Category: Directions Newsletter

President’s Report: Focus on the Future

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The mission of the Sioux Falls Development Foundation is:

To collaboratively create quality economic growth and workforce development to improve our quality of life.

We will accomplish this through our core values:

  1. Demonstrate integrity and accountability in everything we do.
  2. Provide relevant and creative solutions.
  3. Pursue the “win/win” in everything we do.
  4. Trust and respect our partners and ourselves.

This is the mission and the core values of the Foundation and the basis for our current strategic planning process. Since the inception of Foundation Park in 2015 and the subsequent success of the past years, Sioux Falls and Foundation Park have changed dramatically. With the addition of national brands including Amazon, Federal Express, Lineage Logistics and CJ Foods as well as regional brands including Nordica, Muth, Tessiers, Scherer and Dakota Carriers, Foundation Park and Sioux Falls is becoming a location of choice. Literally hundreds of millions of dollars in new tax base and thousands of good paying jobs.

All this was planned and envisioned eight years ago as the Development Foundation and community leaders discussed and implemented plans to make the vision a reality. Controlled and common-sense growth takes planning so as to create an organized process for growth.

Now in 2023, the Development Foundation is again beginning to plan for the future. We have begun the process of evaluating our strengths and weaknesses and determining a direction for our future. Our planning process includes evaluating the resources we have available to chart a course for the success of Sioux Falls and the Foundation well into the future. We’ll be reviewing our land strategy, sales strategy, prospect lists, workforce strategy, incentives and the next generation of business recruitment in the Sioux Falls region.

We know that Foundation Park was just the beginning. Sioux Falls will continue to grow and the Development Foundation will continue its focus on the future. We’ll work with all of our partners to coordinate and implement positive growth and address the challenges of the future. It’s the Sioux Falls way.

Foundation Park North welcomes Avera Health and Owens & Minor, infrastructure development underway

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We’re closing out the 3rd quarter on a high note with the announcement of Avera Health and Owens & Minor as the newest tenants in Foundation Park!

The 23-acre site will be home to a shared facility for the two healthcare organizations. It will allow for greater efficiencies for Avera and closer service for other regional health care clients of Owens & Minor.

The Foundation’s long-term vision, strategy, and planning for infrastructure and improvements in Foundation Park has proved successful as this is the first tenant north of the rail line.

According to Joe McSweeney, a partner in the project’s developer, Brookwood Capital, the land is “really served with utilities, and it’s ready to go, and I would credit the Foundation with that because they anticipated the demand and had the vision to design roads and start roads and bring utilities, so when a tenant comes along, they’re ready to close on the land and have everything you need there.”

Hear more from the project’s partners here.

Below are more updates on Foundation Park’s infrastructure.

Foundation Park North – Street Construction

All the sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer and drop inlets are installed along Sechser Avenue and Memory Lane. Soukup Construction has also begun placing cement stabilization along Sechser Avenue and Memory Lane.

Next, Soukup Construction will finish placing cement stabilization west on Memory Lane towards Marion Road. When the cement treatment is finished, they will begin placing the aggregate base course.

Foundation Park North – Trunk Sanitary Sewer

Lidel Construction has placed all trunk sanitary sewer along the railroad alignment to 259th Street. Now, they are installing 15” trunk sanitary sewer north along the Interstate alignment. Currently, Lidel Construction is about 1,500’ south of 259th Street.

Xcel Power Pole Relocation

Xcel Energy has relocated all power poles along 259th Street except for the far east pole. In addition, all but three (3) of the existing power poles have been removed. Xcel plans to wrap up their work by the end of September. John Riley Construction plans to finish the remaining grading work along 259th Street by late September or early October.

Upsize Existing Trunk Sewer (south of the RR)

The design is in progress and will be completed by the end of September for submittal to the City for review/approval.

SFDF welcomes summer intern, Maddie Schwebach!

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Summer is here! School is out, the weather is warm, and it’s time for new beginnings. Summer also means internship season, and the Foundation is excited to introduce our intern for the summer, Maddie Schwebach!

Maddie grew up in Dell Rapids, S.D., and attended Dell Rapids St. Mary High School. After graduating, she continued her education at the University of South Dakota, where she graduated in May 2023 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Economics with a minor in Sustainability.

This summer, she’s assisting staff with identifying potential opportunities for development through conducting market research and will help coordinate and organize events and outreach activities to increase community awareness of Foundation initiatives.

When it comes to working at the Foundation, Maddie is most excited to network and form connections.

“I am a people person!” Maddie said. “I enjoy learning about new ideas and concepts, so I am looking forward to learning how to apply what I learned during my four years at USD to my projects at the Foundation.”

If you stop by the office this summer, be sure to say hello to Maddie and welcome her!

Career Connections increases skilled and qualified pipeline for employers

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The Career Connections program has achieved impressive results in just its second year. More than 20 talented and motivated scholars have received highly competitive scholarships from renowned programs like Build Dakota, Freedom, and Dakota Corps, enabling them to pursue higher education in various fields such as engineering, healthcare, nursing, computer science, business, and skilled trades.

Kayla Galindo-Lemus, a Lincoln High School graduate and Build Dakota scholar who chose Muth Electric, will join the Muth Electric family this Fall. Shannon Globke, District Manager for Muth Electric, says, “we are honored to be part of the program and excited to have Kayla join our team.”

Kayla Galindo-Lemus

In addition, nine graduates have been accepted into the Sioux Falls PD Cadet program, a new and highly selective initiative set to launch in August 2023. This program aims to support the area’s law enforcement personnel pipeline.

The success of Career Connections is a testament to its unwavering focus on providing students with immersive career learning opportunities, such as job shadows and project-based internships. The program addresses common barriers to post-secondary education, including financial obstacles and a lack of employer support for flexible schedules.

Since its inception in 2021, Career Connections has helped 426 graduating seniors become first-generation college students. This approach sets them on the path to fulfilling and in-demand careers that will meet the workforce needs of local employers.

Emily Koo, EL Department Chair at Lincoln High School, shared her excitement about the program: “Career Connections is an incredible program, and we are thrilled with the opportunities to help our students.”

Denise Guzzetta, the Vice President of Talent and Workforce for the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, expressed her pride and optimism about the program’s future. She attributed the program’s progress and tremendous results to the collaboration and engagement of teachers, counselors, and employers involved in the program. She also acknowledged the instrumental role played by the program’s partners in helping students make viable and financially rewarding career choices.

It’s ALL about workforce development

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Our organization is proud to offer 14 talent and workforce programs for our partners to utilize as a valuable community resource to enhance their workforce efforts, both now and in the future. This year alone, we have had over 12,000 direct participants in our talent and workforce programs, with almost 60% participating in Forward Sioux Falls programming, which is specifically designed for companies with immediate hiring needs.

Our virtual and in-person programming includes Talent Thursday, INTERN Sioux Falls, Talent Now offered at the Summit League have been tremendously successful in connecting employers with talent seeking employment. Mike West, executive associate director for external affairs at the University of Nebraska – Omaha, has praised the use of the tournament as a recruiting opportunity for Sioux Falls employers with urgent hiring needs.

We are also dedicated to increasing the talent development STEM pipeline in the professional and skilled trades to meet the growing needs of our expanding economy. Our Career Connections has assisted 426 graduating seniors in becoming first-generation college students since 2021 by addressing common barriers to higher education. Students are involved and set on a path to fulfilling and highly sought-after careers that will meet the workforce demands of local employers. Learn more about the impact of the Career Connections program through this spotlight involving Muth Electric.

Career Connections works by providing immersive career learning opportunities, such as job shadows and project-based internships, and addresses common barriers to post-secondary education. Learn more about the projects and impact from two Career Connections graduates and the impact its having on their career choices.

In April, we collaborated and coordinated Talent Talks with Young Professionals employed within our community to helped nearly 4,000 high schoolers envision themselves and a life in Sioux Falls in the next couple of years. Learn more about the strategy involved.

We are also proud to support the thriving healthcare and manufacturing industries by raising awareness of STEM-related occupations and careers while developing the next generation of the workforce for Sioux Falls through our popular Your Future STEM program. Earlier this month, over 200 incoming sixth through tenth graders from the Sioux Falls area had the opportunity to immerse themselves in STEM-related experiential learning as part of the Your Future STEM Summer Mini Camp at Augustana University. Read more about this program here.

Lastly, don’t forget to check out the latest article in our Newcomer Series, which features a family of nine who relocated from Canada and their experiences in Sioux Falls.

And preparations are underway for the WIN in Workforce Summit 2023! Two-time Olympic champion and renowned author Nancy Kerrigan will be the keynote speaker. The WIN Summit will take place November 1, 2023. Tickets are available here.

Membership renewal underway and new members join our efforts

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The Development Foundation’s membership renewal efforts are underway, so be on the lookout for your 2023 membership invoice via inbox or mailbox with the option to pay online!

Strong support from our members continues to be the “foundation” of our organization in creating one of the most vibrant, growing economies in the nation. Your contributions have made and will continue to make an impact on the growth and development of our community; and on each person that calls our community home.

Development Foundation members – past and present – are part of a legendary organization that’s played a major role in our region’s growth: from the attraction of the EROS Data Center and Citibank’s arrival to the Sioux Empire and Foundation Park developments; and the Forward Sioux Falls program. Our emphasis on talent attraction/retention/workforce development, as detailed in this newsletter, is resonating with our members, and enhancing the pipeline.

Thanks for your financial support and investment in the economic future of our area.

Not a member? We invite you to contact us. We’ll answer questions and provide the information you need to join our efforts. We’ve welcomed 15 new members since the beginning of our fiscal year! Their investment, along with yours, allows us to create quality economic growth and workforce development in the region.

Karen Ruhland
Contact

Karen Ruhland

Director of Research, Membership, & Communications, Sioux Falls Development Foundation

Students connect with STEM subjects, careers at Your Future STEM camp

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Sioux Falls-area students packed a lot of hands-on learning into three days this month as part of a new STEM mini-camp organized by the Sioux Falls Development Foundation.

The event, hosted in partnership with Augustana University, brought incoming sixth through 10th graders onto the campus and into area businesses for a hands-on look at opportunities their future could hold.

“This new program builds on others where we’ve seen considerable success, including Your Future STEM activities during the school year and Career Connections where we’re immersing students into workplaces and educating about career opportunities,” said Denise Guzzetta, vice president of workforce development for the Sioux Falls Development Foundation.

“Thanks to the engagement of Augustana leaders, students and professors as well as a huge range of area businesses, we’re providing a summer experience for students that will make a lasting impression. Based on the huge early response we’ve seen, this is a program that’s only going to grow.”

For a closer look inside the Summer STEM Camp, click below.

Your Future STEM Summer Mini Camps 2023

Spirit of Sioux Falls Scholars Selected

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The Spirit of Sioux Falls Scholarship endowment was established by the Sioux Falls Development Foundation and more than 100 businesses and individuals to honor the memory of Roger Hainje, Angus Anson, and David Birkeland, each of whom were Sioux Falls business and economic development leaders who lost their lives along with Governor Mickelson and four state officials April 19, 1993. They were on an economic development mission to retain one of the state’s largest employers.

Annually, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation awards scholarships to Sioux Falls residents or students who have completed at least one year of post-secondary work in business-related areas of study.

Two students from the area have been selected for the 2023 Spirit of Sioux Falls Scholarship. They are:

Kim Ueng, a graduate of Washington High School attending Augustana University. Ueng is majoring in Accounting, Finance, and Business Finance.

Joshua Jackson, a Lincoln High School graduate. Jackson is attending Purdue University majoring in Aerospace Financial Analysis.

The Foundation congratulates these two young men on their achievements as they continue to pursue their academic and career goals.

Joshua Jackson

  • High school: Lincoln High School
  • College: Purdue University
  • Major: Aerospace Financial Analysis

Kim Ueng

  • High school: Washington High School
  • College: Augustana University
  • Major: Accounting, Finance, and Business Finance

Consultants Forum Workshop – Best practices for economic developers

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By Dean Dziedzic, Vice President of Economic Development

Earlier this spring I had the opportunity to attend Area Development’s Consultants Forum Workshop in Greenville, S.C. This exclusive event was limited to 125 attendees with the sole purpose of hearing from and engaging face-to-face with 18 leading site consultants and corporate real estate advisors. The format was split between multiple boardroom presentations and roundtable discussions. Better yet, I was able to pre-select preferred sessions with site consultants prior to the event.

The Development Foundation’s strategic plan over many years has emphasized the importance of marketing to a broad array of site consultants. These are professionals who assist businesses in the process of selecting and acquiring suitable locations for their operations. They provide expertise in site selection, real estate analysis, and market research to help their business clients make informed decisions about where to establish new facilities.

The role of site consultants involves understanding the specific requirements and objectives of a business, such as its industry, target market, operational needs, and growth plans. They conduct a comprehensive analysis of potential sites and present recommendations based on factors such as infrastructure availability, workforce demographics, transportation access, proximity to suppliers and customers, cost of real estate, and regulatory considerations.

The value in attending this workshop was direct access to a variety of consultants that matched our target market in Sioux Falls. There was ample opportunity in the roundtables and social settings to promote our community and all the positive characteristics. In addition, the workshop offered great opportunities to network with other economic developers and peer communities, while comparing and contrasting what works in Sioux Falls versus other communities.

This Consultants Workshop Forum is just one example of the investment in time and money to promote Sioux Falls. It takes a consistent approach over a long period of time to develop relationships with a wide array of site consultants. Overall, site consultants and business attraction efforts aim to attract new businesses, stimulate economic growth, create quality job opportunities, and enhance the overall prosperity of a region or community.

A look back at spring 2023 groundbreakings

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And just like that, it’s summer! With the turn of the season comes yet another season… groundbreaking season!

The Sioux Falls Development Foundation hosted three groundbreakings during spring 2023, and we’re excited to help usher in new chapters of growth and success for each of the businesses and organizations who’ve held groundbreakings this year. Take a look below to find a recap of each one!

Great Plains Zoo African Lions Exhibit

The Great Plains Zoo broke ground on its new African Lions Exhibit, which will bring lions back to the zoo for the first time in over 30 years.

L to R: Margaret Carmody, Ryan Howlett, Alissa Bretsch, Ryan Tysdal, Molly Daniel, Jeannie Iannello, Andrea Smith, Jeanelle Lust, George Mollner, De Knudson, Steve Kolbeck, Mayor Paul TenHaken, Kim Burma, Becky Dewitz – President and CEO, Great Plains Zoo, and Dave Knudson.

McCrossan Boys Ranch School Addition and Renovation

McCrossan Boys Ranch celebrated a groundbreaking for the renovation and addition to their school.

L to R: Front L to R: Jeff Griffin, Pam Hanneman, Alyssa Nix, Jim Wiederrich, Brian Roegiers, Jason Hubers, Bryan Ingalls, Dr. Michael Elliott, Elizabeth Lewis, Christy Vastenhout, Dan Newell, Jon Bour, and Paul Heinert.

Back row L to R: Jeff Pray, Brent Olthoff, Brent Reilly, Randy Fink, and Mayor Paul TenHaken.

Electronic Systems Inc.

Electronic Systems Inc. broke ground on an expansion at their facility that will join two existing buildings together.

L to R: Kurt Loudenback, Jeff Tornow, Jeff Eckhoff, Gary Larson – President, and Scott Lawrence.

Leah Friese Headshot
Want a groundbreaking? Contact

Leah Blom

Director of Marketing and Digital Media, Sioux Falls Development Foundation

Chairman’s report: Coordinated community = coordinated growth

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By: Steve Kolbeck, Board Chair

As we look at the growth of the Sioux Falls region over the past 10 years, we can’t help but ask the question, “How did this happen?” Most of the population is content to believe that this progress “just happens” as a natural course of growth. The truth is, this progress is the result of the coordinated efforts of many organizations and the private sector working together to build a firm foundation for the region, painting a vision of what Sioux Falls can be now and in the future.

Several not-for-profit development organizations exist in the region that work with private sector businesses, utilities, educational partners, and governments to maximize healthy growth in business development, tourism development, downtown development, business startups and social services coordination.

Economic development organizations like the Sioux Falls Development Foundation and the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce use the Forward Sioux Falls initiatives to lead and leverage public/private sector resources to address priority projects and initiatives in the community.

Promotional organizations like Experience Sioux Falls, Downtown Sioux Falls and a host of other activity-specific entities work together to bring visitors to the region and utilize our vibrant community for sporting events, conventions, business meetings, weekend events, locally organized events, and activities for our citizens.

Government and educational institutions, including our area schools, universities and tech schools coordinate with business and industry as well as not-for-profit development organizations to maximize resources and eliminate duplication of efforts. Providing the public resources needed, the City and County invest in the infrastructure and social assistance necessary to enhance the livability and superior quality of life amenities available. Our educational institutions provide the quality education our citizens need, and the workforce needed to continually grow our economy. All coordinated with the business, community, and social needs of a growing city.

None of this “just happens.” It is through the coordinated efforts of community leadership in these organizations that produce the greatest results. The Sioux Falls Development Foundation is proud to be a key player in this coordinated effort to grow our region. We appreciate the support of all our partners and the vision and foresight of these organizations’ leaders. Our success is being noticed nationwide and it’s because we have a plan, a vision, and the leadership to make it happen. Thanks for all you do.

Forward Sioux Falls’ leadership briefs investors

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By Mike Lynch, Executive Director of Forward Sioux Falls

It took vision, strategy and collaboration to launch Forward Sioux Falls over three decades ago. We’re indebted to those who took the risks, made the difficult decisions and set aside competitive differences—all in the name of a desire for Sioux Falls to be among the best places in the country to live, work and play.

Forward Sioux Falls’ leadership showcased 2026 program outcomes to date, as well as five-year objectives during an Investor Briefing, held June 13, 2023.

The briefing focused on initiatives within program pillars including talent attraction, retention and development; business retention, expansion and attraction; innovation and entrepreneurship; and business advocacy, airport and quality of place.

The collective impact of Forward Sioux Falls throughout the years has been extremely profound. For the current program, five-year goals include:

  • 4,500 new, direct jobs at above median wage added
  • $500 million in new capital investments
  • $250 million in new property tax revenues
  • Over 300 acres of land sold and developed
  • 300 existing companies assisted

We appreciate the 325 investors who provide the crucial resources to make these objectives realized.

Click here to view the presentation from the Briefing.

Look to the future with Forward Sioux Falls

President’s Report: Filling the workforce pipeline

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By Bob Mundt, President & CEO

When I arrived at the Development Foundation in mid-2018, I was charged with the challenging task of recruiting people — as well as companies — to Sioux Falls. The previous Forward Sioux Falls program had identified workforce development as THE top issue facing our community and tabbed the Development Foundation with meeting that need. Their logic was that if the Development Foundation was in charge of creating new jobs through the expansion, retention and attraction of industry, we should also be in charge of helping our companies fill those positions.

After hiring Denise Guzzetta to lead this effort in 2019, we decided that the best strategy to address the labor challenge was to develop ways to add prospective employees to the workforce pipeline and connect them with our employers searching for talent. I am proud to report that over the past four years, we have met that challenge head on.

Our three-pronged approach centered on:

  • Local Talent Development through programs aimed at middle school, high school, local university/tech school students; and upskilling of current employees to higher paying, in-demand jobs. Programs include:
    • Career Connections
    • Your Future STEM Camps and in-school opportunities
    • Second Chance Job Fairs
    • Health Sciences Clinical Simulation Center
    • UPSKILL Sioux Falls
  • Talent Attraction with programming and marketing to universities/tech schools and regional talent hubs to recruit existing workers and specialized talent.
    • Talent Tours
    • Talent Now
    • Talent Draft Days
    • Talent Rebounds
    • Talent Thursdays
    • INTERN Sioux Falls
    • WORK Sioux Falls
  • Business Partnerships sharing resources and best practices for recruiting and retaining talent in a competitive environment.
    • Sioux Falls Area Recruitment Council
    • WIN in Workforce Summit

Using social media, traditional media and leveraging our partnerships with education, government, the business community, and best practices from around the country, we continue to lead the region in recruiting talent. Our website, SiouxFalls.com, continues to generate connections to our Forward Sioux Falls investors, our members and our companies looking to hire talent. Literally, thousands of people from outside the region have connected with our companies and we continue to expose our local talent to the many opportunities for work after high school graduation, or advancement opportunities within their companies.

While our unemployment numbers remain low, I am confident that we are generating a buzz about working and living in Sioux Falls. As we move forward, we will continue to look for new ways to bring workers into the Sioux Falls pipeline. We appreciate your support and participation in these programs.

President’s report: Workforce, workforce, workforce

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by Bob Mundt, President and CEO

For the past six years, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation has been challenged to provide the region with a workforce development strategy that will help our current companies recruit and retain workers and fill the workforce needs of companies we are recruiting to our region. I believe we have implemented a series of programs (13) that, in one way or another, have met that challenge.

Focusing on our middle schools, high schools, universities/tech schools and retraining opportunities, we have added to the pipeline. Internships and apprenticeships have brought new workers to our doorsteps, and our WORK Sioux Falls initiative has spread the word that jobs are available in Sioux Falls with amazing benefits and a superior quality of life. Even so, we continue to experience low unemployment and a constant need for more workers, triggering the question: Where have all the workers gone?

The article below from the Bank of America Institute may help explain what has happened nationwide since COVID-19 and the changing demographics of workforce development in Sioux Falls.

UNDERSTANDING THE MISSING MILLIONS

Chairman’s report: New year, new opportunity

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By: Steve Kolbeck

With every new year, there seems to be new challenges which in turn bring new opportunities. I am honored to be chairing the Sioux Falls Development Foundation this year as we rise to meet these challenges. Previous leadership has placed us in a good position to capitalize on past decisions and be ready when we need to be.

Foundation Park has met or exceeded expectations providing new development, tax base and new jobs for the community. With companies like Amazon, FedEx, Lineage Logistics, Nordica, Tessier’s, Dakota Carriers, and our newest tenants – Scherer, Inc. and Muth Electric in Foundation Park South, we established a Tax Increment Finance District north of the tracks with the help of the City to fund the build out of Foundation Park North to accommodate CJ Foods North America beginning in 2024.

In 2022, we graded the entire 500+ acres of ground north of the tracks and have just accepted bids for the installation of roads, water, sanitary and storm sewers. These actions taken by the Foundation will allow the development of “build-ready” lots north of the tracks soon and a premier showpiece for prospects considering Sioux Falls for expansion or relocation. With the changes in interest rates, inflation and supply chain issues, these buildable sites make our location stand above the competition.

In addition, our workforce development efforts stand as a model for the region as we administer 13 specific programs to help our existing companies find workers, ranging from Career Connections in our high schools to our university and tech school recruitment through INTERN Sioux Falls, UPSKILL Sioux Falls, WORK Sioux Falls, and a host of talent recruitment efforts reaching potential workers in the 300-mile radius.

2023 will be a year with new challenges, but the Sioux Falls Development Foundation is meeting those challenges. We encourage all of you to join us through membership in the Foundation and through connecting with us if you have expansions in your future. We appreciate your involvement in Sioux Falls and the Foundation and thank you for being a part of our growing community.