About

Michael (Mike) Bockorny is a South Dakota native, born and raised in Huron, SD. He attended Northern State University where he graduated with a degree in Business Management. He also holds an MM from the University of Mary and is a Certified Master Economic Development Practitioner (MEDP).

Mike founded The 17-20 Group and serves as the President & CEO. The 17-20 Group serves several clients in business development, childcare, and family services. Mike’s primary focus is serving the Economic Development Professionals Association (EDPA) of South Dakota as their CEO, an organization dedicated to the growth and diversification of South Dakota’s economy through professional development, networking, and advocacy.  He has served on numerous Boards through the years, including the Northern State University Foundation, Boys and Girls Club of the Aberdeen Area, Aberdeen YMCA, Lake Area Technical College, and he currently serves on the South Dakota Trade Advisory Board and the South Dakota Defense Institute Board.

Michael has founded/co-founded 19 companies throughout the years and has also taught multiple college courses, primarily focusing on entrepreneurship and small business management. Michael’s business ventures include: multi-family rentals, single-family housing developments, various commercial ventures, including historic downtown restoration projects, a vintage bookstore, and consulting businesses.

He and wife Kristi (a native of Leola, SD and the Dean of the School of Business at Northern State University) have three children, two daughters-in-law, and a grand fur baby; Matthew (Aubrey), Connor (Ryleigh), Emily, and Skye.