Oct. 2, 2024

Sioux Metro Growth Alliance has expanded into Union County with the addition of Beresford as a member community.

The regional economic development association is dedicated to advancing the interests of rural and suburban communities in the Sioux Falls metro area.

“SMGA couldn’t be more excited to have Beresford join our growing number of member communities,” board chair Sharese Ihnen said in a statement.

“Our ability to carry out our mission to stimulate, sustain and support the economic growth of our communities, businesses and residents increases with each partner community. By working in partnership, we strengthen our entire region as a whole, while benefitting each community individually.”

Many of the city’s leaders said they believe that partnering with the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance can help market the community and advance growth moving forward.

“We believe joining SMGA will open more doors, establish new connections and develop additional resources that will benefit our community for years to come,” said Jerry Zeimetz, the longtime city administrator of Beresford. “We felt the time was right to renew this partnership with SMGA to bring them into our existing community and economic development efforts. We see it as key to Beresford’s future growth and success.”

Economic development “is about partnerships and connections,” added Tyler Tordsen, president and CEO of SMGA. “Beresford was an original member of LCEDA, the Lincoln County Economic Development Association, a precursor to SMGA, and we look forward to working in partnership with them once again. They have a lot to be proud of already and also a few exciting projects on the horizon in terms of more housing, industry and quality-of-life amenities for their current and future residents.”

In addition to Beresford, the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance hopes to work with other communities in Union County that may be interested in learning more about SMGA’s expanded services and resources, Tordsen said.