B u f f a l o Hu n t C o a s t e r l G a m e O n ! O p e n s l A l e x J o h n s o n Me r c a n ti l e
MAY 2021
Volume 2. Issue No. 5
BREWS & BEANS Coffee shops and breweries serve up unique, handcrafted drinks in a neighborly atmosphere
1 IN 5 YOUTH WILL EXPERIENCE A MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGE AT SOME POINT IN THEIR LIFE.
VISIT ONLINE AT www.monument.health/mentalhealth for resources to help your child. 162529_0221
MAY 2021 Volume 2 // Issue No. 5
8
LEARNING HOW THE WORLD WORKS Research Scientist Dr. Beeler traveled the world before discovering South Dakota Mines.
12
GAME ON!
16
TARGETING TATANKA
Custom built interactive games bring your childhood imagination to life.
Old West town adds buffalo hunt attraction
20
BREWS & BEANS
35
MODIFYING THE MERC
Coffee shops and breweries serve up unique, handcrafted drinks in a neighborly atmosphere
Owners create an identity for Alex Johnson Mercantile
ASPIRE SUMMIT
The first Aspire Summit was held for Elevate investors at the Rainier level and higher on April 22. Attendees learned about pro-business advocacy work we did in Pierre and got the first look at the 2021 Legislative Scorecard. Learn more about the scorecard on page 32.
4 ELEVATE • MAY 2021
ELEVATE RAPID CITY A P R I L 2 0 2 1 E C O N O M I C I N D I C AT O R S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE 3.5%
AVERAGE WEEKLY WAGES $ 853
ECONOMY RAPID CITY GROSS SALES $ 556,335,193
AIRPORT PASSENGERS 34,119
BUILDING PERMITS 382
BUILDING VALUATION $22.1M
REAL ESTATE ACTIVE LISTINGS 118 Month-over-month increase
MEDIAN LISTING PRICE $ 302,000 Month-over-month decrease
Monthly comparisons, industry analysis and additional economic indicators available on exclusive investor report.
NOW LEASING!
The KC Lofts at East Boulevard and Kansas City Street 1700-2500 sqft Available Rent Starting at $15.50 per sqft NNN
A Helping Hand in Our Community’s Growth Through land planning, development, engineering, and design, Dream Design builds sustainable communities that improve the public safety and welfare, bring much needed infrastructure and improvements, and provide essential services such as healthcare, education, and jobs.
NOW LEASING!
Dakota Market Square at Cambell Street & East North 600-25,000 sqft Available Rent Starting at $4.95 per sqft NNN
www.dreamdesigninc.com
elevaterapidcity.com 5
Signals of Success Coffeehouses and breweries — if there were ever two greater signals of success, I’ve yet to see them. Like jobs and unemployment are to growth, coffeehouses and breweries are to quality of life. The two often cluster together. And they are seen by many as a proxy for the number of young (and old) professionals in your community. Coffeehouses and breweries are the modern equivalent of the community center for Generation X, millennials, and Generation Z. Throw in a few dogs and mountain bikes and you’ve got yourself a quadrilateral of the creative class. The Rapid City area is no exception. As the number of coffeehouses and breweries have grown over the years, so has Rapid City’s quality of life in the eyes of companies, workers, retirees and tourists. And since the area is expected to grow by twenty-to-thirty thousand people in the next decade, we’ll no doubt see more. How many coffeehouses and breweries are enough? Right now, it seems like the Black Hills sky is the limit. Welcome to this issue of Elevate, where we explore beans and brews and more. There’s the story of the local brewery and coffeehouse scene, along with our take on some other amenities like Rapid City’s newest gaming attraction, Game On. There’s also the story of the new Buffalo Hunt coaster at Ft. Hays. Finally, we mix in a few stories about a South Dakota Mines professor and the Alex Johnson’s Mercantile to give you what we hope is an issue you'll want to sit down and read over a cup of joe. Or a cold one. We'll let you decide. Stay safe and God-speed.
Tom Johnson
President & CEO, Elevate Rapid City
Tom Johnson, President & CEO Dana Borowski, Finance & Operations Director Matt Brunner, Economic Development Director Shiloh Francis, Marketing & Communications Director Anna Hays, Public Policy Director Brandis Knudsen, Small Business Development & Investor Relations Director Mitch Nachtigall, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Director Rachel Day, Events & Training Manager Andy Greenman, Creative Services Manager Liz Highland, HR Coordinator/Office Manager Becky Knox, Executive Assistant Debbie Leber, Finance Manager & Investor Coordinator Samantha McGrath, Workforce Development & Talent Attraction Manager Loni Reichert, Data Analyst & Program Support Coordinator Dan Logan, DoD SkillBridge Intern Design and layout: Andy Greenman Published by the Rapid City Journal Bill Masterson, Publisher, bill.masterson@bhmginc.com Advertising: Eddie Hebron, ehebron@amplifieddigitalagency.com, 605.394.8354 Printed by Simpsons Printing Elevate is a monthly publication produced by Elevate Rapid City. It is the premier business magazine for the Black Hills region telling the stories that make our area unique and vibrant. PO Box 747, Rapid City, SD 57709 605.343.1744 // elevaterapidcity.com
On the cover Cohort Craft Brewery opened its doors in late April. Photo by Shiloh Francis
6 ELEVATE • MAY 2021
COMMENTS LIBERTY CENTER GROUNDBREAKING
Air Force Sergeants Association Chapter 951 and the South Dakota Air & Space Foundation/South Dakota Air & Space Museum extend our appreciation for all those involved in making this a reality. Looking forward to seeing the future! - Kevin Ott
AMP MURALS
I would love to see murals on the silos... Great artist! - Cathie Harris Great article about Derek! He did one more mural not mentioned in his parents cafe-Fork Real Community Cafe that is awesome as well - Linda Rabe Fun article, Great issue! and Yes, that would be Epic! - The Rushmore Hotel & Suites
HIPPIE HAVEN
I hope 'Summer nights' will enrich our community and her unifying by recycling and prosperity. Good to see small businesses persevering thru. - Scott Jones
CALENDAR April 30 - May 2
Rapid City Rush vs. Kansas City Mavericks
The Rapid City Rush ECHL hockey team takes on the Kansas City Mavericks. Sunday, May 2nd is Racing Day. Prior to the game, there will be a car show in Rushmore Hall across from the main entrance to Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Ice Arena beginning at noon. Come celebrate the 50+ year history of racing as we honor local, regional, and national tour drivers.
May 7-9
Prospector Challenge
The Prospectors Challenge is a barrel race and pole bending competition held at the James Kjerstad Event Center. The event is produced by the Midwest Pole Bending Association. Learn more at centralstatesfair.com.
May 9
Mother's Day at Reptile Gardens
Mom's get free admission and free season passes if you join Reptile Gardens on Mother's Day. Learn more at reptilegardens.com.
May 19, 21, 22
Rapid City Rush vs. Indy Fuel
The Rapid City Rush ECHL hockey team takes on the Indy Fuel. Friday, May 21st and Saturday, May 22nd is Military Appreciation Weekend. The Rush will wear specialty jerseys and recognize veterans and active duty military.
May 21-23
Custer State Park Open House Show us how you are elevating the Rapid City region. We will share the best posts.
#elevaterapidcity
During this three-day event, guests can enter the park free of charge, fish for free, and participate in a host of family fun activities. Learn more at facebook.com/CusterStatePark.
May 22
Black Hills Works Putt-N-Pub
CONNECT W I T H U S! Follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/ElevateRapidCity), Instagram (@elevaterapidcity), LinkedIn (/company/elevate-rapid-city) Twitter (@Elevate_RC), and YouTube (youtube.com/elevaterapidcity). Share your thoughts and help us Elevate Rapid City together!
Send us a rant: magazine@elevaterapidcity.com
Putt your way through downtown Rapid City and support adults with disabilities through the Black Hills Works Foundation. The miniature golf course is sponsored and hosted by local pubs, restaurants, and establishments in downtown Rapid City. Learn more at www.blackhillsworks.org.
May 22
Frühlingsfest
Join Main Street Square’s spring fest with local merchants, microbrews, music and more. A perfect outing for friends and families of all ages. Our 21+ guests can also enjoy carefully curated flights and selections in our beverage garden. Learn more at mainstreetsquare.org. elevaterapidcity.com 7
Well traveled-scientist, Dr. Beeler, settles in Rapid City
S
Story by Siandhara Bonnet I Photos by Grace Pritchett
Mines where he runs various instruments, cott Beeler never saw himself moving including mass spectrometers, for those on to South Dakota, let alone living in the campus. state. He said the school has great After he finished his PhD and was instrumentation, but his favorite thing about offered a job at South Dakota Mines where his his job is learning about other topics, like girlfriend was set to work, though, his plans metallurgy. were set. Beeler said he sort of fell “I ended up liking it a into geology. lot,” Beeler said. “All the “When I started out going outdoor things out here "I like St. Louis a lot, to college, I wanted to be a are big. … After living in but it’s not the most lawyer, I guess,” he said. St. Louis, which I like St. exciting outdoors-wise, it Louis a lot, but it’s not the Growing up, his dad took most exciting outdoorshim and his brother out made me sort of realize wise, it made me sort of hiking and fishing. Beeler I wanted to get back said he took an intro class realize I wanted to get back somewhere you can drive somewhere you can drive to geology once he got to 10 minutes and be on an college and enjoyed it. 10 minutes and be on “The job is basically going amazing hike.” an amazing hike." Beeler is a research around and looking at cool stuff outside and learning scientist with a focus in - Scott Beeler analytical chemistry at how the world works,” he Research Scientist, South Dakota Mines
8 ELEVATE • MAY 2021
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"The job is basically going around and looking at cool stuff outside and learning how the world works." - Scott Beeler
said. “That’s how I got into it. I sort of just fell into doing research.” Beeler said by the time he was a senior in his undergraduate, he knew he wanted to be a researcher. He graduated with his Bachelor’s in 2014 from the University of Tennessee and his PhD in 2019 from Washington University. Beeler said he researched biogeochemistry for his PhD research, specifically stromatolites, or formations created by microorganisms. He said he studied a modern system where stromatolites were forming to understand what information was preserved in the microorganisms through geochemical signatures. He keeps an example of the formations on his desk, along with samples from his fieldwork and from workshops in Nevada, Catalina Island off the coast of south Carolina and Argentina. Beeler said his field site during his PhD research was in the Andes Mountains. “I’ve been sort of all over the place to do stuff,” he said. Beeler said it’s fun working on projects at South Dakota Mines, like manganese nodule research, that will have a more immediate impact than his academic work during his PhD. 10 ELEVATE • MAY 2021
"I’ve been sort of all over the place to do stuff." - Scott Beeler
Direct Support Professional (DSP)
$15-18/HOUR
Case Managers
$17-20/HOUR
Residential Supervisors
$21-24/HOUR
» 23 Paid Time Off Days » 5% Match on 401K » Leadership Training » Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability Insurance » Tuition Reimbursement
www.BlackHillsWorks.org/CAREERS elevaterapidcity.com 11
There’s a new
a e m g
N W T O IIN T N O N story and photos by
shiloh francis
12 ELEVATE • MAY 2021
"We want want to to be be aa "We part of of making making part this community community this better." better ." better." Bonny FleminG FleminG -- Bonny
BONNY Fleming Dylan Fleming
Dune
I
magine some of your favorite childhood games coming to life right before your eyes. You no longer need couches, pillows, and chairs to save you when someone shouts “the floor is lava!” Instead, you traverse obstacles, climb a volcano, and try to rack up as many points as possible while avoiding the red hot floor. And you no longer need string tied between door frames to accomplish the heist. Now, you can enter the vault and do your best to not touch a “lazer” lest you be buzzed and have to start again. A person seeking the ultimate adventure and treasure will enter the Hidden Temple – racing to solve puzzles and collect treasure before time runs out. Game On! has opened in Rapid City bringing your childhood imagination to life as an interactive, hi-tech, live action, no-contact, adventure center for all ages. This new family-friendly adventure center encourages physical fitness, teamwork, problem-solving and critical thinking with state-of-the-art technology and elaborate hand-built scenes.
“I have this idea…” have become four of the most dangerous, yet inspiring, words for Bonny to say to the masterminds behind Game On! The four partners, Bonny Fleming, Dylan Fleming, and James and Emily Randle got their start designing elaborate experiences for people in the area with haunted houses twenty years ago. Some may even recall a visit to “Fort Fear” on Highway 16. But they reached a point where they were ready to do something more permanent; to let their ideas come to life and serve on a greater level. And Rapid City will be better for it. The vision for Game On! is to be more than an adventure center – it will also serve as a community resource. Groups can use the party room for meetings or a safe place for teens to gather. They’ve been able to partner with local artists for sets and murals. And Press Start, a retro arcade restaurant and bar downtown, has partnered to create the vintage arcade inside. “We want to be a part of making this community better,” explain siblings Bonny and Dylan as they reflect on how they’ve gotten to
"I have this idea..."
elevaterapidcity.com 13
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this point. Whether you’re looking for family fun, a date night, a way to get out with friends, or even a corporate retreat, head to GameOn! and immerse yourself in a high-energy, realworld adventure. The biggest challenge will be returning to the outside world!
GAME ON 2004 Creek Dr. Gameonrc.com 605.415.4494
elevaterapidcity.com 15
Old West town adds buffalo hunt attraction
by Andy Greenman
"The beauty of what we’re trying to do is save a little piece of that Western flair and show people what they came to see." - Herman Jones Founder, Ft. Hays
16 ELEVATE • MAY 2021
I
f at first you don’t succeed, try, try and try again. This is the motto business owner Herman Jones has followed for over 50 years. He is determined to give visitors and locals an unforgettable experience in the Black Hills. The Rapid City native began his career selling tours to Mount Rushmore for Gray Line bus company. Herman excelled at finding new accounts to fill these tours. His connection to the sculpture runs deep, as he knew many of the men that work on Mount Rushmore. After four years of working for Gray Line, Jones was fired for making too much in commission. In 1974, he started a bus company “with a van and a dream.” For two decades he started, bought, abandoned and sold tour bus companies. He and his wife Wanda kept busy as they raised six children. The businesses saw success when America set travel records. They struggled when gas prices rose and families stayed home. All the while, Herman Jones continued to give his customers the best possible experience.
Ft. Hays
South Dakota became etched in Hollywood fame following the 1990 release of Kevin Costner’s “Dances With Wolves.” The threehour classic depicts an Army Lieutenant who travels the frontier and encounters a group of Lakota during the 19th century. The Lieutenant stays at Ft. Hays Army post, which was built in Caputa on Herman’s cousin's ranch. “Dances With Wolves” surprisingly became the movie of the year and won 7 Academy Awards. While Ft. Hays still stood in Caputa, tourists flocked to the ranch to see the filming location. In 1993, Jones bought the set and moved it to its current location on Highway 16. He built a chuckwagon dinner theater to add to the turn of the century town square. “People come West to see the West, and we show them everything but what they came for” said Herman. “The beauty of what we’re trying to do is save a little piece of that Western flair and show people what they came to see.” And save a little piece is exactly what they’ve done. Alongside the Ft. Hays Headquarters sits a blacksmith shop, post office, rope shop, a gold panning area and more.
"We deal with two demographics of people: newlyweds and nearly deads." - Herman Jones
PACKAGED TOURS
Herman figured he only had a few years to cash in on the movie set. He thought after five years, no one would remember the movie. It was only open three years before trouble came knocking. In 1996, Ft. Hays was being foreclosed and going up for sale by auction. The Black Hills Old West experience was about to disappear from the Jones family, until an old college friend came to the rescue. Herman’s friend was now an attorney who served on the
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On Facebook @bhcleanwateralliance elevaterapidcity.com 17
Herman and his youngest son Clint. Small Business Administration (SBA) Board. He helped him secure a SBA fixed interest loan. This helped the business budget for the future rather than on the ever changing floating interest loan. Ft. Hays was saved but needed to increase revenue. Cars would drive by and take pictures, but visitors were not stopping in the gift shop or ice cream stand. Wanda went to the drawing board and created a package deal for visitors to check all their bucket list items with one price. The package included a breakfast, a lectured tour, all-day admission to Crazy Horse and Mount Rushmore, and the supper and western music show. It worked. The amount of tours quadrupled within two years.
NEW ATTRACTION
Herman has added to the Old West town setting over the years but realizes it doesn’t attract everyone. “We deal with two demographics of people: newlyweds and nearly deads,” Herman jokes. “We don’t deal with a lot of families.“ He brainstormed plans to grow diversity and get more people to his attraction.
18 ELEVATE • MAY 2021
His first idea was to build a hotel beside the Fort. Shortly after that vision, many hotels started popping up in the area. He scratched that plan then was set to install a ropes course on the land. He traveled to Florida to get ideas and did everything but sign the contract when he realized he would need 5 or more adults working the course at all times. “We have trouble finding people to flip pancakes,” Jones added. So what next?
TATANKA
Herman found a new inspiration on a visit to Glenwood Springs, Colorado. He saw a coaster car that goes along a mountainside to a cave. From this idea, Herman envisioned a gondola ride that would travel down the valley behind the Chuckwagon Theater. During the ride, people would use an electronic gun to shoot at bison, tying it back to the frontier theme and Dances with Wolves. While discussing his plan to build a buffalo hunt roller coaster, the salesman wasn’t optimistic of his vision. The salesman was eager to have his company build the coaster, but had his doubts.
"You’ve never hunted coyotes out of an airplane." - Herman Jones
The plans were to have a swinging gondola where the riders flew side-toside. “You couldn’t shoot anything on that,” the salesman told Herman. “Well, you’ve never hunted coyotes out of an airplane,” Jones struck back. Next thing you know, Herman found himself in a small town in Germany where the ride was being manufactured. They ordered the coaster in 2018, manufactured it in 2019, and delivered and installed the ride in 2020. As the COVID-19 pandemic slowed business at Ft. Hays in 2020, the parking lot was full of steel. “You couldn’t have picked a better delivery time for us.” The interactive shooting gallery is fully operational heading into the promising 2021 tourist season. Twenty buffalo and a wild turkey are placed below the coaster. This highly competitive ride with over 40 targets is giving locals and tourists another reason to visit Ft. Hays. “We’ve had customers that have stayed around and rode for 3 or 4 hours at a time and have gotten incredibly good, Herman boasts. “There’s a lot of people
gunning for that high score.” With over 33,000 cars traveling alongside the buffalo hunt every day, Jones is already seeing his traffic rise. “If they don’t move Mt. Rushmore and the traffic keeps going... it’ll work. It’s just a matter of time.”
TURNING THE CORNER
Ft. Hays is the only daily tour bus company that visits Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse. They own 11 Greyhounds and are projecting a busy year this summer. Last April, they had given out $40,000 in refunds and not a dime in prepaid reservations. This year, they are excited where they sit and are nearly double the reservations from April of 2019. Herman believes they are starting to turn the corner and is enjoying the early success of the new coaster.
FT. HAYS
2255 Fort Hayes Dr. mountrushmoretours.com 605.343.3113
elevaterapidcity.com 19
PURE BEAN
201 Main St.
Peach Hepburn The cold brew includes heavy whipping cream, vanilla, and peach bitters
20 ELEVATE • MAY 2021
Beans & Brews Coffee shops and breweries serve up unique, handcrafted drinks in a neighborly atmosphere by Michelle Pawelski
I
"It is important for us to keep our menu paired down, but we do offer seasonal drinks." - Nick Reid Owner, Pure Bean
f you brew it, they will come. Whether coffee or beer, Rapid City is fast becoming a mecca for these artisan, frothy beverages. Although the city’s population is less than 100,000, coffee shops and breweries line the city’s main corridors attracting locals and visitors with their unique offerings and Midwest hospitality. And while each has its own niche, all have a similar mission of creating a culture of people who love and appreciate coffee and beer. “The thing I like about artisan coffee or beer is the connection to the community. It’s what we are doing in this town for these people. This is our home base,” said Nick Reid, owner of Pure Bean, located in the historic Fairmont Creamery. Reid, along with former partner Mark Royalty, started air roasting coffee in 2013 in Mark’s garage using a modified popcorn popper. They soon expanded into the former creamery building and in 2016 opened a coffeehouse in the same location. The small, specialized menu features drinks created by Reid and his staff, including the popular Cardigan, a signature drink that has cardamom, vanilla, and black sea salt. “It is important for us to keep our menu paired down, but we do offer seasonal drinks. This keeps us from getting too stacked up with stuff but also gives our customers something to look forward to,” said Reid. Pure Bean’s seasonal offerings include the Peach Hepburn named after British actress Aubrey Hepburn and is just as classy. The cold brew includes heavy whipping cream, vanilla, and peach bitters. elevaterapidcity.com 21
DIXON COFFEE
915 Omaha St.
Fermented Tea Lone Pine Komucha now on tap.
"We try to stay true to the heart of that in all that we create." - Kayleigh Dixon Owner, Dixon Coffee
22 ELEVATE • MAY 2021
Despite no indoor seating, Dixon Coffee is no less popular. Locals line up on both sides of the Omaha Street gray and white kiosk to grab a quick cup of joe and a bright smile. Kayleigh Dixon, owner of the quaint coffee kiosk, said when she and her husband, Christopher opened Dixon they were focused on clean eating and valued organic and ethical fair commerce. “We try to stay true to the heart of that in all that we create,” said Kayleigh adding that locals love anything that includes their homemade almond milk and of course the unique creations dreamed up by the staff. Dixon has added nitro brew to their list of offerings this summer and recently partnered with Lone Pine Kombucha to offer the fermented tea on tap.
FIREHOUSE BREWING CO.
610 Main St.
Firehouse Red
A 6% ABV earthy red ale with sweet malt, caramel and toffee notes.
“The peach adds a slight aroma and sweetness. It is a perfect way to start off the summer."
Like the local coffeehouses, Rapid City brewers are also gearing up for the summer with some fun events and, of course, tasty beer. Firehouse Brewing Company, located in the city’s original Main Street fire station, is South Dakota’s original craft brewery opening in 1991 and serving up pints of beer to thirsty patrons ever since. The Firehouse continues to serve many of the favorites from Firehouse Red to SmokeJumper Stout, but also rotates in some seasonal brews. Brewer Mike Kilroy said he is plans to release his “Eat a Peach” beer during American Craft Beer Week, which is May 10 – 16. It’s a take on the Firehouse’s popular False Alarm Jalapeno beer. “It just sounded good,” Kilroy said of the cream ale. “The peach adds a slight aroma and sweetness. It is a perfect way to start off the summer,” he said.
- Mike Kilroy Brewer, Firehouse Brewing Company
elevaterapidcity.com 23
LOST CABIN
1401 W Omaha St.
Smokewagon Coffee Stout A 6% ABV dry stout aged with whole Papa New Guinea coffee beans from Pure Bean.
"There is really an active craft beer scene in the Black Hills. We’ve been able to collaborate and work with people, visit each other’s taprooms, [and] brainstorm ideas." - Jesse Scheitler Co-founder and CEO, Lost Cabin
24 ELEVATE • MAY 2021
Just down the road, Lost Cabin, which will be celebrating its five-year anniversary during craft beer week, has a week-long party planned that includes several new beer releases and the grand opening of its new production facility on Dakota Craft Drive. “We are excited to show people what we have been working on during the pandemic,” said Jesse Scheitler, co-founder and CEO. Scheitler, along with his wife Adrienne, started Lost Cabin with Tom and Steph Silbernagel. Tom and Jesse started making beer in Tom’s garage and have come a long way in just five years. “There’s just been an incredible amount of support that we’ve seen from the community and from the other breweries in town,” Jesse said. “There is really an active craft beer scene in the Black Hills. We’ve been able to collaborate and work with people, visit each other’s taprooms, brainstorm ideas – it’s a fun industry to be a part of.” Lost Cabin even partnered with Pure Bean to create its SmokeWagon Coffee Stout. With a vision of making great beer and having a good time doing it, the owners of Lost Cabin and its staff thrive on pushing the limits of creativity. “Our staff here is a pretty amazing group of people,” Tom said. “We offer a lot of room for creativity and ideas.” While the new beer releases are highly guarded, Tom did give a little hint on what customers can expect next. “We have some new sours and a few new variations of Lord Grizzly.”
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elevaterapidcity.com 25
DAKOTA POINT
405 Canal St.
Jack the Rippenator A 9.2% ABV strong malty sweetness, slight raisiny notes with a warm finish.
"We want people to travel to Rapid City and say they want to visit Dakota Point, and we want them to leave with a bigger smile than when they came." - Jim Boulter Co-founder, Dakota Point Brewing
26 ELEVATE • MAY 2021
Within walking distance of Lost Cabin, childhood friends Neal Schlottman and Jim Boulter opened Dakota Point Brewing, a homage to the local hiking hotspot where the duo first developed a passion for beer and camaraderie. Decades later, Schlottman and Boulter wanted to have a place where others could create lifelong memories while enjoying delicious craft beer. Dakota Point, which celebrates three years this June, has an abundance of beers that will please any palate from the light blond ale “I Don’t Know” to the hefty doppelbock “Jack the Rippenator.” “We just really want to provide a quality product and an enjoyable experience,” Schlottman said. Several new beer releases are planned in the upcoming months to celebrate both American Craft Beer Week and their third anniversary including a collaboration with a Delaware brewery. The friends and partners hope that Dakota Point Brewing will become the gathering place for both locals and visitors. “We want people to travel to Rapid City and say they want to visit Dakota Point, and we want them to leave with a bigger smile than when they came,” Boutler said.
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elevaterapidcity.com 27
ZYMURCRACY BEER COMPANY
4624 Creek Dr.
"Don't Put Salt in Your Eyes" Gose Moderate sourness with a fruity citrus character. This 6.7% ABV has residual salinity leaving you wanting another sip.
"My wife and I became certified beer judges and started entering a lot of competitions, testing recipes, and vetting everything to make sure we had a good product to sell." - Jay Waldner Co-founder, Zymurcracy Beer Company
In 2018, Jay and Shanon Waldner brought their local brew to the southern end of Rapid City. Jay, a veteran of 28 years, developed a passion for beer while in Germany. After retiring from the military, the Black Hills natives returned home and, after extensive research and lots of beer drinking, decided to open Zymurcracy Beer Company. “My wife and I became certified beer judges and started entering a lot of competitions, testing recipes, and vetting everything to make sure we had a good product to sell.” Zymurcracy — a mashup of the words zymurgy, which is Greek for science fermentation, and democracy — is a community of individuals dedicated to the principles and art of fermentation science. Like other local brewers, Jay and Shanon, along with their staff, love to experiment with beer. “Craft beer lovers are always looking for something new and different,” Jay said. Zymurcracy has several new beers in the lineup including an IPA made from hops picked by veterans, a dunkel, and a gose which is reminiscent of a margarita, a little sour and salty. No matter the coffee shop or brewery, all have a goal to be a part of the community and make everyone a part of theirs. Just like the long-running TV series “Cheers,” they want to be a place where they know your name. “We tell all our staff to treat our customers like family, get to know them, get to know their names. People really like that. It goes back to our mission of connecting people through craft beer. They want a place where they feel comfortable,” Jay said.
The newest addition to Rapid City's brew scene, Cohort Craft Brewery, opened its doors the end of April. Owner Jason Kingsbury opened Cohort with a desire to be known for more than beer (although their signature mead is quite unforgettable!). Cohort is the neighborhood bar for southside Rapid City – a place for people to gather, drink, and be merry. “We want people to remember the experience more than the beer.”
"We want people to remember the experience more than the beer." - Jason Kingsbury Owner, Cohort Craft Brewery
COHORT CRAFT BREWERY
4905 5th St.
Cranberry Mead 5.5% ABV honey wine
Elevate Rapid City is a merged organization of the Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development, and Innovation center. Since its launch in 2019 Elevate has been working hard to serve the region.
HERE ARE JUST A FEW SUCCESSES: Launched EPIC - a market research tool for our investors and the business community at large.
Offered free virtual trainings, townhalls with government officials, and even a B-21 Outreach Forum.
Provided more than $220,000 to 18 area businesses through our Emergency Bridge Loan Fund; donated $25,000 to the UNITED WE STAND COVID-19 Relief Fund and $150,000 to the Rapid City Strategic Housing Trust Fund at the Black Hills Area Community Foundation.
Rapid City saw 2,300 jobs created; incomes increase by 15.3% and an annual consumer spending of $283M.
Wanting to get involved with Elevate? Check out these latest offerings!
Looking to grow your network? Mixers are back Members of Rapid City’s business community were able to enjoy an evening of networking hosted by the Hilton Garden Inn. Pre-registration for mixers is required. Go to elevaterapidcity.com/events to see the upcoming events.
Addressing Workforce Needs
ELEVATE RAPID CIT Y
STRUGGLING WITH EMPLOYEE TURNOVER?
REVITALIZE YOUR WORKFORCE
with this training and learn new methods to: INCREASE EMPLOYEE RETENTION
REDUCE TURNOVER
INCREASE REVENUE
Training includes: • Expert-led breakout sessions on research-based techniques in your business or organization • Sample scripts for employee check-ins and difficult conversations • Networking opportunities with other business and agency representatives
THURSDAY,
MAY 6
12:30-5:00 P.M.
The Monument aka Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, LaCroix Hall C
Presented by: Tracy Palecek, Palecek Therapy & Consulting
BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
75 I SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
$
LEA RN MORE A ND REGISTER AT ELEVATERAPIDCITY.COM/EVENTS
30 ELEVATE • MAY 2021
If businesses continue to only react to issues, they will pay through high turnover and absenteeism. Businesses are struggling to find and keep employees daily. Without looking at the research, being innovative, changing mindsets, and being proactive, this will continue to be an obstacle for our business community. So Elevate is bringing a critical training! Learn innovative methods specific to: • Management and employee relations • Flexible scheduling • Resource navigation • Addressing employee needs relating to transportation, childcare, and housing May 6 | $75 | Scholarships are available Register at elevaterapidcity.com/events
Clothing And Fashion Corporate Apparel And Embroidery
Corporate apparel is our business Strengthening your image is our passion
Treasury Management Services
Money wasn’t meant to just sit around. Our Treasury Management specialists have years of experience and can assist you with utilizing the many tools available to give you a financial advantage. From online banking solutions to fraud protection to information management and more, you can count on Great Western Bank for a superior level of treasury management. Let’s get started today, ask me how! Cyrissa Thompson Treasury Management Specialist
312 Main St., Rapid City, SD 57701 605.389.3838 | www.imageall.com
14 Saint Joseph St. Rapid City, SD 605.737.9361
▷ ▷ THANK YOU SPONSORS ◁ ◁ For supporting Black Hills Works & adults with disabilities!
www.BlackHillsWorks.org/Events elevaterapidcity.com 31
2021 Legislative Scorecard Released E L E V A T E
R A P I D
C I T Y
P R O - B U S I N E S S
2021 LEGISLATIVE SCORECARD Elevate took a strong policy position on 16 bills during the 2021 Legislative Session to advocate for the Rapid City business community. This pro-business scorecard reflects the voting record of local legislators on these key issues.
Pro-Business Champion
PUBLIC POLICY 1046
1053
1094
Prime Bill Sponsors for Elevate
APPROPRIATIONS 96
1210
93
Rep. Becky Drury (D32)
144
155 ◆
Sen. Helene Duhamel (D32)
—
156
B-21 PREPAREDNESS
158
162
◆ *
1253
◆
◆
Rep. Chris Johnson (D32)
◆
◆
◆
Rep. Mike Derby (D34)
◆
◆
Rep. Jess Olson (D34)
◆
Sen. Jessica Castleberry (D35)
◆
◆
*
Sen. Mike Diedrich (D34)
*
Rep. Tim Goodwin (D30)
◆
Rep. Trish Ladner (D30)
◆
Sen. Julie Frye-Mueller (D30)
—
—
ELEVATE RAPID CIT Y
Rep. Phil Jensen (D33)
◆ Support Elevate’s position
Oppose Elevate’s position ◆
*
◆
◆
◆
◆
—
◆ ◆
◆
◆
◆
◆
* ◆
◆ Bill died in committee prior to floor vote
* * — Did not vote
◆
93% 92% 92% 73%
◆
◆
67%
◆
◆ *
100% 100%
*
◆
◆ ◆ *
100%
◆
*
◆
100% 100%
* ◆
*
◆
PERCENT OF 1166 PRO-BUSINESS VOTES 100%
◆
◆ ◆
◆
*
Rep. Tony Randolph (D35)
*
◆
*
*
Rep. Taffy Howard (D33)
1019
◆
◆
◆ ◆
Rep. Tina Mulally (D35)
151 ◆
*
◆
Sen. David Johnson (D33)
171
◆
—
◆
40% 38%
*
*
*
*
31%
*
23%
* Committee vote
DOWNLOAD SCORECARD: elevaterapidcity.com/advocacy
32 ELEVATE • MAY 2021
Infrastructure, schools, safety, and amenities all play a crucial role in creating a community people want to live in. Without sound public policy to support growth and improvement in these areas a community cannot thrive. This is why Elevate maintains a full-time presence in Pierre advocating for the region’s business community. There were 16 key bills that Elevate took a stance on. See how your elected officials voted when it comes to public policy, funding, and preparing for the B-21 mission in the 2021 Pro-Business Scorecard. Head to elevaterapidcity.com/advocacy. STAY TUNED: Did you know there is a school board election coming soon? Elevate will be hosting an opportunity for you to meet the candidates.
“Powering You For a Brighter Future”
R E A D E L E VAT E O N L I N E
elevaterapidcity.com Question: : What are the holidays to alternate for visitations with children? Answer: It is essential that parents work out ways for children to enjoy holidays with both families. If agreements cannot be reached, Effective July 1, 2020, South Dakota Guidelines: School Age Children: MLK, President’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, NAD, Halloween, Thanksgiving. Christmas Day and split school Vacation. There are slight differences for children under age 5 with parents in same or nearby community. If parents are separating, Black Hills Mediation and Law can assist you in developing a Parenting Plan for your children, whether it is a divorce or unwed situation.. CONTACT: Lorie Melone at Black Hills Mediation and Law to get legal assistance. 605-791-4850
Lorie D. Melone 1107 Mt. Rushmore Road, Suite #3A Rapid City, SD 57701 Phone: 605-791-4950 Lorie D. Melone • Family Law Attorney & Certified Mediator
Wall 605-279-2135 Rapid City 605-393-1500 www.westriver.coop
David E. Lust
Thank you to our state legislators, Governor Noem, the Board of Regents and everyone who supported a new Mineral Industries building. The future of mining starts here.
sdsmt.edu/MI-Building
elevaterapidcity.com 33
VETERAN OWNED
Ready for a career change? Do you have a bachelor’s degree, but you want to become a nurse? Get your B.S.N. in Rapid City in just 12 months.
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840 Mt. Rushmore Road Rapid City, SD 57701 605-343-2422
bhcbank.com
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Alex Johnson Mercantile adjusts to changing downtown clientele
J
by Main Street Square
she learned working in the tourism industry ennifer Johnson grew up in Rapid City carried over to her interactions. Jennifer was and remembers working for her father able to hone her professional skills learned in Wayne Johnson, the original owner of retail, including goal setting, sales tracking, the Rushmore Tramway. As a young and merchandising, to take advantage of an girl she vividly remembers spending hours opportunity presented to her by Linc and cleaning the grounds and watching the visitors Elaine Ainsworth - owners of the Mercantile. enjoy the Black Hills. “In a chance conversation Linc asked if I “From and early age I saw the joy that wanted to buy the store people experienced looking and I thought it was a joke, in awe at the faces and the but he was serious,” stated beauty of the Black Hills,” "From and early age I Johnson. “Over the next few stated Johnson. saw the joy that people months, Jim and I spent so Growing up in the tourism experienced looking in awe much time on the SBA loan, industry was all the Jennifer knew. She also knew how at the faces and the beauty meeting with bankers, and coming up with a business much hard work went into of the Black Hills." plan. The process was as owning your own business. - Jennifer Johnson “Working at the Tramway natural as breathing because Owner, Alex Johnson Mercantile I had learned the process all of those years taught me two things: the work would of business working for others,” added Johnson. be hard for a few months, but it would be worth it. And make sure to Johnson was able to take everything she had learned in retail and now apply it to a business treat each and every visitor as if I know them, she owned and make it her own. we are in the relationship business,” added Johnson. “The mercantile was established as a highend gallery. We wanted to brighten it up, reOver the course of her professional career, Jennifer worked in retail and cosmetics at arrange and recreate the Mercantile. The goal was to make it shoppable, unique and diverse,” different businesses. The same techniques
elevaterapidcity.com 35
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said Johnson. Over the next five years Jen and her husband Jim worked hard to create their own identity for the store. Some of the work included creating an identity for the Mercantile and making it different from other businesses in the area. “We had to find our niche in the market. I had a love of jewelry from working with designer Trisha Waldron [and] I was able to incorporate more Navajo Turquoise and replace the popular Black Hills Gold. We also had to offer selections that were different than other downtown businesses because we all wanted to ensure we shared the business. That’s what makes downtown so unique,” said Johnson. In a tourist-based business, Jen knows the summer to winter dichotomy can be sharp. It’s not exactly feast or famine but it can be difficult to juggle. That is why it is so important to build a relationship with every visitor to her store.
"The mercantile was established as a high-end gallery. We wanted to brighten it up, re-arrange and recreate the Mercantile." - Jennifer Johnson Owner, Alex Johnson Mercantile
“I make sure to talk to every person that steps into my store as if they are my friend and build a connection with them. It’s the sales/relationship process,” said Johnson. “Visitors that come to Rapid [City] are curious. They see there is a community here, a close-knit community and they want to know more about us. People are fascinated by our community. I have always appreciated where I was from, but it makes me appreciate it even more when I see it through our visitors’ eyes,” added Johnson. The Mercantile has changed with each of the three owners over the past 30 years. But since 2014, Jen and her husband Jim Galbraith have been staples in the store. They are working their ‘active retirement,’ welcoming visitors from all over the world into their store and building one relationship at a time.
DID YOU KNOW? • Jen worked at the Mercantile three separate times before purchasing the business in 2014. • Looking to the future, Jen hopes to “reconnect our local residents with downtown. We rely on them in the winter months as small businesses stay open.” • For many years, the Mercantile acted as the gift shop for the Hotel Alex Johnson. It attracts many of their visitors into their doors. • The biggest lesson learned through 2020 for Jen was “the clientele changed in 2020 in downtown Rapid City - more families found themselves downtown. In years past it was bus tours, so I had to adjust my inventory to fit the needs of our customers,” stated Johnson.
elevaterapidcity.com 37
Call 811 before you dig. Whether you’re planting a tree or digging a post hole, it’s critical to know what’s underground. Call 811. It’s free, safe and it’s the law. Visit blackhillsenergy.com/811 to learn more.
38 ELEVATE • MAY 2021
Eighth Annual Fruhlingsfest brings together local artists and craft beer by Michelle Pawelski
L
"We are excited to see our vendors and have them interact with the community." - Maja Marsh Marketing Director, Main Street Square
ocals will be able to sample a wide variety of craft beer while shopping dozens of artisan booths at Main Street Square’s 8th Annual Fruhlingsfest & Spring Market Saturday, May 22 from 1 – 5 p.m. Fruhlingsfest, German for spring festival, is the perfect way to welcome in the warmer season, according to Maja Marsh, marketing director for Main Street Square. The family-friendly event will feature many of the area’s finest beer, food, homemade artwork and specialty goods. Live music will be provided by Camp Comfort, a Black Hills blues-rock band. The annual festival is public after 2020’s virtual event. Last spring, locals shopped virtually picking up their local goodies at the square. “We had to pivot, be creative and willing to try new things and that worked,” Maja said. While the virtual event was a success, she said they are looking forward to having people gather in the square again. “We are excited to see our vendors and have them interact with the community.” Organizers are changing the beer tasting this year for safety reasons. Instead of unlimited tastings, locals can purchase a flight for $20 which will include three options of four specialty beers on a souvenir branded wooden board. Participants can add a bouquet from Victoria’s Garden to the flight for $35 or just purchase the bouquet for $20. The event is free and open to all ages. IDs are required to consume alcohol.
SAVE THE DATE: FRUHLINGSFEST & SPRING MARKET May 22 // 1-5 p.m. Main Street Square
elevaterapidcity.com 39
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42 ELEVATE • MAY 2021
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