• Mayor Roundup: Keeping Up with Mayor Harry Buck
    Aug 6 2025

    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.

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    32 mins
  • Catching Up with the Commissioner: Bill Even
    Jul 23 2025

    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

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    38 mins
  • Return of the Mack!
    Jul 9 2025

    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.

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    39 mins
  • Behind the Lines w/ Chad and Erica at Southeastern Electric Cooperative
    May 28 2025

    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

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    28 mins
  • Mayor Round Up: Winning on Wastewater with Mayors Jones and Osbey
    May 14 2025

    On this episode of Growing Places SMGA CEO Tyler Tordsen sits downs for another episode of the Mayors Round up. 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

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    45 mins
  • Mayor Round Up: Rick Larsen of Valley Springs
    Apr 30 2025

    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

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    23 mins
  • Powering Progress with Sioux Valley Energy
    Apr 16 2025

    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

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    37 mins
  • First Interstate Bank
    Apr 2 2025

    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

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    26 mins