We have a great lineup of local experts to help you launch or grow your business!
Click on our speakers’ names and their company to get to know them better.
Jennifer Baloun
Retail Sales Manager | Bankwest
Jennifer Baloun is the Retail Sales Manager for BankWest located in Rapid City, SD. Jennifer graduated from Northern State University where she majored in marketing and management with a business minor. In 2008, she graduated from Leadership Rapid City. In 2015, she graduated from the Women’s SD CEO Women in Leadership Program, where she was awarded the Friend of Small Business Award. Mrs. Baloun currently serves on the Rapid City Regional Hospital Advisory Council, Advisory Council for Black Hills Energy, Ambassador for Rapid City Chamber of Commerce, Black Hills Zonta club, Calvary Lutheran Church Foundation Board member, and recently was elected to the Elevate Rapid City Board.
Tia Berens
Tia Berens is a passionate service-driven entrepreneur, travel junkie, new mom and active community member involved on several non-profit boards in the Black Hills. In 2019, she founded the Barn at Aspen Acres; a large, modern wedding and events center with its roots in the wide open spaces of Spearfish, South Dakota. Tia thrives in the dynamic social environment of her business, and finds her true passions ignited when she is able to help others celebrate the biggest moments of their lives. Tia enjoys sharing her entrepreneurial spirit and life’s everyday adventures!
Rod Cowling, CIC
Rod Cowling is a partner with Western Dakota Insurors. He has been with Western Dakota Insurors since graduating from Black Hills State University in 1999. He is well-versed in the challenges facing today's businesses. Rod obtained the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation from the National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research in 2005. The CIC designation has been conferred on less than 10% of licensed insurance agents in America, and its attainment is the result of Rod's completion of intensive training sessions and his demonstration of enhanced insurance knowledge. Rod was born and raised in Rapid City. In 2003, he married his beautiful wife, Janna, and together they have two children. Rod has served on the BHHB Board of directors, and is currently active with the BHHB, AGC, and the Construction Industry Center. He enjoys hunting, golf, and snowboarding.
Brad "Murdoc" Jurgensen
Brad "Murdoc" Jurgensen has been in the media business since starting his first web design company at the age of eighteen. He has over twenty years of experience in emerging media, broadcast media, digital advertising, and data/attribution. He’s also been a radio personality, a podcaster, a music director, and a magazine publisher, and a digital media strategist. He is currently the HomeSlice Media Group - a South Dakota company focused on managing local, regional, and national brands with targeted digital, broadcast, and entertainment media.
Michelle Kane
As director of SD CEO, Michelle provides business counseling and resource guidance to aspiring and established entrepreneurs. She and the SD CEO team are privileged to bring outstanding workshops, networking opportunities and conferences to professional women across the state while promoting entrepreneurship and leadership. Prior to joining SD CEO, Michelle owned Black Hills PR, a public relations firm she launched in 2011. Headquartered in Spearfish, Black Hills PR designed marketing, social media and PR programs for local, regional and national clients including three years traveling with a professional rodeo association.She earned her bachelor’s degree in Advertising from San Jose State University and is a 4th generation Californian who says that she “found her spot” in Spearfish.You can find Michelle at the creek, lake or pool with her son Jack, on the golf course with husband Mike, on her front porch with friends or in her garden, weeding and listening to podcasts.
Marli Schippers
Marli Schippers is a Partner with Nooney & Solay, LLP. She earned her law degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2012. Marli’s primary practice area is Business Transactions, including the representation of small and large businesses in asset purchases and sales and stock purchases and sales; representation of buyers and sellers in the purchase and sale of commercial and residential real property; drafting and negotiating commercial leases for a variety of industries; and drafting and reviewing loan documents for both large and small transactions. Marli has a particular affinity for representing entrepreneurs and small businesses, assisting with entity selection and formation, and general consultation and legal support on a variety of matters. In addition to her Business Transaction practice, Marli also practices in the area of Estate Planning, including drafting Wills, Revocable Trusts, Irrevocable Trusts, Family Limited Partnerships, and Powers of Attorney.
Jenny Schmidt
Jenny Schmidt is a board-certified patient advocate and has over 25 years of experience working in the health care field. She has a passion for serving vulnerable people in our community. She is a Rapid City Stevens High School graduate. After graduation, Jenny honorably served the Marines for four years as a field medical hospital corpsmen in the United States Navy. She went on to attend Elmhurst College, graduating with honors with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Professional Communication.
Following graduation, Jenny worked in business development for large companies in Chicago including Orbitz.com during its startup and IPO as well as piloting a new sales initiative and successfully creating a new revenue stream for Cars.com. Her business background gives her a unique perspective to address financial, insurance and quality of life questions.
After her return to Rapid City in 2006, Jenny worked for 9 years at Westhills Village Retirement Community serving in the role of Director of Marketing/Business Development and subsequently the Director of Independent Living.
Seeing the need for someone to help people in the community quarterback care and ensure quality of life with an unbiased opinion and fierce allegiance only to the client, Jenny launched Black Hills Advocate in June of 2015 with a passionate focus on connecting people with the services that were right for them while ensuring delivery of the best care available.
Jenny serves on the Board of Directors of the Hope Center and is an active voice in the community for seniors and other underserved populations. Jenny makes her home in Rapid City with her wife Tina, two children, Henry and Claire, and three dogs. On weekends, she can be found spending time with friends, reading, and enjoying the beauty of the Black Hills.
Corrie Stephens
Business Development Officer | Bankwest
Corrie Stephens is a Business Development Officer at BankWest. He has been at BankWest for the past four years and spends most of his time helping business customers with their credit requests. He has been in the banking/insurance industry since 1993 and has worked for seven different banking organizations. Through his banking career, he has been a teller, an Ag Lender, and a Commercial Lender. He has worked as a member of a team and led the team as the Bank President. He is originally from Rapid City and he received his Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of South Dakota. He is married and has a daughter who is a Freshman at Mount Marty University and another daughter who is a Sophomore at St. Thomas More HS. He is involved with the local Downtown Lions Club and serves on the board for the Museum Alliance of Rapid City (Journey Museum) and the Board for the Rapid City Catholic School System.
Joei Tieman, CPA
Joei joined the Ketel Thorstenson Tax Department in 2014. She has over eleven years of experience in manufacturing. She is a Manager in the Tax Department.. Joei specializes in individual and business tax return preparation. She also mentors coworkers and new staff and helps to provide learning opportunities
Joei joined the Ketel Thorstenson Tax Department in 2014. She has over eleven years of experience in manufacturing. She is a Manager in the Tax Department.. Joei specializes in individual and business tax return preparation. She also mentors coworkers and new staff, and helps to provide learning opportunities.
