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.

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