Sept. 18, 2024

This paid piece is sponsored by Sioux Metro Growth Alliance.

Joshua Chase considers himself to be “a citizen of the state.”

The Mobridge native moved to Dell Rapids during his high school years, then earned his bachelor’s degree in political science at USD. He’s currently finishing his last course to earn a Master of Public Administration degree.

Along the way, internships with statewide reach exposed him to everything from work in U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds office to the South Dakota Legislature, where he assisted the Senate majority leader, to economic development for the tribally owned Ho-Chunk Inc. in Winnebago, Nebraska.

Chase’s latest role brings him to Sioux Metro Growth Alliance, where he serves as an economic development and member relations specialist, with a focus on assisting the community of Lennox and supporting the broader organization.

We sat down with him to learn more about his work.

What appealed to you about your new role at Sioux Metro Growth Alliance?

Taking care of small towns and main street businesses has always been something I have cared about. When the opportunity came to work for an organization that is not for profit, an advocate for the small towns like those I have called home and allows me to interact with stakeholders in our region who are also passionate about growth here in South Dakota, I couldn’t have been more excited.

What are you primarily focused on as you begin your new role?

I am continuing work on several projects handed off to me by my predecessor while also pursuing a few new leads. My focus has been on building relationships within Lennox — meeting local business owners and community members who are invested in the area’s growth. Economic and community development go hand in hand, so fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders and residents is a top priority for me and the entire Sioux Metro Growth Alliance team.

Tell us more about current activity in Lennox. What are some of the highlights for the community this year?

Lennox has seen impressive strides in economic development this year. One highlight was in March, when El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant opened its newest location in Lennox. A community survey had revealed the desire for a sit-down restaurant, and after 18 months of planning and coordination between the Lennox Area Development Corporation and the city of Lennox, the former senior center was transformed into this thriving new restaurant. El Mariachi has quickly become a local favorite, and even as someone from Sioux Falls, I find it worth the trip to Lennox.

What sort of potential do you see going forward for Lennox? What are you prioritizing as you help guide economic development there?

There is almost no limit to the potential Lennox has for economic development. At present, the Lennox Area Development Corporation is working for create more housing opportunities in Lennox. LADC is currently in the process of identifying a partner to develop their 8-acre site. The goal is to create more housing opportunities for Lennox’s growing workforce.

Are there other elements of your role at Sioux Metro Growth Alliance that you’re looking forward to tackling?

I’m especially excited about the Corporate Partnership Program we’ve been developing at Sioux Metro. As we launch the program, we’ll be asking current and potential supporters to choose a tier that best suits their level of involvement. This initiative will clearly define the benefits for partners at each tier and strengthen our ability to deliver on promises. One thing I’ve learned in economic development is that success is always a team effort — having strong partners is crucial to making impactful progress. The Corporate Partnership Program is another way we at SMGA are bringing relevant stakeholders together as our region continues to grow.

To connect with Sioux Metro Growth Alliance, click here.