Your Trusted
Management, Administrative & Lobbying Firm
The 17-20 Group is a Management, Administrative, and Lobbying Firm based in Aberdeen, SD. The company provides a variety of services revolving around business management and growth, governmental strategy, strategic planning, and lobbying.
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Michael L. Bockorny
President/CEO
Michael Bockorny has built over 20 years of experience working hand and hand with business and government. He has a policy expertise that allows him to navigate the state government in South Dakota – especially when related to businesses – with ease. His work experience has allowed him to see different facets of each side, which is valuable when trying to work with lawmakers.
In addition to lobbying experience, he has worked in business growth for years, allowing him to help provide strategic planning, analysis, and crisis management.
Michael holds a BS in Business Management from Northern State University and an MM from the University of Mary. Michael is a proud South Dakota native, growing up in Huron, SD. He and his wife Kristi (a Leola, SD native and Dean of the School of Business at Northern State University) have three children, a daughter-in-law and a fur baby; Matthew (Aubrey), Connor, and Emily and Charlee Puppy.
Ryleigh Huppler
Director of Operations
Ryleigh Huppler joined The 17-20 Group in August 2024 as the Director of Operations. Huppler is a proud South Dakota Native, growing up in Florence, SD.
She graduated from Northern State University in May 2024 with a degree in English with an Emphasis in Professional Writing. Previously, Ryleigh interned for the Northern Lights magazine as their Associate Editor and Vice President, and she worked at the Boys and Girls Club as Education Director.
Emily Bockorny
Marketing Associate
Emily Bockorny joined The 17-20 Group in August 2024 as a Marketing Associate. She graduated from Aberdeen Central High School in May 2023.
Emily is currently attending Minnesota State University double majoring in Broadcast Journalism and Advertising and Public Relations, with minors in Media Analysis and Mass Communications. Throughout high school and freshman year of college, Emily has interned at Hub City Radio, The Aberdeen Development Corporation, Dacotah Prairie Museum, and Dakota News Now.
Laurie Kreber
Administrative Assistant
Laurie Kreber joined The 17-20 Group in May 2025 as an Administrative Assistant.
Laurie grew up in Aberdeen, SD and graduated from Northern State University with a Finance degree. She is currently also employed at NSU as the Honors Program Coordinator. She is married to David, and they have 3 college-aged boys and a goldendoodle.
what we do
The 17-20 Group is a small, but mighty team. We believe we can make the biggest impact when we partner with you to reach your goals.
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Testimonials
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Bob Mundt, President/CEO - Sioux Falls Development Foundation
“Mike is a proven and trusted leader in the region with skill sets in business, public policy, community development and economic prosperity. His integrity, creativity and positive attitude have been proven in the successful completion of various projects and challenging issues in the business world. I highly recommend any partnership with Mike and his team.”
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Kyle Peters - A1 Development Solutions
“Michael is a straight shooter that knows how to get things done through transparency, integrity, and leveraging authentic relationships. It’s an honor to call Mike an economic development colleague and a friend from our several years of working together.”
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Hollie Stalder, Executive Director - Belle Fourche Development Corp
“When it came time to update our strategic plan for our economic development organization, Mike was very instrumental in reviewing what we had been doing within our current plan, and helped us to navigate the path forward as an organization and community. His economic development insight and wisdom, with an outside perspective, helped us tie it all together in one productive session with our board and community leaders. I would highly recommend Mike and the 17-20 Group!”
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Brooke Rollag - Madison Works
“Mike Bockorny is a true sounding board with strong decision-making and exceptional institutional knowledge. Mike’s ability to articulate complex scenarios paired with his genuine kindness makes him an invaluable friend and colleague.”
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Rita Anderson - DeSmet Dev. Corp. (Retired) & EDPA and NESDEC Board Member
“Mike Bockorny’s visionary leadership and innovative strategies have propelled South Dakota to new heights in economic development. As a member of the EDPA of South Dakota Board of Directors, I have witnessed firsthand how his forward-thinking approach, tenacity, and strategic insight have not only advanced the City of Aberdeen and the EDPA but also set a benchmark in the state’s economic landscape. Mike is highly respected across South Dakota, including within the South Dakota Legislature, for his ability to foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders and for establishing a gold standard in economic advancement.”
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Tim Reed, CEO - Brookings Economic Development Corporation
“Mike’s ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with South Dakota State Legislators and Leaders will be instrumental in advancing your organization’s objectives. His strategic insight and personable approach will significantly strengthen the ties of your organization to key policymakers, ensuring that your voice is heard, and interests are effectively represented at the state level.”
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Kayla Klein, Owner & CEO – Klein Visioneering Group, LLC
“I have had the privilege of working with Mike on different projects which varied from community collaboration to legislative work. Mike’s knowledge and tenacity to seeing a project through is like not many others I have experienced. He is committed to finding the right individuals to make a project successful and ensuring all aspects of the project are followed through thoroughly. I would highly recommend Mike Bockorny.”