New grad becomes economic development specialist with focus on metro communities

Jan. 5, 2022

This paid piece is sponsored by Sioux Metro Growth Alliance.

Weeks after college graduation, Sheldon Jensen is the newest economic development specialist for Sioux Metro Growth Alliance.

A native of Owatonna in southeast Minnesota, he earned degrees in government and economics from Augustana University, graduating in December.

His college path set him up well for his first full-time role, with internships for U.S. Rep. Jim Hagedorn of Minnesota, the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, the South Dakota International Trade Office and the Hartford Area Development Foundation.

We caught up with Jensen to learn more about him and his role.

What attracted you to your new role at Sioux Metro Growth Alliance?

The unique position that SMGA has in the region attracted me to the organization. SMGA has the opportunity to work with passionate community leaders to build their communities and continue to see them grow. I have always had a pride of where I am from, and everyone I have interacted with that is associated with SMGA is prideful of where they come from and want to make it a better place. I cannot wait to be a part of that process.

I also am excited to work alongside my fellow staff members: Jesse Fonkert and Ryan Solberg. Jesse and I have gotten to know each other through the Augustana Alumni Mentorship Program, and he has already taught me a lot about how to be an effective leader. Ryan and I served on the Augustana Student Association Senate together for two years, and he has always been passionate about finding the best solution to the problems he faces. I have also had a few classes with SMGA intern Molly Stevens, and she will be a great colleague as well.

What exactly will your job involve?

The Economic Development Management System, or EDMS, is a program that SMGA offers to allow member communities to buy into a part-time liaison dedicated to their community’s needs. Most of our member communities are too small at the moment to have their own full-time staff member; however, by partnering with SMGA, the cities can still receive assistance. I will be serving the communities of Salem and Dell Rapids directly. I will manage day-to-day activities that the volunteer board members do not have time for. I will be organizing housing data, assessing requests for information from site selectors and connecting with local businesses to better understand how these communities can best move forward. I will have three desks — Sioux Falls, Dell Rapids and Salem — so I do not anticipate a typical workweek, that is for sure.

What will be some of the first things you tackle as you get started in January?

The first thing on my to-do list is to meet with community leaders in both Dell Rapids and Salem. I am new to both communities. Both of these cities have passionate leaders that I am excited to work alongside. By understanding what it means to be from Dell Rapids and Salem, I can begin to formulate ideas on how to best grow the communities. SMGA is not here to replace municipal control. We are an organization dedicated to advancing the interests of our municipalities.

Longer term, are there some issues you’d especially like to help communities address?

When talking about economic development, you always hear about the big issues: workforce, housing and infrastructure. You always hear about them because they are vastly important to attracting residents and businesses to a community. One issue I want to address in both of my member communities is creating a strong sense of vision. Simply advertising empty lots will only get you so far. If we can create a vision of what living in our communities means for you as a business or resident, the more likely our empty lots will be filled. This issue can be tackled through strong strategic planning and ideation sessions, but it will certainly take time.

How would you like communities in the Sioux Metro to connect with you?

Feel free to email me at [email protected].

With new office, expanded team, Sioux Metro Growth Alliance offers more support to growing metro communities

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New grad becomes economic development specialist with focus on metro communities

Sheldon Jensen is the newest economic development specialist for Sioux Metro Growth Alliance.

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