February 17, 2026---9-10---It’s YOUR Business---Show 51-11

From the BLACKBURN STUDIOS in Downtown Sioux Falls—BECOME a Blackburn Protected HOME

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   I’m Bill Zortman –and WELCOME to It’s YOUR Business ----day after the announcement on Smithfield ---and what will become of Downtown Sioux Falls----lots of money---even help from big contributors to make it happen…show 51-11

   But this morning it’s back to business----and we have been chatting with leaders before our show---first up—a Congressman who wants to be Governor

(((Taped Segment---Dusty Johnson))))))

---for those wondering why the sitting Governor Larry Rhoden isn’t in our show---the answer is simple----we invite him---but his office impolitely doesn’t respond.  A good reporter and good host –keeps asking----which is our job and we’ll keep doing it.

Just ahead—we’ll check on the start of what is happening—or won’t happen in Pierre—the rest of the week—

9:17/00—KELO Commercials

9:18/30---Business 2

Taped Segment----Casey Crabtree---Legislative Session

--------we’ll keep a close eye on those senators and house members during the second half of the legislative session

---------when we come back----you have heard from a lot of those in Sioux Falls on the Smithfield Announcement made Monday---but we were able to reach a leader from the Smithfield Virginia Headquarters—about how it all came down and his thoughts of Sioux Falls---all following FOX Biz News

9:28/00—KELO Commercials

9:30/00---Fox Biz News

9:32/00---Business 3

  Welcome back---we were able to visit with four leaders in Sioux Falls from 9-10 and then after the 10:00 Announcement about how the Smithfield Plan came together---and just what their headquarters was thinking about Sioux Falls---and their very important work staff—and those producing the animals being processed.

  Jim Monroe—has joined me this morning----and we wondered what started the process—what was expected---and what should we know for the workers and our community---today, tomorrow and beyond---

------------Jim you come from Smithfield Va Headquarters—talk us thru how this started---how the modern facility will be a big deal—and importantly for us and the workers---what they see for their future as well as Smithfield here in Sioux Falls---

-------------Jim------------------

    Very modern facility---and you and I talked about the support you got from Mayor Paul Ten Hagen---

--------------Jim-----------------

    When you and I talked early this morning---I liked your use for Sioux Falls as a “Cooking Community”----what do you see—that perhaps we don’t ---

---------------Jim----------------

    Tell us how this project developed from an embryo in the last few years to what will be an overwhelming modern facility here---

----------------Jim Monroe-----------

    For those wondering---estimates you have been sharing on the future of the facility we see today---to the new Smithfield coming when?

----------------Jim---------------------

    Agriculture of course is the #1 industry in South Dakota----and the leaks about what was going to be announced Monday---had people really wanting to hear –what the new plant will mean ----will the size change-----is it a plant that will be a shining star or a lot more than just a humble ham –or premier pork chop

-----------------Jim-------------------

     Time clock on when----any changes in the number of very very important employees-----and what else should I have asked

  ---------Jim Monroe—thanks for being part of all of this—guiding it thru----understanding the important that long time Mayor Paul Ten Hagen has had ---and all of our hopes for another real future---for the employees, Smithfield----and all those who enjoy pork today—tomorrow and beyond.

   Thanks for the visit----and we look forward to more visits in the future.

-----------just ahead---what this will mean to almost 20 communities who furnish a very qualified labor force----for Smithfield and others----that is next---

9:45/00—KELO Commercials

9:46/30---Business 4

   We all know the value of a new—improved Smithfield---for Sioux Falls—but how about the Sioux Metro Alliance and their 17 and soon to be 20 communities that provide labor force.

   Tyler Torgeson was at the announcement on Monday---and we follow Sioux Metro in Pierre for the legislative session---what they are doing for their own communities----but what about the families this new plant will be feeding for years to come.

   Tyler (or)-----

    As you heard the announcement and realized the future for people in your communities you serve---you  had to have a smile on your face—knowing that Smithfield will be new----and who knows what other industries could be coming our way perhaps even before the new facility is ready---

-----------------Tyler----------

(((or Ron NELSON))))who could take the slot if Sioux Metro or Tyler aren’t available)))

9:56/00—KELO Commercials

9:58/00---Business 5

Been a great week for Sioux Falls—and we’ll have more story lines in our Ag Business Hour—this morning---

You’ll hear from Congressman Dusty Johnson-----Casey Crabtree---on the session----

We’ll catch the morning markets---- you’ll hear from Mr. Tree—John Ball----and with snow in the picture---we’ll be looking at the weather from Aberdeen to Sioux Falls—as well as other locations.

  For now—our time is up—thank you for yours…