By james art 
February 25, 2025
This paid piece is sponsored by the Sioux subway growth alliance.
Eli Zelly and his wife Dawn could move anywhere in the world.
Their military careers found them to live in Germany, but since it was time to move to civic life, life in the small town called.
“She is from Alchester and every time we returned on vacation or for holidays, we would drive through Beresford,” Zelly said.
“The southern side of the city near the golf course was so beautiful and everyone is friendly. We were attracted to there. Thus, after 21 years of active army, we landed in Beresford in 2018. “
Seeley grew up on a farm in southeastern Iowa. The dawn also grew up in an agricultural family.
“So we were looking for a small town,” he said. “We knew this would be a great environment for our children, who are now 12, 15 and 19 years old. We took advantage of growing up in a small town and what attracted us to Beresford was a sense of community.”
He quickly became part of this community, balancing the role of an IT full -time strategy at Avera Health, serving as director of the ambulance service, a volunteer firefighter and a youth sports coach.
When a vacancy arose in the City Council, Mayor Nathan Anderson asked Zelly to activate.
“He served in the Air Force, so we contacted at this level,” Zelly said. “After I was in the military, I have always found where there is a vacuum in leadership and people have to intensify, this is something we teach to do.”
Then came the mayor’s race. Anderson continued and someone new had to serve. Again, Saley said yes.
“I didn’t plan it. It was not my intention, ”he said. “But Nathan told me,” You have a unique perspective. You are coming out of the community, but you obviously invested in leadership and I think you would make a great mayor. “
Ever since he went to office last spring, “everything is really really going, really good,” he said. “I am very pleased with the city leadership and advice and how things go in Beresford.”
There are many things to like.
The Union County Community pushes 2200 inhabitants and is experiencing both commercial and residential growth.
The main employers include Slumberland, which manages a large warehouse in the city; Sioux Corp., which does industrial steam cleaning; and K&M rubber, which has a large warehouse.
“The Sioux metro growth alliance also connects us to Prinsco, which opened here and provides water management solutions,” Zeli said.
“Plus, we have industrial land for new businesses or extensions. As we can offer access to the 46 and Interstate 29 Highway, we have a desired place for many industries. “
Beresford’s success is astounding, said Tyler Thordsen, president and executive director of the Alliance for the SEU metro growth. The Community became part of SMGA in 2024.
Photo through Roger Anderson
“Beresford reflects the growing scope and potential of the SIU Falls subway area,” Tendsen said.
“This is really a short trip to the city and part of the inertia we see in the Counts Lincoln and Turner and now in Union County. Mayor Saley is an exciting, emerging leader in the subway area, and is definitely the right person at the right time to help Besford fulfill his potential. “
Another symbol of the city’s evolution this year has led a new town hall, moving the city administration from a historic former bank to a newer space on the other side of the street.
“This is a nice, more convenient building that staff can benefit from,” Zelly said.
“We plan to collect some real estate agents to look at the options for the historic building because it is beautiful with a phenomenal architecture, so we hope someone will buy it and do something great with it.”
The urban business community on the main street is also thriving.
The new additions in the center include Coffee Shop Cream & Sugar, Wake & Bake Bakery, a manufacturer market including local craftsmen and artists, and Kava Rose Brehouse, which carries a bistro -controlled option.
Rainy Day Coffee Coofe Food Trucks Co. It also expanded to a showcase and baked beans on the spot.
“I am super excited by the positive impulse in the city center,” Zelly said. “Our business does a great job by pushing the limit of what you can expect to find in a small town.”
The housing activity follows the commercial growth that Beresford has experienced, with 51 residential batches in future development on the north side of the city.
“It is designed to be a combination of twin homes, single-family homes and maybe some homes to move,” Zelly said. “I think it will somewhat move the population center to the northeast, which I think is great because it also has to lead to more traffic in the city center.”
Quality improvements also strengthen the community. Three baseball fields are built on the north side of the city, creating a five-flight complex, which is increasingly attracting tournaments and offering passing convenience for future residents of the new residential development nearby.
In mid -June, the municipal golf course plans to open an addition of 10,000 square feet to its club house, including a courtyard.
“This is one of the best courses with nine holes in the state,” Zeli said. “It’s nice because during the day, if a family wants to golf or learn the game, it’s very welcoming.”
As for the experience of his own family in Beresford, “That’s all we hoped would be,” Zelly said.
“When I retired because I was working in health information technology, I had great deals to work from DC to Texas, Seattle and LA, but we said no. For my wife and my working ethics, it is a direct reflection of where we grew up. We love a sense of community in Beresford. There is a huge sense of pride here. If I could create an ad for this, I would definitely do it. “
Listen
Mayor Eli Zelly was a guest in a recent episode of the podcast “growing places”, produced by the SIUX metro growth alliance. Listen below.