Blog---October 7, 2025—9-10—It’s YOUR Business—Show 49-94

  Our It’s YOUR Business Tuesday Show gave us a chance to move one step closer to 5,000 Radio Shows in Sioux Falls.

  We started with an old friend-Nathan Sanderson---SD Retailers Association---working on a 13-month program for individuals who have owned their business for five years or less. Through in person and virtual sessions, participants will expand their knowledge in marketing, human resources, customer service and other important skills, while networking with newer business owners across South Dakota.

   We are happy to be a part of sharing that a new tool to boost their network and their knowledge-with the NEXTGEN Business Builders program offered by the South Dakota Retailers Association. NextGen Business Builders is a 13 month program for individuals who have owned their business for 5 years or less. Through in-person and virtual sessions, participants will expand their knowledge in-marketing, human resources, customer service and other important skills, while networking with newer business owners across our state.

   The new Tool to boost their network is the NextGen Business Builders program offered by the South Dakota Retailers Association.

   As Mr. Sanderson explains—they’ve found that entrepreneurs, especially those who are new to business ownership, are looking for two things – accessible professional development and connection with other early-stage owners. As Nathan put it—“Our Goal is to support strong business leaders who can confidently lead their enterprise for years to come.

   One of those we talked about was Samantha Tupper, a Retailers Board Member from Brookings who shared she’s excited for the launch of the program. “I wish the would have been available to me when I took over Wink’s Fine Jewelry seven years ago. She shared “I really believe new business owners who participate will realize a lot of value from it.

    If you are interested in NextGen Business Builders-visit www.SDRA.org. The application process closes November 15th---and the program begins on January 11-12, 2026 with the South Dakota Retailers Association’s annual business conference in Pierre.

    Mary Michaels—AARP was talking AARP Fraud Watch Network in her segment this morning.

    Mary shared—Medicare Open Enrollment Scams

    Suggestion watching out for Social Media Cloning Scams

    It was AARP that joined Aspen Institute Fraud Task Force---fraud is largely run by sophisticated, large scale operations led by transnational crime groups, stealing an estimated $158 billion from  Americans in a single year. It is not just a consumer education issue—but a national security threat that demands urgent attention.

    AARP is working to create a Livable 605 Spokesperson---and she is Lindsey Holmquest, AARP South Dakota Community Outreach Director.

    Livability means different things to different people—but basically, it means an environment that supports people of all ages, abilities and income levels. AARP South Dakota is working to ensure communities across the state offer great places to live, work and play. And they’re working to empower people to choose now they want live as they age.

    Chris Fields-from Sioux Metro Alliance with his partner Tyler Toredsen in Rapid City at a conference---told us about communities and what they are doing---

• Centerville’s Fall-O-Ween Festival is expanding to two days this year with the fun starting Friday October 17th. Vendor market, shopping at local businesses, food trucks and booths with the market continuing Saturday October 18th, along with live music, games and activities for kids.
• Beresford’s 2nd annual Flannel Fling will be Sunday October 26th---in addition to trunk-or-treating, there will be shopping, food and drinks.
• To pick apples, head to Hoversten Orchard north of Brandon---the 25 acre orchard has 5,000 trees—half of them produce the popular Honeycrisp variety, and there’s a big crop this years. Hours are noon to 6PM Wednesday thru Sunday with picking closing at 5:3PM.
• Riverview Christmas Tree Farm north of Canton is open for its annual Pumpkin festival weekends. This year, there are more than 30 varieties in the patch and at the store.
• Mark Valek---shared with us the 2025 MarketBeat Open-the premier tennis players in the world return to Sioux Falls this fall to compete in the MarketBeat Open at Huether Family Match Pointe on the Sanford Sports Complex.

       Our It’s YOUR Business show believes in Sioux Falls but we are fond of these communities that are working together. It helps in so many ways—and builds an area that is strong in what they are doing.

       Listen live to the show at 1320, 105.1, 107.9—use the KELO-App—Streaming on line or just ask Alexa. Norm Anderson posts the blog—my job is to schedule the guests---work the Q & A—and try to educate the audience.

       Questions for me—feel free to call/text at 605-728-BILL (2455) or email me at bill.zortman@mwcradio.com.