After nearly 11 years working in the Commerce Center building for both the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce and Forward Sioux Falls, I will be resigning from my role as program director for Forward Sioux Falls on July 25. My wife Brenda and I will be working in St. Paul and we plan to move to the Twin Cities by this fall. On a personal and professional level, it has been an honor to have worked alongside of so many Forward Sioux Falls’ business leaders to help make this community economically stronger.

Though I’m very excited about the next chapter of life, leaving my position and Sioux Falls is bittersweet, for sure. I was born here and have spent much of my life here. Like so many, I’ve seen it grow from a very nice, yet relatively ordinary community well over 35 years ago, to one that is growing exponentially, expanding the number of new businesses and helping existing businesses to prosper. People have realized this is a phenomenal place for those of all ages, with varying aspirations and intentions.

When I’ve had people from around the country ask about the intricacies of what makes Forward Sioux Falls successful, it’s not a difficult question for me to respond. I’m humbled by how leaders tirelessly come together, place their competitive differences aside and pursue objectives that benefit the Sioux Falls metro. Collectively, we are stronger and were it not for this dynamic, the success of the area’s most significant economic development program would be lessened.

Three hundred twenty-five investors support the current five-year program. When we embarked upon the current campaign during the onset of the pandemic, there was reasonable skepticism as to what the future would hold. We wanted to be respectful of the business community before making any campaign timeline decisions. With so many uncertainties, we held conversations with dozens of investors, asking them if this was the right time to conduct a capital campaign. Unequivocally, they responded yes. There was a trust factor and profound respect for what Forward Sioux Falls continues to do to navigate the rising tide.

There are countless people to thank including Brenda; the investor base; my amazing co-workers; Mark Lee, who hired me in 2013 as the Chamber’s public affairs and research manager; the icon, Evan Nolte, who hired me for the Forward Sioux Falls position; and Jeff Griffin, who has been outstanding to work alongside. Brittany Hanson will serve as my successor as program director. She’s fantastic and you’ll appreciate her enthusiasm and outstanding ability to connect with people. I wish her the best of luck in what has been for me, a very rewarding role.

I appreciate all who have crossed my path throughout my journey and look forward to the continued evolution and momentum of this great city!—Mike Lynch