April 4, 2022

This paid piece is sponsored by Sioux Metro Growth Alliance.

Want a sense of how the Sioux Falls metro area is surging into the future?

Take a look at this. To start this year, Sioux Falls-area communities are reporting significant increases in sales tax revenue.

“Growth continues to be strong throughout the region,” said Jesse Fonkert, president and CEO of Sioux Metro Growth Alliance.

“Retail interest seems to be really picking up. Sales tax growth has exceeded expectations in many of our communities. Even accounting for record-breaking inflation, we’ve been really impressed with what we’re seeing across the region.”

Industrial prospecting “has been a little lighter than we would like to see,” he added, pointing to inflation, supply chain issues and the workforce shortage.

“Our biggest challenge has been threefold: water availability out of Sioux Falls for value-added ag prospects, an almost empty inventory of shovel-ready industrial land and a lack of understanding of the opportunities for commercial and housing development in our member communities,” Fonkert said.

“The Sioux Metro Growth Alliance will be working in the coming months to address the industrial park land shortage. We also hope to bring someone onto our team that can focus on marketing our communities to families in Sioux Falls and across the tri-state area looking for a rural or suburban lifestyle. As far as water goes, we’re working to communicate the long-term challenges we are facing.”

SMGA will address those and many other issues driving the metro area at its annual Grow Smarter Conference April 11-13 at the Meadow Barn at Country Orchards in Harrisburg.

The event will build on the themes of the 2021 conference, including a thorough understanding of economic development best practices coupled with a comprehensive view of the state’s strengths, opportunities and area for improvement to create “smart growth.”

It’s a good fit for anyone interested in the economy of South Dakota and the Sioux Falls metro area, Fonkert said.

“From municipal leaders to economic development professionals to those invested in housing, engineering and finance should make this conference a top priority,” he said. “Our long-term hope is to make this the most highly anticipated economic development conference in the state – and this year is another step in that direction.”

What to expect

Day One of the conference begins with a guided tour of the Knife River quarry in west Sioux Falls, which supports building activity throughout the metro area.

“One of the things I enjoy when attending a conference is the ability to learn hands-on, so we will be taking our attendees into the field,” Fonkert said

“We’ll learn about the important role the quarry plays in development and subsequent economic impact in our region.”

Day Two brings an optional bus tour of Tea and Harrisburg, a legislative update over lunch and an afternoon filled with expertise.

“The 2022 legislative session produced expanded programs for economic development in South Dakota mainly related to housing. The Sioux Metro Growth Alliance firmly believes that housing is economic development,” Fonkert said.

“One of the other new items we’ve introduced is several short sessions hosted by Midco and the REED Fund using real-life examples related to economic development.”

Day Three offers insight on a variety of topics, including fiber, renewable energy and the future of water in South Dakota – plus many additional featured speakers.

“For those that haven’t heard Dr. Ernie Goss speak before, they will really enjoy the humor he brings to what can be a dry topics in Midwest economics,” Fonkert said. “Tamien Dysart, a Leadership South Dakota classmate of mine, will help to further inspire leadership development for all. Startup Sioux Falls will also be presenting on rural entrepreneurship.”

Sioux Metro Growth Alliance worked closely with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development to curate the conference topics and speakers, ensuring they will deliver knowledge that directly applies to attendees’ needs.

“Workforce development, leadership development, industrial agriculture growth, water availability, renewable energy, fiber and financing are all covered along with local planning and the state of the mid-America economy,” Fonkert said. “Each of our speakers bring real experience and an in-depth understanding of South Dakota to the conference.”

Sioux Metro Growth Alliance appreciates the strong support it has received from the following partners in making the conference possible:

• East River Electric
• ISG
• Knife River
• MidAmerican Energy
• Midco
• NorthWestern Energy
• REED Fund
• Sioux Valley Energy
• Southeastern Electric
• Woods, Fuller, Shultz & Smith
• Xcel Energy

Register today by clicking here.