This is a paid piece from the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance.

Simplified: Dozens of businesses have bought in to support the economic development work of the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance. Here's what you need to know about their corporate partnership program.

Why it matters

  • The Sioux Metro Growth Alliance is the largest regional economic development organization in the state. SMGA evolved from the Lincoln and Minnehaha County economic development organizations in early 2021.
  • Public-private partnerships have been part of SMGA since day one. But in January 2025, the organization launched a reimagined corporate partnership program to give businesses of all sizes a chance to not only support economic development, but also to find connections to customers within regional communities.
  • That includes businesses like Cosand Construction, which joined last year as a corporate partner. Sales & Marketing Manager Tracy Kerkhove said a partnership with SMGA is a great fit for Cosand because the two organizations share a passion for seeing communities in the metro grow and thrive.
"We get to see firsthand how a new business, a new facility, or an expansion can have a ripple effect on a community, and we really enjoy being a part of that process," Kerkhove said. "That’s what we appreciate so much about SMGA. They do a great job of advocating for the communities they serve and creating awareness around the opportunities and growth happening throughout the region."

Tell me more

Corporate partners can join at a variety of tiers starting from $1,250 per year. All of the funding supports SMGA's work to empower growth in the region.

Partners, in return, have access to a range of benefits – depending on their level of investment. Those can include:

  • A company logo on the SMGA website,
  • Invitation to the SMGA annual meeting,
  • Free admission to the annual Growth Summit,
  • One bus tour admission to the semi-annual regional bus tours,
  • A mention on the "Growing Places" podcast,
  • Opportunities to present at relevant round table or member events,
  • A credit toward event sponsorships,
  • and more.

There's also the benefit of knowing your business is supporting growth in the broader community – one of the reasons Interstate Office Products joined SMGA as a corporate sponsor.

"Our customers and our employees are members of these communities that make up the Sioux Metro, and it's important for us to be in those communities alongside them," Vice President James Gaspar said. "We're glad to help support the work of SMGA to make all of southeast South Dakota thrive and grow."

There's also the benefit of being a part of a community of like-minded businesses.

SMGA President and CEO Tyler Tordsen said the organization also works to make connections and help facilitate "the right projects in the right spots at the right time."

"People that are partnering with us are doing so because they believe in this region, and they believe in this corner of the state," Tordsen said. "In return, if these communities continue to grow, it's good business development."

How can I get involved?

Businesses interested in partnering with SMGA should reach out to Hayley Johnson, Director of Operations at 605-679-7149 or hayleyj@siouxmetro.com.