December 29, 2025—9-10---It’s YOUR Business---Show 50-63

From the Blackburn Studios in Downtown Sioux Falls—Become a Blackburn PROTECTED HOME---

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(((MUSIC---THIS OLE HOUSE))))   

   I/m Bill Zortman and WELCOME to a RESTED It’s YOUR Business Crew—show is 50-63---as we start the final three days leading into 2026---

   One of the things that I have as a history----is that while I enjoy taking the time off with my family----I missed serving YOU—our RADIO Audience----

    We put the pitch out to start the last few days of 2025---to Governor Larry Rhoden –and Congressman Dusty Johnson—the leading contenders in a field of 4—to occupy the Governor’s Seat with the election coming up in 2026---

     We did hear---as we usually do from Dusty----and he is on his way (or was) to the event at Wounded Knee

Great! Dusty can talk about what he sees as the focus in 2026. He’ll also be on his way to the Wounded Knee site to commemorate the 135th anniversary of the massacre at Wounded Knee. Last week, Dusty’s bill was signed into law to memorialize the site.

Dusty ---good morning----- Wounded Knee—talk to us about that 135th Anniversary of the massacre at Wounded Knee---and why that was important to you---

-----------------Dusty------------------

   What you see as important for the listeners for 2026---now just 50-60 hours away---

-----------------Dusty------------------

    First----here in South Dakota

----How about Nationwide---what you see from DC for all of us-----

-----------------Dusty-------------------

    Certainly with your running mates from South Dakota----having been Governor---Kristi Noem-----Mike Rounds------it made sense for you to want to serve the State as the Chief –yes the GOVERNOR for 4 years---

-----------------Dusty------------------

-------Appreciate all you do for the people of South Dakota---how you answer the publics questions----  being as available as we would ever ask-----thanks for that.

 Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) congratulated Congressional App Challenge winner Nana Kwame Dwomoh from Brookings, South Dakota. Nana Kwame coded an app called “WorkWellness.”

“Congratulations to Nana Kwame on being selected as this year’s Congressional App Challenge Winner from South Dakota,” said Johnson. “He overcame several obstacles in developing his product and learned more about coding in the process. Technology is increasingly important in career fields, and the App Challenge is a great opportunity for students to test and improve their skills.”

Nana Kwame created “Work Wellness” to boost productivity and health by running timed work sessions, prompting stretch breaks, and suggesting targeted exercises for areas of discomfort. It also tracks total work time and includes an AI wellness assistant that provides quick, practical advice on posture, ergonomics, and healthy routines.

Nana Kwame says, “As a high school student who spends long hours at a desk and on a computer, I’ve felt back pain myself. Millions of students and office workers share this same discomfort from ignoring what their bodies need during work sessions. I created WorkWellness to help solve that problem, allowing people to stay focused and productive while also reminding them to take care of their health through consistent stretching.”

Annually, students from each congressional district compete in the App Challenge. This year, Nana Kwame’s app will be displayed in the Capitol and featured online, and he will have the chance to participate in #HouseofCode, a gathering of all the current year’s winners.

----We have other office holders to that will be joining us in our 2 hours this morning---and you’ll want to hear their take on 2025---and what they see for 2026---

     But there are some others in our radio shows---that have helped the communities---top of that list---Sioux Metro Alliance----almost 20 communities working together---- to make things cooperative and the best we can be in South Dakota

   Nate---you represent the growing community of Tea------talk to us about what you accomplished in 2025----and your goals for 2026----

------------Nate------------

   For Tea---how has the Sioux Metro group helped what you are doing in Tea---and what do you see as something that could be worked together in the coming year..

--------------Nate------------  

----------when we come back---one of the things we enjoy doing is talking to banks who tie together South and North Dakota-----the President and CEO of one of those is next---

9:17/00—KELO Commercials

9:18/30---Biz 2

   Last Monday of 2025---and this is the business show—and we do enjoy talking with leaders of both South and North Dakota----

• Give us some insight on who you are---and your history with LEVO I am Fran Sommerfeld and I am the President/CEO. I have been with Levo for (number of years). 

• Levo Credit Union is opening a new branch in Fargo come January. Why did Levo want to expand to Fargo for the next branch?

• The Fargo/Moorhead area is such a vibrant community where we have something of value to bring to it. Levo’s mission is helping people live better and this includes offering them financial products to reach their goals.

• Fargo is a few hours north of Sioux Falls; a branch there expands your reach. How many communities do you serve?

• The new branch in Fargo will be joining our existing 7 branches, with one location in Sioux City and 6 in Sioux Falls. Our field of membership, or the communities we serve, includes 29 counties stretching along the I-29 corridor from Sioux City, IA, to Fargo, ND. This allows individuals or their immediate family members who work, live, worship, attend school, or volunteer in these counties to apply for membership. 

• What can members in Fargo expect from Levo?

• Our Veterans Boulevard Branch is conveniently located off Veterans Boulevard, a major thoroughfare in the city, and is easily accessible for our members. Since 1934, we have been trusted to provide services including checking and savings accounts, auto loans, mortgage loans, home equity loans, credit cards, business loans, and more. Fargo can expect the same high-quality service our members know and expect, with low loan rates and high savings interest rates. 

• A big part of Levo is giving back. How is this planned for Fargo?

• We have already begun planning how to support our new members and the new community. Last year, the Levo Cares Foundation donated more than $75,400 in goods and services to over 90 causes across the 29 counties. We are excited to continue to support the communities we serve in the new year. 

• So, the opening day is January 5, what does that look like? 

• On Monday, January 5th, the Veterans Boulevard Branch will open its doors to the public at 9 am. The branch will open under the direction of our new branch manager, Noel Snyder. She has worked for several financial institutions in the Fargo area and has almost 20 years of experience. With a love for the area, she can’t wait to help Levo bring our service-oriented approach. 

         Fox Business News is next----and then we’ll talk with an old friend who is running for Mayor of Sioux Falls in 2026

9:28/00—KELO Commercials

9:30/00---Fox biz News

9:32/30---Biz 3-----

   One thing that 2026 will bring—GUARANTEED---is a new Mayor for the City of Sioux Falls-----

   One of those organizers---who keeps track –very well---of the people we talk to running for office—asked that we talk to Christine Erickson---and get her read on what she sees as important for 2026 and beyond…and what she brings to the Mayor’s Chair----

   Christine---good morning-----why did you decide to run---and what have you been hearing from constituents around Sioux Falls—and maybe even the visitors who see and would like us to be even better—

   As we start 2026---in just a couple of days---what your favorite topics will be to talk about------whether with the media---or those who come up and are asking would a Christine Erickson as Mayor would and will bring to the office---

------------Christine------------------

   Good luck to you ---and we hope to talk to the candidates as we hit the running road in 2026----

--------------Christine--------------\

--Plains Commerce Bank is next----stay with us----

9:42/55—KELO Commercials

9:44/25-----Biz 4 

   Been away for a couple of vacation weeks---and one of the teams we enjoy sharing with our audience----is Gary Popke—and Cameo Anders---Plains Commerce Bank------

    Most asked questions you have received in 2025-----and how about in the last 100 days---

-------------Gary/Cameo--------------

    Several Plains Commerce locations---but I’m seeing and hearing more and more from the public about the need to ask questions in these rather unusual times –about what you do for Health Care----plus many others---

------------What would be on your list----

--------------Gary/Cameo--------------

     Difference in questions you received in 2025---compared with 2024----

-------------Gary Cameo---------------

    We’ll get you ready for the 10:00 Agri Business Show—when our It’s YOUR Business Show continues..

9:55/55---KELO Commercials

9:57/30---Biz 5

   After being gone to make sure I was to utilize the vacation days I still had left and could lose if I didn’t use them----I was working a number of projects----and seeing a lot of people who wanted to talk about 2025------and wondering what I was thinking about 2026-----

     In essence---there are really a lot of unknowns with the all the back and forth in DC------hard to get a real handle –on who is where—and what our reactions should be.

    We’ll talk business 9-10 hours---and Agri Business in the 10-11 hour-as we will have to follow up—our 5,000th show we did this year.

    Each show is different—and we listen to those that are leaders---businesses---and our audience------we appreciate your mail—the calls and are always looking to help what you are doing—want to do---and can plan for your family in the coming year.

    Good LUCK!!!!

  ---I’m Bill Zortman----MY Time is up—thank you for yours……