What Does Economic Development Actually Look Like?

Posted on September 22, 2026September 22, 2026 by leahb

The work behind the headlines—and why it matters to the future of Sioux Falls

When most people think about economic development, they probably picture a groundbreaking ceremony, a new building going up or a company announcing that it is coming to Sioux Falls.

Those are certainly visible signs of economic development.

But they are only the final chapters of a much longer story.

Behind every project announcement are months—and sometimes years—of conversations, planning, research, relationship-building, negotiations, infrastructure planning, workforce considerations and problem-solving.

That is the work of the Sioux Falls Development Foundation.

Economic development is about creating the conditions for businesses to invest, grow and create quality jobs—and making sure Sioux Falls is prepared when the next opportunity arrives.

Here is what that work actually looks like.

1. The Opportunity

Economic development often begins long before a company ever announces a project.

A business may be considering an expansion, looking for a new location or evaluating several communities across the country. Site selectors, commercial real estate brokers and corporate decision-makers examine a long list of factors: available land, transportation, utilities, workforce, operating costs, taxes, quality of life and the community’s ability to support long-term growth.

The Development Foundation’s role is to make sure Sioux Falls is part of that conversation—and to be prepared to respond when an opportunity arises.

That preparation includes maintaining relationships with companies, site selectors, brokers and economic development partners; marketing Sioux Falls nationally; responding to requests for information; hosting prospects; and providing the data companies need to make informed decisions.

The goal isn’t simply to attract a company.

It is to make Sioux Falls a community that is prepared when opportunity knocks.

2. The Site

Once an opportunity develops, the conversation often turns to one fundamental question:

Where can this company go?

For an industrial or manufacturing project, the answer requires much more than an available piece of land.

Companies need appropriate zoning, transportation access, utilities, rail or highway connections, adequate acreage and the ability to begin construction within their required timeline.

This is where land development becomes economic development.

Foundation Park is perhaps the clearest example.

Developed by the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, Foundation Park was created to provide the type of large-scale, shovel-ready industrial sites that major companies require. Its location at the intersection of I-29 and I-90, along with access to BNSF Class I rail and utilities, demonstrates how site readiness can become a competitive economic-development asset.

The lesson is simple:

You can’t recruit what you don’t have.

Having quality industrial land available before a company needs it can be the difference between being considered for a project and being eliminated from consideration.

A map of tenants and available land in Foundation Park in Sioux Falls, SD

3. The People

Land may attract a company.

People allow it to grow.

Workforce availability has become one of the most important factors in economic development. A company considering a major investment needs confidence that it can recruit, train and retain the people necessary to operate its business.

That makes talent and workforce development an essential part of economic development—not a separate conversation.

The Development Foundation works with employers, schools, universities and community partners to strengthen those pathways.

Programs such as internships, apprenticeships, career exploration and talent attraction are designed to connect people with opportunities while helping employers develop the workforce they need.

This is why the Foundation views its work as two sides of the same house: Economic Development and Talent & Workforce Development.

You need both.

4. The Partnerships

No economic development organization does this work alone.

Successful projects require cooperation among businesses, developers, property owners, utilities, financial institutions, education partners, local government, state government and economic development organizations.

The Development Foundation often serves as a connector—bringing the right people to the table, helping identify challenges and working with partners to find solutions.

The recent Smithfield Foods project provides a good example.

When Smithfield evaluated its future in Sioux Falls, the opportunity involved far more than identifying a new location. The Development Foundation worked with the City of Sioux Falls and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development over several months to address land requirements, planning considerations and other issues while maintaining confidentiality around the discussions.

The announcement was the moment the public saw the result.

But the work had been happening long before the announcement.

That is often what economic development looks like: people from different organizations working together behind the scenes toward a common objective.

5. The Deal

Economic development projects are rarely as simple as a company deciding, “We want to move to Sioux Falls.”

There are questions to answer.

Can the site accommodate the project? Can infrastructure be delivered on schedule? What will the project require from utilities and transportation systems? What workforce challenges need to be addressed? What agreements need to be negotiated? What approvals are necessary?

There may be competing locations, changing timelines and issues that have to be resolved before a project can move forward.

Much of this work happens quietly.

Confidentiality is often an important part of the process because companies evaluating locations may not be ready to make their plans public.

And even after an announcement, the work isn’t finished.

Site preparation, infrastructure coordination, permitting, design and construction all follow.

The announcement is not the finish line. It is another milestone in the process.

6. The Announcement

Eventually, the hard work becomes visible.

There is a press conference.

There are cameras.

There is a groundbreaking.

There is a rendering of a new building and a company executive standing alongside community leaders.

For the public, that may feel like the beginning of the project.

For economic development professionals, it is often the culmination of months or years of work—and the beginning of another phase.

The announcement is when a community gets to see the result of the partnerships, preparation and planning that happened behind the scenes.

One economic development project can therefore create the foundation for the next opportunity.

Economic Development Is a Continuous Process

Economic development isn’t one project.

It isn’t one company.

And it certainly isn’t one groundbreaking.

It is the continuous work of preparing Sioux Falls for opportunity.

It means having industrial land available before a company needs it. It means investing in infrastructure. It means understanding the needs of employers. It means developing and attracting talent. It means building relationships with site selectors and companies. It means bringing public and private partners together to solve problems.

Most importantly, it means thinking beyond today’s announcement and asking:

What does Sioux Falls need to be ready for the opportunity that comes next?

That is the work of the Sioux Falls Development Foundation.

Sometimes that work is highly visible.

Much of the time, it isn’t.

But whether it is preparing a site, recruiting a company, developing a workforce, coordinating infrastructure or planning for the next generation of growth, the objective remains the same:

Create opportunities for businesses to grow, people to build careers and Sioux Falls to continue moving forward.

Because the groundbreaking may be the part everyone sees.

President’s report: Elections are critical

Posted on June 23, 2026June 23, 2026 by leahb

By: Bob Mundt, President & CEO

By the time you read this, we will be in the run-off phase of the recent elections to determine a new mayor and governor. Our statewide elected leaders may have changes as well; and our city council, county commission, and school board will have some new faces. New faces mean potential change to the dynamics of the local and state elected bodies that can affect the direction of projects, programs, funding, and the general willingness to begin or complete projects and strategies.

Sioux Falls has faced some critical challenges including carbon pipelines, data centers, the relocation of Smithfield, and a host of other economic and social challenges. Mayor TenHaken and the current City Council have listened to and done a good job of balancing the needs of our citizens and the needs of our community. Public service takes a strong heart and a strong mind to deal with tough issues and sometimes undeserved criticism.

The governor’s race and the various house and senate races across the state will most likely change the makeup of the legislature and potentially the direction of the state. New priorities may emerge over the next year, which will potentially change the way local governments, school districts, and economic development organizations react.

As we’ve heard many times, elections have consequences and we must be able to deal with the changes – positive or negative. Our state is at a crossroads with these changes, and it is critical that citizens vote, both in the runoffs and in the general election this fall. If you don’t exercise your right to vote, you give up your right to complain. We have an opportunity to vote our thoughts, beliefs, and convictions. I hope you take that opportunity seriously and encourage your family, friends, and employees to vote as well.

Make it an amazing summer and good luck to all our candidates. Thank you for stepping up to serve.

Chairman’s report: Moving forward

Posted on June 23, 2026June 23, 2026 by leahb

By: Clark Meyer, 2026 Sioux Falls Development Foundation Board Chair

As we near the halfway point of 2026, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation continues to move forward with grading plans in Foundation Park as more tenants choose to locate in South Dakota’s only mega park. With the 200-acre Smithfield announcement earlier this year and spring building activity in full swing, Foundation Park welcomes Amazon’s last-mile distribution facility, U.S. AutoForce, Krier & Blain, and Lamar, leaving roughly 40 acres south of the railroad tracks available for development.

CJ Schwan’s continues to make great progress on their new processing facility, with plans to open mid-2027. The ground north of CJ Schwan’s is currently being graded in preparation for the Smithfield construction in 2027, with additional prospects looking at remaining lots. Recent reports show that Foundation Park has added millions of dollars to the tax base, benefiting the city, county, and school district as development continues to create taxable property.

As our activity in the park grows, so does our need to attract and retain a talented workforce. Our Intern Sioux Falls, apprenticeship programs, and talent recruitment initiatives continue to improve our talent pipeline along with our tech schools and universities. Our high school programming offers students a path to directly enter the workforce after graduation. With over 400 interns in Sioux Falls this summer, our goal is to show them all Sioux Falls has to offer from a live, work, and play perspective by engaging them in local activities and programs in their non-work hours and also connecting them to the Sioux Falls Young Professionals Network and our non-profit community.

Our work with the new Sanford District is just beginning as we look to establish a structure and a strategic plan to redevelop the site.

Summer is a busy time and a great opportunity to maximize the work we do. We appreciate all the support from our investors and will continue to provide a tangible benefit for your investment.

Thank you for all you do. Have a great summer.

Your Future STEM Summer Day Camps connect students to high-demand careers

Posted on June 17, 2026June 17, 2026 by leahb

More than 200 middle school students spent June 10 and June 11 at Augustana University discovering how science, technology, engineering, and math connect to their own futures—and to the future workforce needs of Sioux Falls.

Now in its fourth year, the Your Future STEM Summer Day Camps are designed by the Sioux Falls Development Foundation and funded through Forward Sioux Falls to help students build early awareness of high-demand career pathways in construction, education, energy, engineering, healthcare, technology, and advanced manufacturing. As Sioux Falls continues to grow and diversify its workforce, giving students early exposure to these industries is one of the most important investments we can make in long-term talent development.

Middle school is a pivotal time for students to begin seeing themselves in future careers. It is also when academic habits, confidence, interests, and expectations begin to shape high school readiness, post-secondary planning, and long-term success.

“The pathway to tomorrow’s workforce starts before high school,” said Denise Guzzetta, Vice President of Talent and Workforce for the Sioux Falls Development Foundation. “Research from the National Center for Education Statistics shows that repeated STEM exposure before eighth grade increases the likelihood of pursuing post-secondary STEM by 3.4 times. That is why middle school is such a critical time to introduce students to career pathways in construction, engineering, healthcare, manufacturing, and other high-demand fields. Early STEM experiences help students connect classroom learning to real careers—from designing buildings and infrastructure, to advancing patient care, operating advanced manufacturing systems, and solving engineering challenges.”

Throughout the two-day camp, students participated in hands-on STEM lessons and career-connected activities led by Augustana educators, Sioux Falls-area businesses, and Augustana students. College students served as camp counselors and mentors, helping middle school students feel welcomed, supported, and excited to explore new possibilities. Morning rotations introduced students to biology, chemistry, education, and physics, giving them a foundation in core STEM concepts before applying those ideas through real-world activities with local employers. Aerostar led sessions on aerospace engineering and materials science, while POET introduced students to chemical engineering and biofuels.

A major enhancement in 2026 was the addition of afternoon industry tracks, which allowed students to choose a pathway aligned with their interests. Each track helped students connect STEM learning directly to careers that are growing in the Sioux Falls region.

The construction track, offered in partnership with the Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire and the South Dakota Association of General Contractors, introduced students to skilled trades and the important role construction plays in supporting a growing community.

The engineering track gave students a look at the many ways engineering shows up in everyday life and industry. Students explored mechanical systems and robotics used in operations with HDR; learned how water purification treatment plants work with HR Green; designed schools and commercial buildings with ISG; and discovered how Viaflex creates eco-friendly membranes used as protective coverings.

The energy track focused on electricity and natural gas. Sioux Valley Energy’s mobile live wire trailer and MidAmerican Energy helped students better understand the systems—and the careers—that power homes, businesses, and communities.

The healthcare track, led by Avera Health and Sanford Health, helped students explore how the human brain functions while learning about related occupations in nursing, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. The sessions also highlighted the healthcare careers that will be essential as Sioux Falls serves a growing and increasingly diverse population.

The software engineering and technology track connected students to precision agriculture manufacturing with CNH and product development with Omnitech, including tools used in fintech, financial services, and other technology-driven industries.

For Forward Sioux Falls investors, the camp reflects a shared commitment to building the region’s future workforce earlier, more intentionally, and in direct partnership with employers. By giving middle school students meaningful exposure to STEM careers, the Your Future STEM Summer Day Camps help students understand why math, science, technology, creativity, and problem-solving matter—not someday, but now.

The goal is not only to inspire students for two days, but to help them build the awareness, confidence, and curiosity they need to keep exploring career pathways throughout high school, post-secondary training, and beyond.

As Sioux Falls grows, so does the need for a strong, skilled, and diverse talent pipeline. Investing in middle school STEM education is one way we can help ensure more students are prepared—and inspired—to step into the careers that will shape the future of our community.

Smithfield Foods selects Foundation Park: Project momentum continues through site preparation and infrastructure coordination

Posted on June 17, 2026June 17, 2026 by leahb

The Sioux Falls Development Foundation is pleased to share continued progress on one of the most significant economic development projects currently underway in Foundation Park. Following Smithfield Foods’ announcement of its planned new facility in Foundation Park, activity has accelerated as preparations continue to support the company’s future operations and long-term growth in Sioux Falls.

Since the announcement, extensive work has been underway to prepare the site for development. Grading activities are progressing according to plan, transforming the property into a construction-ready site while ensuring proper drainage, access, and long-term functionality. These early investments are critical to maintaining project timelines and creating a strong foundation for future construction activities.

In parallel with site preparation efforts, the Development Foundation has been actively coordinating with key infrastructure partners to ensure all necessary utilities are available to support the project. Regular coordination meetings are being held with Xcel Energy regarding electrical service requirements, MidAmerican Energy for natural gas infrastructure planning, and the City of Sioux Falls for water and sanitary sewer and wastewater service extensions. This collaborative approach is helping align schedules, identify opportunities for efficiency, and ensure utility infrastructure is delivered in a timely manner.

The Smithfield project represents another major milestone in the continued growth of Foundation Park and reinforces Sioux Falls’ position as a premier location for business investment and expansion. The Development Foundation remains committed to working closely with Smithfield Foods, utility providers, contractors, and local government partners to support a successful project outcome.

As grading progresses and infrastructure planning advances, we look forward to sharing additional updates in the months ahead. The momentum generated by this project reflects the strength of our community partnerships and the shared commitment to fostering economic growth, creating jobs, and enhancing opportunities throughout the Sioux Falls region.

Chairman’s Report: A Transformative Start to 2026

Posted on March 18, 2026 by leahb

By: Clark Meyer, 2026 Sioux Falls Development Foundation Board Chair

With the announcement of the Smithfield project in Foundation Park, the City of Sioux Falls, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation and the region enters a new chapter in economic development. An opportunity to keep the area’s fourth largest employer in our community for years to come, with a state-of-the-art food processing facility benefiting our regional ag economy as well as the hundreds of companies that do business with Smithfield.

Months of analysis, negotiating, planning, problem solving and decision making went into the project to bring it to the time of the announcement. With confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements in place, the Development Foundation along with our partners at the City of Sioux Falls and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), were able to cooperate, coordinate and reach consensus with the company to create this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Since its inception in 2015, Foundation Park has created hundreds of millions of dollars in new tax base for the region and has created or retained over 8,000 jobs. As the state’s first industrial mega park, Foundation Park has exceeded expectations and is a testament to the past leaders of the city, the state and the Development Foundation. Foundation Park itself has positioned the reputation of Sioux Falls as a major player and an option for large, global companies including Amazon, FedEx, Lineage Logistics, CJ Schwan’s and now Smithfield.

The Sioux Falls Development Foundation was created in the 1950s and through development in nine Industrial Parks, it has certainly accomplished its purpose and objectives. We will continue to evolve and look for ways to assist in the growth and development of Sioux Falls and the region through expansion of the tax base and the retention and creation of quality jobs and companies for the region.

A huge thank you to our past Chair, Kent Cutler, and the Foundation Board of Directors for their leadership through this ever-changing time needing strategic insight. Their strength and fortitude have made us what we are today, and we’ll strive to continue this momentum. And as always, thank you to all our investors for your support.

Growth incentives matter to Sioux Falls and all of South Dakota

Posted on March 10, 2026March 10, 2026 by leahb

By: Scott Lawrence

This column was originally published in the Dakota Scout.

Economic development organizations like the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce and the Sioux Falls Development Foundation focus largely on creating opportunities for job growth, business success and expansion of the tax base of the region. They create opportunities for companies already in the region and those wanting to establish a presence here for the purpose of creating quality jobs and expanding our property and sales tax base.

These organizations acquire land, build infrastructure, prepare industrial sites, provide pro-business advocacy and business development opportunities, so that when companies are ready to invest, our community is ready to compete. They create an environment that welcomes expansion and new development for the greater good of the region.

Foundation Park represents the achievement of that mission. It began development in 2016 thanks to the foresight of our community’s leaders. The forward thinking they displayed wouldn’t have progressed beyond the planning stage without availability of tools of economic development like the REDI Loan Fund, the Governor’s Future Fund, Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and several other incentives along with private sector investments and a creative consortium of banks who joined together to make this vision a reality.

Several local projects including Amazon, Fed Ex, Scherer, Inc., Presidio Components, CJ Schwan’s bibigo Asian food plant and a host of other projects in and around Sioux Falls have leveraged these incentives and are exactly the kind of outcome we have been working toward for years – and it happened the right way.

While local incentives are limited and the Development Foundation does not offer specific incentives, they offer land, site preparation, planning and zoning assistance, and build ready sites to expedite development and construction. They invest in these sites long before a company ever expresses interest. These projects are the result of that preparation paying off.

Recent assaults on South Dakota’s economic incentive programs undercut all the progress our city and state have made over the years. These programs work. They are transparent and ethical – and most certainly were in securing these projects. They are vital for South Dakota to compete with neighboring states vying for the same opportunities. And they are absolutely necessary to capitalize on forward-thinking investments like Foundation Park.

Looking at the big picture for our community, endeavors like our latest Foundation Park project, CJ Schwan’s, and others will transform lives. The nearly 5,000 jobs provided by Foundation Park companies support hundreds of families and offer economic stability, health insurance and a strong future. It means young people can stay here instead of moving away for work. It means local suppliers and contractors will grow alongside the plant.

Industrial parks are community assets. When they succeed, the benefits ripple outward — to schools, hospitals, retailers, and neighborhoods. That is why our Chamber and the Development Foundation reinvests their proceeds back into infrastructure and workforce readiness, not profit.

Economic development always invites debate, and it should. But debate should be rooted in facts. Suggesting impropriety where it does not exist risks undermining the very tools communities need to compete.

These businesses did not come here by accident. They came because this community planned responsibly, followed the rules and made itself ready.

That is something we should stand behind – with confidence and pride.

Scott Lawrence is CEO Emeritus of Lawrence & Schiller. A passionate community leader in Sioux Falls, he serves on boards including the South Dakota State Chamber, Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, National Music Museum and South Dakota Symphony.

President’s Report: When Opportunity Knocks

Posted on March 10, 2026 by leahb

By: Bob Mundt, President & CEO

My parents always encouraged me that when opportunity knocks, you’d better be prepared to answer the call.

When the opportunity for Smithfield Foods to relocate out of our downtown presented itself, they were considering other locations outside the state. It was our task to make sure they stayed here. As the region’s 4^th largest employer tied to thousands of direct and indirect jobs in the region and the tremendous impact on South Dakota’s ag economy, we had the obligation to do our best to keep them here in Sioux Falls.

Opportunity knocked, we needed to answer the call and we were prepared.

With the development of Foundation Park in 2015 and the designation from the City of that area as I-2 Industrial zoning and the additional land purchases we had made prior to negotiations, we had most of the land we needed available to give them an option to move out of their present site and remain here in a designated I-2 Industrial site. Working with the state GOED to acquire some additional property, we were able to meet their land requirements.

Throughout several months, the Development Foundation and our partners at the City and the State were able to work collaboratively to identify issues, provide options and meet the challenges. Shared expertise and problem solving led to consensus on several key issues and in February we were able to agree to sign development and purchase agreements and make the project public.

While we have made the announcement, we still have several contingencies we need to address and we will not close until later this year, but the groundwork has been laid for what we have worked hard to accomplish in the future, which is the relocation of Smithfield Foods and the redevelopment opportunities at their existing site. This process will take time, patience and understanding.

A new opportunity will soon knock; we need to be prepared to answer the call. I believe we will be.

Chairman’s Report: Another year of progress

Posted on December 8, 2025December 8, 2025 by leahb

By: Kent Cutler, 2025 Sioux Falls Development Foundation Board Chair

A year ago, when I became the Chair of the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, I didn’t anticipate the amount of activity we’ve seen. From our efforts in business attraction, retention/expansion, and talent/workforce to our involvement in housing and redevelopment, the Development Foundation continues to lead the way in writing the next chapter of progress in Sioux Falls.

Our success in selling land in Foundation Park to companies like Amazon and Krier & Blain are a testament to the active business environment and the expansion of our tax base that was planned by previous leaders. Indeed, our success has led the Foundation to purchase more land; expanding Foundation Park to the northern edge of our city limits.

Our talent and workforce efforts continue to expose and attract more candidates to Sioux Falls, providing a qualified talent pool for our business community. We are working with our partners at the city to formulate new plans for housing growth and developing a mechanism to aid potential first-time home buyers.

With the Forward Sioux Falls IX campaign in full swing, volunteers and community leaders are raising $18 million to help fund these efforts over the next five years. Continuing our success through the last campaign, Forward Sioux Falls leadership has again targeted the four towers for development – Economic Development, Talent & Workforce Development, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, and Public Policy & Community Improvement.

While existing programs will continue to address areas mentioned above, new programs including the Community Land Trust, Falls Area Development Corporation, and Special Project Management funding will address many opportunities identified in the feasibility study.

I want to thank all of our Board members for their involvement and expertise during this past year. A special thank you to the three members going off the Board, Ryan Boschee, Kira Kimball, and Clint Ackerman, who have been an integral part of our growth and development over the past six years. Your expertise will be missed.

I also want to welcome our three new Board members – Roger Weber, David Doxtad, and Rob Fagnan for the commitment to serve and engage in moving our organization forward. We are looking forward to utilizing your expertise.

Additionally, a special thank you and job well done to the staff of the Development Foundation. Without their dedication and commitment to carrying out the day-to-day work, this organization would cease to exist. We are proud to have all of them working on behalf of the Foundation.

Sioux Falls is growing and with these efforts we will continue to meet the challenges of a changing community. We hope you will choose to be a part of this ongoing effort and we thank you for your investment.

It’s been a pleasure serving as the Chair of the Board and thank you to all those who have supported our efforts this past year. I look forward to 2026.

Stipend program aims to expand internships in Sioux Falls

Posted on December 4, 2025December 4, 2025 by leahb

If your team could use extra summer support, the Intern Sioux Falls Stipend Program is a practical way to bring on a strong intern while keeping costs manageable. This new offering complements the Foundation’s broader Intern Sioux Falls program, which connects students from regional colleges and universities with Sioux Falls businesses through internships.

The stipend program provides financial assistance, along with marketing and policy support, to employers with 250 or fewer employees who do not yet offer internships. With this added support, employers can move forward on internal projects that improve productivity and strengthen day-to-day operations—work that often gets pushed back when teams are lean.

What the stipend covers

Intern Sioux Falls provides a $2,500 stipend that is matched by the employer to host a paid intern from one of five local colleges: Augustana University, Dakota State University, South Dakota State University, the University of South Dakota, and the University of Sioux Falls. The internship must be full-time for eight weeks.

This shared investment keeps the internship affordable for employers while providing meaningful, career-building opportunities for college students.

Benefits of hosting an intern

Internships are among the most reliable ways to build a sustainable talent pipeline that aligns with your organization.

A proven “try-before-you-hire” pathway. National internship benchmarks show employers convert about 53% of interns into full-time hires, making internships a direct and efficient recruiting channel.

Better retention for former interns. Research from the National Association of Colleges and Employers consistently reports that long-term employee retention is higher for employees who started as interns. After one year, retention for internal-intern hires is around 73–75%, and they are significantly more likely to stay long-term than hires without internship experience.

Lower onboarding and recruiting costs. Interns who return full-time already know your culture, systems, and expectations, shortening ramp-up time and reducing the cost of repeated hiring searches.

Immediate support on real projects

Intern Sioux Falls students can make a difference in your organization through areas like:

Human resources, communications, and marketing (content support, social media, onboarding materials, internal communications, event prep)

Operations and finance (process improvement, data organization, dashboards, customer flow, cost tracking)

Special internal projects you want to move forward without pulling time from core staff

If you’ve been looking for a simple way to get help on priority work and grow your future workforce at the same time, Intern Sioux Falls is a great fit.

If you’re interested in learning more about the stipend program, reach out to Sioux Falls Development Foundation staff Denise Guzzetta, Vice President of Talent and Workforce, or Riley Johnson, Talent Recruitment Coordinator, at the contact information below.

Denise Guzzetta – deniseg@siouxfalls.com | Riley Johnson – rileyj@siouxfalls.com

Amazon Expands in Foundation Park

Posted on December 2, 2025December 2, 2025 by leahb

Amazon has officially purchased 32 acres in Foundation Park to develop a new last-mile distribution facility, strengthening its already significant presence in Sioux Falls. This acquisition places Amazon in a rapidly growing logistics corridor and reflects the company’s confidence in the region’s infrastructure, workforce, and long-term economic potential.

This new facility is expected to complement Amazon’s existing regional fulfillment center across the street, improving delivery speed, transportation efficiency, and service capacity for customers throughout the Upper Midwest.

A Strategic Win for Sioux Falls

Foundation Park continues to prove itself as one of the most transformative economic assets in the state of South Dakota. Designed with transportation, utilities, and industrial infrastructure in mind, the park has become a magnet for large-scale, high-impact development.

Key advantages include: direct access to I-29 and I-90, rail connectivity for regional freight distribution, build-ready parcels with full utilities and fiber, and immediate proximity to workforce and urban amenities.

This combination of ready-to-go infrastructure and logistics strength is exactly what companies like Amazon seek when planning long-term investments.

Economic Impact: More Growth, More Jobs, More Momentum

Amazon’s expansion reinforces Sioux Falls as an emerging regional distribution hub. The economic ripple effects extend well beyond the boundaries of Foundation Park.

Workforce & Employment

The new last-mile facility is expected to add significant new jobs to the area.
Amazon’s existing facility has already become a major employer, helping diversify and stabilize the local job market.

Tax Base & Infrastructure Investment

Foundation Park is part of a Tax Increment Financing district, meaning new development helps fund roads, utilities, and improvements that benefit the entire region.
Increased property valuation strengthens the city’s long-term revenue outlook.

Catalyst for Additional Development

Amazon’s continued investment signals to other companies that Sioux Falls is a reliable and strategic location for logistics and manufacturing expansion.
Multiple industries, healthcare supply, cold storage, manufacturing, and transportation—have already set roots within the park, creating a diversified, resilient economic base.

Foundation Park: A Decade of Vision Becoming Reality

In less than ten years, Foundation Park has evolved from a long-term economic vision into a thriving industrial anchor. Its growth has fueled:

Hundreds of millions of dollars in construction investment
A steady pipeline of new business expansions
Regional job creation in logistics, distribution, and advanced manufacturing
Strengthened transportation networks connecting Sioux Falls to national markets

With Amazon expanding again, Foundation Park’s trajectory remains upward—reinforcing Sioux Falls as a leader in economic development across the Midwest.

What This Means for Our Community

The impact of Amazon’s 32-acre purchase reaches far beyond one company or one project.

For Residents:

More local job opportunities
Enhanced delivery speed and service
Stronger long-term economic stability

For Businesses:

Increased regional freight and distribution capacity
Greater access to industrial services and suppliers
A growing customer and workforce base

For the City:

A strengthened tax base
Increased investment in public infrastructure
Forward momentum toward becoming a national logistics hub

A Stronger Sioux Falls, Built for the Future

Amazon’s decision to grow again in Foundation Park is more than a land purchase—it’s a powerful endorsement of Sioux Falls’ economic strategy, workforce, and community vision.

As Foundation Park continues to expand, Sioux Falls is positioned not only for growth, but for national relevance as a center for distribution, innovation, and industrial development.

Todd Ernst honored with Spirit of Sioux Falls Award

Posted on November 25, 2025November 25, 2025 by leahb

The Sioux Falls Development Foundation honored Todd Ernst, President and founder of Ernst Capital Group, with its ‘Spirit of Sioux Falls’ Award at their 2025 Annual Meeting on Thursday, November 20.

The award, presented annually to an individual who has demonstrated leadership and commitment to the economic growth and development of Sioux Falls, honors the memory of former Development Foundation Board Members David Birkeland, Angus Anson, and President Roger Hainje, who perished along with Gov. George Mickelson and other state officials and staff in 1993 as they returned from an economic development mission.

“This award honors the legacies of men who committed their lives to the economic development of the Sioux Falls area,” Foundation board chairman Kent Cutler said. “Todd has embodied that same commitment through his work in creating the financial model that helped us to develop Foundation Park.”

Ernst served on the Foundation’s Board of Directors from 2016-2022 and as chairman in 2020. During his tenure, he created the financial model used to develop Foundation Park – the state’s first megasite – which encompassed over 800 acres at its inception in 2015.

The financial model helped the Foundation secure support from a consortium of local banks to finance the park’s grading and infrastructure, creating build-ready sites to spur development. Today, Foundation Park is home to 13 businesses, 3,000 employees, and has generated millions of dollars for the city of Sioux Falls.

“When Foundation Park was farmland, Todd Ernst saw the vision of what it could be,” said Bob Mundt, President and CEO of the Sioux Falls Development Foundation. “Thanks to his financial modeling and expertise in finance and development, a roadmap for Foundation Park was established. The Sioux Falls Development Foundation is grateful for the time and talents Todd dedicated to the Foundation and Sioux Falls.”