Issuu

Chamber News

Sioux

How private-public partnerships turned the impossible to reality

Conference scheduled for April 29

Chamber News

Publisher

Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce

Chamber News Ad Sales For advertising information, call (605) 336-1620 or email chambernews@siouxfalls.com

Chamber News Layout/Design Kira Spaans

Chamber News Editor Jill Blom 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 Read online or find archived issues: issuu.com/siouxfallschamber chambernews.com

Theater, a historic theater in Downtown Sioux Falls, underwent extensive restoration before reopening to the public in 2020. Photo courtesy of State Theater. Photo by Wes Eisenhauer

2024-25 Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce leadership

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Chair Miles Beacom

PREMIER Bankcard

Chair-Elect

Tamien Dysart

Think 3D Solutions

Vice Chair

Dr. José-Marie Griffiths

Dakota State University

Treasurer Jason Herrboldt

First Bank & Trust

Immediate Past Chair

Scott Lawrence Lawrence & Schiller, Inc.

Chamber President & CEO

Jeff Griffin

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Catherine Dekkenga

JLG Architects

Bill Gassen

Sanford Health

Mindy Kroll

Time Management Systems

Reggie Kuipers

Bender Commercial Real Estate

Derrick Larson

Eide Bailly LLP

Jeff Lautt POET

Tim Meagher

Vanguard Hospitality

Matt Paulson

MarketBeat

Dr. Ronald Place

Avera McKennan Hospital

& University Health Center

Ryan Punt

SDN Communications

Jacob Quasney

Lloyd Companies

Vicki Stewart

Employment Disability Resources

Amy Stockberger

Amy Stockberger Real Estate

Candace VanLiere

George Boom Funeral Home &

On- Site Crematory

Selene Zamorano

SD Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

EX-OFFICIO

Kyle Groos

Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools

Dean Karsky

Minnehaha County Commission

Tiffani Landeen

Lincoln County Commission

Dr. Jane Stavem

Sioux Falls Public School System

Mayor Paul TenHaken

City of Sioux Falls

CHAMBER STAFF

Jeff Griffin

President & CEO

Jill Blom

Director of Marketing & Communications

Cory Buck

Chief Financial Officer

Brittany Hanson

Program Director, Forward Sioux Falls

Brooke Hendrickx

Agribusiness Manager

Pat Lund

Director of Member Relations

Jaci Pieters

YPN Manager

Holly Rader

Vice President of Member Relations

Mitch Rave

Vice President of Public Policy

Carly Reinders

Director of Member Experience

Teresa Schreier

Events Manager

Susan Seachris

Accounting Manager

Eric Siemers

Sales Manager

Kira Spaans

Graphics & Communications

Specialist

Ellen Swanson

Administrative Assistant

Aaron Vlasman

Public Policy Manager

Message from the Chair

The Power of Partnerships

We are always better together. Whether walking through life or in the business world, we can do incredible things when we work together. This is especially true when public and private entities come together to invest in projects that ultimately improve our community and quality of life. In this issue, we dive deeper into the power of partnerships in our community and the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce's crucial role in advocating for them.

I have been fortunate to be a part of some of these projects and others across our state. I have seen firsthand how we can have a significant impact on our communities joining together. Take for example, our longtime workforce shortage. Over a decade ago, private citizens, industry partners and others joined our state government and technical colleges to create the Build Dakota Scholarship as a solution to our skilled workforce needs. A few years back, we joined together again to create the Freedom Scholarship—a needs-based scholarship to help young people with their education in exchange for a three-year commitment to work in our great state. We’ve made steady progress on our workforce challenges thanks to these public-private partnerships.

It seems like when someone has a great idea, there are always people who tell us it can’t be done. However, Sioux Falls is very special, we have a community that comes together to prove the doubters wrong. We have some great examples such as the Levitt at the Falls, Washington Pavilion, Denny Sanford PREMIER Center and the State Theatre.

I hope stories like this and those in this issue inspire you to think about how you could get involved in future public-private partnership opportunities in Sioux Falls. Being an active Chamber member is a great starting point! Stay involved and let's keep pushin' on – together – to make our community even greater.

Membership

Member Anniversaries

Congratulations to these businesses that have achieved milestone anniversaries of their Chamber membership. These milestones represent a continued commitment to building our community through their investment in the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce.

Founding Member

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

Member Since 1920

60 years

Best Western Plus Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center Hotels & Motels siouxfalls.ramkota.com

50 years

Ramada Hotel & Suites Hotels & Motels siouxfallsramada.com

40 years

Baete-Forseth HVAC Heating & Cooling baeteforseth.com

Boy Scouts of America-Sioux Council Nonprofit - Children & Family siouxbsa.org

Hauge Associates, Inc. Collections haugeassociates.com

Nelson & Nelson, CPAs LLP Certified Public Accountants nelsoncpas.com

Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Dakota, Inc. Associate Member rmhcsouthdakota.org

Van Buskirk Companies Contractors vbclink.com

30 years

The Outdoor Campus-Game, Fish & Parks Department Associate Member outdoorcampus.org

25 years

Bargain Barn Tire Center Tires bargainbarntirecenter.com

Family Memorials by Gibson Retail - Specialty gibsonmonuments.com

Minnwest Bank Banks minnwestbank.com

20 years

Certified Auto Glass Auto Glass choosecertifiedautoglass.com

Cimarron Label Printing cimarronlabel.com

Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Tom Loofe Financial Services edwardjones.com

First Congregational Church Associate Member firstcongucc.com

Staybridge Suites Hotels & Motels staybridge.com/siouxfallssd

10 years

AeroStay Hotel Hotels & Motels aerostay.com

Bank Midwest Banks bankmidwest.com

Herman Otten Construction Associate Member ottenconstruction.com

Levitt at the Falls Associate Member levittsiouxfalls.org

Midwest Railcar Repair, Inc. Industrial Equipment & Supply mwrail.com

Paulson Monuments Retail - Specialty paulsonmonuments.com

Sioux Empire Kennel Club Associate Member siouxempirekennelclub.org

South Dakota Cattlemen's Foundation Associate Member sdprimetimegala.com

5 years

Dave's Flooring America

Commercial & Home Finishing/Design flooringamericaofsiouxfalls.com

Keith Severson Associate Member

Staybridge Suites Sioux Falls Southwest Hotels & Motels

First year reinvestors

Acton Academy Sioux Falls Education - Specialized Learning actonacademysiouxfalls.org

Agtegra Cooperative Agriculture agtegra.com

Dvorak Law Group Attorneys dvoraklawgroup.com

The Good Earth Farm Animal Sanctuary Associate Member happyfarmanimals.org

Hausmann Construction Construction Management hausmannconstruction.com

Jaunt Micro Mobility LLC Entertainment electricjaunt.com

Mapleton Golf Club Sporting Clubs & Associations mapletongolfclub.com

Northwestern Mutual - Nate Algood Affiliate - Insurance natealgood.nm.com

Precision Garage Door Service of Sioux Falls Garage Doors precisiondoorsiouxland.com

Raymond James & Associates, Inc Financial Services raymondjames.com/siouxfalls-branch

New Members

These businesses and individuals have recently joined the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce. We welcome them to Chamber membership and encourage you to do the same.

Aflac - Jade Nelson

Insurance & Benefits

Jade Nelson, (605) 691-3470 1919 W. 57th St., Suite 101, 57108 aflac.com

Bride to Bride Wedding Co.

Retail - Specialty

Courtney Thorpe, (605) 271-2905

4301 S. Racket Dr., 57106 bridetobridewedding.com

Caminando Juntos

Nonprofit - Community

Matthew Tschetter, (605) 274-3735

311 E. 14th St., 57104 presentationsisters.org/ministries/caminandojuntos

Catalyst Construction Construction Management

Michael Klatt, (605) 443-1232

2500 5th St. SE, Watertown, 57201 catalystbuilds.com

CE Construction Sioux Falls

Roofing Services

Adam Tesch, (605) 990-2710

4100 W. Tickman St., #163, 57107 roofce.com

Central Insure

Insurance & Benefits

Mataya Naber, (605) 607-6152

4900 S. Western Ave., 57108 centralinsure.com

CEO Marketing

Marketing/Advertising Agencies

Sara Beach, (605) 941-2895

5031 E. Rosa Parks Pl., Suite 101, 57110 captureeveryopportunity.com

Dakota Seal

Contractors

Ryan Folsom, (605) 728-1707 1205 W. Russell St., 57104 dakotaseal.com

Emily’s Hope

Nonprofit - Community

Angela Kennecke, (605) 496-9876

221 S. Phillips Ave., Suite 203, 57104 emilyshope.charity

Heyn Brothers Roofing

Roofing Services

Chuck Swanson, (605) 331-4396

3301 E. 26th St., Suite 105, 57103 heynbrothers.com

HK Solutions Group

Public Utilities & Environment

Courtney Downing, (515) 283-0500

1809 N. Terin Cl., 57107 hksolutionsgroup.com

James River Public Affairs

Government Relations/Public Affairs

Michael Linngren, (218) 556-7704

Maria Hopkins Real Estate

Real Estate - Residential

Maria Hopkins, (605) 370-1555

6225 S. Minnesota Ave., 57108 mariahopkinsrealtor.com

Okapi Strategy

Business Consulting

Linda Mathiasen, (320) 444-1523

300 N. Phillips Ave., 57104 okapistrategy.com

If you are interested in joining the Chamber, call us at (605) 336-1620. We’d love to add you to our list of members!

PAX Institute

Mental Health & Counseling

Travis Behrens, (605) 496-9770

6709 S. Minnesota Ave., Suite 101, 57108 pax-institute.com

Press Screen Printing & Embroidery

Promotional Products

Amber Blom, (605) 770-9759

2922 E. Jackson St., 57108 printwithpress.com

Seppanen Contracting Inc

Contractors

Seth Fryer, (605) 881-7773

18699 442nd Ave., Bryant, SD 57221 seppanencontractinginc.com

Sioux Falls Simplified

Publications

Megan Raposa, (605) 545-4565 sfsimplified.com

Swing 365 Golf

Golf Courses

Patrick Sabers, (605) 360-9880

3014 W. 57th St., 57108 swing365golf.com/sioux-falls-sd

Thompson Place Twin Homes at Nine Mile Lake

Real Estate - Residential

Amy Stockberger, (605) 731-9597 amystockberger.com

Vision Roofing Inc

Roofing Services

Troy Bosma, (712) 722-2724

47397 272nd St., Unit G, Harrisburg, SD 57032 visionbuildersroofing.com

Chamber Event Calendar

For a current listing of all Chamber and YPN events, visit our website or read the weekly Quickly email from the Chamber. To register and pay for events, visit siouxfallschamber.com or siouxfallsypn.com.

FEATURED EVENT

Membership Mixer

4:30–6:30 p.m.

Canopy by Hilton Downtown Sioux Falls 210 E. 4th Place

$5 OR USE YOUR MIXER PASS

Expand your professional network at the April Membership mixer! Whether you're a long-time member or new to the community, this event is a fantastic opportunity to engage with other people in the Sioux Falls business community. Complimentary appetizers and cash bar.

Sioux Falls Cybersecurity Conference

7:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

Sioux Falls Convention Center, 1201 N. West Ave.

Businesses of every size need a cybersecurity plan. Learn from experts in the industry how you can protect your business at the 2025 Cybersecurity Conference. See more information on page 40.

Membership Mixer

4:30–6:30 p.m.

Avera Prairie Center, 1000 E. 23rd St.

Expand your professional network at the May Membership Mixer. Complimentary appetizers and cash bar.

Morning Mingle

7:30–9 a.m.

Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium, 805 S. Kiwanis Ave.

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

April

KICKOFF EVENT AT STARTUP SIOUX FALLS

Kick off YP Week at Startup Sioux Falls by adding your memories to our Memory Wall and sharing your YPN experience for our Time Capsule. Plus, hear from inspiring speakers to start the week off right!

Join us for an exciting week of events to celebrate and connect with fellow young professionals!

Mark your calendars and don’t miss out on an unforgettable YP Week!

April 22

BAGS & BBQ

Bring your competitive spirit and appetite to Reliabank for some delicious BBQ and a lively bags tournament. Enjoy great food, fun and friendly competition!

SWEET 16 BIRTHDAY BASH

Wrap up YP Week with a celebration to remember! Join us for our Sweet 16 Birthday Bash and celebrate 16 years of YPN with fun, friends and festivities.

Community Calendar

Visit siouxfallsevents .com and experiencesiouxfalls .com/ events for details on the events listed here and more happening in the area

Planning an event? Let us help you promote it! Submit your event to siouxfallsevents com All events welcome – business workshops, retail events,

Economic Indicators

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 2025 - cumulative year to date

Regional Unemployment Rates

January 2025

City of Sioux Falls Total Construction Value

February 2025 - cumulative year to date

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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

Sioux

Faces & Places

Recognition of Chamber Volunteers

This month’s featured volunteers are April Meyerink, American Bank & Trust, nine years as an Ambassador and Deb Peterson, community volunteer, 26 years as a Diplomat.

The ACE Award is presented monthly to one Ambassador in recognition of their efforts to recruit and support new Chamber members. February honors went to Kayla Jarchow, Book Your Billboard. Additionally, there is a correction to the December ACE Award previously reported in the March issue of Chamber News Jennifer Hoesing, Girl Scouts-Dakota Horizons, was the recipient.

The diplomat of the month for January was Brad Jans, Jans Corporation Ryan Donovan, Avera Health, was named Event Champion for January. The diplomat team of the month was Team Carstensen: Captain Andrea Carstensen, Minnwest Bank; Sandy Case, community volunteer; David Johnson, Avera Health Plans; Parker Hanson, Merrill Lynch First Financial Center; and Angie Wahl, community volunteer.

The YPN Committee Champion Award for January was awarded to Antonio Casiello, Interstate Office Products, and James Gaspar, Interstate Office Products was named Committee Champion for February.

Our volunteers are a key part of how we carry out our mission. Visit siouxfallschamber.com to find opportunities and ways to get involved in bettering our community.

Chamber Mission

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 .

Kayla Jarchow Book Your Billboard

Jennifer Hoesing Girl Scouts-Dakota Horizons

Antonio Casiello Interstate Office Products

Deb Peterson Community Volunteer

Brad Jans Jans Corporation American Bank & Trust

Ryan Donovan Avera Health

James Gaspar Interstate Office Products

New Faces & Promotions

The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce has promoted Teresa Schreier to Events Manager. Schreier has been at the Chamber for 10 years, working specifically with events for the past four years. In her role, she is involved in organizing and managing the majority of the events hosted by the Chamber.

The First Bank & Trust Board of Directors recently approved the corporate promotion of several employees. Chris Knight, Chief Mortgage Officer, was elected Senior Vice President. With more than 16 years of banking experience and an extensive background in mortgage and personal

financing, Knight plays the pivotal role of leading and overseeing the mortgage teams. Jason Long, Director of AgriBusiness Banking, was elected Senior Vice President. Long has more than 11 years of industry experience, spending most of his career in agricultural banking and lending.

Keith Portner joined CorTrust Bank as a Senior Vice President/Business Development & Business Banking at the Cherapa Place location. Portner brings more than 30 years of banking experience to the position.

Teresa Schreier

Jason Long

Chris Knight

Keith Portner

Leadership

On February 25, Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Jeff Griffin joined a select group of chamber executives from across the country for the U.S. Chamber’s inaugural Child Care Fly-In. During the event, Griffin and U.S. Chamber of Commerce representatives met with members of the U.S. Congressional Delegation to advocate for tax policies designed to boost workforce participation nationwide. This initiative marks the beginning of an ongoing collaboration with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Jack Hopkins, President and CEO of CorTrust Bank in Sioux Falls, has been elected chairman of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) for 2025-26. His term began March 14, following ICBA LIVE 2025. A thirdgeneration community banker, Hopkins has spent 40 years advocating for the

Honors & Awards

Teisha Upward, Production Director at JD’s House of Trophies, recently earned her Certified Recognition Specialist (CRS) designation at the 2025 International Personalization Expo in Las Vegas. Upward, who has been with JD’s House of Trophies for 23 years, is now the only CRS-certified professional in South Dakota, a distinction that required completing 70 hours of continuing education across marketing, business and technical disciplines.

industry and will continue championing community banking to Congress and the public.

Great Bear Recreation Park announced the appointment of several new members to its Board of Directors: Amanda Seykora, Umbra Business & Legal Consulting; Brad Blomberg, Media One Advertising; Steve Watson, Teton Ridge Consulting; and John Taylor, Taylor Law. They will serve alongside existing board members Steve Sanford, Cadwell Law; James Gulson, HUB International; Natalie Eisenberg, Click Rain Inc.; Jamie Simko, Cadwell Law; Greg Blomberg, Media One Advertising; Eric Lundin, First International Bank & Trust; Brock Doubledee, Sanford Pediatrics; Suzannah Chap, Whittier Middle School; Errin Frankman First PREMIER Bank; and Brett Kollars, City of Sioux Falls.

Sales & Marketing Executives, Inc. of Sioux Falls announced the winners of its annual Women of Excellence Awards during the 45th annual Women in Business event at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. Chosen from a pool of 55 nominees, this year’s honorees include Entrepreneurial Excellence award winner Elaine Koch, The Cookie Jar Eatery; Leadership award winner Katie Van Beek, Avera Cancer Institute; Marketing award winner Jessica

Potter, Avera Health; Public Service award winner Christina Riss, Sioux Empire United Way; Sales award winner Raquel Blount, Lloyd Companies; and Supporting Excellence award winner Melissa Radigan, Sanford World Clinic Additionally, Young Women of Excellence scholarship recipient Lauren Rolling of McCook Central High School was recognized.

Jack Hopkins

Jeff Griffin

Teisha Upward

Good Deeds

Black Hills Federal Credit Union (BHFCU) has awarded $20,000 in scholarships to high school seniors, continuing its tradition of supporting students through the VIBZ Scholarship Program. Over the past two decades, BHFCU has provided aid to more than 140 local students. This year, ten outstanding recipients were selected based on their commitment to leadership, community service, and academic achievement, each receiving $2,000 for their first year of higher education.

The First National Bank in Sioux Falls received a Business of the Year Award from the Sioux Empire United Way at their 2025 Thank You Event in recognition of its dollar-for-dollar corporate match on donations, record-high employee giving campaign and support of the Coins for Kids program — for which the bank's teammates sorted and counted more than 180,000 coins from this year's fundraiser.

Our members do more than follow the news. They make the news. Job promotions and hirings. New projects. New partnerships. Awards. Celebrate your employees, business accomplishments and more with Chamber News. Submit news and press releases to news@chambernews.com

Be Seen

The March Membership Mixer was hosted by El Riad Shrine David Neiman, Public Relations; Mark Richard, Potentate; and Parker Hanson, former Shrine patient and Sioux Falls businessman, welcomed more than 200 attendees

Be Seen

The 41st annual Sioux Falls Day at the Legislature was held February 19 at the State Capitol . Approximately 100 Chamber members traveled to Pierre to represent the Sioux Falls business community . Participants attended committee meetings, observed general session and enjoyed lunch in the Rotunda .

Be Seen

Young Professionals gathered at Maximizing Excellence for March's Morning Buzz and enjoyed networking and coffee .

On March 19, YPN members were able to attend an up-close, behind-the-scenes tour of the University of South Dakota Discovery District

Be Seen

More than 200 Chamber members attended Inside South Dakota with Governor Larry Rhoden and Lt Governor Tony Venhuizen . This event was moderated by Scott Lawrence, Lawrence & Schiller, Inc and Tim Rave, South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations, and was hosted in partnership with the South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance, Inc .

Faces & Places

Be Seen

The Avera Prairie Center welcomed young professionals to YPN Off the Clock in March .

The February Morning Mingle was hosted by Architecture Incorporated President Andrew Eitreim, welcomed guests .

Be Seen

The March Morning Mingle was hosted by the Salvation Army . Major Leanna Tuttle welcomed guests .

Leadership Sioux Falls Class 39 learned about the City's new Public Safety Campus at a recent enhancement session .

By Jill Callison

For

the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce

It’s so easy to say no.

When the last students walk out of an old high school, when the aroma of popcorn no longer wafts from a movie theater, when big-name performers tour elsewhere and when others view Sioux Falls as not big enough, it is much simpler to scowl and shrug, accept a negative situation and walk away.

But with a no-can-do attitude, today in Sioux Falls there wouldn’t be a Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science, a renovated State Theatre, a Sioux Falls Convention Center, Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, Levitt at the Falls or any of the other projects and efforts that make Sioux Falls special. And without the willingness to enter in these

SIOUX FALLS SUCCEEDS BY SAYING YES TO

public-private partnerships such as these, Sioux Falls would not be the Sioux Falls it is today.

In a community that can point to dozens of public-private partnerships, and with a chamber of commerce that has helped raise more than $60 million in Community Appeals campaigns, Sioux Falls does not take no for an answer whether it is repurposing historic buildings or creating a space to enrich the arts. And every accomplishment took resilience, vision and a refusal to walk away.

Jeff Griffin, president and CEO of the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, knows of no other Chamber of Commerce that has anything like the local Community Appeals.

How

private-public partnerships turned the impossible into reality

“I remember learning about it during my job interview and thinking how is this possible? I have been in Sioux Falls for five years now and I have learned not only how it is possible, but also why it is essential,” he said. “Raising the dollars for the projects is the marker of success, but the camaraderie and volunteer development around communitywide shared projects keeps the fire burning for the next campaign.”

It is, in fact, more than possible.

Born and raised in Sioux Falls, Joe Henkin co-founded

the advertising agency HenkinSchultz Creative Services before he retired several years ago. As co-chair of the State Theatre’s Community Appeals Campaign, he had a frontrow seat for the efforts to reopen the downtown Sioux Falls landmark. It took more than one group to accomplish that task, he said.

“It was the city, it was the (Greater Sioux Falls) Chamber of Commerce, it was private citizens. It all took that effort to get it done,” Henkin said, showing that these collaborations know no boundaries.

Sioux Falls leaders in corporate businesses, in banking and in healthcare aren’t afraid of competition, said Miles Beacom, CEO of PREMIER Bankcard since 1993. Beacom is

Jeff Griffin Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce

also this year's Chamber’s board chair. He stated that new businesses know from Day One that there is an expectation they will give back to the community.

Washington Pavilion provides momentum

Turning a decades-old high school into a cultural landmark like the Washington Pavilion shows how public-private partnerships can shape a community. The city provided the initial push for the new arts center, but the private sector, led by donors, arts advocates and business leaders, helped secure the necessary funding. The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce took on a key role in rallying support, emphasizing how an arts and science hub would elevate the city’s cultural profile and boost tourism.

Darrin Smith, CEO and president of the Washington Pavilion, said that particular public-private partnership could have been the impetus for subsequent successful visions. While multiple people participated in the Washington Pavilion effort, Dan Kirby was critical to its success, he said. Kirby was executive vice president and general counsel of Western Surety Co., which his great-grandfather had founded. The city tasked Kirby to lead efforts to determine the best use of the old high school. As a business leader, he encouraged others to donate private dollars to the project, Smith said.

The Washington Pavilion with a performing arts center, a visual arts center and a hands-on science center within its walls opened in 1999 after years of effort. It served as an inspiration for later dreams.

“The Pavilion raised the bar for what we can do in Sioux Falls,” said Teri Schmidt, CEO of Experience Sioux Falls, the destination marketing organization for the city. “It is one of the top stars in our community not only for what it provides and offers everyone, but it is the perfect example of joining together and getting things done.”

Henkin was serving on the Chamber board when arts supporters Mary Allman and Sheila Agee brought the concept of an arts and science center before board members.

“The Chamber board endorsed the concept of renovating the building, not tearing it down,” he said. “One good thing leads to another good thing.”

When Sioux Falls voters narrowly approved a $33 million bond to build a new convention center and renovate

Above: Today, the Washington Pavilion brings performing arts, visual arts, interactive science and educational opportunities together under one roof. Right: The former Washington High School, pictured in 1954, was Sioux Falls' only high school from 1908-1954.

Teri Schmidt Experience Sioux Falls

Photo courtesy Sioux Falls Washington High School Historical Committee.

the old high school on Oct 19, 1993, it was the culmination of years of work. Visionaries had promoted a convention center for years, and it had lost in earlier elections, while the Washington Pavilion was a new concept.

In the end, private funds came to $15 million to $16 million in donations, or about half of the total needed. Smith doesn’t think people are aware of how remarkable that effort was.

Premier events come to Sioux Falls

The Sioux Falls Convention Center opened in 1996. Building on this momentum, in 2014 the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, attached to Convention Center’s west side, welcomed its first events. With these developments, it ended a time when performers skipped Sioux Falls in favor of larger, more modern venues with better acoustics down the road.

“We were losing all that money, the opportunity to bring in currency when people came and stayed for a day or two,” Beacom said.

Although there were doubters, wondering if it could compete with venues in larger cities and be financially viable, many businesses and organizations saw positive aspects of a larger event venue, Beacom said.

The pace quickened when Mike Huether moved into the Sioux Falls mayor’s office in 2010, Beacom said. Still, without the private sector’s involvement, the PREMIER Center could not have been built. Key corporate sponsors, including

T. Denny Sanford, provided private funding, while local businesses and the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce advocated for the economic benefits the venue would bring.

In its first 10 years, the PREMIER Center has proven to be a major entertainment hub with concerts, national sporting events and conventions that bring in people from across the United States. Taking what many saw as a risk has proven to be an economic asset, and the 12,000-seat center has become a consistent money-maker for the city.

Top right: It took just over two years to build the $115 million Denny Sanford PREMIER Center. A ribbon cutting was held on Sept. 19, 2014. Below: The center video board is shown being raised inside the the PREMIER center in March 2014.

Miles Beacom PREMIER Bankcard

“The skills a community develops while working through such a large project as the PREMIER Center builds confidence for future projects to be successful,” Griffin said. Levitt at the Falls defies the odds

Sometimes, it’s not only residents who need to be convinced. When it came to bringing an outdoor music amphitheater to the Falls Park area, the first obstacle was convincing the sponsoring organization.

Tom Dempster was there at the beginning. A former Washington High School classmate, Tim Boe, was familiar with the Levitt Foundation efforts to bring free concerts to various cities. It was Boe’s dream to have a Levitt facility open in Sioux Falls, Dempster said, and Boe sent Dempster a packet of information.

Dempster took that dream and ran with it, pulling together people he thought would be interested. In a meeting at his

home, he explained the concept. Even in that group there were doubters.

One of those members who was crucial in this entire process confessed his doubts years later. Despite his support, he told Dempster, he never thought it would happen.

The enthusiasm grew, however, and Sharon Yazowski, now Levitt Foundation president and CEO, came to Sioux Falls. She gave a presentation to the group of volunteers, and in turn the group offered their own presentation, one that displayed their passion and determination to get it done.

“Levitt never said no, but they did say Sioux Falls was too small,” Dempster said. “I don’t remember whether 400,000 or 500,000 (people) was the minimum number, but Sharon said, ‘you guys are below that threshold, but you are so focused and you are so excited about this, we’re going to look beyond.”

A unique public-private partnership made Levitt at the

Levitt at the Falls brings 50 free concerts every summer to Sioux Falls. Left: Tom Dempster, who helped drive enthusiasm for the project in its early stages, addresses the crowd at the ribbon cutting on June 5, 2019.

Since it opened in 2019, Levitt at the Falls has consistently drawn larger crowds than similar Levitt Foundation sites in much larger cities.

When Dempster talks about the Levitt, he refers to a comment made by Jennifer Kirby, then the Levitt at the Falls board chair, at the venue’s opening ceremony. When asked how it happened, she shrugged, put up her hands and said, “I don’t know, it’s magic. It’s just magic.”

She knew, of course, that magic takes a lot of effort, a lot of meetings and a lot of fundraising. The 10 to 15 citizens who put together a nonprofit private entity made presentations to Mayor Huether, to the city Parks & Recreation Department board and to its director, Don Kearney. His support and the board were crucial to the process, Dempster said.

Kearney saw that Levitt at the Falls could be an anchor for the city’s vision for the Falls Park area, Dempster said. Even with his support, the process seemed too slow to many local Levitt board members. But as a former state senator and Minnehaha County commissioner, Dempster knows that the pace of government can frustrate the private sector.

There were at least three times where we had a vote amongst our board whether we should proceed. Those were heart-inyour-throat votes.”

After that support was in place, the group turned to the Chamber of Commerce and applied to be a Community Appeals Campaign beneficiary. That group unanimously approved a $1.2 million fundraising effort. With that backing, supporters knew the project would succeed.

“I believe that without the Community Appeals support the project never would have happened,” Dempster said. “What’s cool about this story is not that it happened, but how it has just exploded well beyond anybody’s expectations.”

Levitt at the Falls this year will begin a $4.5 million makeover with Dick and Kathy Sweetman as the lead donors. The largest portion of the expansion will sit on the west side of the current band shell. The grassy area on the venue’s southwest corner will become a 2,600-square-foot programming space where the Levitt can host summer camps and professional development events for artists.

“Finally, we as a board in our meetings came to the thought, we’re going to be patient, we’re going to be persistent and when the city’s ready, we’ll be ready.

“It’s all about working together and saying we can do things that many people think are beyond our capacity to accomplish,” Dempster said.

"It’s all about working together and saying we can do things that many people think are beyond our capacity to accomplish"

- Tom Dempster

The State Theater was once part of the golden age of theaters in downtown Sioux Falls. It shut its doors in 1994 during the rise of modern multiplex theaters. After a successful Chamber Community Appeals campaign, a $3.5 million donation from T. Denny Sanford and $1.5 million from the City of Sioux Falls, the historic theater underwent extensive restoration and modernization and reopened to the public in 2020.

State Theater dream becomes a reality

Another example of people working together on a dream stands several blocks south of the Levitt on Phillips Avenue—the State Theatre. When Allison Weiland steps into the iconic lobby, the power of public-private partnerships in making projects—and dreams—reality and the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce’s crucial role in advocating for them surrounds her.

“Oh, man, walking into this building every day is amazing,” said Weiland, executive director of the Sioux Falls State Theatre Company. “You get to see all the pieces of history; you get to see all the artistry that is part of the building, and we get to program for the community that supported it. It’s really fun to walk through the door after all the years of donations and support.”

Weiland knows that many people doubted that the movie palace originally built in 1926 could be saved. Closed since 1991, some people thought restoring the building was too expensive, too ambitious and impractical. Big historic projects are complicated but unique, Weiland said. Despite challenges over the years, the State Theatre visionaries have doubled down on their efforts and continue to feel confident, she said.

It took almost three decades to overcome funding issues and skeptics who questioned whether downtown Sioux Falls even needed a historic movie theater when modern cinemas were readily available.

But after a multi-phase restoration, with some work yet undone, the State Theatre reopened in 2020.

“People could see progress being made,” Henkin said. “It was going to be an original building back to its original state. More people came forward to take it over the top.”

A renovated State Theatre helped reignite the downtown area, Henkin said. Sioux Falls has become an example to many other cities in the Midwest for its ability to work together to complete projects. Completing the State ignited the visions of many others locally, he said.

“If something is in disrepair, or the city needs something, Sioux Falls has always had the extra oomph with the municipality, the county, the Chamber and private citizens getting things done,” Henkin said. “Sioux Falls has always had that ability that when they have a challenge and a need, they got the right people at the table.”

Allison Weiland Sioux Falls State Theatre Company

Henkin now lives in Omaha, Nebraska, home of the famed Old Market, a destination for tourists seeking shops and restaurants. The city has almost finished a total renovation of a downtown park that extends for blocks to the river. Sound familiar? A friend of Henkin believes it’s not unlikely that Sioux Falls’ progress spurred Omaha to act.

Henkin himself marvels at the changes he sees on trips back. He thinks three things spurred the change: the city’s decision to halt the once-popular practice of “shooting the loop,” or driving in endless circles around downtown, cleaning up Falls Park and reopening the State Theatre.

“It’s incredible what good development and planning has done,” he said.

Coming together to achieve successful results

Sioux Falls is home to multiple dreamers, Schmidt said. Without them, and without dreaming big, a city will get nowhere.

“Time after time, I’ve seen leaders come to the table, take off their individual hats and say, ‘let’s get together to get this done.’ I believe that is the key to much of our success in Sioux Falls,” she said.

Years ago, a consultant told Schmidt that Sioux Falls will probably always be a destination city for travelers because

the city adds great attractions constantly. The Washington Pavilion, the State Theatre, Levitt at the Falls and the PREMIER Center are quality attractions that bring people to Sioux Falls for entertainment and education, Schmidt said.

The skills a community develops while working through such a large project as the PREMIER Center builds confidence for future projects to be successful, Griffin said. He has had other cities reaching out, asking how Sioux Falls accomplished projects.

“It’s rare for a community to navigate competing interests and still come together to achieve such a successful result,” Griffin said.

Right: Joe Henkin, Co-Chair for the State Theater's Community Appeals campaign, addresses the crowd at the campaign launch. The campaign, dubbed The Last Jewel, was held from April 1-July 30, 2011.

"Sioux Falls is magical, and it’s real people constantly working together to improve our city"

- Miles Beacom

In Sioux Falls an ambitious project can become reality, Weiland said.

“You’re able to access and talk to experts and able to talk to someone on the city council. You’re able to get involved and meet people, who are sometimes only a phone call away.”

Sioux Falls’ success over the last century has been amazing, Beacom said. That’s because people aren’t afraid to raise their hands when they have an idea or dream that they want to see become reality. As Sioux Falls grew, it didn’t lose its personal connection.

“Never underestimate the value of relationships,” Beacom said. “We see that as key.”

Reared in Sioux Falls, Beacom remembers when Falls Park was not an after-dark destination for people. Now, every Christmas holiday he takes his mother-in-law and others to see the park’s Winter Wonderland display of lights.

In his decades in banking and as a community supporter, Beacom has seen leadership change, but the enthusiasm never wanes.

“Look at the leaders in Sioux Falls 20 or 30 years ago, and look at leadership today, and it won’t be the same 20 or 30 years from now,” he said. “We have to make sure we continue to grow, and young entrepreneurs, that’s their responsibility.”

Smith, who moved from city government to the Washington Pavilion leadership, said Sioux Falls benefits from two things: an extremely strong and progressive business community combined with effective elected officials.

“The officials have had a vision over the years and a spirit of cooperation and partnership with the private sector,” Smith said.

The word magic also comes up in conversations with Beacom. He likes to compare Sioux Falls to Disney theme parks. They are magical but make-believe, he said.

“Sioux Falls is magical, and it’s real people constantly working together to improve our city,” Beacom said.

A new PREMIER Bankcard executive told Beacom that Sioux Falls is the “most amenitized city” he’d ever seen, per capita, and that compliment to the city is the result of people working together, Beacom said. Sioux Falls leaders have the confidence to believe the city can compete with any community, it just needs a chance.

“We don’t like to hear, ‘no, you can’t do it, you’re too small,’” Beacom said. “How does Sioux Falls have this? We have great people that contribute.”

As for the future? Dempster, for one, is sure of this: What Sioux Falls will do is what it’s always done, benefit from residents willing to work well together.

Sioux Falls has come a long way. Above: Downtown Sioux Falls today. Right: Falls Park in the early 2000s.

Community Appeals

Community Appeals Applications open May-August 2025

"Community Appeals is more than a fundraising tool—it’s a strategic resource that helps local nonprofits secure capital campaign support while raising awareness of critical unmet needs.

–Shelly Johnson, DakotAbilities Community Appeals Committee Chair

Scheduled Fund Drives

Forward Sioux Falls

Nov. 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026

Provide programs that improve the economy and quality of life in our region, continuing a long tradition of working collaboratively with private and public stakeholders to drive growth and innovation.

Abbott House

April 1, 2026 – July 31, 2026

Expand services to Sioux Falls by providing two therapeutic foster homes for at-risk youth.

All requests for capital fund drives must be made by submitting an application and supporting documents to the Community Appeals Committee.

The Community Appeals Committee will accept applications from May 1 through Aug. 1. The committee will then schedule an appeal presentation and make their selection of the scheduled campaign(s) no later than calendar year-end with the nonprofit’s campaign typically taking place 23-28 months following selection.

St.

Francis House

Nov. 1, 2026 - March 31, 2027

Create safe and affordable housing through an addition to an existing facility, moving people from homelessness to hope.

Call to Freedom

April 1, 2027 – July 31, 2027

Consolidate service locations into a single office, eliminating space constraints to support staff and program expansion.

Cybersecurity Conference scheduled for April 29

Cyber threats continue to evolve, making cybersecurity more critical than ever for businesses of all sizes. The 2025 Sioux Falls Cybersecurity Conference, hosted by the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, will provide an essential forum for professionals to learn about emerging risks, best practices and strategies to safeguard their organizations.

Taking place Tuesday, April 29, at the Sioux Falls Convention Center, this year's conference will feature a keynote presentation by Dr. Mark Spanier, an associate professor at The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences. Dr. Spanier specializes in artificial intelligence, cryptography, and cybersecurity education, and he leads the DSU + AI Sweden Industrial Immersion Program, which connects students with real-world industry challenges in cybersecurity and AI.

While the full lineup of breakout sessions will be announced closer to the event, attendees can expect engaging discussions and workshops on topics such as cyber risk management, incident response and emerging threats. Previous years have included sessions on securing critical infrastructure, navigating compliance regulations and lessons learned from real-world cyber incidents.

Beyond expert-led presentations, the event will provide valuable networking opportunities, bringing together IT professionals, business leaders and cybersecurity experts. With threats on the rise, this conference offers practical insights to help organizations strengthen their defenses and stay ahead of cybercriminals.

The 2025 Sioux Falls Cybersecurity Conference is organized by the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce. SDN Communications is the lead sponsor of the event, with AARP, A&B Business Solutions, the Better Business Bureau, Dakota State University, Eide Bailly LLP, First PREMIER Bank/PREMIER Bankcard and KELOLAND Media as supporting sponsors.

Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your cybersecurity knowledge, connect with industry leaders, and gain the tools needed to protect your organization. Secure your spot today!

Tuesday, April 29

7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Sioux Falls Convention Center Cost: $75

Details and registration at siouxfallschamber.com

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Mark Spanier

Dr. Mark Spanier is an associate professor in The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences. He teaches a wide range of courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels in the areas of discrete mathematics, cryptography, machine learning and AI, and foundations of computation. He also serves as coordinator of the MS in Artificial Intelligence. Dr. Spanier’s research focuses on applications of AI and machine learning, cryptography, number theory, and signal processing. He serves as co-director of DSU’s Artificial Intelligence Lab and director for the DSU + AI Sweden Industrial Immersion Program, where students collaborate with industry partners to solve real-world challenges in AI and cybersecurity.

Keynote speaker Jim Edman speaks to the crowd at the 2024 Sioux Falls Cybersecurity Conference

Annual Business Fair returns

Booth space available

The Chamber’s annual Business Fair and Mixer is set to return to the Ramkota Exhibit Hall on Tuesday, June 10, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. This highly anticipated event combines the traditional monthly Membership Mixer with the opportunity for attendees to explore booths and learn about the products and services offered by Chamber member businesses.

Once again, the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to welcome members of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the South Dakota Black Chamber of Commerce to participate as vendors. To reserve a booth, businesses must be members in good standing with any of the three participating Chambers. Booths are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and with limited space, spots are expected to fill quickly. The cost of each booth is $150. Vendors are also asked to supply a door prize to be given away at the end of the evening.

Event attendees are encouraged to bring business cards for prize registration and to visit all the booths to discover the variety of businesses in the Sioux Falls area. Admission to the Business Fair and Mixer is $5, or you can use your Chamber Mixer Pass for entry.

Business Fair and Mixer

June 10 | 4:30–7 p.m.

Ramkota Exhibit Hall

Booth reservations are now being accepted and will likely sell out quickly. For more details on how to register as a vendor, please contact Teresa Schreier at tschreier@siouxfalls.com.

Maximize Your Business with Member-to-Member Coupons

As a Chamber member, you're part of a powerful community of businesses working together to strengthen the local economy and support one another. One way to maximize your membership experience is by taking advantage of the Member-to-Member Coupon program on siouxfallschamber.com.

What is a Member-to-Member Coupon?

Member-to-Member Coupons are exclusive discounts and offers made by Chamber member businesses. This unique program allows businesses to provide special deals to fellow members in order to increase exposure, attract new customers and build stronger relationships within the Chamber community.

Why Should You Participate?

Increase Your Visibility. By posting a Member-to-Member Coupon on the Chamber website, you increase the visibility of your business to a targeted audience. Your fellow members are already

Check out the members that are already taking advantage of the Member-to-Member Discount program!

engaged in supporting local businesses and offering them exclusive deals is an excellent way to capture their attention. Additionally, the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce frequently highlights the discounts and coupons section of the Chamber Member Directory through our highly engaging weekly Quickly broadcast.

Encourage Networking and Referrals. Chamber members love to support each other, and offering a special discount can

spark conversations and lead to referrals. Whether it's a one-time promotion or an ongoing offer, your coupon can open doors to new partnerships and opportunities.

Keep it Local. By offering discounts and perks, you not only show appreciation for your fellow Chamber members but also reaffirm your commitment to the Sioux Falls business community. These coupons encourage fellow members to shop and do business locally. It's a win-win for everyone, as we all work together to support each other’s success.

Affordable Marketing. As a benefit of your membership, offering a Member-to-Member Coupon is a free to effectively market your business and connect directly with fellow members. It’s an easy and simple way to drive traffic to your business.

How to Post Your Member-to-Member Coupon

Posting a coupon is quick and easy! Visit siouxfallschamber.com and click “Member Login” in the top menu. Once you're in the Member Portal, click on the drop-down arrow within the blue bar. Then click on the “Discount Coupon Offer” to launch the coupon content area. We recommend setting the Coupon Type to "Public" so other members can view your offer without needing to log in.

On this page, you can customize your coupon by adding details about your discount, product or service, and set any terms or expiration dates. Please note that each coupon must contain some type of monetary discount on a product or service. You can manage and update the content, as well as adjust the expiration date, through the portal at any time. However, the discount must remain active through the originally set expiration date before it is removed.

Once your coupon is live, it will be accessible to all visitors to the Chamber website, and they can easily take advantage of your offer with just a click. It’s that easy!

Start Engaging Today

Ready to start offering Member-to-Member Coupons and taking full advantage of your Chamber membership? Visit the Chamber website, log in to your member portal, and start creating your coupon today. Whether it’s a percentage off or a special deal, your fellow members will appreciate the opportunity to support your business—and you'll benefit from the increased exposure and goodwill.

Let's work together to build a stronger, more connected Chamber community. Your business can thrive when you take full advantage of the tools and opportunities the Chamber provides.

Ribbon Cuttings

The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce offers a ribbon cutting ceremony for members to celebrate joining the Chamber, milestone anniversaries, expansions or new locations. 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.

Elevated Outdoor Living

2001 E. Robur Dr. elevatedoutdoorliving.us

Elevated Outdoor Living provides you with an elevated living space designed to bring back the feel of a treehouse–but without needing a tree, so it can be built anywhere. Sourced with high-end, long-lasting materials to add to any type of terrain for a fun space to use for various activities!

L to R: Brian Cooper (VP of Business Development), Antonio Casiello, Dan Kippley, Scott Jones, Becky Rasmussen, Miles Beacom and Parker Jones.

Plaza Azteca

3500 W. 69th St. plazaaztecasiouxfalls.com

Plaza Azteca is home to the traditional flavors of Mexican cuisine. Bright, fresh ingredients shine through their delicious lunch and dinner options. Later this year, Plaza Azteca will be opening a second location on the east side of Sioux Falls! L to R: Milton Garcia, Miles Beacom, Taryn Latza, Victor Magana (owner), April Meyerink, Cecilia Onate, Cindi Johnson, Raul Robles and Roselyn Lemus.

Pure Shine Solutions pure-shinesolutions.com

Pure Shine Solutions offers commercial and residential cleaning services. Using eco-friendly cleaning agents, they provide comprehensive cleaning services ensuring a healthy work and living environment. L to R: Jocelyn Smith, Miles Beacom, Amy Hoback, Konner Mills, Anthony Holey (owner), Cindi Johnson and Maria Holey.

Walsh & Company PLLC

3813 S. Western Ave., Suite B walshtaxandbookkeeping.com

Walsh & Company PLLC provides a full slate of tax advisory services, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services. They specialize in taking the complicated financial side of their client’s business and making it simple.

Tara Hathcock, Ryan Donovan, Allyssa Tinklenberg, Jim Walsh (president), Jessica Ferrie, Reggie Kuipers, April Schulte and Andrew Shaw.

New Member

5 Bob Wendland

Bob Wendland is a theatre manager, artistic director, producer and entertainer dedicated to creating inspiring and impactful art. As Assistant Director of Performances for Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. and Artistic Director of The Good Night Theatre Collective in Sioux Falls, SD, he brings Broadway tours and world-class entertainment to his community while championing local talent. A leader in the arts, he was the youngest recipient of the 2018 Mayor’s Award for Individual Excellence in the Arts. In all he does, Wendland strives to build community and create meaningful and entertaining experiences for those around him.

What is your favorite thing about working and living in Sioux Falls?

There are a million reasons I love this city, but it's the people that make it my favorite city in the world. It's the creativity and drive of my colleagues, the growth mindset and supportive encouragement of the leaders I work alongside, the excitement toward art and culture from the folks throughout our community and the willingness of my amazing neighbors to share garden bounties in the summer and pull my garbage from the curb when I'm on vacation. Sioux Falls is great because its people are incredible.

What is one family tradition you treasure?

My dad passed away too soon and so many of my favorite traditions are tied to memories of him. His earth-shatteringly delicious chili at Christmas comes to mind.

What is your favorite Broadway show and why?

5 questions with

With absolutely no embarrassment or shame, my answer has been and always will be Cats. There is no greater example of true musical theatre than this masterpiece. Every aspect of the show is outrageous and over-the-top and that's exactly what I want in a Broadway musical. I want to be transported and wrapped up in the environment and forget that I'm some random person sitting in a theater and Cats accomplishes that every time. Though, I will say I've had some pretty exceptional experiences on Broadway in the past six months with shows like Gypsy with Audra McDonald, Oh Mary, and Death Becomes Her

What is something you are optimistic about for our community?

Our theatre and performing arts community is so darn cool. The people in this community who are hustling so hard to create entertaining, thought-provoking and exciting work have my heart. I'm so inspired by the artists in Sioux Falls who are pushing for growth and shining a light on the great work of their peers. I get to see world class theatre in New York City for my job and I still get just as excited to see a show by Spotlight Theatre Company or The Premiere Playhouse or LiRa Dance Theatre and the list goes on and on.

The Chamber plays many roles in the community. What does the Chamber offer that you especially find valuable?

I appreciate the spotlighting that the Chamber offers. They are constantly raising their voice to highlight the exceptional work of people and organizations in our community. It's so admirable how hard The Chamber works to spotlight our beautiful, diverse, innovative and inspiring community!

See more questions with Bob and other Chamber members at chambernews.com

Bob Wendland, Washington Pavilion