April 2023 Chamber News

small acts, big impact

Volunteers invest in community through service

Chamber News Ad Sales

For advertising information, call Steven Herman at (605) 373-2013 or email chambernews@siouxfalls.com

Chamber News Layout/Design Jill Blom Chamber News Editor Jennie Doyen

For editorial information, call: (605) 336-1620

Chamber News is published by the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, 200 N Phillips Ave , Suite 200, Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Postmaster please send address changes to: Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce 200 N Phillips Ave , Suite 200, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 Phone: (605) 336-1620 • Email: gsfcc@siouxfalls com

As the leading Sioux Falls area business advocate, the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce represents its members by advancing and promoting the economic health and quality of life of the region.

Speak Volumes.

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Message from the Chair

Any organization that engages volunteers will be quick to tell you how valuable those individuals are to the programs and work that they do. Non-profit agencies, churches, youth sports teams, hobby groups, service clubs, the list goes on…most either wouldn’t exist or would have very limited programming if it were not for volunteers.

The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce is one of those organizations. Generally speaking, for each employee paid by the Chamber, we have 28 volunteers adding their contributions to the work. The commitment and passion of volunteers influences the culture of the organization that they are serving.

Paul Hanson 2022-23 Chair of the Board

This is how our Chamber remains strong and vibrant!

Volunteering can take many forms. You might act as a liaison of the organization to its customers, spend time in a back room sorting supplies, or deliver meals to a house-bound senior. Personally, I have found mentoring to be incredibly rewarding. It gives you such a unique insight on how future leaders think, obtain and process information. It provides a sense of confidence that we are truly blessed to have young people so engaged and focused on improving outcomes.

In a time of worker shortages and hiring challenges, it may be tempting to tighten expectations of employees. Balancing the needs of your business with the needs of your employees, and being flexible where you can is an art form. And it is critical to the success of not just your business, but our community. We are so fortunate that in Sioux Falls, we have many “artists” in a variety of businesses, who are balancing workforce issues and providing wonderful services for those who live here.

Giving of time and talent through volunteering is one way to invest in our community. Giving of treasure is another. This month, Active Generations kicks off their Community Appeal campaign to raise funds for the construction of a second location on the east side of Sioux Falls. When the volunteer campaigner calls, I encourage you to consider supporting this effort.

No matter how you choose to serve our community – thank you!

2022-23 GREATER SIOUX FALLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LEADERSHIP

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Chair Paul Hanson, Sanford Health

Chair-Elect Scott Lawrence, Lawrence & Schiller, Inc.

Vice Chair Miles Beacom, PREMIER Bankcard

Treasurer Tamien Dysart, Think 3D Solutions

Immediate Past Chair Alex Ramirez, USA Media TV

Chamber President & CEO Jeff Griffin

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Joe Bunkers, Gage Brothers

Kim Burma, Midco

Kayla Eitreim, Junior Achievement of South Dakota

Dr. José-Marie Griffiths, Dakota State University

Jason Herrboldt, First Bank & Trust

Derrick Larson, Eide Bailly LLP

Jeff Lautt, POET

Tolcha Mesele, Smithfield Foods

Jacob Quasney, Lloyd Companies

Nancy Savage, Child’s Play Toys

Nathan Stallinga, DakotAbilities

Amy Stockberger, Amy Stockberger Real Estate

Vicki Stewart, Business Resource Network

Bob Sutton, Avera Health

EX-OFFICIO

Kyle Groos, Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools

Cindy Heiberger, Minnehaha County Commission

Jim Schmidt, Lincoln County Commission

Kate Serenbetz, Sioux Falls School Board

Dr. Jane Stavem, Sioux Falls Public School System

Mayor Paul TenHaken, City of Sioux Falls

CHAMBER STAFF

Jeff Griffin, President & CEO

Joan Bartling, Vice President of Finance & Accounting

Jill Blom, Graphics & Communications Manager

Casey Boerger, Young Professionals Network Manager

Kyle Davis, Member Services Specialist

Jennie Doyen, Vice President of Member Services

Becky Griebel, Administrative Assistant

Elizabeth Heidinger, Member Services Specialist

Brooke Hendrickx, Agribusiness Manager

Steven Herman, Sales Manager

Pat Lund, Member Relations Manager

Mike Lynch, Executive Director of Investor Relations, Forward Sioux Falls

Debra Owen, Vice President of Government Relations

Holly Rader, Vice President of Member Relations

Teresa Schreier, Events Coordinator

Susan Seachris, Administrative/Accounting Assistant

Giving of time and talent through volunteering is one way to invest in our community

Events Calendar CHAMBER

Dates, times and locations are subject to change . For a current listing of all Chamber events, visit siouxfallschamber com, read the weekly edition of Quickly, or call (605) 336-1620

You can register and pay for events online at siouxfallschamber com

FEATURED EVENT

MEMBERSHIP

MIXER

Tuesday, April 11 4:30–6:30 p m

Dow Rummel Village

1310 W . Madison St .

SPONSORED BY:

Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar

$5 admission or use your Mixer Pass

DE&I Activator Series:

Mental health & well-being through a DE&I lens

Wednesday, April 12

8:15–9:15 a .m .

Zoom

COST: Free

REGISTER: siouxfallschamber com/events

Morning Mingle

Thursday, April 27

7:30–9 a m

Goodwill of the Great Plains, 3401 S Duluth Ave

DETAILS: Start your day by making a new connection Drop by for a cup of coffee and conversation with other members of the business community This Mingle is cohosted by Goodwill of the Great Plains and Quality Telecommunications

COST: Free

Business Sense Workshop:

Networking 101- The basics

Tuesday, May 9

Noon–1 p m

Chamber of Commerce, 200 N . Phillips Ave ., Suite 200

DETAILS: Back by popular demand, Jackie Payne, FranklinCovey, will share the basics of networking and some of the best, time-tested strategies You’ll learn how to begin with the end in mind, how to master introductions, how to listen empathetically and how to most effectively share your own story

COST: $10, bring your own lunch

REGISTER: siouxfallschamber com/events

Membership Mixer

Tuesday, May 9

5–6:30 p m

Avera Specialty Hospital, 6100 S Louise Ave

COST: $5 or use your Mixer Pass Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar

Thursday, April 13

7–8:30 a .m

Best Western Plus Ramkota Hotel

3200 W Maple St

DESCRIPTION: A discussion on K-12 education with a panel of local public school district superintendents

COST: $30

REGISTER: siouxfallschamber .com/events

Business Sense Workshop: The basics of effective communication

Tuesday, April 11

Noon– 1 p m

Chamber of Commerce, 200 N Phillips Ave , Suite 200

DETAILS: Are you frustrated with communication, often feel misunderstood, or are unable to clearly ask for what you need?

In this workshop, Melissa Hiatt, Levav Leadership Consulting, teaches the four basic components needed to communicate in a way that brings greater clarity and understanding

COST: $10, bring your own lunch

REGISTER: siouxfallschamber com/events

ChamberHood Southeast

Wednesday, May 10 11:30 a m – 1 p m

Prairie Green Golf Course, 600 E 69th St

DETAILS: Who are the people and businesses in your neighborhood? Join us for an informative luncheon about business development and infrastructure plans on the southeast side of town If you live, work, commute or do business in Southeast Sioux Falls, this event is for you!

COST: $30

REGISTER: siouxfallschamber com/events

Morning Mingle

Tuesday, May 16 7:30–9 a m

Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum & East Sioux Falls

Historical Site, 1900 S Perry Place

DETAILS: Start your day by making a new connection Drop by for a cup of coffee and conversation with other members of the business community

COST: Free

UPCOMING EVENTS

GREATER SIOUX FALLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

To RSVP to any of these events, visit siouxfallsypn com or call (605) 373-2002 Visit siouxfallsypn com for a full list of events

Focus Workshop: Making an

ask

Monday, April 3

Noon–1 p m

Zoom

DETAILS: Interested in a virtual learning opportunity? In this workshop, you’ll be introduced to fundraising skills, building the ask and confidence in making an ask

COST: Free, registration required

Morning Buzz

Thursday, April 6

7:30–9 a m

Starbucks

1501 W 41st St

DETAILS: Join other YPN members for networking while getting your morning buzz (coffee) Morning-minded young professionals are invited to come enjoy coffee and conversation with other YPN members at our Morning Buzz

COST: Free

Topics on Tap

Wednesday, April 12

4–6 p m

JJ’s Wine, Spirits & Cigars

3000 W . 57th St .

DETAILS: Some discussions are just better with a beer! Get a behind-the-scenes look at the 2023 South Dakota Legislative session from local lobbyists who were on the ground in Pierre! Networking will begin at 4 p m with a panel discussion starting at 5 p m There will be time for Q&A and further networking following the program

COST: Free

Reservations for Six

Wednesday, April 19 Noon–1 p .m .

Roam Kitchen & Bar

4525 W . Empire Place

DETAILS: Get to know other young professionals in the community in a small setting and support a Chamber member restaurant at the same time! Reservations for Six is a networking lunch with no agenda, just a meal out with your peers

Limited to the first six to register!

COST: Free, food & drink on your own

Our Sioux Falls: Chamber Series Pt. 4

Tuesday, April 25 Noon–1 p m Zoom

DETAILS: Dive in and get connected with the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Through this series, you will learn the inner workings of the Chamber and how you can get involved

COST: Free, registration required

Find us on social media or visit siouxfallsypn com

YPN Birthday Bash

Thursday, April 27

4–7 p .m .

PAve

130 S . Phillips Ave

DETAILS: Grab your friends and help us celebrate 14 years of YPN! Join us on the patio at PAve as we reconnect It’s sure to be a good time complete with fun door prizes, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and good people

COST: Free

Action Team Meetings

You can help shape key areas of YPN programming by joining an Action Team All team meetings are open to any YPN member who would like to get involved Volunteering with an Action Team is a great way to strengthen professional connections and exercise your skills in collaboration, facilitation and project management

For more details on the responsibilities of each team, visit siouxfallsypn com

Social Action Team

Tuesday, April 4

4–5 p .m . Discovery Real Estate Co .

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Events listed on these pages are curated from entries submitted to siouxfallsevents com and experiencesiouxfalls com/events Visit these websites for details on the events listed here and more events happening in the Sioux Falls area

All events are subject to change. Please check the online events calendars for the most recent updates.

APRIL

1 South Dakota Symphony Orchestra: Mozart Requiem

1 Matt Stell & Chayce Beckham at The Alliance

1-2 PBR: Unleash The Beast at the PREMIER Center

1-2 The Passion and The Cross at Orpheum Theater

5-8 The Passion and The Cross at Orpheum Theater

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12

LONG-STANDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS

Recently, Augustana partnered with Sanford Health to create the Sanford Health Nursing Scholarship Program – a program that will award $10,000 scholarships to accelerated nursing students and $20,000 scholarships to four-year BSN students who begin at AU in Fall 2023.

At Augustana University, nursing students are prepared to care for our communities with the practical, real-life skills needed to succeed and become the next leaders in health care. Augustana’s student-centered program offers the opportunity to work alongside health care providers in clinical facilities in Sioux Falls, learn in an advanced simulation center and participate in leadership practicums.

97.5% NCLEX PASS RATE

AU’s class of 2022 nursing graduates

Tracking trends in business is just one way that the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce is looking out for our members Sioux Falls is a great place to do business, in part because of its diverse economy Check here for economic indicators that help show growth and development

City of Sioux Falls Building Permit Data

February 2023

City of Sioux Falls Total Construction Value

February 2023

Sioux Falls Region Housing Overview

February 2023

New Listings: 312 Days on the Market Until Sale: 80

Median Sales Price: $289,000

Inventory of Homes for Sale: 943

Source: RASE (Realtor Association of the Sioux Empire)

Regional Unemployment Rates

January 2022

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Note: figures represent Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA), not just city; rates are not seasonally-adjusted

Agriculture Trends

Faces & Places

Our members do more than follow the news. They make the news. Job promotions and hirings. New projects. New partnerships. Awards. Every day we hear about exciting accomplishments, historic milestones and other positive aspects of our member businesses that deserve to be shared. Submit news to jdoyen@siouxfalls.com.

Recognition of Chamber Volunteers

The Ambassador Committee promotes the Chamber and assists in bringing new members into the organization. The Diplomat Committee works to maintain membership strength in the Chamber and provide outstanding customer service to members. Their volunteer service helps to keep the Chamber strong.

Featured volunteers this month are Ryan Schmidtman, Sanford Health, one year as an ambassador; Justin Zandstra, The First National Bank in Sioux Falls, four years as an ambassador; and Deb Peterson, community volunteer, 24 years as a diplomat

The ACE Award is presented monthly to one ambassador in recognition of their efforts to bring new members into the Chamber. Lynda Billars, The Lynda B. Advantage-Berkshire Hathaway, received the award for February.

Cole Robbins, Dacotah Bank, received diplomat of the month honors for March. James Payer II, The Empire Mall, was named the event champion for his consistent attendance and participation at Chamber events and ribbon cuttings.

The diplomat team of the month for March was Team Sittig: Captain Brian Sittig, CNA Surety; Neil Hlebichuk, Gordon Flesch Company; Darci Hustrulid, Girl ScoutsDakota Horizons; Carol Woltjer, Family Visitation Center; and Angie Wahl, J Wahl Construction, Inc.

Steve Herman Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce

Lynda Billars

The Lynda B. AdvantageBerkshire Hathaway

Dacotah Bank

Ryan Schmidtman Sanford Health

James Payer II

The Empire Mall

Justin Zandstra

The First National Bank in Sioux Falls

Honors & Awards

Steve Herman, membership sales manager for the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, was named by Alignable as their 2023 Business Person of the Year. The award recognizes local leaders who go above and beyond in their efforts to guide and encourage peers and support small businesses in their communities.

Marsh McLennan Agency (MMA) earned the 2023 Top Workplaces USA award from Energage. Top Workplaces USA celebrates organizations with 150 or more employees that have built great cultures. Over 42,000 organizations were invited to participate in the Top Workplaces USA survey. Winners of

Leadership

Amange Aware has been named Commercial Banking Market Executive for Wells Fargo, a promotion that expands his territory west. In his new role, he will lead teams in South Dakota, North Dakota, Wyoming and Montana. Aware joined Wells Fargo in 2002 and has spent most of his career in commercial banking. He is a graduate of South Dakota State University with degree in business economics.

Dow Rummel Village named Josh Hofmeyer as its next CEO, effective April 28, 2023. Hofmeyer succeeds retiring CEO Darla Van Rosendale. During his career, Hofmeyer has been responsible for developing cuttingedge telemedicine services for the long-term care industry in numerous locations across multiple states and also has experience as a successful Administrator. Most recently, he served as the Vice President and General Manager of Senior Care Services for Avel eCare (formerly Avera eCARE). Hofmeyer holds a Master of Science in Administrative Studies with a Long-Term Care specialization and a Bachelor of Business Administration, Health Services Administration, both from the University of South Dakota.

the Top Workplaces USA list are chosen based solely on employee feedback gathered through an employee engagement survey. Results are calculated by comparing the survey’s researchbased statements, including 15 Culture Drivers that are proven to predict high performance against industry benchmarks.

Sales and Marketing Executives honored five women as winners of the 2023 Women of Excellence Awards. Darla Van Rosendale, Dow Rummel Village, received the Excellence in Leadership Award. Carrie Biondi, Sanford Health Foundation, received the Excellence in Marketing Award. Dawn Van Nieuwenhuyzen, Plains Commerce Bank, received the

Excellence in Sales Award. Harriet Yocum, Madison Investments, received the Excellence in Public Service Award. Laurie Karlson, Lauriebelles, received the Entrepreneurial Excellence Award. Cindy Weber, Sanford Health, received the Supporting Excellence Award. More than 80 nominations were received for the awards.

The U.S. Small Business Administration named Denise Cotter and Michelle Marino as the 2023 Small Business Persons of the Year for South Dakota. Cotter and Marino are cofounders and co-CEOs of Houndstooth House, a Sioux Falls-based interior design company.

Ben Marcello has been named President of PREMIER Bankcard. He has more than two decades of executive leadership and finance experience. Marcello holds a dual specialization MBA in Advanced Corporate Strategy and U.S. Business Law, his AMP in Leadership from Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford, and is one of very few global executives to have earned strategy and global policy credentials in financial inclusion from both Harvard Business School and the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management. Marcello and his family recently relocated to Sioux Falls from the Boston area.

Two long-time associates of RSA have acquired partial ownership of the firm. Keith Neuharth joined the firm in 1998. He is a principal architect at RSA, as well as the Vice President of Operations. Neuharth is a graduate of North Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Architecture degree. Justin Oleson joined RSA in 2006 upon graduation from North Dakota State University. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design degree. Oleson is a principal architect at RSA, as well as the Vice President of Talent and Technology.

Vince Anderson has been appointed as President of SEAM (Secure Enterprise Asset Management). Anderson has 17 years of experience in the data destruction and IT asset disposition industry. He has been with SEAM since its inception in 2012. Anderson joins SEAM owner and CEO Jake Anderson in leadership of the company.

Brian Maher, executive director and CEO of the South Dakota Board of Regents, will resign at the end of his contract in June 2023. Nathan Lukkes, the board’s current chief of staff and general counsel, will succeed Maher. Lukkes started at the Board of Regents as the system assistant vice president for research and economic development. Before that, he served as the deputy commissioner of the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development and as an attorney in Sioux Falls. Lukkes also served for 10 years in the South Dakota Army National Guard.

New Faces & Promotions

The Event Company has added two new team members. Ariana Mount is an events and communications specialist. She has three years of experience in media relations and event planning. Mount earned her bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism with a minor in retailing from the University of South Carolina. Jess Widmark is an event brand designer. She has a background in social media management, event planning, graphic design, print and digital design, and website design. Widmark is a graduate of South Dakota State University, with a bachelor’s in advertising.

First PREMIER Bank has promoted Julie Burtis to senior private banking assistant. Burtis has more than 20 years of professional

experience. In her new position, she will continue to assist private bankers with opening and maintaining client deposit accounts and loans.

Jamie O’Brien has been promoted to senior account executive at Caliber Creative. O’Brien has worked with Caliber clients as an account executive for the past four years.

Sioux Falls based data destruction and IT asset disposition (ITAD) company, SEAM, is proud to announce several promotions to its leadership team. Paul Baldwin, who has been with SEAM since 2012, is now vice president/ compliance engineer. Levi Hentges is now vice president/business development. He has been with the company since 2015. Denise

DeCurtins, a team member since 2017, is the general manager. Wade Whaler is promoted to testing manager. He has been with SEAM since 2014. Nolan Hansen, who joined the team in 2018, is now resale manager. Ted Braaten, team member since 2020, is promoted to fleet manager. In addition, SEAM has hired Megan Barkley as its client and human resource specialist. She will oversee client relations and human resources management for the firm.

Be Seen

5-8 El Riad Shrine opened their doors to chamber members for the March Membership Mixer. Guests enjoyed food, networking and a touch of the Irish spirit ahead of St. Patrick’s Day.

10-12

The monthly YPN Off the Clock event invites young professionals to gather for networking at a local business. Reliabank hosted the January Off the Clock and the February event was held at Fernson Downtown.

13 Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead addressed the members of Leadership Sioux Falls class 37 during a recent session focused on public safety. The final session for class 37 will be held in April and the class will graduate on May 3.

Be Seen

14-15 The Chamber’s annual Sioux Falls Day at the Legislature was held on February 15 at the State Capitol. Severe weather prevented many registered participants from traveling, but a handful of Chamber members who had arrived in Pierre ahead of the storm represented the community by serving lunch to legislators and guests.

16 YPN members made new connections and practiced their networking skills at a Speed Networking event, hosted by Discovery Real Estate Co.

Be Seen

17-18 Participants in the DE&I Activator Series learned from Willette Capers, Augustana University, about how to recognize and respond to micro-aggressions. 19 Coffea Roasterie hosted YPN members at their downtown location for coffee and networking at the March Morning Buzz event.

GREATER SIOUX FALLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Community Appeals Scheduled Fund Drives

The purpose of the Community Appeals Committee is to qualify and provide orderly scheduling of capital fund drives to the business community.

By vetting capital fund drives, the objective of Community Appeals is to affirm the project is a sound community investment and worthy of donor consideration.

It is the intent of the Chamber to encourage every business to carefully consider such requests. However, we also acknowledge that many businesses have limited resources for capital fund drives, both in an ability to properly evaluate them and a sufficient budget to contribute. Our Community Appeals process is intended to provide our members with assurance that a Community Appeals campaign is worthy of investment.

ACTIVE GENERATIONS

APRIL 1, 2023–JULY 31, 2023

To add a second Active Generations location on the east side of Sioux Falls.

VETERANS COMMUNITY PROJECT

NOV. 1, 2023-MARCH 31, 2024

To build a village of 25 tiny homes for homeless veterans in the Sioux Falls area. A Village Center will also be constructed to facilitate behavioral/physical wellness, serving to link to other services.

LIFESCAPE HOSPITAL & SCHOOL

APRIL 1, 2024-JULY 31, 2024

To construct a new campus to increase residential service capacity, specialty school capacity and outpatient services.

By Jill Callison, For the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce

Clockwise from top left: Employees of Touchstone Energy serve free meals to farmers during Ag Appreciation Day. A team of volunteers pose for a photo prior to making member calls during Operation Thank You. Diplomat Carol Woltjer, Family Visitation Center, visits with a member at a Mixer. Former chair of the Military & Veterans Affairs Committee Kathy Richardson emcees the annual Veterans Day program.

The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce promotes business and economic expansion, advocates for its members at the governmental level and offers numerous public events throughout the year, like the Sioux Empire Livestock Show or the YPN Crossroads Summit.

The Chamber employs 17 people, and each staff member will tell you the same thing: They can only do what they do— from welcoming new businesses, to developing young leaders, offering educational opportunities and saluting military veterans—with the help of the Chamber’s hundreds of volunteers.

These volunteers, who also give their time and energy to multiple other causes, make Chamber activities and events a priority for reasons as individual as they are. What stands out among civic-minded Chamber volunteers, however, is a deep devotion to making the community better and stronger and seeing businesses thrive. Through the Chamber, and its 11 different committees, they have found an outlet for their unique leadership skills.

“Volunteering with the Chamber has made me feel like the successes Sioux Falls has had, that I’m a part of those successes,” said Tiffany Miller, a 15-year volunteer.

Added member/volunteer Andrew Curley, “To make Sioux Falls a great place to raise a family, it takes volunteers like the Chamber of Commerce.”

Here’s a look at six Chamber volunteers and the impact they have made through their hours of dedication.

Tiffany Miller Community Appeals Committee

In 2013, Tiffany Miller joined the Community Appeals Committee, which researches applicants for capital fund drives, interviews the candidates and makes the final selections. She served as committee chair in 2020 and 2021, extending the typical single year of leadership to two because the pandemic suspended the usual campaign.

Miller, an attorney at Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP, also was member of the committee that helped launch the Young Professionals Network (YPN) in 2008. It informs and educates the younger workforce and offers opportunities for interaction and involvement.

“I think it started off just with wanting to learn more about the Sioux Falls community,” Miller said. “I was new to Sioux

The Chamber estimates that between 450-500 individuals volunteer for us in any given year. The total time invested in Chamber programming is roughly 9,500 hours.

Below: Josh Muckenhirn, ISG, hands off leadership of the YPN Steering Committee to Alexis Konstant Mahlen, Lloyd Companies. Right: Tiffany Miller, Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP, speaks at the kickoff of a Community Appeals Campaign.

Falls. I had moved here in 2007. I was wanting to know what the city was doing to recruit people like me, in leadership and young professionals.”

Miller focuses on banking law in her professional life. Volunteering with the Chamber allows her to meet people from other walks of life and with other interests. She advises people interested in volunteering with the Chamber to select something in which they already have an interest.

“You can start out small,” she said. “Being someone that can be relied on, a regular attender, that opens doors for you.”

Sioux Falls is a special place, Miller said, a city that offers opportunities to everyone from children and teenagers to seniors. Everyone she meets through the Chamber shares her passion for making life better for other residents, she said. As a member of the Community Appeals Committee, she learns about the proposals that seek Chamber support in raising funds to make dreams a reality.

“We help our nonprofit community by giving them more visibility,” Miller said.

An example is the Veterans Community Project, or the Tiny Houses Village, being built for military veterans. Miller serves as the Chamber liaison for that project. Another is a skate park that will open this summer.

“A lot of people didn’t know about that,” Miller said. “We really were able to give them a platform to talk to the business community, what they were doing, and how that would improve that corner on 10th Street. It’s inspiring to see the things people want to do in Sioux Falls and what can happen and the generosity of this community.”

Andrew Curley YPN, Issues Management Council (IMC)

Andrew Curley’s professional and personal interests blend seamlessly when it comes to volunteering with the Chamber. The director of government relations for Midco, he serves on the YPN steering committee and is active in the Chamber’s public policy work through the Issues Management Council (IMC).

Events he has facilitated for YPN in recent years are aimed at educating and engaging young adults in civic issues. His employer has been a Chamber member for more than 70 years, and its leadership supports Chamber membership among its employees. But that encouragement also meshes with his personal desire for civic involvement.

“It’s really how I’ve gotten started in volunteering throughout the community,” Curley said. “The more you show up, the more you meet people and are presented with other opportunities. The Chamber has been my entry point in getting involved.”

The 40 volunteers on the diplomat committee visit and call members, participate in programs and serve as hosts at networking events. An estimated 5,400 hours of service is given by diplomats in a year.

Left: Crew members Nicole Garber, PREMIER Bankcard, and Sadie Swier, SD CEO Women’s Business Center, welcome guests to the 2022 Mixer & Business Fair. Above: Andrew Curley, Midco, leads a Topics of Tap event for YPN.

Chamber.

Curley took part in Leadership Sioux Falls two years ago and recently joined the EmBe board of directors.

The IMC advises the Chamber on public policy and advocacy issues. Involvement with the IMC also is an asset as the civic engagement chair for YPN. His IMC work is a great way to share Midco’s perspective on issues and a way to bring the Chamber’s thoughts on different matters to Midco, Curley said.

YPN, which is open to young professionals before they reach age 39, is Curley’s particular passion now. At 34, he has five more years of membership and intends to make the most of it.

“YPN is a great way to meet people that you otherwise wouldn’t interact with,” Curley said. “It’s a great way for people starting off in professional life to network, whether it’s a happy hours or coffee or professional development.”

Curley hasn’t decided what role he’d like with the Chamber after YPN. YPN and IMC are good fits for him now both personally and professionally, and when the time comes, he’ll find something else that suits.

“To make Sioux Falls a great place to raise a family, it

takes volunteers like [those with] the Chamber of Commerce,” he said.

James Payer II Diplomat Committee

The Chamber’s Ambassadors and Diplomats may be the most well-known of all its volunteers since they appear at activities such as ribbon cuttings and networking events. Diplomats also have the opportunity for personal contacts as they work to retain current members with personal visits.

For James Payer II, director of marketing and business development for the Empire Mall, it’s a perfect fit.

“It’s a lot of fun, and it makes me happy,” said Payer, who has been active since 2014. “We are boots-on-the-street visiting face to face with Chamber members, asking them to give us feedback and telling the Chamber story.”

Volunteering with the Chamber has widened his network “beyond belief,” Payer said. It allows him to work with community professionals that he otherwise would never have met. “It’s also been a launching pad for me to share my expertise and other assets within and outside the Chamber.”

A fundraiser by profession who has moved into business

A small but mighty group of 12 ambassadors give 450 hours/year to help recruit businesses to join the

Clockwise from top: Volunteers post for a group photo at the kickoff to a Member Drive. Diplomat James Payer II, The Empire Mall, visits Bobbi Thury at the Legacy Law Firm office to deliver a packet during Operation Thank You. Jay Buchholz, Sioux Valley Energy, shares his love of agriculture with guests at National Farmer’s Day at the Barn.

development and marketing, learning how nonprofits work has helped Payer grow professionally, taught him new skills and unlocked keys for future success. He thinks someone interested in becoming a volunteer might be surprised by how many options the Chamber offers.

“There’s a lot of different avenues you can go—military and veteran affairs, Young Professionals, the Ambassador and Diplomat sides,” Payer said.

As chair of the Diplomat committee, he sits on the finance and budget committee and also the policy committee.

“You get a well-rounded experience that without these volunteer connections I wouldn’t have,” Payer said.

April Meyerink Ambassador Committee

A Chamber volunteer for eight years, April Meyerink said the rewards are intangible but fulfilling. “What we do is we actually give back to the community. Each individual membership doesn’t seem like a whole lot but when you add in 2,000 members, we can make some big changes.”

Chamber Volunteer Hours by Activity Type

A senior business development officer with Black Hills Federal Credit Union, Meyerink currently focuses her volunteer efforts as an Ambassador, selling memberships and recruiting businesses.

“I am so passionate about it,” Meyerink said. “I didn’t realize how involved the Chamber was until I became a volunteer. The Chamber has a pulse on other organizations. We want to collaborate, so we have a unified front and show that Sioux Falls is a really great place to work, to live and to grow your business.”

Even as her employer changed over the years, Meyerink continued to volunteer with the Chamber. The reason is simple, she said: Volunteers meet different people and learn from their varying opinions on matters.

The Ambassador committee has its internal goals, Meyerink said. However, as a volunteer, she has her own personal goal: keeping the Chamber top of mind. She schedules coffee dates with current or prospective members but also regularly stops at new businesses to offer congratulations and share the importance of Chamber memberships.

Two unique, single-day Chamber events rely on approximately 200 volunteers – Operation Thank You and Ag Appreciation Day.

Andrea Carstensen, Minnwest Bank, assists a guest at the registration table during a Membership Mixer.

“It can be random acts of conversation or sometimes planned conversations,” Meyerink said.

Last October, Meyerink emceed the Chamber’s annual dinner and found herself standing before 1,600 people. She also recently served on a committee that vetted and hired a new Chamber staff member. That was a personal boost, Meyerink said, knowing Chamber staff and other committee members valued her input.

Meyerink volunteers on boards and advisory committees for various organizations such as the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House, Feeding South Dakota, sales and marketing activities and the Downtown Rotary Club. Like her Chamber work, they give her an intimate connection with the needs and opportunities in Sioux Falls.

Most of her volunteer hours are spent with the Chamber, however. During a week of scheduled events, Meyerink estimates that up to 20 percent is spent on Chamber activities.

“It’s invaluable,” Meyerink said. “I cannot express in words or numerical data the benefits and rewards being a Chamber member and volunteer has brought me. It’s immeasurable. I’ve made lifelong friends and professional relationships. I’ve made really special connections.”

29 volunteers guide the activities of the Young Professionals Network, giving an estimated 900 hours each year to organizing events, arranging hosts and speakers, recruiting members and more.

Upper right: April Meyerink, Black Hills Federal Credit Union, served as emcee of the 2022 Annual Meeting. Lower right: Members of Leadership Sioux Falls sort and package food items at Feeding South Dakota. Below: Jackie Payne, FranklinCovey, teaches networking skills at a Business Sense Workshop.

Mychelle Garrigan The Crew

It’s been less than a year since Mychelle Garrigan began volunteering for the Chamber, but in that time, she has found her niche on The Crew. The Crew is the Chamber’s most casual volunteer opportunity but one that plays an essential role in Chamber events. Crew members are the volunteers who assist with activities such as event registration and helping with logistics such as photography. Volunteering on The Crew is a fun and flexible way to help for short periods of time that can fit into various schedules.

That suits Garrigan, who identifies herself as the “chief digital mage” at Firelink Digital Marketing, just fine.

“I’m relatively new to Sioux Falls—five years in January,” she said. “I wanted to get my business name out there, meet other members and participate more in the Sioux Falls community. So, I joined the Chamber.”

She began meeting other Chamber members at the monthly mixers. Each mixer has given her a chance to meet people she wouldn’t usually see. That has continued with her role on The Crew. As she registers people for events, she learns their names and recognizes faces from other gatherings.

“You’re doing a job, but it’s a fun job to do,” Garrigan said.

With a schedule she describes as “crazy,” helping on The Crew when she has time works out perfectly. It also gives the self-described “super-super-introvert” the perfect opportunity to stretch out of her comfort zone. She can greet people in a more casual setting rather than approaching a group of people at a mixer, Garrigan said.

“You don’t have to feel awkward and weird,” she said, poking fun at herself. “You’re the person at the front desk. In the short time I’ve been doing it people have gotten to know me.”

Garrigan joined the Chamber because she saw that it offered value for her business. Soon, she realized that she also had gifts to offer the Chamber. Now, she’s considering expanding her involvement to being an Ambassador or Diplomat.

“If you’re trying to reach the Sioux Falls business community, the Chamber is the place to be,” Garrigan said. “Large, small, medium, they are members of the Chamber.”

Phil DeGroot Agribusiness Division

For the last dozen years, during the third week in January you’ll find Phil DeGroot out of the office and into a showring at the Sioux Empire Livestock Show.

40 members of the Issues Management Council study issues and recommend business-friendly positions for the Chamber.

Clockwise from left: Mychelle Garrigan, Firelink Digital Marketing LLC, greets guests at a Morning Mingle. YPN Steering Committee members Nichelle Lund, Holiday Inn City Centre, and Anna Jankord, Midco, listen to instructions from Chamber staff while volunteering at the YPN Golf Tournament. Ambassador Jenn Hoesing, DakotAbilities, speaks during a ribbon cutting ceremony.

DeGroot, an ag banker and vice president at The First National Bank in Sioux Falls, spent 10 years as the volunteer superintendent for swine show. Last year, he turned those duties over and stepped in to fill a gap that needed attention. the Mayor’s Round-Up and Sale of Champions, which is the culmination of the Livestock Show.

“We made sure we got that all set up, helped make phone calls for the auction, the premium auction we have Friday night, and also our scholarship auction,” DeGroot said. “We were making sure we had a plan. It was a lot of fun.”

DeGroot grew up on a farm in northwest Iowa. That’s why he gravitated toward ag banking and why he chose to help at the livestock show.

“Part of it is to get to know other people in the ag community in Sioux Falls, especially the ag businesses,” DeGroot said. “It’s also showing off to people around Sioux Falls what ag is about. It’s part of what I want to do to make sure people understand it’s an important part of Sioux Falls.”

DeGroot looks forward to the Livestock Show each year. He knows it will be a good chance to catch up with members of the ag community and find out how their lives are going. Over

the past dozen years, he also has seen how the scholarships awarded during the event have impacted the youngest participants’ futures.

It’s also an opportunity to work with other members of The First National Bank in Sioux Falls in a different setting. He joined that team seven years ago.

“Our whole ag team, from ag bankers to assistants to credit analysts, help and go out there,” DeGroot said. “One of our credit analysts, he couldn’t do it this year, but we clerk the Angus sale. Everybody in our ag department at First National are able to be there.”

That week builds a sense of teamwork and camaraderie that lasts for the other 51 weeks of the year, he said. Those other 51 weeks, while DeGroot and others are busy planning the next Livestock Show, he will continue to enjoy the benefits of being a Chamber volunteer.

“You get to meet a lot of new people, you make new connections,” he said. “Just the giving back to the ag community is very important, but you meet a lot of fun people, interesting people. You build relationships that probably last the rest of your life.”

Volunteers within the Agribusiness Division log more than 1,300 hours in a typical year, serving at events and creating programs that promote and celebrate agriculture in our economy.

Right: Phil DeGroot, The First National Bank in Sioux Falls, assists with the live auction at the annual Sale of Champions during the Sioux Empire Livestock Show. Below: Members of the Business Leadership Council visit Marmen Energy.

Community Appeals Campaign for Active Generations

April 1-July 31, 2023

Goal: $1.45 million

Active Generations plans to expand

“All Access” Community Appeals Campaign launches

By Mike Lynch

Since 1968, Active Generations has been serving the needs of the maturing population. As Sioux Falls continues to grow and more people are retiring within our community, programs such as adult nutrition, social engagement, Day Break services and caregiver services will be in even greater demand. Minnehaha County projections show the active aging population will double by 2035.

A 2018 feasibility study revealed the current Active Generations’ location on the west side of the city is not large enough for this anticipated influx of aging clients. Therefore, a new facility will be constructed to accommodate expansion of programs and services. Active Generations East, to be located near Arrowhead Parkway and Veteran’s Parkway, will provide a greater reach to Sioux Falls residents and surrounding communities and ease the challenges for the many volunteers, especially those who assist with Meals on Wheels delivery.

On April 1, 2023, Active Generations launched their Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Community Appeals campaign with a goal to raise $1.45 million. The Community Appeals Committee has vetted and endorsed this campaign and the Chamber encourages its members to give strong consideration to support it.

Campaign chairs include Miles Beacom, President/CEO of PREMIER Bankcard, Inc.; Bill Gassen, President/CEO of Sanford Health; and Bob Sutton, CEO of Avera.

Beacom said this campaign is a celebration of the people who have built the Sioux Falls we know today. “Although it is impossible to properly thank them, the expansion of Active Generations is one way we can collectively honor them for their contribution.”

Active Generations has a direct and positive quality of life and economic impact in our area. Available programs and services heighten social engagement for overall mental health while fitness classes/clubs and nutritional health enhance physical health. More than 750 volunteers help support Active Generations and its nearly 2,700 members.

Teaming up with Beacom and unified in their desire to assist Active Generations as leaders of their respective healthcare organizations, Gassen and Sutton affirm there is solid justification for a second facility.

“Demand for Active Generations’ programs and services has increased alongside our community’s growth and the existing facility is at capacity. This campaign is not to replace the current Active Generations facility, it is to add a second location because the need requires it today and for future generations,” Gassen said.

“It’s an honor to support Active Generations in fulfilling their essential mission to improve the quality of life for Sioux Falls-area aging population,” Sutton said.

Top: A rendering of the planned second facility for Active Generations, to be located on the east side of Sioux Falls. Lower: An Active Generations team member and guest pose for a photo.

As aging brings on more risk for disease, the need for proper nutrition is paramount and directly related to risk reduction for hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity and falls. Twenty-seven percent of Sioux Falls seniors who receive senior nutrition, including both in-house diners as well as home-delivered participants, have four or more medical conditions. Eight percent of these participants have had a fall and injury at home that has given them a hospital stay and out of those having a hospital stay, 3% had a reoccurring hospital stay within 30 days.

Human contact is an integral part of congregate and home-delivered meal programs. It is also an invaluable tool to combat loneliness and depression. Presently, 49% of Meals on Wheels clients live alone, so in addition to a hot and nutritious meal, deliveries also can serve as a wellness check. Thirty-five delivery routes throughout six counties provide 24,000 meals per month, serving clients Monday through Friday.

Active Generations adult care programs such as Day Break, Arise and Ceili Cottage provide caregivers relief from stress, anxiety and burnout, decrease employee absenteeism and increase workforce engagement. Day Break families average $13,000 in annual cost savings by their ability to participate more fully within the workforce.

Additionally, Active Generations offers guided care for those with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other diagnoses that don’t allow individuals to be at home while their caregivers are at work or

receiving respite care. The average cost per day for the 149 people currently being served is $65, compared to long-term care alternatives averaging $318 per day.

Active Generations President & CEO Gerald Beninga said the organization is a vital component to the Sioux Falls area and offers unduplicated services. “We allow loved ones to age in place, saving them thousands of dollars financially, and for their caregivers to remain in the workplace, which contributes to our vibrant economic development and workforce needs.”

Free cybersecurity services available for South Dakota small businesses

Businesses across South Dakota have the opportunity to access free professional support to keep their business secure from cyber attack. Cyber Safe SD, a program administered by Dakota State University (DSU), is helping businesses understand their cyber risk and increase protection.

Small businesses, which are defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration as having under 500 employees, are attractive targets for cybercriminals because they typically lack the security infrastructure of larger businesses. Many small businesses can’t afford professional IT solutions, have limited time to devote to cybersecurity, or don’t know where to begin.

Through Cyber Safe SD, a team of cybersecurity professionals that specialize in offensive security assessments, defensive security practices, digital forensics, and cybercrime investigations is providing support at no cost to small businesses. The program is a partnership between Dakota State University, the Governor’s Office of Economic

Development, the Bureau of Information and Telecommunications, the South Dakota Fusion Center, the Consumer Protection in the South Dakota Attorney General’s office and the Small Business Administration.

Any small business in South Dakota can apply for free services provided through Cyber Safe SD. The application is located at dsu.edu/sbacyber. Once the form is completed, a team member will contact the business to develop a complete scope of services and project timeline.

Services offered include:

• Security Assessments - Pen tests, vulnerability assessments, and wireless assessments to understand the cyber threats that could impact your business.

• Cyber Intelligence - scouring the dark web to monitor your business domain and train key personnel to help protect your business from bad actors.

• Security Awareness Training and Phishing Assessments - security awareness training and phishing assessments for your business

and employees, including training your employees to recognize phishing attempts and mitigate their impact.

• Remediation - work with trusted IT and cybersecurity partners to help mitigate the cyber threats impacting your business.

Last fall, DSU received a grant of almost $1 million from the U.S. Small Business Administration to create the Cyber Safe SD program. DSU was one of just three institutions in the country selected for the pilot grant. The other institutions are located in Arkansas and Maryland.

Expanded parking coming to Sioux Falls airport

Air travelers will see the early signs of construction this month at the Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD). Crews are scheduled to begin work on a new four-level parking structure, which will expand parking capacity at South Dakota’s largest airport.

The new structure, with approximately 975 spaces, will stand where the current short-term and north long-term parking lots exist and include a skyway from the second level to the main terminal. The $63-million project is planned to be completed in October 2024.

“Our new parking structure will provide much-needed parking capacity for our passengers,” said Dan Letellier, executive director of Sioux Falls Regional Airport. “We recognize the inconvenience this may cause during the construction phase, and are committed to keeping our passengers informed and making the process as smooth as possible.”

Due to the construction, parking will be limited with only 67% of the current long-term spaces and no short-term parking available. During the project, most travelers will need to use the Economy Lot. That lot will have an additional 500 spaces added this summer

to ensure more parking is available for next winter. To minimize the inconvenience, the airport intends increasing the frequency of its shuttle service during construction to assist travelers in getting to and from the terminal and the lot.

An artist’s rendering depicts the new four-story parking ramp under construction at the Sioux Falls Regional Airport.

Spring Drive invites new members to join the Chamber

The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce is nearly 2,000 members strong. The businesses range from one employee in a homebased business, to large companies that employ thousands of workers. Each member has something to offer and something to gain from their membership. And there is always room for more businesses to participate in the Chamber!

Over the course of three weeks this spring, volunteers will engage in a concerted push to recruit businesses to join the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce. The annual spring Member Drive runs April 13 through May 5.

The Member Drive is led by the Ambassador Committee. Each ambassador recruits additional volunteers, called Chamber Builders, to join their Drive team. The teams engage in a friendly competition to recruit the most businesses to invest in membership. This year’s Drive has a baseball theme, encouraging everyone to “Step up to the Plate.” The top selling volunteer will win tickets to a Minnesota Twins game courtesy of Results Townsquare Media.

“The drive really encourages everyone to get in the game,” said Member Drive Chair Jennifer Hoesing, DakotAbilities. “Volunteers get engaged to share the value of Chamber membership, and businesses join as members to support the Chamber’s work and role in our thriving community.”

The benefits of Chamber membership include educational opportunities, networking, advocacy, and the ability to promote your business to other members. As an added incentive to join, local media outlets provide advertising opportunities to new Chamber members at little to no cost.

In addition to the tangible benefits, members can count on the Chamber to help grow our community in a progressive and responsible manner, while fostering the outstanding quality of life that we all enjoy.

More than 90 volunteers will identify and make contact with potential members to encourage them to join.

Ambassador Committee chair Lucas Fiegen, Fiegen Construction, said, “As ambassadors, we work year-round to recruit new members. But during the Member Drive, our efforts really ramp up. It is energizing to have so many people participate and want to share the value of Chamber membership with others.”

Referrals are welcome! If you know of a business that is not a Chamber member, please share with them why you find value in membership. Perhaps it will be with your auto mechanic, your investment advisor, or the manager of your favorite restaurant. The Chamber welcomes the opportunity to compliment your referral by having a volunteer reach out to them during the Spring Member Drive.

Volunteer ambassadors and chamber builders pose for a group photo at the kick off to a Member Drive last year.

Using

Booth space available Annual Business Fair returns

The Chamber’s annual Business Fair and Mixer will be held at the Sioux Falls Convention Center on Tuesday, June 20, 4:30-7 p.m.

The Business Fair and Mixer combines the traditional monthly Membership Mixer with the opportunity for attendees to visit booths and learn about the products and services of Chamber member businesses.

A limited number of booth spaces are available to reserve on a firstcome, first-served basis. Only businesses with a Chamber membership in good standing may reserve a booth. The cost is $100.

In addition, booth exhibitors are asked to supply a door prize to be given away at the end of the evening. Event attendees will be encouraged to bring business cards to register for prizes and to visit all of the booths at the Business Fair.

Booth reservations are now being accepted and are expected to sell out. For more information on registering as an exhibitor, contact Teresa Schreier at (605) 373-2050 or tschreier@siouxfalls.com

Stu Webber visits with Chamber members at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center booth during the 2022 Business Fair and Mixer.

Ribbon Cuttings

Ribbon Cuttings

The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce offers a ribbon cutting ceremony or member spotlight video for members to celebrate joining the Chamber, milestone anniversaries, expansions or remodels. The public and all Chamber members are invited to share in the celebration. Call (605) 336-1620 for more information or to schedule your event.

Groundbreaking ceremonies are coordinated by the Sioux Falls Development Foundation. Call (605) 339-0103 for more information or to schedule your event.

Dynamic Martial Arts of Sioux Falls

1516 S. Sycamore Ave.

dmaofsiouxfalls.org

Dynamic Martial Arts of Sioux Falls teaches traditional Japanese martial arts and bladed weapons, as well as self-defense, tai chi, and fitness classes for anyone ages 5 and above.

L to R: Lee Brown, James Payer II, Sheila Hoff, Joe Herreman (head instructor), Ann Herreman, Julio “Mutch” Usera, Kristin Hoefert-Redlinger, Vicki Stewart and Cory Price.

ETS Performance Sioux Falls

3505 S. Minnesota Ave.

etsperformance.com

ETS Performance’s programs are designed for all athletes, at any ability level, from every sport and customized to fit their needs. L to R: Max Redlinger, Cole Robbins, Anna Jankord, CJ Ham (partner), Gabriel Boyce (director/ partner), Kristin Hoefert-Redlinger and Mason Redlinger.

SD CEO East Women’s Business Center

196 E. 6th St., #200 bhsu.edu/sdceo/east

SD CEO East Women’s Business Center celebrates their next chapter with a new office space and team member. L to R: April Meyerink, Nichelle Lund, Angie Iverson, Sadie Swier (director), Andrea Carstensen, Jennifer Hoesing, Kayla Eitreim and Rana DeBoer.

NEW LOCATION

NEW MEMBER

NEW MEMBER

Your Nurtured Baby

2309 W. Trevi Place

yournurturedbaby.com

Your Nurtured Baby is Sioux Falls’ premier baby spa and boutique. They offer services and education to parents of newborns up to 18 months old. L to R: Eli Smith, Tony Hanson, Mara Hanson, Liz Aragon, Laura Hanson, Jennifer Hoesing, Carol Woltjer, Megan Jansick and Kadence Smith.

NEW MEMBER

Membership

New Members

Access Elevator and Lifts

Associate Member

Ryan Anglim, (605) 681-4033

27142 470th Ave., Tea, SD 57064 accesselevatorinc.com

Berry Events

Event Venues

Amy Boes, (605) 269-4828

201 W. 37th St., 57105 theconvolo.com

Fisher & Co. Real Estate

Real Estate–Residential

Dana Fisher, (605) 799-3700 6140 S. Lyncrest Ave., 57108 fisherand.co

House 2 Home LLC

Real Estate–Residential

Amy Evans, (605) 400-3784 27297 Wetland Road, Harrisburg 57032 house2homesd.com

New members are printed in each issue of Chamber News. Following is a list of businesses or individuals who have invested in the greater community by joining the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce. An online Membership Directory can be found at siouxfallschamber.com. Want to become a member? Call (605) 336-1620.

Lincoln County Republicans

Associate Member

Betty Otten, (605) 838-6469 facebook.com/lincolncountyrepublicans

Lynn Gillette Life Coaching

Professional Development & Training Lynn Gillette, (605) 360-6724

Nelson Memorials

Funeral & Cremation Services

Scott Nelson, (605) 271-0334 3213 S. Norton Ave., 57105 nelsonmemorials.com

Presidio Components

Manufacturing & Production

Alan Devoe, (858) 578-9390 500 E. 60th St. N, 57104 presidiocomponents.com

SD Alternative Services CORP

Landscape & Garden

Chris Aponte, (605) 305-0783 sdaservicescorp.biz

Your Nurtured Baby

Salons & Spas

Laura Hanson, (605) 929-3688 2309 W. Trevi Place, 57108 yournurturedbaby.com

Member Anniversaries

Congratulations to the following members who are celebrating their milestone membership anniversaries this month. They are part of a continued commitment to our community through their investment in the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce. To learn more about Chamber membership, contact (605) 336-1620 or gsfcc@siouxfalls.com. Find a complete Membership Directory online at siouxfallschamber.com.

Founding members

L.G. Everist, Inc. Concrete lgeverist.com

Member since 1920

Wells Fargo Bank Banks wellsfargo.com

Member since 1907

60 Years

Gourley Properties Real Estate-Developer gourleyproperties.com

40 Years

Community Blood Bank Laboratories & Imaging cbblifeblood.org

Kouri Insurance Agency Insurance & Benefits kouriinsurance.com

PAULSEN

Marketing/Advertising Agencies paulsen.ag

Vern Eide Motorcars, Inc. Auto Sales verneide.com

35 Years

Musivend, Inc. Gaming musivend.com

Novak Sanitary Service Garbage & Recycling novaksanitary.com

West Plains Engineering, Inc. Engineering westplainsengineering.com

30 Years

Cardinal Canvas Products, Inc. Specialty Retail cardinalcanvas.com

Fair Tax, Inc. Tax Services fairtaxinc.com

25 Years

Battleship South Dakota Memorial Foundation Associate Member battleshipsouthdakotamemorial.org

Independent Healthcare Associates Associations independentcare.org

KNWC AM & FM Associate Member knwc.org

20 Years

Dakotaland Autoglass, Inc. Auto Glass dakotalandautoglass.com

Furniture Mission of South Dakota Associate Member furnituremission.org

Insight Marketing Design, Inc. Marketing/Advertising Agencies insightmarketingdesign.com

JTI Electric, Inc. Electricians & Electrical Contractors jtielectricsf.com

Ortman Chiropractic Clinic

Associate Member ortmanclinic.com

Salon Montage Salons & Spas salonmontagesf.com

Startup Sioux Falls Technology Services startupsiouxfalls.com

15 Years

Baumann Lumber, Inc.

Associate Member baumann-lumber.com

bookyourbillboard.com Radio, Television & Outdoor bookyourbillboard.com

Courtyard by Marriott Hotels & Motels marriott.com/fsdcy

Hegg Realtors - Nancy Hopp Affiliate-Real Estate nancyhopp.hegg.com

HoodMagazine & MED Magazine Publications midwestmedicaledition.com thehoodmagazine.com

Howard Wood Dakota Relays Associate Member dakotarelays.com

Jimmy John’s Restaurants jimmyjohns.com

Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum & East Sioux Falls Historic Site Associate Member maryjowegnerarboretum.com

Pizza Ranch on East 10th Street Restaurants pizzaranch.com

Sioux Falls Sports Authority Associate Member sfsportsauthority.org

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Hotels & Motels marriott.com/fsdsh

Wileys Bars & Breweries wileystavern.com

10 Years Epic Insurance Insurance & Benefits epic-ins.com

Falls Overlook Cafe by Stensland Restaurants fallsoverlook.com

Glanbia Nutritionals Food Production/Distribution glanbianutritionals.com

Keller Williams Realty Sioux FallsSheila Hoff Affiliate-Real Estate siouxfallsrealestatemarket.com

Northwestern Mutual - Lindsey Swenson Affiliate-Insurance lindseyswenson.nm.com

Robert O’Connell

Associate Member

RAKA Rental Equipment RAKAGRP.com

South Dakota Department of Revenue Associate Member dor.sd.gov

The DISTRICT Event Venues thedistrictsf.com

5 Years Autoland Auto Sales autolandsf.com

Houston Engineering, Inc. Engineering houstoneng.com

Movin’ On Out Moving & Storage Services movinonout.com

Sanford International Professional Sports sanfordinternational.com

First Year Reinvestors Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Insurance & Benefits ajg.com

Chick-fil-A Empire Place Restaurants cfaempireplace.com

Mark Lee Associate Member

NAI Commercial - Stacey Sieverding Affiliate-Real Estate

Sioux Falls Dental Implant Center Dental Care & Orthodontics siouxfallsdentalimplantcenter.com

Sioux Falls Hypnosis Personal Services siouxfallshypnosis.com

Wegner Roofing and Solar Contractors wegnerroofing.com

Wild Bird Connection Specialty Retail wildbirdconnectionsf.com

Five questions is a monthly feature on a Chamber volunteer, Chamber member or staff member. Want to be featured here? Call (605) 336-1620.

Five questions with Bernie DeWald

Though there isn’t an official record, Bernie DeWald is likely the longest-serving volunteer for the Chamber of Commerce. He held many volunteer positions for the Chamber, most notably he was an Ambassador for 55 years and served as Chair of the Board of Directors. Other community groups that benefited from Bernie’s time and talents included Downtown Rotary, Junior Achievement and St. Michael’s Cemetery. One of the things Bernie is most proud of is the work he did with a small group of other community leaders to create and launch the Festival of Bands in Sioux Falls. Bernie retired from McKinneyOlson Insurance after nearly six decades in the insurance industry. He and his wife Rose have two children, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Why do you choose to volunteer your time for the Chamber?

When I started my job in 1960, my employer encouraged me to get involved in the community. Service was kind of in my DNA. My motor runs about 24 hours a day, and I like being involved in a lot of things. So, volunteering was a way to meet people and learn about businesses that I wouldn’t have otherwise.

What do you think is the most valuable aspect of membership in the Chamber?

The Chamber provides a lot of information that you might not be aware of otherwise. Speaking as a former business owner, we relied on the Chamber to hear and speak for us on things that might impact the business when it came to legislative affairs or local government. The Chamber is a collective voice for the members, and that is so valuable.

Also, the best way to meet people is through the Chamber. For many years, I never missed a Mixer!

In your opinion, what is one of the most significant changes in our community in the last 10 years?

I think we are seeing people from outside the region beginning to realize that Sioux Falls is an all-around good place to be. We have a great police force, we have the best school systems, our workforce is strong. The new people and new businesses moving here have changed us – and the growth is good!

Name a tool you could not live without. Why?

It is not exactly a tool, but I’d have to say the gym. I’ve been a regular at the gym for decades. First it was the downtown YMCA…I went there for 52 years until they closed! Now, I go to the Avera Fitness Center on Southeastern. I’m there a minimum of five times a week. It’s a healthy habit and a positive way to start my day.

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

Early on, when I was just starting out, the three owners of the company told me, “If you work hard and do a good job, we’ll make you a partner.” So, I did…and they did. This was both advice and opportunity. And following it set the course for my professional life.

Bernie DeWald