Community Connector Spotlights
As a Business Services Specialist with the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, I have spent the past six years supporting local employers by strengthening their recruitment and retention efforts. I work closely with Employment Specialists to connect job seekers with meaningful career opportunities, and I am honored to serve as a Community Connector for Yankton Thrive. Contributing to the continued growth and vibrancy of our community is something I deeply value.
Family is at the heart of my life outside of work. My husband, Curt, and I treasure spending time with our five children and eleven grandchildren, whether we are cheering at sporting events, participating in art events, traveling, or simply enjoying time together. To unwind, I love taking peaceful walks that allow me to recharge and reflect on the wonderful community I am fortunate to call home.
I'm Alexis Heine, Community Market Leader for First Interstate Bank, where I work closely with our teams, clients, and communities throughout Southeast South Dakota. Being a Community Connector allows me to stay engaged with the exciting growth and progress happening throughout our community. Whether it's a ribbon cutting, business expansion, or community milestone, I value the opportunity to support and celebrate the people and organizations that make our communities thrive.
I choose to be a part of the Thrive Community Connectors group to help promote the City of Yankton and to make collaboration with the businesses in town easier. By attending meetings, attending ribbon cuttings, and being involved, we can create relationships that make communication and collaboration easier for future endeavors.
Outside of work, I'm a proud parent of three little ones (all five and under!), so life is always an adventure. We love soaking up the summer months outdoors whether that's camping, biking, or just about anything that gets us outside. When winter rolls around, you'll find us cheering on our favorite football and basketball teams along with my oldest and I spending plenty of time hunting!
Professionally, I'm a Community Banker at FNBO, where I partner with businesses on both the deposit and lending side.
I'm passionate about building meaningful relationships, which is why I chose to get involved as a Connector. It's been a fantastic way to celebrate businesses at every stage from exciting new ventures just getting started to established businesses hitting major milestones. Beyond the businesses themselves, the Connector role has opened the door to some truly great relationships with fellow community members, and that's what makes it so rewarding
I moved to Yankton in 1994 and raised my children here. My career has revolved around customer service and public service. I currently work for the SD Department of Revenue and also assist with marketing for Bruno’s Roadhouse. I enjoy being involved in the Yankton community and watching businesses prosper. Being a Community Connector keeps me involved in business events and also allows me promote those events.
My name is Lane Speirs, and I have the privilege of serving as the AVP for Strategic Initiatives and Community Engagement at Mount Marty University. My wife, Anna, works at Sacred Heart Hospital as a nurse, and we're blessed with two beautiful daughters, with baby number three joining us sometime soon! I love being involved as a Community Connector because I get to share the wonderful work MMU is doing while also learning about the other incredible industries we're fortunate to have in Yankton. Community Connectors also allows me to practice Benedictine hospitality by welcoming new members of our business community. The River City truly is a wonderful place to call home!
I have been a part of the Thrive Community Connectors, formerly Yankton Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, for many years. Being involved with Thrive has allowed me to stay active and involved in the Yankton community. I have worked at Ability Building Services since 2000 and I supervise the Supported Employment Services. I grew up in Yankton and my husband Marty and I chose to stay in this great community to raise our family. I can’t think of a better place to live and work than right here in Yankton!
JOLEEN WOODS
I have been married to my husband for 30 years, and we have 2 children and 1 grandchild. I have been a mortgage lender for CorTrust Mortgage for over 10 years and have over 20 years experience in the real estate industry. This has led to some wonderful relationships.
I chose to be a Community Connector because I wanted to become more involved in what is happening within the community I live in. I believe it is important to stay informed, build connections, and help create a stronger sense of community. Being a Connector allows me the opportunity to engage with others and learn about the opportunities in our community.