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.

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Lorraine's Hidden Gem: Lewis and Clark Trails

Tyler's Hidden Gem: Grey Goose Social Club

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

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.

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 Institute, 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.

Listen in as SMGA CEO Tyler Tordsen and Economic Development Specialist Chris Fields are joined by Southeast South Dakota Tourism's Kasi Haberman. Kasi is the Executive Director of SESD Tourism. Join the trio as they discussed their partnership, SESD Tourism's publication, and how tourism impacts the state's economy.

Kasi's Hidden Gems: Cherry Rock Farms, Red Truck Alpaca Farm, and Buddies & Co.

Join us as SMGA CEO Tyler Tordsen and Economic Development Specialist Chris Fields as they sit down with Dean Dziedzic of the Sioux Falls Development Foundation. The trio discuss Dean's history, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation (SFDF), and SFDF's projects.

Dean's Hidden Gem: Hartford Steak Co.

On this episode of Growing Places Josh and Chris sit down with Mike Jaspers, Chairman of Sioux Metro Growth Alliance's Executive Board of Directors. Listen in as the crew talks life in rural South Dakota, data centers, and property tax reform.

Mike's Hidden Gem: Chasers on west 12th in Sioux Falls

*Honorable mention to Chuck's Drive-In in Lennox, SD

On this episode of Growing Places, SMGA CEO Tyler Tordsen and Economic Development Specialist Chris Fields sit down with Mayor Harry Buck of Brandon to talk about public service and serving the community of Brandon. Tune in to hear more about Mayor Buck's experience serving his community.