December 2014 Chamber News magazine

Chamber News December 2014

Vol. 50, No. 3

A PUBLICATION OF THE SIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

IN THIS ISSUE COVER STORY

Guide to Sioux Falls area legislators..... 22-27

Chamber News PUBLISHER

FEATURES

2015 Crossroads Summit speakers announced. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Three ballot issues passed; now what?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 IN EVERY ISSUE: Message from the Chair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Events Calendars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11 Economic Indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Noteworthy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Faces & Places. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-21 Business Advocacy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Community Appeals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Headlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32-34 Convention & Visitors Bureau. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Chamber Partner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Using Your Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Member’s Voice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Business News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41-43 Ribbon Cuttings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45-50 Membership Anniversaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Five Questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 From the Archives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce CHAMBER NEWS AD SALES

ARGUS LEADER MEDIA For advertising information, call: (605) 331-2348

CHAMBER NEWS LAYOUT/DESIGN JILL BLOM

CHAMBER NEWS EDITOR

AMY SMOLIK For editorial information, call: (605) 336-1620 Chamber News is published monthly by the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 1425, 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200 Sioux Falls, SD 57104 Advertising and editorial deadlines can be found at siouxfallschamber.com under News & Publications.

Postmaster please send address changes to: Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 1425, 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200, Sioux Falls, SD 57101-1425 Phone: (605) 336-1620 • Email: sfacc@siouxfalls.com

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

Communicate WITH THE

CHAMBER .com/siouxfallschamber @SFAreaChamber @SFAreaAdvocate

ON THE COVER Area legislators and the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce are preparing for the 2015 legislative session at the State Capitol, pictured on the cover.

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

chambernews.com | Chamber News 3

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Remember to use the Chamber’s advocacy resources Why did you join the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce? Networking with other members in the business community to expand your customer base? Leadership development programs?

Information about issues that affect your business? Educational tools for you and your employees?

Promotional opportunities available only for members?

Our Chamber of Commerce strives to provide programs and services throughout the year that appeal to the broadest base of our 2,200-plus members — whether they’re utilizing our networking or educational opportunities.

DANA DYKHOUSE 2014-15 Chair of the Board

We represent many voices that are stronger because we’re working together.

But perhaps one of our most undervalued yet priceless membership benefits is the emphasis we put on advocating for business —businesses of all sizes and services.

While you’re busy running your business and making contact with your customers, we’re paying attention to issues that affect your bottom line for you. We are a resource for our members throughout the year, but perhaps even more so during the annual legislative session. This issue of Chamber News showcases our Sioux Falls area legislators who, like our public affairs staff, are preparing for the 2015 legislative session. The Chamber provides several opportunities to interact with our elected officials and I encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities. See the calendar on page 28 for more information.

If you’re not able to actively participate, we’ve got you covered. Throughout the session our staff will be communicating legislative activities in the weekly electronic newsletter, The Chamber Advocate (along with government activities at the local and federal levels, too). You can get instant information via our advocacy Twitter handle, @SFAreaAdvocate (and those of our legislators). The Chamber also tracks a number of bills throughout the session, ranking them in tiers by their level of importance to the Chamber’s legislative platform. The Bill Tracker can be sent to you via email or you can view it each week at siouxfallschamber.com. Want our staff to track an issue for you?

Let us know and we’ll add it to the list.

We strive to actively engage our members in our legislative process. All members should have received our annual issues and advocacy survey. We use this information to develop our annual legislative platform and update our policy statements, both of which our Board of Directors will approve later this month.

Our advocacy efforts are successful because of the strength of our membership base. We represent many voices that are stronger because we’re working together to maintain our excellent business climate and quality of life. Thank you for your continued investment in the future growth and progress of the Sioux Falls area.

2014-15 SIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LEADERSHIP AND STAFF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIR DANA DYKHOUSE First PREMIER Bank CHAIR-ELECT PAUL BRUFLAT CNA Surety VICE CHAIR DAVE KAPASKA, D.O.

Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center TREASURER J. TYLER HAAHR Metabank IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR KEITH SEVERSON Eide Bailly LLP PRESIDENT/CEO EVAN NOLTE Chamber of Commerce BOARD OF DIRECTORS RANDY BURY Sanford Health RUTH CHRISTOPHERSON Citi JULIE DARRINGTON CenturyLink GARY GASPAR Interstate Office Products JOHN HENKHAUS The Everist Company JAY HUIZENGA KELO-TV DEAN KARSKY Farmers Insurance Group/Karsky Agency BETTY OLDENKAMP Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota DAN RYKHUS Raven Industries TIM STURDEVANT Sturdevant’s Auto Parts ROB TEKOLSTE Sammons Financial Group/ Midland National Life Insurance Co. BOBBI THURY Cutler & Donahoe LLP STEVE VANBUSKIRK VanBuskirk Companies ANITA WETSCH Don Dunham III Real Estate

KENT ALBERTY Sioux Falls School Board DR. PAM HOMAN Superintendent, Sioux Falls Public School System CINDY HEIBERGER Minnehaha County Commission MAYOR MIKE HUETHER City of Sioux Falls JIM SCHMIDT Lincoln County Commission ROBERT WEHDE Sioux Falls Catholic Schools CHAMBER & CVB STAFF EVAN NOLTE President/CEO CLAY BAK CVB Sales Manager THANE BARNIER Web Development & IT Manager MATT BARTHEL CVB First Impressions/Project Manager JOAN BARTLING Finance & Accounting Director JILL BLOM Graphics & Communications Specialist MATTIE BURNHAM CVB Director of Sales SHIRLEY BUSEMAN Receptionist CINDY CHRISTENSEN Agri-Business Division Manager RACHEL CRANE CVB Host City Manager AMY M. FARR Membership Sales & Retention Manager JEFF FEJFAR Web Designer KATE FOLEY Small Business & Leadership Development Manager LAUREN FOSHEIM Young Professionals Network (YPN) Manager

MADDIE GUTIERREZ Public Affairs & Communications Assistant JAY KALTENBACH CVB Services/Resale Manager MARK LEE Public Affairs & Communications Director PAT LUND Membership Development Director MIKE LYNCH Public Affairs & Research Manager BETSY MCCARTY CVB Creative & Communications Manager NICOLE NELSON CVB Sales Manager JILL NIEDRINGHAUS CVB Sales Assistant WENDY NEUHARTH Membership Services Administrative Assistant KRISTA ORSACK CVB Director of Marketing KATHIE PUTHOFF CVB Administrative Assistant TERI SCHMIDT CVB Executive Director SUSAN SEACHRIS Administrative/Accounting Assistant LUCAS SMITH CVB Sales Manager AMY SMOLIK Marketing & Communications Manager ALEXA STEINER CVB Sales Manager VALERIE WILLSON Membership Events Manager CAROLYN WINCHELL Forward Sioux Falls Director of Investor Relations ERIN ZIMMERMAN CVB Sales Manager

chambernews.com | Chamber News 5

CALENDARS

CHAMBER

NEW MEMBER MIXER THURSDAY, DEC. 4

Events Calendar Dates, times and locations are subject to change.

For a current listing of all Chamber events, visit chambernews.com, read the weekly edition of QUICKLY, or call (605) 336-1620.

You can register and pay for events online at events.siouxfalls.com.

DECEMBER MEMBERSHIP

Sponsored by

TUESDAY, DEC. 9, 2014

5-6:30 p.m.

First Bank & Trust, 110 N. Minnesota Ave.

COMPLIMENTARY HORS D’OEUVRES & BEVERAGES $3 ADMISSION OR USE YOUR MIXER PASS

RSVP to plund@siouxfalls.com or at chambernews.com

TUESDAYS IN JANUARY, FEBRUARY & MARCH

Betty J. Ordal Conference Center, Chamber of Commerce, 200 N. Phillips Ave. Suite 200 The Business Sense Workshops are sponsored by the Chamber’s Small Business Council. The workshops deliver ongoing business and management training led by talented and engaging Chamber member presenters.

TUESDAY, JAN. 6 Keeping Your Organization Secure & Productive — Be Ready for What’s Next Scams, phishing, hackers. We will explore some of the current threats along with future hazards and tools used to fight back to keep a stable working environment.

TUESDAY, JAN. 13 Finance for the Non-Finance Managers Send all of your managers to this informative session that will focus on the importance of cashflow, setting goals and an overview of financial statements. Great training for your key employees.

Chamber in the last 12 months are invited to learn more about how to use your Chamber membership. Network with other new Chamber members and volunteers in this informative Membership Mixer just for new members. Sponsored by the Diplomat Committee.

RSVP: vwillson@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2010

YPN KRINGLE THURSDAY, DEC. 4

7-10 p.m.

Icon Event Hall, 402 N. Main Ave. DETAILS: Socialize with other YPN members at the annual holiday party.

COST: $18, or 2 tickets for $30 RSVP: lfosheim@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2009

FEATURED EVENTS

MIXER

4:30-6 p.m.

Cherry Creek Grill & Banquet Room, 3104 E. 26th St. DETAILS: New members (and their employees) who have joined the

TUESDAY, JAN. 20 Digital Marketing Services Be it analysis or techniques or desktop/smartphone/tablet usage — find out the usage trends and policy relative items.

TUESDAY, JAN. 27 Smile: The Key to Personal & Business Success Let’s look at the present studies on the bottom-line value of attracting and keeping customers, defusing hostile situations and advancing your career.

COST: $10 PER WORKSHOP; NEW MEMBERS CAN USE THE VIP PASS AND ATTEND FOR FREE.

GOOD MORNING SIOUX FALLS LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST WEDNESDAY, JAN. 7, 2015

Best Western PLUS Ramkota Hotel DETAILS: Sponsored by the Chamber’s Diplomat Committee & Issues

Management Council. Hear from Sioux Falls area legislators about their goals for the upcoming 2015 Legislative Session.

COST: $20 RSVP: plund@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2014

JANUARY MEMBERSHIP MIXER TUESDAY, JAN. 13, 2015

5-6:30 p.m.

Montgomery’s Furniture Gallery, Inc., 1725 W. 41st St. DETAILS: Sponsored by Montgomery’s Furniture Gallery, Inc. COST: $5 (or use your Mixer Pass) RSVP: plund@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2014

SIOUX EMPIRE FARM SHOW JAN 27-31, 2015

W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds Expo Building, 100 N. Lyon Blvd.

DETAILS: Celebrate agriculture at the 62nd Annual Sioux Empire Farm

Show! Livestock shows and sales take place throughout the week. Volunteer your time or come out to see the region’s best market and purebred livestock.

MORE INFORMATION: cchristensen@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2016

MAYOR’S ROUND-UP & SALE OF CHAMPIONS FRIDAY, JAN. 30, 2015

5:30 p.m. social, 6:30 p.m. dinner, followed by the awarding of the $12,000 Supreme Row purse and Sale of Champions; Best Western PLUS Ramkota Hotel Exhibit Hall, 3200 W. Maple St. DETAILS: Celebrate the best market livestock from the Sioux Empire

Farm Show, enjoy a steak dinner and network with other Chamber members at this fun auction. Watch your email for more information.

RSVP: mgutierrez@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2015

RSVP to kfoley@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2002 chambernews.com | Chamber News 7

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

Young Professionals Network

UPCOMING EVENTS

To RSVP to any of these events, email lfosheim@siouxfalls.com or call (605) 373-2009. Visit siouxfallsypn.com for a full list of events.

THE KRINGLE THURSDAY, DEC. 4, 2014

7-10 p.m.

Icon Lounge, 402 N. Main Ave DETAILS: Join YPN members for an evening

of networking and fun at our annual holiday party! There will be live music, a cash bar and complimentary hors d’oeuvres. Cocktail attire is encouraged! We’ll also be collecting food items for Feeding South Dakota.

COST: Tickets are $18, or two for $30, or $20 at the door. All tickets are non-refundable. Buy your tickets online at: events.siouxfalls.com.

Connect WITH THE

YPN

.com/siouxfallsypn

YPN POWER LUNCH TUESDAY, DEC. 9, 2014

Noon-1 p.m.

All Day Café, 2101 W 41st St. DETAILS: Join us for lunch! YPN Power

Lunches are a great way to network and expand your professional contacts. There’s no program or agenda, just good conversation among YPN members! Bring a friend or co-worker, and don’t forget your business cards!

COST: Free to attend, lunch is on your own.

PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL ACTION TEAM MEETING WEDNESDAY, DEC. 17, 2014

4-5 p.m.

Chamber of Commerce, Betty J. Ordal Conference Center, 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200 DETAILS: The YPN Personal & Professional

Development Action Team’s purpose is to foster professional relationships, career development, entrepreneurial endeavors, and civic involvement while gaining an insider’s view of our regional business scene and exposing members to a broad range of community issues. Bring your ideas for upcoming Community Connection Tours, Our Sioux Falls, and A Seat At The Table events!

COST: Free to attend.

Find us on social media or visit siouxfallsypn.com @siouxfallsypn

Sioux Falls Young Professionals Network

chambernews.com | Chamber News 9

DECEMBER Events listed here are compiled from SiouxFallsEvents. com and VisitSiouxFallsEvents.com.

SiouxFallsEvents.com is the community’s FREE comprehensive community events calendar. Anyone can post an event happening in the Sioux Falls area. It’s free and it’s a great way to promote your event.

The Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau developed the visitor-related calendar to provide visitors a calendar of events they may be interested in attending.

By combining the two calendars, you can see when there’s going to be a large number of visitors in the community and plan out your weekend.

For more information about visitor-related activities, contact the Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau at (605) 275-6060. Learn more details about any of the following events by logging on or contact the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce at (605) 336-1620.

10 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2014

1-31

Christmas at the Western Mall

1-31

Winter Wonderland

4-6

USF Madrigal Dinners

5

Downtown First Friday

5-6

Tonic Sol-fa Holiday Concert

5-7

Augustana Christmas Vespers

6

Cookies with Santa

6

The Outsiders World Tour Featuring Eric Church

6-7

Benson’s Flea Market

11

Band Christmas Extravaganza

11-14

Cirque Du Soleil: Varekai

13

Christmas Extravaganza

13

Christmas Is Here — benefit concert with Jill Miller

13

Downtown Holidays

18

The Shoji Tabuchi Christmas Show

20

Downtown Holidays

20

Holiday Jam with the Hegg Brothers

20

Home Free Holiday Tour

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

1-11

Winter Wonderland

7-8

Benson’s Flea Market

3-4

Benson’s Flea Market

13-15

SECT Presents “Arsenic and Old Lace”

4

GonnaGetWed Bridal Showcase

17

Alton Brown Live! The Edible Inevitable Tour

10

Christmas with the Animals

20-22

SECT Presents “Arsenic and Old Lace”

10

South Dakota Symphony presents Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23

22

Church Basement Ladies: The Last Potluck Supper

13

Sesame Street Live “Let’s Dance!”

24-25

Sister Act

15-16

Anything Goes

28

Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman

15-18

SECT Presents “Avenue Q”

16

Morgan James

16-17

Downtown Crazy Days

16-18

Greater Sioux Falls Outdoor Show

22-25

SECT Presents “Avenue Q”

24

Strauss’ “Don Quixote”

25

Professional Image Wedding Showcase

27-31

Sioux Empire Farm Show

30

Mayor’s Round-Up & Sale of Champions

30

Keigwin + Company

31

Monster X Tour

MARCH 1

Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman

7-8

Benson’s Flea Market

7-10

Summit League Basketball Championship

10-11

Mamma Mia!

13

Nikki Hill

19-22

SECT Presents “Treasure Island”

24-25

Peter and the Star Catcher

26-29

SECT Presents “Treasure Island”

28

South Dakota Symphony presents Holsts “The Planets”

chambernews.com | Chamber News 11

ECONOMIC INDICATORS Tracking trends in business is just one way that the Sioux Falls Area 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

Regional Unemployment Rates

JANUARY-OCTOBER 2014 2012

6,890 PERMITS

2013

7,093 PERMITS

2014

13,642 PERMITS

SEPTEMBER 2014

Source: City of Sioux Falls

Fargo 2.3%

City of Sioux Falls Total Construction Value JANUARY-OCTOBER 2014 $550

Rapid City 2.9%

Total Construction Value

$525

Rochester 3.1%

Sioux Falls 2.7%

Non-Residential Construction Value

$500

Minneapolis/ St. Paul 3.6%

Des Moines 4.1%

Omaha 3.6%

$450 $400 $375

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

$350

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

$325 $300 $275

Agriculture Trends

$250

SEPTEMBER 2014 $16

$225

$15

$200 $175

$13

$50

$522.4 million $61.9 million

2012

SOUTH DAKOTA $13.80

$12

$382.6 million $93.8 million

(IN MILLIONS)

$100

2013

(PER BUSHEL) U.S.

$14.20

$14

$539.1 million $147.7 million

$150 $125

SOYBEANS

2014

$12.20

$11 $10

$9.64

$9

Source: City of Sioux Falls

$8

Sioux Falls Region Housing Overview

$7

OCTOBER 2014

$12.50

$6

$8.85

CORN

(PER BUSHEL) U.S.

$6.78

SOUTH DAKOTA

$4.63

$6.61

$5

New Listings: 455 Days on the Market Until Sale: 92 Median Sales Price: $169,900 Inventory of Homes for Sale: 1,560 Source: RASE (Realtor Association of the Sioux Empire)

$4.21

$4 $3 $2

$3.28 $2.81

2012

2013

2014

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

chambernews.com | Chamber News 13

NOTEWORTHY Headlines, accolades and rankings — Sioux Falls is often in the news for our community’s excellent business climate and high quality of life. Look for that information to be shared again here along with other topical quick hits.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 15

FACES & PLACES

Faces & Places

LYNDA BILLARS

BERNIE DEWALD

The Lynda B. Advantage/ Hegg Realtors

McKinneyOlson Insurance

DUANE NOERENBERG

JARED VANBOCKERN

Anderson Group CPA

Wells Fargo Bank

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.

LARRY AYRES Ayres Group

PAT LUND

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

JULIE NELSON

DAREN ANDERSON

Home Federal Bank

Big D Technology Solutions, Inc.

AMY FARR

VALERIE WILLSON

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

Recognition of Chamber Volunteers Lynda Billars, The Lynda B. Advantage/ Hegg Realtors; Bernie DeWald, McKinneyOlson Insurance; and Larry Ayres, Ayres Group; were named the Ambassador Team of the Month for October.

Julie Nelson, Home Federal Bank, was named the Diplomat of the Month for October. Second place honors went to Daren Anderson, Big D Technology Solutions, Inc., and third place honors went to Duane Noerenberg, Anderson Group CPA. Jared VanBockern, Wells Fargo Bank, was the recipient of the Ribbon Cutting Attendance award, and Duane Noerenberg, Anderson Group CPA, won the Reinvestment Award.

The Diplomat Team of the Month for October was: Captain Daren Anderson, Big D Technology Solutions, Inc.; David Johnson, DAKOTACARE; Jim Slater, ServiceMaster of Sioux Falls; Kelly Grovijahn, Homewood Suites by Hilton; and Jessica Nelson, Complete Media.

With the conclusion of the 2013-14 Chamber year, several volunteers were honored for their service to the Chamber. The Ambassador Committee is made up of seven teams of three volunteers from the business community who help sell the benefits of investing in the Chamber. Dean Buckneberg, Eide Bailly LLP; Mark Luke, Mark Luke

Construction, LLC; and Lyle Dabbert, Brown & Saenger; were the Ambassador Team of the Year. Lynda Billars, The Lynda B. Advantage/ Hegg Realtors was Ambassador of the Year.

The Diplomat Committee is comprised of 35 individuals from the business community who service the Chamber membership by personally calling on new and existing members, as well as hosting other Chamber events such as the monthly Mixers and Operation Thank You. Daren Anderson, Big D Technology Solutions, Inc., was awarded Diplomat of the Year honors for his outstanding commitment to the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.

Faces & Places is great way to use your membership to be seen. This column appears each month in Chamber News and features information about Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce members and volunteers. Submissions may include grand openings, changes in management, moves, expansions, major developments and award recognition. Submit news using the Faces & Places form at chambernews.com or email asmolik@siouxfalls.com.

16 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2014

FACES & PLACES

New Faces & Promotions Several changes were made in the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce’s Membership Department following the retirement of Betty Ordal earlier this year.

Pat Lund is the Membership Development Director for the Chamber. She oversees all aspects of the membership department and ensuring the membership foundation is strong.

Lund will also manage the Business Leadership Council. Amy M. Farr is the new Sales & Retention Manager for the Chamber. She is primarily responsible for selling memberships in the Chamber and works closely with the Ambassador Committee volunteers on identifying and inviting new businesses and organizations to join the Chamber throughout the year, specifically during the Fall and

Spring Membership Drives. Farr works with volunteers from the Diplomat Committee in retaining businesses for long-term memberships. Valerie Willson is the new Membership Events Manager for the Chamber. Willson is responsible for management and production of Membership Department-related events, including the monthly Membership Mixers, Good Morning Sioux Falls programs, Holiday Fair, Business Fair, Operation Thank You event, New Member Mixers and other events designed to engage Chamber members. Willson also manages the Military & Veterans Affairs Committee. Willson was born and raised on a ranch outside of Miles City, Mont. She graduated from Black Hills State University with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication with

an emphasis of Public Relations. Her previous experience includes serving as intern with the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce and as the Community Director for the South Dakota March of Dimes.

Insight Marketing Design added Gaye Grider as the agency’s Media Director. Grider has more than 20 years experience in the marketing/advertising industry. She will handle all media planning and buying. Lori Severson joined the agency as Office Manager. Her primary responsibilities include bookkeeping, welcoming guests and managing supplies. Prior to joining Insight Marketing Design, Severson provided support services to real estate agents for nearly 25 years.

Honors & Awards The South Dakota Department of Tourism recognized 156 businesses and organizations in 46 communities across South Dakota for their outstanding customer service. The Great Service Star Program is designed to identify and recognize businesses that develop and complete hospitality training programs for their staff, recognize and reward employees for offering great service, and find unique ways to show customer appreciation. Those that meet the criteria are awarded a star symbol from the Department of Tourism for use in marketing their business and visually showing visitors their commitment to “Great Service.” Congratulations to the Sioux Falls businesses awarded the Service star award: Best Western PLUS Ramkota Hotel & Convention Center; ClubHouse Hotel & Suites; Courtyard by Marriott Sioux Falls; Falls Park Visitor Information Center; Good Earth State Park at Blood Run, South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks; Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History; Hilton Garden Inn Sioux Falls South; Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau; and SpringHill Suites Sioux Falls.

New Horizons Computer Learning Centers was named a Registered Education Provider (R.E.P.) by Project Management Institute (PMI), the world’s largest project management member association. R.E.P.s are organizations that have been approved by PMI to help project managers achieve and maintain the Project Management Professional (PMP) and other PMI professional credentials..

EmBe announced the Class of 2015 for the Women’s Leadership Program. Participants include: Christie Aberson, Great Western Bank; Teri Bergeleen, Avera Health; Michelle Booze, Sanford Health; Lynn Boyd, Meta Payment Systems; Elizabeth Broekemeier, Citi; Elizabeth Burns, Gage Brothers; Elizabeth Carlson, First Bank and Trust; Kristin Cooke, Black Events & Advertising; Tami Kielman Daly, Sammons Financial Group/Midland National Life Insurance Co.; Amanda Engel Zimmer, Duncan and Cole; Megan Fischer, University of Sioux Falls; Lauren Fosheim, Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce; Jacque Frick, Avera Health; Candi Gearman, Sioux Falls Police Department; Patti Hawkey, Midco Connections; Laura Jackson, Lockheed Martin; Kjersten Joachim, Dow Rummel Village; Betzi Johnson, EmBe; Hannah Kuelbs, Fresh Produce; Steffanie ListonHoltrop, The Hood Magazine/MED Magazine; Brenda Moore, TSP; Erin Nielsen Ogdahl, Integrative Wellness; Holly Olsen, Aerostar/Raven; Jessie Park, Sanford Health Plan; and Angela Shaw, The First National Bank in Sioux Falls.

Megan Wehrkamp and Rose Benson were named Client Services Reps of the Month for October by Credit Collections Bureau.

The SESHRM Chapter # 217 (Sioux Empire Society for Human Resource Management) recognized several businesses with their Workplace Excellence Award, which acknowledges companies that have made significant strides in employee practices to establish a highly-desirable work environment and to recognize them for their leadership, culture and best practices. These companies are family-friendly with a dedicated workforce consistently portraying a strong culture of empowerment and growth. The recipient of the 2014 Workplace Excellence Award in the small company category (1-100 employees) was Service First Federal Credit Union; the recipient of the 2014 Workplace Excellence Award in the medium company category (101-500 employees) was Gage Brothers; and the 2014 Workplace Excellence award in the category of 500-plus employees was Midcontinent Communications.

Carnaval Brazilian Grill was named as one of the top 100 steakhouses in the country, according to the website OpenTable. This is the first year for the Diners’ Choice Award winners for the Top 100 Steakhouses in America.

The awards reflect the combined opinions of more than 5 million restaurant reviews submitted by verified OpenTable diners for more than 20,000 restaurants in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Carnaval was the only South Dakota establishment cited. Including well-established meat meccas and newer steak restaurants, the complete list of award winners spans 32 states and Washington, D.C. chambernews.com | Chamber News 17

FACES & PLACES

Thank you!

Thank you to all the Chamber member businesses and organizations that sponsored the 2014 Operation Thank You event held in October. Sponsors included: The American Legion Sioux Falls Post 15 Augustana College AvailAbility Employment Services Avera Health Century Business Products, Inc. Citi CorTrust Bank Cutler & Donahoe, LLP Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP Eide Bailly LLP The Event Company Great Western Bank

Hjellming Construction J&L Harley-Davidson Journey Group Kleenrite Company Lloyd Companies The Lynda B. Advantage/Hegg Realtors Midcontinent Communications Novak Sanitary Service Right at Home Sammons Financial Group/Midland National Life Insurance Company Sands Drywall, Inc.

Sanford Health Scott Lumber & Supply Co.-A Division of Lampert Yards, Inc. Security National Bank of South Dakota ServiceMaster of Sioux Falls Showplace Kitchens Signs Plus Graphics Silverstone Group St. Michael Cemetery U.S. Bank Woods, Fuller, Shultz & Smith P.C.

Thank you to all the businesses and individuals who donated door prizes for the Operation Thank You volunteers; they included: 10th St. Autawash All-Star Travel Augustana College Avera Health-Micki Lundin Avera McKennan Fitness Center Bakker Crossing Golf Course/ Willow Run Golf Course Big D Technology Solutions, Inc. Boen & Associates Camille’s Sidewalk Café Carnaval Brazilian Grill Casa del Rey Cherry Creek Grill and Banquet Room Cole Notary CorTrust Bank The Country Club of Sioux Falls Crawfords Dacotah Bank DAKOTACARE Date Night Dance Company Don Dunham III Real Estate Edible Arrangements Envive Famous Daves Farmers Insurance GroupDean Karsky Agency Farmers Insurance GroupJill Melchert Agency First Bank & Trust Flower Mill Golden Dragon Granite City

18 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2014

Henry Carlson Company Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire (HBASE) Home Federal Bank Homewood Suites by Hilton Hy-Vee Food Stores JL Beers Kaladi’s Kleenrite kRav’N Lloyd Residential Group, LLC Keller Williams Realty, Sioux Falls Look’s Meat Market Mary Mastick-Waddell & Reed McNally’s Irish Pub Mixed Organic Healing Massage Pizza Ranch of East Sioux Falls Quality Inn & Suites Regus Sammons Financial Group/ Midland National Life Insurance Company Sanford Health South Dakota State University Foundation ServiceMaster of Sioux Falls Sioux Falls Federal Credit Union Sheraton Sioux Falls Hotel Shop Dog Silverstar Car Wash Silverstone Group Simply Nails Sioux Empire Community Theatre

Sioux Falls Morning Optimist Club South Dakota Symphony Spectrum Marketing Services Spezia State Farm Insurance-Aaron Smith Agency State Farm Insurance-Bill Thompson Agency State Farm Insurance-Jason Ahrendt State Farm Insurance-Jason Durnil State Farm Insurance-Jerry Priebe State Farm Insurance-Jill Van Ede Staybridge Suites Stewart School Swenson Investments & Commodities Target East Tastefully Simple Tinner’s Bar & Grill Tote-Ally Gorgeous Boutique University of Sioux Falls VanDyk Mortgage VanEssen’s Hair Design Vern Eide Motorcars Walmarts (all Sioux Falls locations) Washington Pavilion Workplace Marketing & Consulting YMCA Youth Enrichment Services Zoup!

Special thanks to First PREMIER Bank/ PREMIER Bankcard and the Ramkota Companies for contributing to the grand prize.

FACES & PLACES

Be Seen

Chamber programs and activities bring members together for networking and learning opportunities. The following photos are just some of the places we caught our Chamber members in the act of promoting their businesses and using their memberships.

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The Chamber’s Fall Membership Drive wrapped up in November. Congratulations to all the volunteers who helped in selling the benefits of investing in the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. During the drive 80 new members joined. 1 First place honors went to Team Billars (Lynda Billars, Bernie DeWald and Larry Ayres); from L to R: Ambassador Chair Corey Weide, Wells Fargo Advisors; Bernie DeWald, McKinneyOlson Insurance; Betty Ordal; Chamber President/CEO Evan Nolte; Lynda Billars, The Lynda B. Advantage/ Hegg Realtors; Ambassador Drive Chair Amy O’Connor Hoback, Kleenrite Company; Chamber Chair of the Board Dana Dykhouse, First PREMIER Bank; Larry Ayres, Ayres Group; Daschle Larsen, McKinneyOlson Insurance; and Tom Hackl, Dougherty & Company LLC. 2 Second place went to Team Lloyd (Liz Lloyd, Rod Carlson and Rick Rysavy); from L to R: Ambassador Chair Corey Weide, Wells Fargo Advisors; Liz Lloyd, Lloyd Residential Group KW; Chamber President/CEO Evan Nolte; Stefanie Engebretson, First Bank & Trust; Chamber Chair of the Board Dana Dykhouse, First PREMIER Bank; Ambassador Drive Chair Amy O’Connor Hoback, Kleenrite Company; Rod Carlson; and Adam Cooper, Dacotah Bank.

3 Third place honors went to Team Luke (Mark Luke, Eric Anderson and Heather Kittelson) from L to R: Ambassador Chair Corey Weide, Wells Fargo Advisors; Mark Luke, Mark Luke Construction; Carol Jandera, ComPro, Inc.; Chamber President/CEO Evan Nolte; Fong Roemeling, Golden Dragon; Chamber Chair of the Board Dana Dykhouse, First PREMIER Bank; Angie Wahl, All-Star Travel; Eric Anderson, Home Federal Bank; Ambassador Drive Chair Amy O’Connor Hoback, Kleenrite Company; Jackie Payne, Augustana College; and Heather Kittelson, Midcontinent Communications. 4 Top Associate Ambassadors were also recognized; from L to R: Ambassador Chair Corey Weide, Wells Fargo Advisors; Chamber Chair of the Board Dana Dykhouse, First PREMIER Bank; Jackie Payne, Augustana College; Chamber President/CEO Evan Nolte; and Ambassador Drive Chair Amy O’Connor Hoback, Kleenrite Company. Not pictured: Addie Graham-Kramer, The Event Company, and Shawna Kleinwolterink, VanDyk Mortgage Corporation.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 19

FACES & PLACES

Be Seen 5

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Chamber Chair of the Board Dana Dykhouse, First PREMIER Bank, speaks at the Community Appeals Campaign Kickoff for Feeding South Dakota. 6 Diplomat Chair David Johnson, DAKOTACARE, welcomes nearly 300 Chamber volunteers who participated in the annual Operation Thank You. During this one-day event, volunteers deliver Chamber materials to members and say thank you. 7 Sioux Falls held a “thank you” event to recognize outgoing Sen. Tim Johnson for his decades of service to South Dakota. 8 Lynda Billars was named the Ambassador of the Year for 2013-14; pictured from L to R: 2013-14 Ambassador Chair Liz Lloyd, Lloyd Residential Group KW; Ambassador of the Year Lynda Billars, The Lynda B. Advantage/Hegg Realtors; and Chamber President/ CEO Evan Nolte. 9 The Luke Team (Mark Luke, Lyle Dabbert and Dean Buckenberg) was the 2013-14 Ambassador Team of the Year; pictured from L to R: 2013-14 Ambassador Chair Liz Lloyd, Lloyd Residential Group KW; Lyle Dabbert, Brown & Saenger; Dean Buckneberg, Eide Bailly LLP; Mark Luke Construction, LLC; and Chamber President/ CEO Evan Nolte. 10 Daren Anderson was named the 2013-14 Diplomat of the Year; pictured from L to R: Chamber President/ CEO Evan Nolte; 2013-14 Diplomat Chair Bill Rezac, Boen & Associates; Diplomat of the Year Daren Anderson, Big D Technology Solutions, Inc.; and 2013-14 Chair of the Board Keith Severson, EideBailly LLP. 11 Maxx Hickey, Swier Law Firm, spoke to YPN members about estate planning tips for young families. 12 The 29th class of the Chamber’s Leadership Sioux Falls program has been meeting regularly to learn more about the community. 13 Chamber President/CEO Evan Nolte greets Sioux Falls Diversity Council President Juan Bonilla at the 7th Annual Diversity Conference, sponsored by the Diversity Council, Chamber and dozens of area businesses.

7 20 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2014

FACES & PLACES

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Chamber Public Affairs & Communications Director Mark Lee shared the Chamber’s advocacy process with Sioux Falls area legislators and Chamber leaders at the Legislative Mixer. 15 The Chamber’s Military & Veteran’s Affairs Committee was one of several veterans organizations to sponsor the annual Veterans Day ceremonies. Navy SEAL Karl Hernes was the keynote speaker.

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chambernews.com | Chamber News 21

The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce’s

BY MIKE LYNCH Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

Advocacy is a vital component of your Chamber membership. Decisions made by elected officials frequently and directly affect the way business is conducted. The process by which the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce arrives at the issues that receive the most attention is methodical and involves great commitment among several committees and councils within the Chamber.

Providing the membership with essential information on the legislative process is a crucial element in fulfilling the Chamber’s advocacy objectives. This process begins each year with the development of the Issues Research Councilled Issues & Advocacy Survey, which is distributed to all members in late November. Survey results aide in the development and refinement of policy statements and the Chamber’s platform, which are subsequently approved by the Issues Management Council and Board of Directors and ultimately guide the lobbying initiatives in Pierre. Both groups will approve the policy statements and platform in December; they will be published online at siouxfallschamber.com and in the January edition of the Chamber News magazine. Public Affairs & Communications Director Mark Lee lobbies full-time on Chamber members’ behalf and the Chamber also hires a part-time lobbyist to represent the business interests within the Sioux Falls area.

22 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2014

Another way the Chamber helps inform members on advocacy initiatives leading into the upcoming legislative session is to provide information on Sioux Falls area legislators. The Sioux Falls area includes districts 6, 9-16 and 25. Each year the December issue of Chamber News gives legislators and opportunity to share with Chamber members their goals and identifying what they feel is the single most important issue facing the legislature.; the following pages detail their responses.

Several events will be held during the session to connect the business community with legislators; please refer to the complete legislative calendar, on page 28.

For more information about issues during the legislative session, read the weekly Bill Tracker (available via email or online at siouxfallschamber.com under the Advocacy tab) or contact a member of the Chamber’s Public Affairs & Communications team: (605) 336-1620.

*After the Nov. 4 General Election, eight votes separated incumbent

Paula Hawks (D) from challenger Bob Deelstra (R) for the second state representative seat for District 9 (Hawks had 2,662 votes to Deelstra’s 2,654 votes). On Nov. 13, Deelstra subsequently filed a petition with the South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office for a recount to be conducted. At the time of the December Chamber News printing, the recount was to take place at the Minnehaha County Auditor’s Office on Nov. 24. The results were to be delivered to the State Board of Canvassers, who were scheduled to meet and certify results by Nov. 26. Following the canvas, the Chamber will update this legislative guide. Both candidates were invited to share their thoughts on the upcoming session and their responses are included here.

ANNUAL GUIDE TO SIOUX FALLS AREA LEGISLATORS

Sen. Ernie Otten MAJORITY WHIP 46787 273rd St. Tea, SD 57064

OCCUPATION: Contractor sales PHONE: (605) 368-5716 EMAIL: ernie.otten@gmail.com

What do you think will be the most important issue for this session?

Funding of our infrastructure and teacher pay.

What are your major goals for the 2015 Legislative Session?

• Live within our budget while trying to improve our business climate by bringing in both larger & entrepreneurial businesses • Provide a well-educated workforce to draw those new businesses willing to pay higher wages into our state.

• South Dakota’s infrastructure is in need of immediate improvements and we need to expand our rail lines. We now have to decide how to provide the funds necessary to repair our local townships’ roads and bridges

Rep. Isaac Latterell

Sen. Deb Peters 705 N. Sagehorn Dr., Hartford, SD 57033

OCCUPATION: Small business owner/accountant PHONE: (605) 321-4168 EMAIL: deb@debpeters.com TWITTER HANDLE: @DebPetersForSD

What are your major goals for the 2015 Legislative Session?

• Implement good fiscal policy.

• Balance the state’s budget.

• Review the state’s tax policy to maximize economic development.

Rep. Steve Hickey

What do you think will be the most important issue for this session?

What do you think will be the most important issue for this session?

What are your major goals for the 2015 Legislative Session?

What are your major goals for the 2015 Legislative Session?

*Paula Hawks MINORITY WHIP 405 S. Tessa Ave. Hartford, SD 57033

Rep. Herman Otten 27085 McNelly Pl. Tea, SD 57064-0325

OCCUPATION: Construction PHONE: (605) 498-5460 EMAIL: hermanottendist6@gmail.com

What do you think will be the most important issue for this session?

I believe teacher pay will receive a lot of attention this year along with finding additional sources for road funding.

OCCUPATION: Training specialist PHONE: (605) 254-2440 EMAIL: paulahawks@hotmail.com

What do you think will be the most important issue for this session?

It is imperative that we expand Medicaid to provide affordable preventative healthcare options for all South Dakotans.

What are your major goals for the 2015 Legislative Session?

• Incentives for education professionals • Access to affordable healthcare for all South Dakotans • Public safety initiatives

*Bob Deelstra

What are your major goals for the 2015 Legislative Session?

• Provide more funds for our four tech schools and help them become more independent • Help the Legislature exert more control over the budget • Review work on some public notices legislation

What do you think will be the most important issue for this session?

What are your major goals for the 2015 Legislative Session?

chambernews.com | Chamber News 23

SIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Sen. Jenna Haggar

Sen. David Omdahl 1300 Hyde Park Ave. Sioux Falls, SD 57106

OCCUPATION: Engineer/auctioneer PHONE: (605) 323-0098 EMAIL: omdahlforsenate@gmail.com

No information provided.

What do you think will be the most important issue for this session?

Pass legislation implementing the Article V Convention of States to limit the over-regulation, over-taxation, and out-of-control spending of the Federal Government.

What are your major goals for the 2015 Legislative Session?

• Do not overburden businesses with unnecessary regulation • Prioritize and use a common sense approach to taxation • Promote long term energy development in our state

Rep. Don Haggar MAJORITY WHIP

Rep. Mark Willadsen

What do you think will be the most important issue for this session?

What do you think will be the most important issue for this session?

What are your major goals for the 2015 Legislative Session?

What are your major goals for the 2015 Legislative Session?

Rep. Steven Haugaard

Rep. Jim Stalzer 5909 W. Bristol Dr. Sioux Falls, SD 57106

OCCUPATION: Retired (information technology) PHONE: (605) 366-5874 EMAIL: jim.stalzer@gmail.com TWITTER HANDLE: @jimstalzer

What do you think will be the most important issue for this session?

What do you think will be the most important issue for this session?

What are your major goals for the 2015 Legislative Session?

What are your major goals for the 2015 Legislative Session?

24 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2014

ANNUAL GUIDE TO SIOUX FALLS AREA LEGISLATORS

Sen. Blake Curd

Sen. Phyllis Heineman 2005 S. Phillips Ave. Sioux Falls, SD 57105

OCCUPATION: Homemaker/former teacher PHONE: (605) 610-5453 EMAIL: sen.heineman@state.sd.us TWITTER HANDLE: @PhyllisHeineman

No information provided.

What do you think will be the most important issue for this session?

As a member of Appropriations, our greatest responsibility is ensuring that our $4-plus billion budget effectively delivers the results the public wants.

What are your major goals for the 2015 Legislative Session?

• Sustain the successful policies that make South Dakota the top business climate in the nation • Confront the challenges in education, workforce development, healthcare and public safety • Deliver results

Rep. Arch Beal

Rep. Mark Mickelson SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

2901 S. 5th Ave. Sioux Falls, SD 57105 OCCUPATION: Mickelson & Co. PHONE: (605) 951-7690 EMAIL: rep.mickelson@state.sd.us TWITTER HANDLE: @micksd

What do you think will be the most important issue for this session?

What are your major goals for the 2015 Legislative Session?

What are your major goals for the 2015 Legislative Session?

Rep. Alex Jensen

Rep. Steve Westra ASSISTANT MAJORITY LEADER

5100 S. Twinleaf Dr. Sioux Falls, SD 57108-2843 OCCUPATION: COO of Hegg Companies, Inc. PHONE: (605) 336-2111 EMAIL: swestra@heggcompanies.com

What do you think will be the most important issue for this session?

What do you think will be the most important issue for this session?

What are your major goals for the 2015 Legislative Session?

What are your major goals for the 2015 Legislative Session?

Meeting all funding needs with limited state resources

• Economic development for South Dakota • Education • Streamline regulation

chambernews.com | Chamber News 25

COVER STORY

SIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Sen. Deb Soholt

Sen. Angie Buhl O’Donnell

MAJORITY WHIP 2628 E. Regency Ct. Sioux Falls, SD 57103

P.O. Box 2012 Sioux Falls, SD 57104

OCCUPATION: Registered nurse/healthcare director PHONE: (605) 321-5931 EMAIL: sen.soholt@state.sd.us TWITTER HANDLE: @soholtdeb

What do you think will be the most important issue for this session?

Becoming clear on strategic priorities that most powerfully move South Dakota forward and funding to achieve.

What are your major goals for the 2015 Legislative Session?

• Workforce development • Healthcare coverage • K-12, post-secondary, technical school funding

Rep. Larry Zikmund

What do you think will be the most important issue for this session?

What are your major goals for the 2015 Legislative Session?

Rep. Tom Holmes

What do you think will be the most important issue for this session?

What are your major goals for the 2015 Legislative Session?

26 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2014

OCCUPATION: Patient care technician, student PHONE: (605) 376-2512 EMAIL: angie.b.odonnell@gmail.com TWITTER HANDLE: @angiebuhl

What do you think will be the most important issue for this session?

The most important issues that will come up this session are education and healthcare, addressing the severe teacher shortage and ensuring everyone has access to good healthcare.

What are your major goals for the 2015 Legislative Session?

• Continue the push for Medicaid expansion • Ensure South Dakota has the best possible schools with the best teachers and adequate resources • Make South Dakota a great place for everyone to live, work, play and raise a family

Rep. Karen Soli

What do you think will be the most important issue for this session?

What are your three major goals for the 2015 Legislative Session?

Rep. Patrick Kirschman

No information provided.

ANNUAL GUIDE TO SIOUX FALLS AREA LEGISLATORS

Sen. Dan Lederman

Sen. Tim Rave

ASSISTANT MAJORITY LEADER 725 Indian Wells Ct. Dakota Dunes, SD 57049

MAJORITY LEADER 46923 250th St. Baltic, SD 57003

OCCUPATION: Small business owner PHONE: (712) 251-1992 EMAIL: dan@danlederman.org TWITTER HANDLE: @danlederman

What are your major goals for the 2015 Legislative Session?

• Maintain South Dakota’s business-friendly climate • Reduce regulation and outdated statutes • Proudly represent District 16

OCCUPATION: Client manager PHONE: (605) 360-7190 EMAIL ADDRESS: trave@alliancecom.net TWITTER HANDLE: @SDSenLeader

What do you think will be the most important issue for this session?

Finding a solution to the highway funding challenges and continue to work on ways to increase teacher pay.

What are your major goals for the 2015 Legislative Session?

No personal agenda, just work on the major items listed above.

Rep. Jim Bolin

Rep. Kris Langer

MAJORITY WHIP

MAJORITY WHIP

What do you think will be the most important issue for this session?

What do you think will be the most important issue for this session?

What are your major goals for the 2015 Legislative Session?

What are your major goals for the 2015 Legislative Session?

Rep. David Anderson

What do you think will be the most important issue for this session?

Rep. Roger Hunt

What do you think will be the most important issue for this session?

What are your major goals for the 2015 Legislative Session?

What are your major goals for the 2015 Legislative Session?

chambernews.com | Chamber News 27

HEADLINES

2015 LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR Good Morning Sioux Falls Legislative Breakfast (to include Districts 6, 9-16, 25)

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 7, 2015

Best Western PLUS Ramkota Hotel 3200 W. Maple St. 7-8:30 a.m.

RSVP to Maddie Gutierrez at mgutierrez@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2015

Good Morning Sioux Falls Legislative Breakfast

Cost is $20 per Chamber member to attend.

Sioux Falls Area Legislative Coffees (to include Districts 6, 9, 11-15)

SATURDAY, FEB. 7, 2015 SATURDAY, FEB. 21, 2015

Hilton Garden Inn Downtown 201 E. 8th St. 9-11:45 a.m.

*More details will follow about the district assignments for each date

Sioux Falls Day at the Legislature

Legislative Coffees

(to include Districts 6, 9-16, 25)

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 18, 2015

Pierre, SD Luncheon: Noon, Ramkota River Centre *More details will follow about the day’s agenda and costs to ride the bus to appear and attend lunch.

RSVP to Maddie Gutierrez at mgutierrez@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2015

Business Day at the Legislature THURSDAY, FEB. 19, 2015

Pierre, SD

*Sponsored by the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce & Industry For more information visit sdchamber.biz.

Sioux Falls Day at the Legislature

Sioux Falls Day Keynote Speaker Gov. Dennis Daugaard 28 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2014

Sioux Falls Day at the Legislature ice cream social at the Capitol Rotunda

HEADLINES

Be informed during the legislative session The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce asked legislators in Districts 6, 9-16 and 25 to submit contact information and their goals for the 2015 Legislative Session; their responses can be found on the previous pages. Chamber members are encouraged to save this issue of Chamber News for the legislative guide and to use it during the session to contact Sioux Falls area legislators. You can also get legislators’ contact information at siouxfallschamber.com under the Advocacy tab.

You can also reach legislators in Pierre.

To leave a message for a Senator, call (605) 773-3821. To leave a message for a member of the House of Representatives, call (605) 7733851. Another great resource is the Legislative Research Council (LRC) website: legis.state. sd.us/index.aspx. You can use this site to search

bills by number, subject or the member who introduced the bill. You can also track committees and floor activities and find existing laws.

The LRC site also contains contact information for every member of South Dakota’s House and Senate.

The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce also tracks bills and communicates pertinent information to members via the weekly Bill Tracker email and online posting. Bill Tracker is published only during the session and rates bills based on their significance to the Chamber’s legislative platform.

Additional information about the legislative session can also be found in the weekly newsletter The Chamber Advocate. The Chamber Advocate tracks activities at all levels

of government. Its purpose is to provide information and insight regarding issues that affect business and the growth and development of the Sioux Falls area. All Chamber members and their employees can receive this information at no cost. The Chamber Advocate is emailed each Friday.

As a Chamber member, you can sign up for both publications in the Chamber’s Members Only section at siouxfallschamber.com or by contacting the office at (605) 336-1620.

Chamber members who have specific legislative questions can contact lobbyist and Public Affairs & Communications Director Mark Lee at (605) 336-1620 or mlee@siouxfalls.com.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 29

BUSINESS ADVOCACY

Chamber groups work to strengthen messaging at federal, state levels For some time the Mid-America Chamber Executives (MACE) organization has been considering strategies to improve our region’s ability to influence legislation and rule-making on issues that are important to the upper Midwest. The MACE Regional Policy Conference held in Sioux Falls on Nov. 18-19 was a big first step in that direction.

The MACE region includes six states: South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa and Wisconsin. At its spring 2014 meeting held in Sioux Falls, MACE held a discussion and planning session to consider a new initiative called the Advocacy Alliance. The Alliance would work to MARK LEE

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

MACE Advocacy Alliance: Industries, infrastructure and natural resources tie the MACE region together. Interstate regional advocacy is the main focus of the Advocacy Alliance, to work together in order to leverage the greatest influence on policy issues that affect the region.

identify issues of common interest and concern; research those issues; educate the membership; and develop position statements and talking points. If successful, chambers of commerce from the six MACE states would be better prepared to talk to their federal and state officials with a common voice and messaging — a regional approach might strengthen our efforts.

After the spring meeting, the Advocacy Alliance Steering Committee was formed and Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Evan Nolte was selected as the Chair; I also serve on the committee. Planning began for a conference to invite chamber executives to Sioux Falls to hear from industry and other experts on selected topics. During the conference, more than 40 attendees heard presentations on ethanol and bio-diesel, mining, transportation, oil and gas, electrical energy, railroads and more. It concluded with a facilitated discussion led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to provide input to the Steering Committee as to what issues should be the highest priorities for the Alliance as we begin our regional advocacy efforts.

In the coming weeks the Steering Committee will evaluate the results of the conference and develop an action plan to move us forward. The Advocacy Alliance is in its formative stages, but it appears to have great potential for our Chamber and chambers in the six MACE states.

30 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2014

Mark Lee is the Public Affairs & Communications Director for the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. He also serves as the full-time lobbyist for the Chamber and Forward Sioux Falls during South Dakota’s legislative session.

COMMUNITY APPEALS SIOUX FALLS AREA 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.

The committee has a responsibility to discourage unnecessary or overlapping drives, to assess funds available in the Sioux Falls business community, and to provide input on realistic drive goals.

Capital fund drive applications will be accepted by the committee until Aug. 1 of any one year and the suggested solicitation amount and time slot for approved drives will be determined and scheduled by the committee no later than February of the following year.

CURRENT CAMPAIGN

DAKOTABILITIES APRIL 1-JULY 31, 2015 $1.007 MILLION Renovate and remodel Longfellow school for new/consolidated headquarters

NOV. 1, 2014-MARCH 31, 2015 $1.2 MILLION Feeding South Dakota will expand their current facility to enhance ongoing programs and create more efficiencies.

LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES APRIL 1-JULY 31, 2016 $1.25 MILLION To build a new “Center for Community Services” to house multiple programs

For more information visit feedingsouthdakota.org.

For more information on the Community Appeals Committee, call Mike Lynch at (605) 373-2006 or download an application at siouxfallschamber.com under the Programs tab.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 31

HEADLINES

Interim committee presents single omnibus bill for financing maintenance, construction of South Dakota roads, bridges

BY MARK LEE Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Last month the legislative interim committee on Highway Needs and Funding concluded its series of meetings by approving on a 12-3 vote the introduction of a single omnibus bill to provide funding for the maintenance and construction of roads and bridges in the state, county and township road systems throughout South Dakota. The Committee met on three occasions in Pierre and conducted six statewide listening sessions to gather input and consider options. On Nov. 10 the Legislature’s Executive Committee passed the bill on to the full legislature on a 13-1 vote. Neither vote should be considered an endorsement of the substance of the bill.

A single bill approach, as opposed to a one topic per bill approach, was developed with the goal of building a broad-based coalition to support the legislation. The bill attempts to spread the responsibility for paying for the state’s road system across various interest groups. This is just the opening piece of what will be a sessionlong dialogue on this issue when the bill is introduced. If there are significant defections, other defections will surely follow and the bill will be in jeopardy. That will be the challenge for everyone involved with this bill.

All estimates are from the Legislative Research Council; the main revenue producing components of this bill and their estimated revenue are: • An increase in the excise tax on motor vehicle sales from 3 percent to 4 percent.

The revenue estimate is $25.3 million per year and funds would go to the state highway fund.

• An increase in the tax rate for motor fuel of about 2.5 percent per year beginning in July 2016 with the last increase scheduled for July 2025. The rate would move from today’s 22 cents per gallon to 28.16 cents per gallon. Each penny increase equals about $6 million in revenue and funds would go to the state highway fund.

32 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2014

• An increase in the tax rate for ethyl and methyl alcohol fuels beginning in July 2015 by 2 cents per year from the current 8 cents until it reaches 22 cents. Each two-cent increment generates about $750,000.

• A new tax on dyed special fuel of 7 cents per gallon. Dyed fuels are used in off-road equipment such as tractors, combines and construction equipment. This would generate $9.1 million in revenue and the funds would be deposited in a newlycreated local government bridge fund.

• A new sales tax of 3 percent on the average wholesale price of motor fuel but not less than $2.50 per gallon. The estimated annual revenue of $50 million would be deposited in the state highway fund.

• An increase in licensing fees of about 10 percent across all vehicle and registration types. The estimated annual revenue of about $8.7 million would be distributed in the same manner as fees are currently distributed, which mainly accrue to the benefit of counties and other local governments.

• Amend the license fee schedule for certain non-commercial vehicles and add a category for more than 27 tons. The estimated annual revenue of $9 million would be distributed as are the license fees.

• A new registration fee of $80 on electric vehicles and $40 on hybrid vehicles.

Annual revenue of about $190,000 would be distributed as are the license fees.

• A permissive increase in the wheel tax that would permit taxing up to 12 wheels at the current maximum $4 per wheel rate.

Revenue estimates would be modest, but were not estimated.

The total revenue generated in FY 16, would equal about $103 million. This amount would increase substantially as the fuel and ethanol tax incremental increases are implemented in the following years.

The bill also includes some changes in the distribution of some revenues. In addition, and in order for counties to have access to certain funds, they would be required to impose a wheel tax and create and maintain a highway and bridge improvement plan.

The version the committee considered can be found at http://legis.sd.gov/docs/ interim/2014/documents/HNF11-0614DraftPart1.pdf, which is accurate except for the section on ethyl and methyl alcohol.

Finally, the bill requires the DOT to establish performance standards to measure the overall condition of the state road system and 10-year goals to meet the standards. If the goals are not being met, DOT may not add or build additional miles on the system. Since state system expansion is really only contemplated for the Sioux Falls area and the Rapid City/ Black Hills area, those appear to be the areas in jeopardy from this provision.

Bills of this magnitude and complexity have a long way to go before becoming law and it is anticipated that there will be many attempts to amend the bill. As Transportation Committee Chair Sen. Mike Vehle (District 20, R-Mitchell) consistently points out “Everyone likes good roads, but nobody likes to pay for them.”

HEADLINES

2015 Crossroads Summit planning underway

BY LAUREN FOSHEIM Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce The Chamber’s Young Professionals Network will host the 3rd Crossroads Summit on Aug. 20, 2015 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. The Summit, first held in 2011, brings together young professionals from a variety of businesses and industries and provides opportunities to develop skills and relationships.

The 2015 Crossroads Summit will feature two keynote speakers. Jason Schechterle will address attendees over breakfast and share his amazing story of resilience. He is a retired Phoenix Police Officer, who, while on duty, was involved in a horrific accident. Schechterle suffered severe burns to more than 40 percent of his body and has undergone more than 50 surgeries. His story is a powerful example of overcoming adversity and that the power of the human spirit can never be underestimated.

Ken Schmidt, a former Communications Director for Harley-Davidson, is the lunch keynote speaker. Schmidt played a key role in taking the company from a struggling business to a visible and impactful brand that we all recognize.

Jason Schechterle, Retired Phoenix Police Officer

2015 CROSSROADS SUMMIT Aug. 20, 2015 Sioux Falls Convention Center Organized by the Young Professionals Network and open to the public Cost is $99 per person A number of businesses have already signed up to sponsor the 2015 Crossroads Summit. Contact us to find out how your company can participate.

Ken Schmidt, Former Director of Communications Strategy for HarleyDavidson Motor Company

Crossroads Summit attendees will also have the opportunity to develop their skills and gain valuable insight on a variety of topics through breakout sessions. Each attendee has the chance to attend four sessions on topics ranging from Building Relationships in Business and Branding Yourself, to Investing Your Money and How to Run for Office.

Tickets are $99 for the full day (including breakfast, lunch and four breakout sessions), and will go on sale in the spring of 2015. For more information about the Summit or how to become an event sponsor, call (605) 373-2009 or email lfosheim@siouxfalls.com.

GOLD LEVEL

CorTrust Bank Northwestern Mutual

SILVER LEVEL

First PREMIER Bank KELO TV Sanford Health

BRONZE LEVEL

Beck & Hofer Construction Cutler & Donahoe LLP DocuTAP EideBailly LLP Great Western Bank Meta Payment Systems Midcontinent Communications Novak Sanitary Service Pride Neon Raven Industries U.S. Bank Woods, Fuller, Shultz & Smith

chambernews.com | Chamber News 33

HEADLINES

Three ballot issues passed — now what?

BY MARK LEE Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce In the November general election all three ballot measures passed. They included Initiated Measure 17 known as any willing provider; Initiated Measure 18 raising the minimum wage; and Constitutional Amendment Q to allow keno, craps and roulette in Deadwood casinos. Below is an explanation of the implementation and affects of these three measures.

IM 17 — ANY WILLING PROVIDER

The measure is law right now. However, you cannot simply find any doctor you want and assume the doctor will be considered part of your current insurance provider network. In fact, doctors will have to apply to be included in provider networks and be accepted in them before the network will honor their services as “in network.” The Chamber is not sure how this will play out or how much time it will take to practically implement this measure that is law now.

IM 18 — MINIMUM WAGE

This measure takes effect on Jan. 1, 2015

34 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2014

— in less than one month. Beginning then, the new minimum wage will be $8.50 per hour and the minimum wage for tipped employees will be 50 percent of the prevailing minimum wage or $4.25.

The third component of the measure ties wage increases to the national Consumer Price Index (CPI). This will be measured in August 2015 compared to August 2014 and wages will be adjusted beginning Jan. 1, 2016. In no case may the wage decrease and the wage must be rounded-up to the nearest 5 cents. For example, if the CPI in August 2015 is measured 3 percent over August 2014, the precise calculation would be $8.755. Though not confirmed, it appears this would be rounded-up to $8.80 per hour and the tipped wage would be $4.40 per hour or effectively a 3.53 percent increase.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT Q — KENO, CRAPS AND ROULETTE

Effectively, South Dakota’s State Constitution is amended now, but don’t plan to place any bets on these games in the near future. In short, Article 3 Section 25 notes

that the Legislature may authorize games in Deadwood. Of course, it already has done so with games like slot machines and card games so those are in place. It will take another act of the Legislature to authorize the three games in this amendment. Thus, a bill will need to be presented during the 2015 session to accomplish this.

Also, keep in mind that Native American casinos can only allow games that are authorized by the state. Thus, if the Legislature acts to authorize these new games, they will also very likely be offered in these casinos as well.

LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY

Just to clarify, the legislature still has options with respect to the three ballot issues. As noted above, affirmative action is needed on Amendment Q. The legislature could choose to not authorize.

Remember, however, the initiated measures are simply laws on the books of South Dakota.

Like any measure passed by the legislature, they can be amended or repealed by an act of the legislature and the Governor’s signature.

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

What is a DMO? The Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is a DMO. DMO stands for Destination Marketing Organization.

TERI SCHMIDT

Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau

DMOs are the organizations structured to promote their respective destination to attract visitors to that community. This is done through sales, marketing and service to the visitor or visitor group. DMOs are responsible for representing their city, in our case Sioux Falls, and creating economic impact to the city through all types of visitors.

CVB STAFF Executive Director Teri Schmidt

Host City Manager Rachel Crane

Director of Sales Mattie Burnham Director of Marketing Krista Orsack

Sales Assistant Jill Niedringhaus

Sales Managers Clay Bak Nicole Nelson Lucas Smith Alexa Steiner Erin Zimmerman

Service Manager Jay Kaltenbach

First Impressions/ Project Manager Matt Barthel

Administrative For visitors, DMOs are essentially the key Assistant to to the city. They are an unbiased resource.

Executive Director They act as an official point of contact Kathie Puthoff Creative & for conventions, meetings, events, sports, Communications business travelers and tourists. DMOs help Manager Betsy McCarty all types of planners with meeting and event preparation and encourage all visitors to visit Contact the CVB at (605) 275-6060 local attractions, eat in restaurants, stay in local hotels, shop and enjoy local historic, cultural and recreational areas of the city.

In summary, the Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau exists to make Sioux Falls economically stronger. Consider this: • In 2013, the CVB estimated visitors to Sioux Falls created an economic impact to the city of approximately $380 million.

• The top 10 countries outside of the U.S. visiting Sioux Falls in 2013 were Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, Australia, Norway, France, Spain, Brazil, Japan and Tunisia.

• Visitors to Sioux Falls generated 8 percent of the sales tax and 5.7 percent of the entertainment tax in 2013.

• Right now, the CVB is working on new business for Sioux Falls as far out as 2019.

“Tourism in Sioux Falls is an integral part in the successes felt statewide. The Sioux Falls CVB does a great job attracting a mix of visitors from conventions and sports events to leisure travelers, which helps sustain its Tourism economy year after year.”— Secretary Jim Hagen, South Dakota Department of Tourism The staff of the Sioux Falls CVB is committed to increasing the number of visitors to Sioux Falls in order to further the economic well-being of our community. Please contact any one of us to work with you to bring visitors to Sioux Falls.

Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau Mission To market the city of Sioux Falls, S.D., as a one-of-a-kind visitor destination, and to provide premier visitor services, and increase visitor spending in order to enhance economic impact throughout the community.

The Sioux Falls Promise The CVB stands committed to exceeding visitor’s expectations. We will provide superior visitor hospitality in the city best recognized as “The Heart of America.”

For all your convention, meeting and event needs, contact the Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau: (605) 275-6060, email sfcvb@siouxfalls.com or visit VisitSiouxFalls.com; for more updates about the visitor industry, go to pg. 42.

36 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2014

Happy Holidays from the

LIGHTS. Shop See the

for Sioux Falls gifts.

Falls Park Visitor Information Center offers the largest selection of Sioux Falls memorabilia.

Open Monday-Thursday 5pm-9pm, Friday 5pm-10pm, Saturday 10am-10pm, Sunday 10pm-9pm through January 4, 2015.

605.367.7430 VisitSiouxFalls.com/FallsPark

CHAMBER PARTNER

TechEd Works initiative shares the advantages of technical education With an unemployment rate of 2.7 percent Sioux Falls is again showing that we have an incredible city to live in and that economic growth is everywhere! Because of that, the challenges of having a ready and capable workforce to fulfill industry’s needs are many. Southeast Tech’s agility in creating new degrees, fine-tuning existing degrees or providing customized training is key for continued growth in this environment.

Having the privilege of partnering with industry to create a solution for South Dakota’s workforce is an amazing experience. In addition, providing education that allows our students to JEFFREY HOLCOMB

Southeast Technical Institute

The strength of TechEd Works is collaboration of many who are absolutely committed to workforce development. Forward Sioux Falls was the first partner and from there, 26 industry businesses and organizations have joined in with their financial investment and their participation. They include: AGC Building Chapter AGC Highway Chapter Amesbury Architecture Incorporated Component Manufacturing Dakota Digital DocuTAP Egger Steel Forward Sioux Falls Graham Tire Company Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire Koch Hazard Luverne Truck Equipment Malloy Electric Marmen Energy Midcontinent Communications Midwestern Mechanical P & M Steel POET SDN Communications Sheehan Mack Sales & Equipment Showplace Wood Products Sioux Empire Home Builders Association Care Foundation Sturdevant’s Auto Parts Van Buskirk Companies Wilson Trailers

thrive in the local economy is incredibly rewarding, and being able to connect those students into industry hungry for their skilled talent is paramount to our mission. We are excited to move forward and have our graduates recognized for the important work they do in our community.

In this environment of a technical-skills hungry workplace, the timing couldn’t be better for an initiative that focuses on getting more workers recruited, trained and flowing into the region’s workforce. At Southeast Tech, that’s exactly what is happening through our TechEd Works for Me initiative.

A collaborative workforce initiative designed to elevate the image of technical education and promote it as a fast-track solution to a lucrative career in industry, the goal is to raise awareness and spark interest about technical education and the rewarding careers that are available in industry. Through scholarships, direct mail, social media, print advertising, press coverage, and informational Tech Talk meetings for high school students and parents, TechEd Works for Me will have a lasting impact on the region by addressing workforce needs and creating a sustainable workforce now and in the future.

I believe general perception of technical education is rooted in the belief that it is best suited for under-achieving students not interested in challenging, high-paying careers. In addition, careers are frequently thought to be undesirable positions for industry that focus heavily on manual labor in a dirty environment. TechEd Works is aimed at changing these perceptions and getting students and their parents to take a fresh look at the amazing opportunities that exist for technically trained professionals. The reality is that technical education is a highly-focused and streamlined method of education that allows students hands-on experience.

Following an initial investment from Forward Sioux Falls, more than 25 industry organizations and businesses have also joined together to lend their support and the list is still growing. A three-year initiative, the goal of TechEd Works For Me is to raise awareness and spark interest about technical education and the rewarding careers that are available in industry.

The support we’ve received from Forward Sioux Falls and our industry partners for this initiative is exciting. The recognition for the need for technically skilled professionals has become overwhelming and we’re pleased to offer a key solution for the workforce shortage in Sioux Falls and South Dakota. I believe that together we can make great strides in meeting the needs and expectations of our economy.

For more information about TechEd Works, visit techedworks.com, like us on Facebook (Tech Ed Works) and follow us on Twitter at @TechEdWorks.

38 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2014

Jeffrey Holcomb is the President of Southeast Technical Institute.

USING YOUR MEMBERSHIP

Promote your business through the Chamber

BY AMY SMOLIK

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

Looking for a great way to promote your business to other members of the business community? Advertise with the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce!

The Chamber has three options at various price points and delivery messages to help members promote their business, services or special events to other Chamber members. Only Chamber members can advertise in Chamber publications. For more information about any of the following options, contact the Chamber: (605) 336-1620.

QUICKLY

Quickly is an electronic publication emailed to more than 5,000 Chamber members and their employees each week. It details two weeks of Chamber activities — ribbon cuttings, Chamber events and committee meetings — and offers several sponsorship opportunities.

The Chamber does not sell or share members’ email addresses but advertising in Quickly is one way to share information with other Chamber members via email.

ADVERTISE WITH THE CHAMBER Following is more information about advertising opportunities with the Chamber. You must be a Chamber member in order to advertise with the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. For more information or to schedule ads in Quickly or online, visit siouxfallschamber.com under the News & Publications link.

Quickly

Weekly electronic email detailing Chamber activities that is sent to more than 5,100 Rates: $50/non-profit, $100/for profit per issue To schedule an ad or for more information: contact Amy Smolik, asmolik@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2054

Limited space is available for advertising with for-profit and nonprofit rates. Advertising is coordinated through Chamber staff.

CHAMBER NEWS

The Chamber debuted the new Chamber News magazine earlier this year. The magazine features news and information about Chamber members and promotes Chamber activities and events. The magazine is a high-quality, glossy publication. Chamber News is direct mailed to Chamber members and is available at several drop-off points throughout the community.

All editorial information is created and compiled by Chamber staff. Advertising is coordinated through Argus Leader Media.

SIOUXFALLSCHAMBER.COM

Earlier this year the Chamber also updated its website, siouxfallschamber.com, by refreshing the content and graphics and making it responsive on all digital platforms. The site is compatible on all devices with a modern design, better recognition of Chamber volunteers and more details about Chamber benefits.

Chamber News

Monthly magazine mailed to all Chamber members and available at various spots in the community Rates: Vary depending on ad size; full, half and quarter pages sizes are available To schedule an ad or for more information: contact Lori Intveld at Argus Leader Media: (605) 977-3927.

Adding advertising to the website was also new. Chamber members can promote their business or event with an ad that will rotate throughout the website. Rates are available for three-month, sixmonth and 12-month contracts. Advertising is coordinated through Chamber staff.

siouxfallschamber.com

Chamber website Rates: Three-month, six-month and 12-month options available, starting at $100 per month To schedule an ad or for more information: contact Amy Smolik, asmolik@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2054

chambernews.com | Chamber News 39

MEMBER’S VOICE

Beautifying communities serves company well, too You’ve probably noticed the colorful traffic signal boxes downtown Sioux Falls. If you’ve recently traveled to Minneapolis, Orange County, West Yellowstone, Bozeman, Great Falls, Bismarck or Jackson, Wyo., you may have noticed them there, too.

ERIC VAN BEEK Clean Slate Group

We’re proud to be part of a functional solution that adds art and helps eliminate eyesores.

The once rusted and often graffiti-covered boxes have been transformed into colorful works of art. At Clean Slate Group, we’re proud to be part of a functional solution that adds art and helps eliminate eyesores in a community.

Sioux Falls is a great community that doesn’t seem to have a graffiti problem. We’re excited about the opportunity to help our community’s visitors better find some of our downtown establishments while covering up what were previously boring-looking electrical boxes.

Sioux Falls native Ryan Rickert founded Clean Slate Group in 2011 with the goal of beautifying the “necessary eyesores of every community” like dumpsters, utility and electrical boxes and other unsightly necessities, as these locations are frequent targets of vandalism. Our business has grown significantly as other communities across the country also see the benefit of beautifying eyesores — we’ve completed projects in nine states and have upcoming projects in 14 states.

Too often, it seems, the American mentality neglects beauty for the sake of efficiency, a norm that we’re trying to change. Besides adding opportunities for unique art in the community, we’re working to stop the proliferation of graffiti that damages and defaces public property and makes a community feel unsafe.

For us, the process comes full circle: we also donate to a youth organization of the community’s choice. We like to donate to organizations that help to teach kids right from wrong, fill their idle time and in-theory, reduce the vandalism cycle.

We’re fortunate to have the opportunity to business across the country from right here in Sioux Falls. We’ve been able to expand our business model and work directly with businesses for marketing purposes, using the same technology and quality. Vehicles, walls, campus projects … we can turn almost anything into art or advertising. It just takes some outside the box thinking to make it happen.

Eric Van Beek is the Operating Partner at Clean Slate Group. The company has offices in Sioux Falls and Bozeman, Mont.

40 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2014

BUSINESS NEWS

Main Avenue Road Diet set to become permanent The Main Avenue Road Diet pilot project earlier this year was deemed a success — and the City of Sioux Falls is working to make the changes permanent. The project repurposed one traffic lane of Main Avenue from Sixth to 14th streets in order to increase safety for pedestrians and bicyclists, add parking, extend public seating areas and calm traffic.

Throughout the planning process for the 2025 Downtown Plan, the City of Sioux Falls heard a number of ideas through public engagement. One of the common themes was to make downtown more pedestrian friendly along the one-way streets. While the pilot project was in place for just more than three months, the positive outcomes included: three businesses utilized bumpout areas; the additional 75 parking spaces were used on a daily basis; the average traffic speed was reduced by 8 percent, bringing it closer to the posted speed limit; vehicle travel times were nominally affected, and no crashes were attributed to the changes; and survey feedback was primarily positive and included an increased feeling of safety for pedestrians.

In order to make the changes more permanent during the winter, the diagonal parking spaces will be restriped. In response to survey feedback, the angle of the parking will be changed from 60 degrees to 45 degrees in an effort to make it easier to back out of spaces. The 90-minute free parking will be continued while the Public Parking Division explores implementing pay stations in that area of downtown in the future. Planters and some bumpouts will be left in place.

A bike lane may be added in the spring.

“As we look at making this project more permanent, our first priority for investment of taxpayer dollars will be the block of Main Avenue from 10th Street to 11th Street,” said Mark Cotter, Director of Public Works. “Creating a vibrant, walkable downtown requires us to rethink our street systems, and this project is one example of our efforts to create complete streets in Sioux Falls.”

For more information, contact Community Development at the City of Sioux Falls at (605) 367-8180.

Gigabit Internet service coming to Northern Plains by 2017 Midcontinent Communications unveiled a plan to deliver gigabit Internet across the South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota by 2017.

The positive community impact is a driving force behind the Midcontinent Gigabit Frontier Initiative. “Gigabit Internet access will lead to improved economic development, education and quality of life in the communities we serve,” said Pat McAdaragh, president and CEO of Midcontinent Communications.

Work on the Midcontinent Gigabit Frontier Initiative will begin in 2015. The first cities with access to gigabit service are expected to be the metro areas of Fargo, Bismarck and Grand Forks in North Dakota, along with Sioux Falls and Rapid City in South Dakota.

In June 2014, Midcontinent doubled speeds for customers, increasing download speeds to 200 Mbps. When the Gigabit Frontier Initiative is finished, the top speeds available from Midcontinent will be five times faster than its current best and 35 times faster than the average high-speed Internet access speed in America.

“In addition to increasing our speed, we are also improving our network capacity. This year alone, our customers’ bandwidth usage has increased by 77 percent. Consumption doubles every 15 months, and I don’t see it slowing down,” said Jon Pederson, vice president of technology at Midcontinent Communications. “As our customers invent and discover new ways to use the Internet, Midcontinent will have the enhanced bandwidth to support their success and deliver a superior user experience.”

Called the Midcontinent Gigabit Frontier Initiative, this plan will make gigabit Internet available to more than 600,000 homes and 55,000 businesses. Recently the company was recognized by PCMag.com for providing the nation’s fastest Internet. America’s average Internet download speeds are roughly 29 Mbps, according to PCMag.com.

Currently Midcontinent serves a 7,600-mile fiber network in the three states, which represents 335 communities.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 41

Visitor Industry Updates MIDWEST REGION II SOCCER TOURNAMENT TO RETURN TO SIOUX FALLS IN 2017 Sioux Falls and the South Dakota State Soccer Association will host the 2017 U.S. Youth Soccer Region II (Midwest) Championships as part of the U.S. Youth Soccer National Championship Series, the country’s most prestigious national youth soccer tournament. The event will take place June 23-28 at Yankton Trail Park.

People of all ages enjoy Twilight Flights at Strawbale Winery.

SEE SIOUX FALLS’ HOLIDAY LIGHTS FROM THE AIR Strawbale Winery is again offering helicopter flights over the Falls of the Big Sioux River and other lighted areas of the city for residents and visitors to the city. This will be the eighth year of Twilight Flights.

“In the past we had 3 generations flying at one time. We also had some 90-year-olds, a 4-year-old and several people have gotten engaged during the flights over Sioux Falls,” said Susie South, coowner of Strawbale Winery.

Each flight includes heavy appetizers, wine and dessert at the winery and every year there is a waiting list to purchase the flights.

Available dates are Dec. 5-6, 11-13 and 18-20. Flight reservation information is available at Strawbale Winery: (605) 543-5071.

PBR MAKES ITS FIRST STOP IN SIOUX FALLS IN MARCH The Professional Bull Riders (PBR), the premiere bull riding circuit in the world, will debut in Sioux Falls on March 13-14, 2015 at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center. The PBR will appear with the Sioux Falls Invitational, part of the PBR’s elite Built Ford Tough Series (BFTS) and marks the BFTS’s first appearance in South Dakota.

This two-day event will feature the world’s top 35 bull riders battling the fiercest bovine athletes the sport has to offer. The bulls weigh nearly 2,000 pounds each — more than 10 times their cowboy counterparts. The thrilling eight-second rides and heartstopping wrecks are sure to leave fans on the edge of their seats in anticipation and excitement.

Sioux Falls will be the 11th stop of 27 on the 2015 PBR Built Ford Tough Series schedule. The bull riding action starts at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2015 and at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2015. Tickets start at $15 and are on sale now at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center box office, ticketmaster.com, and at (800) 745-3000. For more information visit pbr.com.

42 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2014

The U.S. Youth Soccer Region II Championships consist of U.S. Youth Soccer State Champions from 14 State Associations, including host South Dakota State Soccer Association, U.S. Youth Soccer Midwest Regional League Premier Division champions, as well as drawn wildcard entries. Following individual State Cup tournaments, the U.S. Youth Soccer Regional Championships are the second leg of the U.S. Youth Soccer National Championship Series.

The 2017 tournament will attract more than 200 boys and girls teams in the Under-13 through Under-19 age divisions from the 14 Midwest U.S. Youth Soccer State Associations that make up U.S. Youth Soccer Region II (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio South, Ohio North, South Dakota and Wisconsin). Regional winners of the Under-13 through Under-19 brackets will earn a berth to the 2017 U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships.

Special thank you to Rex Rolfing, Mark Glissendorf and Frank Gurnick for their leadership in the effort on behalf of Dakota Alliance Soccer and for partnering with the Sioux Falls CVB to win the 2017 soccer bid.

DISCUSS THE VISITOR INDUSTRY AT GOVERNOR’S ANNUAL CONFERENCE The 2015 Governor’s Conference on Tourism will take place Jan. 20-22, 2015 in Pierre. The Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is encouraging everyone in the visitor industry to attend this year’s conference. The conference brings together South Dakota’s industry professionals to discuss the state of tourism in South Dakota, share best practices and look ahead to the 2015 tourism year.

The conference provides excellent networking opportunities as well as great industry education. Keynote speakers include Shep Hyken, Roger Brooks and Anirban Basu.

Registration is open to everyone in the visitor industry. To register for the conference go to southdakotatourismconference.com. For more information and Sioux Falls hotel room block at the Ramkota contact CVB Sales Manager Alexa Steiner at (605) 373-2028 or asteiner@siouxfalls.com.

WINTER WONDERLAND STILL SPARKLING AT FALLS PARK Winter Wonderland was a huge success again this year. Mayor Mike Huether did the official countdown to light up Falls Park on Nov. 21. As soon as the lights came on, festivities began. Falls Park is decorated in thousands of beautiful holiday lights, garland and lighted displays. Adults and children were able to enjoy cookies and hot chocolate, horse-drawn wagon rides, ice sculptures, music, a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a look at two live reindeer and a few zoo animals at this year’s kick-off event. Each year the Winter Wonderland attracts thousands of people to the city’s namesake.

The Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) would like to thank the following kick-off event co-sponsors: ClickRain, HenkinSchultz, Identity Marketing, Monarch Sales, Panther Graphics, Quality Inn & Suites, Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, Scheels, School Bus Inc./SBI Charters, and the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Sioux Falls CVB would also like to acknowledge the following businesses for their in-kind contributions to Winter Wonderland: Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum, Holiday Inn City Centre, Ovations Food Service, Sioux Falls Arena/SMG, Sioux Falls Two-Way Radio, Sioux Falls media, United Rental, and W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds. Special recognition to the Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation Department and the Sioux Falls Police Department for their outstanding efforts in making Winter Wonderland a great success.

Falls Park will continue to light up nightly through Jan. 11, 2015.

RESULTS RADIO TRAVELS WITH CVB Jerry Dahmen, Results Radio, recently traveled with the Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) and the Sioux Falls People for Youth to cover the process in bringing national softball tournaments to Sioux Falls. Prior to going to Spark, Nev., for the ASA National Conference and bid, Dahmen did various interviews with local representatives who explained the bid process. Once at the conference, he participated with Jerry Dahmen, Results the group in lobbying and representRadio ing Sioux Falls and carried out several interviews with ASA national commissioners, the ASA president and a variety of representatives from Sioux Falls. Needless to say, the ASA attendees were impressed! Many thanks to Jerry Dahmen and Results Radio.

Members of the Sioux Falls People For Youth and Sioux Falls CVB hosted a Sioux Falls Snack Shack during the ASA/USA Annual Meeting.

SIOUX FALLS WINS BIDS FOR NATIONAL SOFTBALL TOURNAMENTS Sioux Falls was selected as the host city for the 2016 ASA/USA 14 and Under Girls Fast Pitch National Championships. The week-long tournament will take place in August 2016 and is expected to generate an estimated economic impact of nearly $8 million. The tournament will include 128 to 160 teams from across the U.S. and will be played at Sherman Park and Harmodon Park softball fields.

Teri Schmidt and Lucas Smith from the Sioux Falls CVB and Don Kearney from the Parks and Recreation Department accompanied members of the Sioux Falls People for Youth organization to Sparks, Nev. in a week-long effort to secure the bid to host the 2016 nationals. The group intensified efforts to win this year after falling short in the past two bidding attempts. Four postcard mailings were sent to the 350 ASA Commissioners prior to the conference, a daily “Sioux Falls Snack Shack” was staffed offering snacks to voting commissioners throughout their conference, a double booth presented Sioux Falls at the tradeshow, and a humorous video sharing why Sioux Falls should be chosen was played during the three-minute bid presentation. Results Radio reporter Jerry Dahmen also traveled with the group, giving live updates and documenting what it takes for Sioux Falls to compete for these tournaments.

Sioux Falls was also successful on two bids for national slowpitch softball tournaments. City Councilor Kenny Anderson, Jr., also traveled to Sparks and secured bids to host the 2016 C/D Women’s National Championships and 2016 E/Rec Men’s National Championships. These tournaments are tentatively scheduled for Labor Day weekend of 2016 and will bring an approximate 80 teams to Sioux Falls.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 43

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Ribbon Cuttings

The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce holds ribbon cutting ceremonies for members to celebrate joining the Chamber, milestone anniversaries, grand openings, expansions or remodelings. Ribbon cutting ceremonies are organized free of charge for members and are held Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. 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.

A Perfect 10 Nail & Beauty Bar

2312 W. 69TH ST., #140 aperfect10nailbar.com A Perfect 10 Nail & Beauty Bar is a South Dakota-based company with three locations in Rapid City and currently one location in Sioux Falls. L to R: Chelsea Brooks, Corey Weide, Lynda Billars, Canada Lytle (owner), Gita Hendricks, Robert TeKolste and Courtney Peters.

Baseball Seams Co. LLC

baseballseamsco.com The Baseball Seams Company designs, creates and sells original artwork made of actual used baseballs. L to R: Corey Weide, Paul Bruflat, Mark Luke, Micaela Rueckert, Nyla Rueckert, Nathan Rueckert (owner), Marcy Versteeg, Lori Brandt, Matt Sage and Margo Leveranz.

Cain Ellsworth & Company, LLP

1300 W. 57TH ST., STE. 2 cainellsworth.com Cain Ellsworth & Company, LLP is a CPA firm that focuses on helping their clients get results and achieve their fullest potential. L to R: Mikal Claar, Paul Bruflat, Karen Noonan, Shelly Munson, Kevin Cain (managing partner), Corey Weide, Tom Bahrenfuss (manager), Amy O’Connor Hoback and Shane Jager.

Dirt Road Diamond Boutique

2312 W. 69TH ST., STE. 150 DirtRoadDiamond.com Dirt Road Diamond Boutique is a unique, upscale shopping experience in Sioux Falls. L to R: Deb Alexander, Nancy Weber-Sweere, Rod Carlson, Kesa Alexander (owner), Isis Miller, Corey Weide, Gita Hendricks and JD Alexander.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 45

RIBBON CUTTINGS Flash of Orange

etsy.com/shop/flashoforange Flash of Orange creates jewelry from vintage silver and gold plated silverware and each one is meant to be “one of a kind”. L to R: Lynda Billars, Nathan Stallinga, Gerry Moore, Corey Weide, Jeanette Moore (owner), Jack Dyvig and Chris Holland.

Konstant Chiropractic Center, PC

4925 E. 26TH ST. drkonstant.com Konstant Chiropractic Center, PC provides chiropractic and acupuncture services to treat a wide variety of conditions. L to R: Loranda Kenyon, Corey Weide, Mary Beth Konstant, Larry Ayres, Dr. Stuart Konstant (owner), Hilary Konstant, Aaron Neiman, Chris Filsinger and Karen Noonan.

Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota-Center for New Americans

114 S. MAIN AVE. #100 lsssd.org Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota-Center for New Americans contracts with the U.S. government to resettle newly arriving refugees.

L to R: Daren Anderson, The Furaha Family, Amy O’Connor Hoback, Betty Oldenkamp (president), Tim Jurgens, Gary Gaspar, Tabatha Lemke, Nathan Stallinga, Kristi Shanks and Jason Shanks.

Nelson & Nelson, CPA’s LLP

1701 S. MINNESOTA AVE. nelsoncpas.com Nelson & Nelson, CPA’s LLP is devoted to helping their clients succeed and reach their financial goals. L to R: Lynda Billars, Dustin Peterson, Corey Weide, Wesley C. Nelson (partner), Chuck Nelson (managing partner), Jillian Nelson, Tyler Haahr, Wendy Bergan and Diane Jewett.

Nyberg’s Ace

330 W. 41ST ST. nybergsace.com Nyberg’s Ace celebrated their fifth expansion at the 41st Street and Minnesota Avenue location, which was first envisioned in 1975.

L to R: Bruce Huber, Dean Karsky, Kirsten Nyberg, Angie Wahl, Dan Doyle, Marin Huber, Corey Weide, Kevin Nyberg (president), Ruth Christopherson, Rodora Nyberg, Erik Nyberg, Linda Nyberg, Greg Buus, Nancy Swanson, Rick Swanson, and Cheri Haight.

46 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2014

chambernews.com | Chamber News 47

RIBBON CUTTINGS Pinnacle Wealth Management

6216 S. PINNACLE PL., STE. 101 pinnaclewealthmanagement.com Pinnacle Wealth Management was founded on the simple foundation: everything they do should help others enjoy living. L to R: Dean Bertsch, David Johnson, Rich Braily, Tracy Munce, Randy Bury, Kevin Engbers (managing principal), Jay Soukup, Dan Doyle, Amy O’Connor Hoback, Brian Smit and Casey Franken.

St. Francis House

1301 E. AUSTIN ST. stfrancishouse.com St. Francis House is a transitional housing program and is excited to celebrate their new women’s facility. L to R: Kory Holt, Jen Rothenbuehler, Jack Dyvig, Erin Schoenbeck, Julie Becker (executive director), Amy O’Connor Hoback, Paul Bruflat, Nathan Stallinga and Joe Schultz.

The Event Company

326 E. 8TH ST., SUITE 108 theeventcompanysd.com The Event Company is an event design and production company that specializes in corporate, social and non-profit events. L to R: Liz Lloyd, Ruth Christopherson, Lexie Jacobsen, Amy O’Connor Hoback, Andrew Kramer, Addie Graham-Kramer (owner and event designer), Brittany Olshove and Angie Wahl.

Tokyo Japanese Cuisine, LLC

4825 S. LOUISE AVE. tokyosiouxfalls.com Tokyo Japanese Cuisine, LLC takes pride in spoiling their customers with that extra special service. L to R: Jenny Nordstrom, Gary Gaspar, Mark Luke, Jacky Perez, Victoria Chen, Corey Weide, Alice Cheng (owner), Angie Wahl and Tracy Chen.

YMCA

220 S. MINNESOTA AVE. siouxfallsymca.org YMCA is excited to celebrate the dedication of the newly-renovated facility and the Y’s dedication to the community. L to R: Caleb Nold, Mayor Mike Huether, Teresa Nold, Wendy Bergan, Tim Nold, Isaac Nold, Corey Weide, Eric Tucker (president/CEO), Liz Lloyd, Al Schoeneman, Tyler Haahr, Aaron Clayton, Cara Lee Davis and Will Archer.

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RIBBON CUTTINGS

Groundbreakings Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sioux Falls

721 E. AMIDON ST. siouxfallshabitat.org The Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sioux Falls is dedicated eliminating substandard housing in Minnehaha and Lincoln counties and is constructing a 20,000 sq. ft. steel building adjacent to the existing Restore facility. L to R: Paul Bruflat, Tom Simmons, Evan Ingebrigtson (Board Chair), Sue Olsen (Executive Director), Father Chuck Cimpl, Kenny Anderson, Jr. and Ken Stork.

LifeScape

lifescapesd.org LifeScape is breaking ground on a $1.6 million construction project to build three apartment buildings on the east side of Sioux Falls. L to R: Cindy Koster, Terry Backous, Deb Backous, Anne Rieck McFarland, Tom Simmons, Jack Hopkins, Craig Lloyd, Mayor Mike Huether, Dave Erickson and Paul Bruflat.

50 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2014

MEMBERSHIP

Member Anniversaries FOUNDING MEMBERS Josten Concrete Products Co., Inc. Member since 1918

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 Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. To learn more about Chamber membership, contact (605) 336-1620 or sfacc@siouxfalls.com. Find a complete Membership Directory online at siouxfallschamber.com or on your smartphone using the Chamber’s app — search “Sioux Falls Chamber” in the Google Play or iTunes stores.

Key Real Estate Key Real Estate-Jim A. Carlson

First-year members who reinvested during their October anniversary month:

Lamfers & Maas, LLP

Coquette Couture

lamfersmaas.com

coquetteshoes.com

kmwfcpa.com

Riddle’s Jewelry riddlesjewelry.com

Dakota Mattress Ventures DBA Mattress Firm

40 YEARS

Sioux Falls St. Patrick’s Day Extravaganza

Dress For Success Sioux Falls

South Dakota CPA Society

Fairfield Inn & Suites Sioux Falls Airport

Telephone Systems & Service, Inc.

Marmen Energy

Thornton Flooring

Teddy Bear Den

20 YEARS

The History Club

50 YEARS KMWF & Associates, PC

Trane

trane.com

siouxfallschamber.com

sdcpa.org

35 YEARS Architecture Incorporated architectureinc.com

Bierschbach Equipment & Supply

tssphones.com

bierschbach.com

Eide Bailly LLP eidebailly.com

Fiegen Construction Co.

NorthWestern Energy northwesternenergy.com

fiegenconstruction.com

10 YEARS

Kelly Services

IBM Corporation

kellyservices.com

ibm.com

25 YEARS

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

Active Generations actgen.org

AMERI/STAR Real Estate, Inc.-Jon Sweeter

dressforsuccess.org

marriott.com

marmeninc.com/en/

teddybearden.org

historyclubofsiouxfalls.org

Valley Inn Hotel

valleyinnsiouxfalls.com

sdsmartwire.com

PrairieGold Venture Partners pgvp.com

jonsweeter.com

Coffee King of Sioux Falls coffeekinginc.com

Dow Rummel Village dowrummel.com

J & L Harley-Davidson

5 YEARS Elite Business Systems elitebusinesssystems.com

Richard W. Westhoff Management Consulting

jl-harley.com

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MEMBERSHIP

New Members 323rd Chemical Company/U.S. Army Reserve Associate Member Ronnie Bowman, (605) 977-0302 4400 N. Northview Ave, 57107

4 Seasons Property Maintenance & Landscaping Ross Jasper, (605) 595-5480 4seasonssf.com

605 Running Company Sporting Goods-Retail Greg Koch, (605) 271-0480 124 S. Phillips Ave., 57104 run605.com

Austin Nielsen Real Estate Real Estate Austin Nielsen, (605) 366-1943 5915 S. Remington Place,57108 nielsensold.com

The Barcode Bar and Grill Bars & Lounges Pam Routh, (605) 274-0275 4200 N. Cliff Ave., 57104

The Bluffs at Willow Run Apartments Christie Lloyd Ernst, (605) 323-2820 101 Reid St. #201, 57104 lloydcompanies.com

Complete Chiropractic Chiropractors, DC Dr. Jeffrey B. Davis, (605) 338-4200 5107 W. 41st St. #4, 57106 completechirosf.com

David Jones Fashions for Men and Women Men’s & Women’s Apparel David Jones, (605) 338-7300 5005 S. Western Ave. #130, 57108 davidjonesfashions.com

Empire Motorsports Motorcycles-Sales & Service Ross Jasper, (605) 595-5480 3916 N. Potsdam Ave., 57104 empiremotorsportssf.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 Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. An online Membership Directory can be found at siouxfallschamber.com or by using the Chamber’s App, available in the iTunes and Google Play stores. Want to become a member? Call (605) 336-1620.

Envy Nails and Spa

Home 2 Suites By Hilton

N2 Publishing-Sioux Falls

Spas Johnny Phung, (605) 371-5499 4521 E. 26th St., 57110 envynailsandspa.net

Hotels & Motels Lynelle Dick, (605) 332-5461 1120 S. Grange Ave., 57105 siouxfalls.home2suites.com

Publishers Garrett Gross, (515) 231-9367 n2pub.com

Farm Bureau Financial Services

Joe Pillar Insurance, Inc.

Insurance Tracy Skuza, (605) 351-5406 4804 S. Minnesota Ave., Ste. 101, 57108 fbfs.com

Fiserv

Insurance Joe Pillar, (605) 336-0970 6116 S. Lyncrest Ave. #103, 57108 pillarins.com

Journey Technology Solutions, LLC

Computer Software & Services Chuck Illg, (605) 362-1260 4501 S. Technology Dr., 57106 fiserv.com

Computer Software & Services Mark Blankespoor, (605) 610-9196 629 S. Minnesota Ave., Ste. L102, 57104 journeytechnologysolutions.com

Flyboy Donuts

Kelly Inns, Ltd.

Bakery/Coffee Shop Ben Duenwald, (605) 331-5259 5005 S. Western Ave., 57108 flyboydonuts.com

Hotel/Motel Management Brenda Schmidt, (605) 965-1440 3205 W. Sencore Dr., 57107 kellyinns.com

GOMADIS International Ministries/The Mission Ball

Madison Lawn Care, Inc.

Associate Member Dave Eggen, (605) 582-8880 themissionball.org

Associate Member Angie Bahr, (605) 556-2121 PO Box 510, Madison, SD 57042 madison-lawns.com

Goosmann Law Firm

Mekong Asian Market

Attorneys Marie Ruettgers, (605) 371-2000 101 S. Reid St., Ste. 307, 57103 goosmannlaw.com

Grocers-Retail Ruth & Sanaseuk Kitilach, (712) 301-8241 1320 N. Cliff Ave., 57103

Harriet Scott Senior Care Management and Consulting

Moose Rack Sports

Health Care Harriet Scott, PHD, ACSW, CSW-PIP, (605) 940-4419 1601 E. 69th St., Ste. 201A, 57108 harrietscottseniorcare.com

Hegg Realtors-Travis LaQua Affiliate-Real Estate Travis LaQua (605) 728-9460 tlaqua.hegg.com

52 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2014

Associate Member Wesley Miller, (605) 582-4699 306 Splitrock Blvd., Brandon, SD 57005 mooseracksports.com

Music Therapy Services of South Dakota, LLC Therapy Lora Barthelman, (605) 310-8268

Prosperity Wealth Management LLC Financial Planning Agatha Johnson, (605) 275-9181 5024 S. Bur Oak Place, Ste. 111, 57108 prosperityconsulting.net

Redefined Designs & Events Event Planning Lucy Henglefelt, (605) 359-6316 redefined-designs.com

Riffey & Associates LLC Consultant-Management David Riffey, Sr., (715) 790-6688

Ripple Marketing Marketing/Advertising Misten Langenfeld, (605) 310-5000 326 E. 8th St. #108, 57103 ripplemarketing.com

River Ridge Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Center Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon Dr. Andrew Hille & Dr. Brent Henriksen, (605) 331-5059 1700 S. Southeastern Ave., 57103 riverridgeoralsurgery.com

SERVPRO Restoration-Fire, Water Damage Adam Birger, (605) 213-3303 27063 Sunset Blvd., Ste. 105, 57106 servprowestsiouxfalls.com

Shenanigans Sports Bar-Grill Restaurants-Bar Don & Andy Rose, (605) 361-7454 1903 Ellis Rd., 57106 shenanigans.bar

FIVE QUESTIONS 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 Julie Nelson Julie Nelson is Senior Vice President-Business Development at Home Federal Bank. Nelson is a Diplomat with the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and past board member. She serves as a mentor with the Chamber’s Young Professionals Network (YPN) and has assisted with numerous Community Appeals campaigns, such as Children’s Home Society, Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics of South Dakota and the upcoming DakotAbilities campaign to name a few.

In addition to her service to the Chamber, Nelson is also active with Junior Achievement of South Dakota (board member), is a member of the Dakota Wesleyan University Board of Trustees, served as Past President for Sales & Marketing Executives (SME), and served on the Foundation Board for LifeScape (formerly South Dakota Achieve). She also regularly volunteers for the Sioux Empire United Way, The Banquet and Sioux Falls Cares.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT SIOUX FALLS? JULIE NELSON

Everything! Schools, churches, business community, parks, the bike trail, healthcare and people!

Home Federal Bank

DESCRIBE SIOUX FALLS IN THREE WORDS. Vibrant progressive community

WHAT IS ONE OF SIOUX FALLS’ BEST-KEPT SECRETS? Philanthropy — within the hearts of many incredible people in our community we have the desire to promote the welfare of others. Our community is blessed by very generous giving.

WHAT HAVE YOU OR YOUR EMPLOYER GAINED FROM BEING A CHAMBER MEMBER? Strong business partnerships derived from the economic growth and prosperity of our business climate. Community alliances and friendships. The privilege of working collaboratively to make Sioux Falls a great place to live, work, play and raise a family.

WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED? To whom much has been given, much is expected. Live your faith!

chambernews.com | Chamber News 53

FROM THE ARCHIVES

As a membership organization with a history spanning more than a century, the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce has influenced progress across the community in a number of ways throughout the decades.

Photos of past Inaugural Balls courtesy of the South Dakota State Historical Society

Expressing the soul of the state South Dakota’s Capitol building was constructed between 190510. The plans for the building were designed by the Minneapolis architectural office of C.E. Bell and M.S. Detwiler, who gave the building similar features to the Montana State Capitol in Helena.

The planning and construction cost was almost $1 million.

On June 25, 1908 when the cornerstone for the South Dakota State Capitol was laid, Gov. Coe Crawford said in his address: “The new Capitol will do more than comfortably accommodate the officers who are to labor within its walls for the people whom they will serve. It will stand throughout the coming years as an expression of beauty and art, and as the people come and go and linger within its walls, they will see in it an expression of the soul of the state.”

The floor in the capitol building is made of terrazzo tile. The floor is said to have been laid by 66 Italian artists. To give these artists a chance to place a mark in the building (without allowing them to actually sign their names to the floor), each is said to have been given a blue stone to place in the floor. Only 55 of these tiles have been found, however. It is thought that the remaining stones may have been placed in locations now covered by walls, doors or carpeting.

From the first floor, a marble staircase leads upstairs. In front of the staircase, display cases house the First Lady Gown Collection.

Miniature replicas have been made of the gown worn by each first lady to the state inaugural ball. These replicas are worn by dolls in

54 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2014

the display case. Along with the doll, a picture of each governor’s family and other mementos are also displayed.

On the second floor, the marble staircase leads into a rotunda. The dome of the rotunda is 96 feet high. The bottom ring is designed to resemble a string of ribbons joined together, which is meant to symbolize the eternal nature of government. The interior of the dome is decorated with 16 images of the Tree of Life. The dome also displays acanthus leaves to represent wisdom and a pasque flower, which is the state flower.

The third floor houses the state’s House of Representatives and the state’s Senate. The galleries for both, from which the public can observe the legislative process, are located on the fourth floor.

In anticipation of South Dakota’s state centennial during 1989, the building was renovated extensively and restored during the administrations of Govs. Richard F. Kneip, Harvey L. Wollman, Bill Janklow and George S. Mickelson. The renovation required 22 years and restored much of the building and its decoration, including the tile floor, to its original appearance. The tiled floor was also repaired; each of the tile workers who did the repairs is said to have been given a heart-shaped stone with which to mark the new floor, as the original workers had. Stained glass throughout the Capitol was also restored; the $2.7 million project was concluded in time for South Dakota’s 125th Anniversary, celebrated in 2014.