As Sioux Falls continues to develop, bringing in innovative companies and industry leaders, it is easy to lose sight of the smaller communities that make Minnehaha County a vibrant and profitable place. The Minnehaha County Commission recognized the importance of these communities and, along with the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance, has been hosting an annual tour of the county. The purpose of this tour is to take County officials and area leaders around the area to highlight both new and tenured organizations.
The 2022 tour took place in early May and highlighted a spectrum of industries. Beginning at the W.H. Lyons Fair Grounds, the group received an update on the taskforce working to set a vision for the Fair Grounds. Humboldt was the next stop and showed that some of the most innovative entrepreneurs can be found in small towns. We toured Primary Manufacturing and learned about creating high-quality plastic products using 3D printing. We also toured First Manufacturing, a growing CNC machining firm.
In Crooks, Mayor Butch Oseby described the growth that Crooks has seen and is anticipating as their population continues to grow. Tri-Valley School District Superintendent Dr. Mike Lodmel updated the group on growth they have seen in the school district and how they plan to meet that growth with their facility planning.
At the Boadwine Dairy, the group received a lesson in digestor technology and what the Boadwine’s are doing to remain innovative in the dairy industry.
The afternoon included a presentation from Sioux Valley Energy on the future of electric vehicles, highlighting the need to understand what infrastructure needs to be in place.
The group ended the day at Nordstrom’s Automotive. The process of recycling car parts at Nordstrom’s is a remarkable process. Their inventory is impressive and because of a heavy focus on integrating technology, they know exactly where every part is as it makes its way through their warehouse.
While at Nordstrom’s, Palisades State Park Director Luke Dreckman updated the group on the five-year renovation of the park, which will make an already beautiful facility a true destination.
Ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit are thriving in our county. This year’s tour highlighted the importance of each of our communities and is great evidence that our future is bright.
