Aug. 3, 2021

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Casey Boerger, events coordinator at the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce.

Name: Casey Boerger

Age: 27

Hometown: Watertown

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

I was recently out of college and trying to decide what I wanted my future to look like, and Sioux Falls was — still is — a place that presented an abundance of opportunities for young professionals like me. I decided to give it a try!

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

Many things! Sioux Falls has that big-city feel with the safety of a small town. I also love how vibrant our downtown is. However, family is super important to me and is the No. 1 reason I stay here. I am within three hours of my parents, grandparents and all my siblings and their kiddos.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

My favorite thing about my job is my ability to meet new people and establish relationships within the community! The Sioux Falls community is so friendly and willing to help in any way that they can. We truly are fortunate to live here.

How did you get connected to your industry?

When I was in college, I volunteered on the “Building a Superior Hospital” committee to help plan the hospital’s annual fundraising event. From there, I knew I had a passion for event planning. Once I moved to Sioux Falls, I took a nontraditional internship with Serendipitous Events to test the waters a little further with wedding planning! It became my creative outlet on the side of my then full-time job. Eventually, LinkedIn landed me my position as the events coordinator here at the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, allowing me to coordinate events full time! Wedding planning and networking events couldn’t be more different, but I am blessed to be able to continue doing both!

Describe the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber in three words.

Tradition. Leadership. Advocacy

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

If you know me, this doesn’t come as a surprise at all but, I tend to travel a lot, and the fact that I am from South Dakota and grew up on a dairy farm seems to surprise a lot of people. I learned valuable lessons and what hard work is from being raised on a farm, and it is something I wish more people had the opportunity to experience. If you ever get the chance, remember to thank a farmer. 😊

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

I am fortunate to work for an organization where giving back to the community is an integral part of who we are and what we do. Volunteering my time in areas that are needed is something that fills my cup!

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

Because Chick-fil-A is on its way, I wouldn’t mind seeing more rooftop patios for us to — briefly —  enjoy. A Trader Joe’s would also be ideal.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years, I see myself continuing to advance my career with the hope of new opportunities to learn and develop my leadership skills. It is my goal to create real relationships with other professionals that will last a lifetime.