Eight years ago, what is now Sioux Metro Growth Alliance hosted its first Minnehaha County Bus Tour.
At the time, the organization was two different groups: Minnehaha County Economic Development Association and Lincoln County Economic Development Association.
“The tour was intended to get county commissioners, community leaders, and regional stakeholders on a charter bus to explore and better understand the impact of our regional communities outside of Sioux Falls,” explained Tyler Tordsen, president and CEO of the economic development group.
Since then, Sioux Metro Growth Alliance has hosted bus tours for Minnehaha County each May and Lincoln County each August, rotating which communities and businesses are toured every time.
“MY FAVORITE PART OF THE TOUR IS ACTUALLY THE TOUR ITSELF AND THE CONNECTIONS THAT COME FROM IT.” -Tyler Tordsen
This year’s Minnehaha County Tour started at the Sioux Falls Public Safety Campus. It included stops in Dell Rapids, lunch, and a presentation in Colton to hear from the mayors of Colton, Crooks, and the superintendent of Tri-Valley School District.
Lastly, it ended in Hartford to tour housing, businesses, and industrial developments.
605’s publisher Alana Snyder and I caught a ride for the tour, starting bright and early in Sioux Falls.
The public safety campus spans 42 acres and is a hub for law enforcement, fire rescue, and emergency services.
Beginning at the fire rescue training center, the tour encompassed the 911 emergency communications center, the Emergency Operation Center, and the Chief Matt Burns Range.
Snacks were passed around as the group boarded a charter bus and headed to Dell Rapids. There, we met up with Sheldon Jensen, community and economic development director for City of Dell Rapids.
Over the intercom, Jensen filled us in on Dell Rapids history on our way to the town’s infamous quarries.
SWEET 16
Sioux Metro Growth Alliance currently serves the following 16 municipalities:
– Beresford
– Brandon
– Canton
– Centerville
– Colton
– Dell Rapids
– Garretson
– Harrisburg
– Hartford
– Humboldt
– Lennox
– Tea
– Salem
– Valley Springs
– Worthing
Upon our arrival at L.G. Everist Quarries, president Rob Everist came aboard to share information about the quarries’ physical parameters, their economic impact, and more.
After stopping in Dell Rapids to hear from the mayor about the city’s 3rd Street revitalization project, the group headed to Colton for a presentation from community leaders over lunch.
On the way to Hartford, deputy highway superintendent for Minnehaha County Jacob Maras spoke about construction projects in the county.
Stops in Hartford included Black Tie Components and Vanilla Bean King, as well as a tour of the town.
“IN SHORT, SIOUX METRO GROWTH ALLIANCE’S MISSION IS TO EMPOWER OUR COMMUNITIES TO GROW.” -tyler tordsen
Finally, the bus swung by Hartford Wastewater Treatment Facility before heading back to Sioux Falls.
Planning is currently underway for the next tour this month, which will feature the southern Sioux Metro region including Lincoln and Turner counties.
Anyone is welcome to attend, though attendance is first-come, first-serve.
Tour participants usually consist of federal, state, and government representatives, along with people from the financial services sector, engineering, architecture, construction, development, utility, and other business professionals.
“Anyone who cares about our growing region should attend,” encouraged Tordsen.
The Sioux Metro team is also scheduling their Sioux Metro Clay Classic in September—a trapshooting tournament in Humboldt to raise scholarships for students looking to earn a degree from Southeast Technical College and enter the workforce.
“All of our annual events are on top of our day-to-day operations of assisting, advocating, and advising our member communities on all things growth related,” explained Tordsen.
GET INVOLVED
Upcoming Sioux Metro events include:
March
Annual Meeting and Awards Program
May
Northern Sioux Metro Bus Tour
June
Gold Shovel Golf Classic
August
Southern Sioux Metro Bus Tour
September
SMGA Clay Classic
Winter
Growth Summit Conference
Currently serving 16 municipalities and four counties in the greater Sioux Falls metropolitan statistical area, the organization aims to build new connections in every sector.
Each event, Tordsen notes, has the potential to increase engagement, build relationships, and spur new business deals between member communities.
Additionally, events build advocacy between government leaders and the business community, keeping officials informed and inspired to champion local efforts.
“This bus tour is just one small way we can help bring awareness to the exciting things happening in our region,” said Tordsen.
