“I’ve learned so much about our region, the individual identities of each community, yet also how much benefit exists from bringing folks together,” said president and CEO of Sioux Metro Growth Alliance (SMGA) Tyler Tordsen.
Tordsen recently celebrated three years with the economic development association, which represents the Sioux Falls metro statistical area (MSA) that currently serves 18 municipalities in five counties.
“We help communities support businesses, prepare for development, address local challenges, and build places where people want to live and work,” said Tordsen. “Our mission is simple: empowering our communities to grow.”
Along with launching their inaugural class of Leadership Sioux Metro—an eight-month leadership and community development program in partnership with Think 3D Solutions—the SMGA team has been busy planning this year’s Growth Summit. The sixth annual event has a different theme each time with a certain focus, with this year’s being Rural Revitalization: Rooted in Community, Driven by Opportunity.
“The program has evolved to explore the issues shaping our communities,” said Tordsen. “We focused on housing in 2023, water in 2024, and energy in 2025, including power fundamentals, data centers, nuclear energy, and renewables.”
Find out more about Tordsen and the December 8 event at The Catlin, a Tapestry Hotel by Hilton in Sioux Falls.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF WHAT YOU DO?
My favorite part is working with people who care deeply about their hometowns. That might be a mayor thinking about the next generation, a business owner preparing to expand, or volunteers determined to bring new life to Main Street. Their commitment makes this work meaningful. I also enjoy helping connect the dots. Sometimes a community has a good idea but needs the right partner, information, or resource to move forward. Helping make that connection and eventually seeing something tangible come from it is incredibly rewarding.
TALK ABOUT YOUR STRONG TEAM AND HOW YOU ALL BRING SUPPORT TO THE SIOUX METRO.
Our team brings together experience in business, community research, local government, communications, and project development. Just as importantly, they understand every community has its own identity and priorities. We start by listening.
We recently added Hayley Johnson as director of operations and Berk Ehrmantraut as an economic development specialist. Alongside our other amazing staff, Bryce Healy, Chris Fields, Karen Ruhland, and Joshua Chase, they expand our ability to provide hands-on support throughout the region. Our board, municipal leaders, and private-sector partners also bring expertise that makes our entire organization stronger.
WHO IS THE GROWTH SUMMIT FOR?
The Summit is for anyone who has a role or an interest in the future of their community. That includes local elected officials, business owners, economic development professionals, chamber leaders, bankers, developers, nonprofit leaders, and engaged residents. We welcome people from all across South Dakota and the Midwest.
HOW HAVE YOU SEEN THE GROWTH SUMMIT AFFECT THE COMMUNITY/SIOUX METRO AFTER IT TAKES PLACE?
The value we aim to create extends well beyond the event itself. The Growth Summit gives people a shared foundation for conversations that continue in council meetings, business discussions, and community planning. Housing, water, and energy all involve decisions that take time and coordination. Bringing community leaders and experts together helps people ask better questions, understand constraints, and identify whom they need to involve. Our goal is for attendees to leave with useful information and relationships they can call upon when an opportunity or challenge arises.
WHAT IS SOMETHING PEOPLE MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT SMGA?
You don’t need to have a finished plan to start a conversation with us. If you are a business owner considering your next step, a community leader working through a challenge, or someone with an idea for your hometown, we would welcome the opportunity to connect.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT SIOUXMETRO.COM+
