DEC. 3, 2024
Movers & Shakers features new hires, promotions and awards involving top executives and organizations. For consideration, email [email protected]. Guaranteed placement is provided only to partners of SiouxFalls.Business.
The First National Bank in Sioux Falls
Darren Hefty
Darren Hefty has joined the board of directors for The First National Bank in Sioux Falls. Hefty is the co-owner of Baltic-based Hefty Seed Co., which operates in 50 locations across 12 states. The company is recognized as the seventh-largest crop production firm and the ninth-largest seed retailer in the United States. Hefty Brand Seed, which specializes in corn and soybeans, is one of the fastest-growing seed brands in the country. Additionally, Hefty Seed Co. is a leader in agronomy consulting and training. Hefty, a fourth-generation farmer, also co-hosts the “Ag PhD” television and radio programs and produces content for Ag PhD Insider magazine. Hefty has served on the bank’s ag advisory board since 2016 and will continue in that role.
Dakota Business Finance
Dakota Business Finance has been recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration as the SBA 504 Lender of the Year in South Dakota for 2024. The organization ranked first for both dollar and loan volume, assisting 37 businesses in the state with securing $31.7 million in SBA 504 loan financing.
Dakota Business Finance has presented its annual awards.
Plains Commerce is the Lender of the Year. In 2024, the bank partnered with Dakota Business Finance to assist eight businesses with securing nine SBA 504 loans, totaling $27.1 million in financing.
Jared Hybertson
Luke Donnenwerth
Luke Donnenwerth with Bank Midwest is the Individual Lender of the Year. In 2024, Donnenwerth worked with Dakota Business Finance to assist four businesses with securing SBA 504 loans totaling $1.4 million in financing.
Jared Hybertson, executive director of the Centerville Development Corporation, was named the Friend of Dakota Business Finance. Over the years, Hybertson has referred multiple businesses to Dakota Business Finance and South Eastern Development Foundation. Most recently, he referred Centerville Manufacturing to Dakota Business Finance to secure an SBA 504 loan with a total project cost of $2.6 million.
Plains Commerce Bank
Brittni McGee
Samantha Brinker
Plains Commerce Bank has promoted two staff members.
Samantha Brinker is senior vice president, human resources. She previously was assistant vice president mortgage relations and has been with the bank for seven years.
Brittni McGee is senior vice president, operations. She previously was vice president, operations and has been with the bank for five years.
Stewart Title
Jason Whiting has joined Stewart Title as a business development officer. Whiting worked as a Realtor for the past two years and had a 15-year career as an educator and coach in the Sioux Falls School District.
Travel South Dakota
Travel South Dakota has been awarded gold and silver W3 Awards for email marketing campaigns that were developed in partnership with Lawrence & Schiller. Each year, the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts recognizes the work of innovative digital campaigns worldwide. Travel South Dakota’s gold award was for emails to consumers, and the silver award was for the Travel Insights email campaign sent to South Dakota’s tourism industry members.
