Shows
Growing PlacesGrowth Summit Recap: Renewable Energy PanelListen in on the Renewable Energy Panel at the 2025 Growth Summit! Jesse Fonkert, CEO of SD Trade moderates a conversation on renewable energy with panelists Gary Fish (Board President, SD Renewable Energy Association), Henry Rubin (Director of Regulator & Political Affairs, NextEra Energy), and Peter Schmitt (Project Developer, US Solar).
2026-01-1444 minGrowing PlacesGrowth Summit Recap: Renewable Energy PanelListen in on the Renewable Energy Panel at the 2025 Growth Summit! Jesse Fonkert, CEO of SD Trade moderates a conversation on renewable energy with panelists Gary Fish (Board President, SD Renewable Energy Association), Henry Rubin (Director of Regulator & Political Affairs, NextEra Energy), and Peter Schmitt (Project Developer, US Solar).
2025-12-2241 min
Population NextSouth Dakota Leads in Trading for Success: Global Markets Help Small States GrowSouth Dakota has more jobs than people. That's not a crisis—it's a design challenge.With an unemployment rate hovering around 1.8%, South Dakota proves that growth without workers forces innovation. The state is rewriting the playbook on recruitment, retention, and regional resilience—not through subsidies, but through culture.In this episode, Jesse Fonkert, Director of the South Dakota Trade Council, reveals how a state with a population of less than 1 million competes globally by prioritizing people over policy, freedom over tax breaks, and bold partnerships over bureaucracy.Sout...
2025-10-2934 minGrowing PlacesA Fonkert Farewell - Concluding SMGA's Jesse Fonkert EraFor nearly four years Jesse Fonkert has been at the helm of Sioux Metro Growth Alliance. After leading SMGA through unprecedented organizational growth, program expansion, and increased staff, Jesse joins the Growing Places Podcast in his final week serving SMGA before joining the Governor's Office of Economic Development as the Deputy Commissioner. Jesse and your host Miranda Basye discuss Jesse's passion for economic development throughout the progression of his career thus far, lessons learned along the way, and of course a plethora of hidden gems in the metro.Hidden Gems:Buffalo Trading PostT...
2023-08-2940 minGrowing Places2023 Excellence in Economic Development Awarded to Jesse FonkertEach year the Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED) highlights an individual who has excelled in economic development over their careers. This year, GOED honored two, one of which was Sioux Metro Growth Alliance (SGMA) President & CEO, Jesse Fonkert!In this episode, Jesse, Ryan, and Miranda reflect on Jesse's journey to his role today and what he looks forward to in the region for continued growth and development. Plus, we've got a long list of hidden gems mentioned!The Seed (Centerville, SD)El Tapatio (Brandon, SD)Lake Vermillion State ParkLake...
2023-05-0230 min
Inside the GridCooperative Economic DevelopmentInside the Grid talks with Rural Electric Economic Development (REED) Fund's new manager Eric Fosheim and Sioux Metro Growth Alliance's President and CEO Jesse Fonkert regarding economic development tools and strategies in the region.
2021-08-2723 min