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 (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.
Jorja Whempner
Director of Governmental & Public Affairs
Jorja Whempner joined The 17-20 Group in August of 2026 as the Governmental & Public Affairs Director.
She will graduate from Northern State University with a degree in History in December 2026. She has served as an intern with both the South Dakota Legislature and the Office of Senator John Thune. Jorja also was East River Director on the latest Dusty Johnson campaign team.
Ryleigh Bockorny
Director of Operations
Ryleigh Bockorny joined The 17-20 Group in August 2024 as the Director of Operations.
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.
Emily is currently attending Minnesota State University double majoring in 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, 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 degree in Finance and General Business. She has worked in the banking industry, as Finance Director for a local church, and at Northern State University as the Honors Program Coordinator. She is married to David, and they have 3 college-aged boys.
Ethan Barondeau
Assistant Operations Coordinator
Ethan Barondeau joined The 17-20 Group in November 2024 as Assistant Operations Coordinator.
Ethan grew up on a farm near Onaka, SD, a remote farming community. He moved to Aberdeen in 2012 to pursue the arts and literature. He currently lives in Aberdeen with his wife Hunter and their three cats.
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 - The Harvest Group
“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 - Heartland Energy
“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 - SD Senator
“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.”