Forward Sioux Falls IX Announces More than $19.1 Million Raised for Next Five-Year Plan

Forward Sioux Falls IX celebrated its fundraising campaign April 29 at the Orpheum Theater Center, announcing that the effort raised $19,145,630 to support the continued growth of the Sioux Falls region.

The total surpassed the campaign’s $18 million goal and will fund the next five-year plan for Forward Sioux Falls, a joint venture of the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce and the Sioux Falls Development Foundation. The campaign drew support from 316 investors, including 95 new investors.

“Forward Sioux Falls is about turning strategy into action,” said Brittany Hanson, program director for Forward Sioux Falls. “That execution takes investment, and this community showed up in a big way. This level of commitment speaks volumes about Sioux Falls. Plans don’t move a community forward — people do. Because of our investors, this isn’t just a vision. It’s a plan that will be executed to move us forward.”

The Campaign Celebration event recognized investors, campaign volunteers, partner organizations and leaders from across the business community. The campaign was led by co-chairs David Flicek, Avera; Jason Herrboldt, First Bank & Trust; Laura Mitchell, Lawrence & Schiller, Inc.; and Andy Munce, Sanford Health. Mayor Paul TenHaken, City of Sioux Falls, served as honorary co-chair. YPN Leads were James Gaspar, Interstate Office Products; Alexis Mahlen, Lloyd Companies; Alissa Matt, USD Sioux Falls; and Karlie Solum, Marsh McLennan Agency.

Forward Sioux Falls IX will focus on four core pillars: economic development, talent and workforce, innovation and entrepreneurship, and advocacy and community enhancement. The five-year program includes goals to add 5,000 new direct jobs, attract 30,000 new residents, generate $3 billion in new capital investment and add $700 million in new property tax value.

David Flicek said the response to the campaign reflects both the foundation built by past leaders and continued confidence in the Sioux Falls region.

“Past community leaders laid the foundation of corporate citizenship that is still alive today,” Flicek said. “The fact that we have so many new major investors shows we have a great story in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and we want to thank them for their willingness to invest in the community.”

The campaign celebration also highlighted the results of Forward Sioux Falls VIII, which exceeded major goals over the past five years. From 2021-2026, Forward Sioux Falls helped create 5,450 new direct jobs, generate $1.65 billion in new capital investment, add $610 million in new property tax value and welcome 28,826 new residents to the region.

Forward Sioux Falls IX now moves into implementation, with work carried out by partner organizations including the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, regional education partners and other organizations aligned with the campaign’s goals.

The campaign remains open to additional participation.

To learn more about becoming a Forward Sioux Falls investor, contact Brittany Hanson at brittanyh@siouxfalls.com.