Lisa Zens | 13 Jun 2023 | 00:47:46 | |
"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. | |||
| SD Department of Labor and Regulation - Labor Market Trends & StartToday SD Apprenticeship Program | 06 Jun 2023 | 00:46:39 | |
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! | |||
| SMGA Welcomes Summer Intern, Lauren Teller! | 30 May 2023 | 00:23:58 | |
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. | |||
| Small Town Storytelling with AGE Media | 23 May 2023 | 00:48:17 | |
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! | |||
| Local Tattoo Artists Find Success in Centerville, SD | 16 May 2023 | 00:57:16 | |
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. | |||
| Engineering in the Sioux Metro with DGR Engineering | 09 May 2023 | 00:41:42 | |
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! | |||
| Responsible Development with Mike Bockorny EDPA-SD | 29 Oct 2025 | 00:57:35 | |
Join us as SMGA CEO Tyler Tordsen sits down with President for South Dakota's Economic Development Professionals Association (EDPA), Mike Bockorny. Tyler and Mike discuss economic development in South Dakota, traveling the state, and making South Dakota a place of abundant opportunity. Mike's Hidden Gem: Mike loves downtowns of all sizes. Businesses: Hotel on Phillips, the Steel District, JL Beers, and Zandbros. | |||
| 2023 Excellence in Economic Development Awarded to Jesse Fonkert | 02 May 2023 | 00:30:47 | |
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! | |||
| Sioux Metro Housing Needs Supported by the SD Multi-Housing Association | 25 Apr 2023 | 00:43:19 | |
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. | |||
| 504 Loans and Small Town Roots with SDDC's Vice President of Lending, Brad Jankord | 18 Apr 2023 | 00:46:28 | |
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! | |||
| Expansion, Growth, and a Rich History - Marmen Energy | 11 Apr 2023 | 00:45:45 | |
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. | |||
| Salem's Exponential Growth with Jeremy Grady | 04 Apr 2023 | 00:29:36 | |
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's Hidden Gem - https://www.mccookcountryclub.com/ | |||
| Meet the Mayor: Harrisburg's Derick Wenck | 28 Mar 2023 | 00:40:28 | |
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. | |||
| A Man of the Community - Rapid Fitness's Matt Beukelman | 20 Mar 2023 | 00:39:56 | |
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. | |||
| Tourism in Our Own Communities with Travel South Dakota | 14 Mar 2023 | 00:32:52 | |
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. | |||
| Falling in Love with Frosting - Sugar Palace by Emily Studemann | 07 Mar 2023 | 00:27:44 | |
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! | |||
| Xcel Energy: Powering Communities with Electricity and Grant Opportunities | 21 Feb 2023 | 00:23:23 | |
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 (605) 321-6006. | |||
| Building South Dakota's Workforce with BDSF | 15 Oct 2025 | 00:30:14 | |
In this episode of Growing Places we have a full house! SMGA's CEO Tyler Tordsen and Economic Development Specialists Chris Fields and Josh Chase sit down with a trio who are actively involved in building South Dakota's workforce, one person at a time. From Southeast Technical College, Kelli Rogotzke joins the show to tell us how students and industry partners can get involved in the Build Dakota Scholarship. Megan Maker from Neighborhood Dental tells us about her experience as an industry partner, and Emma Camarena details the student perspective of the program. | |||
| Celebrating Centerville - Ft. Jared Hybertson | 14 Feb 2023 | 00:32:08 | |
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. | |||
| Miranda Basye - SMGA's Newest Team Member | 07 Feb 2023 | 00:14:27 | |
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! | |||
| Understanding the Numbers - Ft. Dr. Jared McEntaffer with the Dakota Institute | 17 Jan 2023 | 00:31:46 | |
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. | |||
| A 2023 Preview with the SMGA Team | 10 Jan 2023 | 00:22:11 | |
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! | |||