Since 1987, Forward Sioux Falls Off Site Link – a joint venture between the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Off Site Link and the Sioux Falls Development Foundation Off Site Link – has united business and community leaders around a shared vision for a stronger, more vibrant region.

With the support of investors like Sunrise Banks, Forward Sioux Falls works to create a thriving economy, improve quality of life, and advance opportunities for businesses and residents for generations to come.

Building a Foundation for Growth

The framework behind the success of the Sioux Falls region, Forward Sioux Falls operates through five-year investment campaigns that fuel economic growth and community vitality. These campaigns provide a roadmap for investing in the priorities that help Sioux Falls remain competitive, resilient, and an excellent place to live and work.

“Forty years ago, business leaders came together around the realization that if they were going to survive different economic tides, they would need to diversify the economy of the region and implement strategies to bring in new businesses,” says Brittany Hanson, Program Director for Forward Sioux Falls.

What began as an effort to strengthen the local economy has evolved into a comprehensive plan to sustain long-term regional prosperity. Today, Forward Sioux Falls organizes its work around four core pillars: economic development, talent and workforce, innovation and entrepreneurship, and advocacy and community enhancement.

Investments from hundreds of public, private, and nonprofit partners fund projects and programs that advance the region – including those that support business retention and expansion, attract and retain talent, increase access to entrepreneurial resources, and advance policies that foster a pro-business environment.

This unique collaborative model sets Forward Sioux Falls apart from traditional economic development efforts and positions the region for long-term success.

“There’s nothing else quite like it,” Brittany explains. “We were one of the first in the country to figure this out and have been nationally recognized for our long history and reputation for executing these strategies.”

The Impact of Collaboration

The results of this collaborative approach are evident across the Sioux Falls community, where residents enjoy both a thriving economy and an exceptional quality of life.

For nearly four decades, Forward Sioux Falls has helped create thousands of jobs, strengthen local industries, and fuel a diverse and thriving economy. The initiative has raised over $90 million since its inception – an investment in the community that has generated billions of dollars in economic impact.

Today, Sioux Falls is consistently recognized as one of the nation’s best places to live, grow a family, and run a business. The community has repeatedly earned top rankings for critical drivers such as tax climate, job market, and healthcare. The U.S. Census also ranked it the fastest-growing city in the Midwest in 2024.

“What truly sets Sioux Falls apart is our collaborative spirit and our commitment to working together to create opportunities and address challenges,” Brittany says. “People are drawn to Sioux Falls not only because it’s a great place to build a career, but because it’s a great place to build a life.”

Investing in the Future of Sioux Falls

Sunrise Banks Off Site Link extended its retail services into the Sioux Falls region in June 2024 – the bank’s first retail branch outside of Minnesota since its start in 1989. Among other community initiatives, Sunrise Banks joined over 300 investors for Forward Sioux Falls’ ninth campaign in April 2026.

As a socially responsible bank, Sunrise Banks believes its success is tied to the success of the communities it serves. Through strategic investments and partnerships, Sunrise Banks is committed to supporting initiatives that create opportunity, strengthen the economy, and help the region grow and thrive.

“Expanding the community development work we’ve done in Minneapolis to the Sioux Falls community aligns with who we are at our core – a community bank,” says Damon Sehr, South Dakota Market President for Sunrise Banks.

For Sunrise Banks, an investment in the economic health of the region is an investment in the businesses and families who call Sioux Falls home.

“Our investment shows that we want to be a meaningful part of the community we serve,” Damon explains.

Brittany calls the investment from Sunrise Banks a natural fit – especially as the initiative works toward its goal to add 30,000 new residents by 2031.

“We know as we grow there’s going to be more money flowing into the community,” she explains. “The financial industry will benefit, and at the same time will continue to pave the way for the future successes of this program and the community.”

Growth That Extends Beyond the City

The impact of Forward Sioux Falls goes far beyond the city limits. History has shown that the growth and benefits Sioux Falls experiences ripple outward – creating opportunities for other communities, attracting talent and investment to the area, and strengthening the regional economy.

“We have so many wonderful neighboring cities and watching the investability of those other communities grow is incredible,” Brittany says. “When Sioux Falls wins, the region wins.”

This broader impact reflects the type of community-focused work that Sunrise Banks prioritizes.

“We want to do things that are good for Sioux Falls, knowing that those efforts have a positive impact on the surrounding areas as well,” Damon explains. “We want to be part of these key economic drivers that are moving the entire region forward.”

Moving Forward, Together

True to its name, Forward Sioux Falls measures its success by what it has accomplished and what comes next. Each campaign builds upon the momentum of the last, ensuring that investments continue to address the region’s evolving needs, advance long-term growth, and create opportunities for future generations.

Beyond welcoming 30,000 new residents by 2031, Forward Sioux Falls anticipates a significant return on investment for its ninth campaign. This includes 5,000 new direct jobs, $3 billion in new capital investments, and $700 million in new property tax value.

For Sunrise Banks, supporting Forward Sioux Falls reflects the bank’s commitment to forward-focused, community-centered growth. Together, Sunrise Banks and Forward Sioux Falls believe intentional investment, meaningful collaboration, and economic vitality create strong communities.

Visit sunrisebanks.com to learn more about how we are being a force for good by investing in our customers and communities.

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