The Sioux Falls Development Foundation seeks to promote Sioux Falls as a business-friendly community with build-ready sites. Our strategy includes quarterly email campaigns to site selectors to keep Sioux Falls top-of-mind as they consider locations for companies looking to expand.
Below is a look at our Q1 message. Please feel free to share this message with any suppliers or partners your organization works with, Sioux Falls might be the perfect fit for their next location.
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.
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.
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 4th 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.
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.
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.
Immediate support on real projects
Intern Sioux Falls students can make a difference in your organization through areas like:
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 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.
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.
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
Tax Base & Infrastructure Investment
Catalyst for Additional Development
In less than ten years, Foundation Park has evolved from a long-term economic vision into a thriving industrial anchor. Its growth has fueled:
With Amazon expanding again, Foundation Park’s trajectory remains upward—reinforcing Sioux Falls as a leader in economic development across the Midwest.
The impact of Amazon’s 32-acre purchase reaches far beyond one company or one project.
For Residents:
For Businesses:
For the City:
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.
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.”
By: Bob Mundt, President & CEO
September 11, 2025, marked the kickoff of the public phase of Forward Sioux Falls IX. Campaign co-chairs announced that the private phase of the campaign had met its goal of raising 60% of the $18 million goal. The public campaign will now focus on expanding the number of investors involved to over 400 companies.
Campaign IX Leadership has set some aggressive outcomes including:
Supported by both the public and private sector, Forward Sioux Falls has become a national model for successful economic development fundraising and program implementation. Focusing on Economic & Business Development, Talent and Workforce Development, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, and Advocacy & Community Enhancement, Forward Sioux Falls has been the economic engine of the community for almost 40 years. In that time, the population of the Sioux Falls metro has tripled from 85,000 to nearly 250,000.
The four pillars of Forward Sioux Falls will be implemented by the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce and several strategic partners including educational institutions, non-profits and related economic and community development entities.
In addition to continuing some ongoing programs, Forward Sioux Falls IX will assist in the creation of the SDSU Metro Center for health sciences, expansion of the Advanced Manufacturing & Technology Center at STC, creation of the Housing Trust Fund for workforce housing and the creation of a special projects management program to help fund worthy projects that may be proposed in the future.
If you haven’t been approached by a representative from the Forward Sioux Falls IX campaign team, we encourage you to reach out here. With your help, we can continue the momentum we have established over the past 40 years and responsibly grow our region.
By: Kent Cutler, 2025 Sioux Falls Development Foundation Board Chair
As we approach the last quarter of 2025, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation continues to make progress in all areas of our mission. Recent sales in Foundation Park and several “active” prospects, some of whom are expected to close in the last quarter, indicate that while the economy is volatile, Sioux Falls continues to be attractive to new and expanding business. Building activity in 2026 is expected to be brisk as several of these prospects close and break ground. CJ Schwan’s has begun construction along with the second Amazon facility addressing their last-mile distribution system.
With the purchase of additional ground north of Memory Lane, Foundation Park now reaches 258th Street at the I-90/Renner Exit. We are planning grading and additional road construction in the spring. These purchases give us an additional 150 acres to market to prospects and direct access to an additional Interstate interchange.
Fall marks the beginning of our Talent and Workforce Recruitment plan as we begin our work with universities, tech schools and high schools to recruit tomorrow’s workforce to our jobs in the region. Talent Draft begins in September targeting our six universities. Career Fairs also begin this fall exposing University and High School students to potential careers in the region and encouraging them to stay here to work. Career Connections in six of our high schools are exposing high school students to careers and companies they can work for right after graduation. In addition, our Intern Sioux Falls program is targeting over 100 interns for work opportunities in Sioux Falls and our Talent Rebound program is encouraging alumni from our local universities to return home to utilize their skills here.
As we move into fall, the Board will be planning for the future looking to continue our momentum. The new Forward Sioux Falls IX campaign is setting the stage for remarkable growth in the region. The Sioux Falls Development Foundation is positioned to assist in that effort to continue building Sioux Falls. We encourage you to invest in Forward Sioux Falls. You are what makes all our progress possible. Thanks for being a part of it.
The Sioux Falls Development Foundation is closing out its fiscal 2025 marketing campaign with one clear mission: to make sure decision-makers across the country see Sioux Falls as the best place to expand, innovate, and invest. This year’s efforts focused on connecting with site selectors, corporate location advisors, and industry influencers who play a major role in guiding business expansions.
Telling the Sioux Falls Story
The Foundation continues to share news and insights through a newsletter with branded infographics, sent quarterly to a national audience of site consultants. Each edition spotlights business growth, available real estate, workforce strengths, or policy updates that make Sioux Falls stand out; showcasing key accolades, national rankings, and the city’s infrastructure advantages. These eye-catching visuals make it easy for busy decision-makers to see why Sioux Falls is a smart choice.
Expanding Regional Awareness
Closer to home, the Foundation used targeted radio advertising in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. These campaigns highlight Sioux Falls’ affordability, skilled workforce, and easy access to major markets. Messages designed to reach regional brokers and business leaders who are already familiar with the Midwest advantage.
Building Partnerships and Connections
Relationships remain at the heart of business development. That’s why the Foundation is sponsoring key industry groups such as the SIOR Minnesota-Dakotas Chapter and the NAI Global Midwest Regional Event. These partnerships provide valuable opportunities for networking, branding, and one-on-one conversations with top real estate professionals and consultants.
Showcasing Sioux Falls on the National Stage
Throughout the year, Sioux Falls was represented at major national events. In June, the Foundation joined Dakota State University and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development in Washington, D.C. for the AI Expo, where Sioux Falls was positioned as a new frontier for innovation. In July, the team traveled to Beaver Creek, Colorado for the Logistics Development Forum to highlight Sioux Falls’ strengths in transportation and distribution. December brings Area Development’s Consultant Forum in Fort Lauderdale, where national site consultants gather for high-level discussions about business growth.
In addition, the Foundation will take part in a targeted site selector trip to Greenville, South Carolina, working side by side with South Dakota’s economic development delegation to personally share Sioux Falls’ advantages.
A Year of Momentum
From newsletters and infographics to radio ads, partnerships, and national events, the Development Foundation is working on multiple fronts to keep Sioux Falls in front of the people who influence business decisions. Each effort reinforces the same message: Sioux Falls is a premier destination for companies looking for opportunities, innovation, and long-term success.
Krier & Blain is growing in Sioux Falls! The company recently closed on a 4-acre site in Foundation Park with the Sioux Falls Development Foundation. This new space will give Krier & Blain room to expand while keeping its roots strong in our community.
Foundation Park continues to welcome new businesses and create opportunities for Sioux Falls to thrive. The addition of Krier & Blain is another sign of the momentum building in the city’s largest industrial development.
It’s been an exciting summer of hosting groundbreakings for the Sioux Falls Development Foundation. In the third quarter of 2025, the Foundation hosted three groundbreakings to mark the start of construction for various projects in our community. Find a recap of each of them below!
The groundbreaking for the Chabad Jewish Community Center celebrated the start of construction on a 15,000-square-foot community center that will include a Synagogue, social hall, commercial Kosher kitchen, community room, early childhood education center, classrooms, Judaic library, children’s library, lounge, ritual women’s mikva, office spaces, outdoor playground, and an indoor play area.
L to R: Julie Iverson, T. Denny Sanford, Pat McAdaragh, Andrew Friedman, Sen. John Thune, Rep. Dusty Johnson, Steve Schwartz, Gov. Larry Rhoden, Rabbi Mendel Alperowitz, Mussie Alperowitz, Clark Meyer, Joe Kirby, Jennifer Kirby, Miles Beacom, Mayor Paul TenHaken, Adam Bergman, and Stephen Rosenthal.
Levitt at the Falls broke ground on a 7,000 sq. ft. expansion which will include the Sweetman Atrium, DSU Community Room, Lust Family Second Stage, six new offices, a new dressing room, and greenroom for artists. The expansion will be used to not only enhance the experience of working in the venue for artists and staff, but it will also allow for expansion of public programming to include year-round educational and entertainment events alongside community partners.
L to R: Kent Cutler, Rose Ann Hofland, Laura Mullen, John Lust, Jeanelle Lust, Bob Thimjon, Nancy Halverson (President and CEO), Kathy Sweetman, Dick Sweetman, Tamien Dysart, Mary Kolsrud, Richard VanDemark, Don Kearney, Dr. José-Marie Griffiths, Mike Fischer, and Mary Ellyn Minenko.
The expansion of the Sioux Falls Regional Airport concourse will provide up to five new aircraft parking gates and 57,000 square feet of passenger seating and circulation. The new gates will accommodate the significant growth in passenger traffic of the past 20 years as well as the continued increase in the next 10-15 years.
L to R: Councilor Richard Thomason, Tony Wiseman, Brian Mahlendorf, John Taylor, Kent Cutler, Dan Letellier (executive director), Mayor Paul TenHaken, Dan Statema, Tom Hurlbert, Miles Beacom, and Mitch Walker.
Sioux Falls continues to earn national recognition as one of the most business-friendly and economically vibrant cities in the country. In 2025, it was ranked the No. 1 city in the United States for corporate site selection per capita among tier-two metro areas. This distinction underscores the city’s growing appeal to site selectors and expanding companies looking for long-term success. WalletHub also named Sioux Falls one of the “Hardest-Working Cities in America,” reflecting a reliable, committed labor force that businesses can count on.
In addition to its strong workforce, Sioux Falls is recognized for its environment of safety and affordability. Earlier this year, it was ranked among the “Top 25 Safest Cities in America,” providing peace of mind for companies looking to relocate employees or attract new talent. The city also earned a spot as the best U.S. city for small businesses, a nod to its support systems, low regulatory barriers, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Economic development in Sioux Falls is backed by transformative investment and coordinated planning. Major projects like the $400 million downtown revitalization featuring developments such as Cherapa Place and the Steel District are reshaping the urban core with new office space, retail, and residential offerings. Foundation Park, a premier industrial development park, has attracted significant employers like Amazon, Lineage Logistics, FedEx Ground, FedEx Freight, Avera, Owens & Minor, and CJ Foods. As Mayor Paul TenHaken stated, “We are keeping Sioux Falls investible by strategically planning for growth in every direction.”
With a low-tax climate, top-tier rankings, major infrastructure investment, and a workforce that consistently earns national praise, Sioux Falls offers the right combination of opportunity, affordability, and momentum for any business seeking a smart place to grow.
By: Bob Mundt, President & CEO
As we prepare for the ninth Forward Sioux Falls campaign, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation Board of Directors has made a strategic decision to eliminate our traditional membership dues model. Going forward, Forward Sioux Falls investors will be recognized as members of the Development Foundation with pledges supporting the work of the Development Foundation in place of dues.
Current Development Foundation/FSF contributors will be asked to combine their investments into their FSF IX pledge; others will be asked to contribute to the FSF campaign for the first time. In return, Development Foundation members will automatically remain members as investors in FSF. By investing in Forward Sioux Falls, you’re fueling the mission and impact of the Development Foundation—no separate membership required.
“This is a great opportunity to streamline our dues and investment processes in our partnership with Forward Sioux Falls,” said Bob Mundt, President & CEO of the Sioux Falls Development Foundation. “Our members are approached multiple times for dues and sponsorships from our nonprofits. This allows them to contribute to the growth and development of many projects in the community through one investment.”
“The Board feels this is a good way to continue supporting the Development Foundation, increase contributions to the Forward Sioux Falls campaign, while making it easier for our members and investors to support multiple projects under the umbrella of Forward Sioux Falls,” said Development Foundation Board Chair Kent Cutler. “It is our hope that this change will make it easier for our members to track our progress and contribute in a meaningful and productive way.”
We believe this streamlined approach will provide a more effective and impactful way to fund our economic development and workforce efforts. Thank you for your continued commitment to advancing the Sioux Falls area through your involvement with Forward Sioux Falls and the Sioux Falls Development Foundation.
