Every Choice is a Chance: Building a Vibrant Sioux Falls Together

By: Greg Koch

​In Sioux Falls, every choice we make contributes to a larger story. This past month, for example, our Trick or Treat Trail Run saw record attendance, allowing us to give back $2,000.00 to the Special Olympics of South Dakota. I’m grateful to be part of a community where moments like these—and the choices we make as a local business—can ripple outward to support meaningful causes. As we head into the holiday season, I’m reminded how much potential lies in our small actions and how every choice is a chance to strengthen our community.

Last month, I volunteered at the Union Gospel Mission with SME Sioux Falls, St. Francis House with the 605 Run Crew, and was honored to be voted in to chair the Board of Directors in 2025 for Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc. These choices have given me deeper insight into our city and shown me the importance of strengthening connections within our community. As the sole owner of 605 Running Company, I’ve come to realize that every choice we make—every bit of time we give, every dollar we spend locally, every step we take together—is a chance to build a stronger Sioux Falls.

A New Season, A Shared Vision
​Taking on the role of sole owner of 605 Running Company, I’ve come to see that running a small business here is about more than transactions; it’s about building connections and investing in the community’s future. To bring value to Sioux Falls, we’re launching our first-ever holiday preview sale, followed by Black Friday and Small Business Saturday events. Some of these are new steps for us, and we’re hopeful they’ll bring more people through our doors and highlight the importance of shopping local. I've been very candid about the challenges we've faced in 2024. While some retail businesses see 40-60% of their annual revenues during November and December, our business has never experienced a holiday boom like that. In fact now is when we traditionally have slowed down. This new season offers a chance to change that trend in our stores. If I'm being honest we really need a great last two months of the year. 

Why Local Support Matters
When you support a local business, it’s more than a one-time interaction—it’s a choice that impacts jobs, supports local causes, and keeps our community unique. A few dollars spent on essentials like socks, nutrition, and gear may seem small, but together, these purchases create a foundation that sustains businesses like ours and so many others in Sioux Falls. We have added a plethora of new items that are easier purchases than brand new shoes or high quality apparel. Options that can be tried once with low risk. You'll have to visit to see these added goodies.  

Looking Forward Together
For over 20 years, my family has operated a small business here (The Cookie Jar Eatery), and I’m proud to continue that legacy with 605 Running Company. My plan is that together, we can create a future where small businesses thrive and contribute to a vibrant Sioux Falls. Each step we take together is a chance to build the city we want—a place that celebrates and sustains its local roots.

The Power of Everyday Choices
As we enter the holiday season, I invite you to choose local. Volunteer at local organizations that care for all of our citizens. Believe me there is so much love and support that make the experiences well worth your time. Every small purchase is a chance to invest in the community we love. Your support is essential to making this vision a reality, and I thank you for walking this journey with us.

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October in photos!