Growing Places – Details, episodes & analysis

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.

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).

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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