January 2019 Chamber News by Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce

Chamber News January 2019

Vol. 54, No. 4

A PUBLICATION OF THE SIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Celebrating agriculture

Schmeichel family named Farm Family of the Year Jim Woster named Agri-Business Citizen of the Year

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IN THIS ISSUE COVER STORY

CELEBRATING AGRICULTURE Jim Woster named 2019 Agri-Business Citizen of the Year............24-26 Schmeichel family named 2019 Farm Family of the Year...........................27-29 FEATURES

2019 Sioux Empire Livestock Show. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30-31 Crossroads Summit keynote speakers announced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 IN THIS ISSUE: Message from the Chair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Events Calendars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11 Noteworthy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Economic Indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Faces & Places. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-22 Community Appeals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Business Advocacy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32-35 Business Sense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Headlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Business News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Member Voice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Using Your Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Ribbon Cuttings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41-43 Member Anniversaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Chamber News PUBLISHER

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce CHAMBER NEWS AD SALES

For advertising information, call Steven Herman at (605) 351-1960 or email chambernews@siouxfalls.com

CHAMBER NEWS LAYOUT/DESIGN JILL BLOM M.HECKEL DESIGN

CHAMBER NEWS EDITOR

JENNIE DOYEN For editorial information, call: (605) 336-1620 Chamber News is published by the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 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

New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

.com/siouxfallschamber

Five Questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

@SFAreaChamber @SFAreaAdvocate

ON THE COVER

Brad Smidt combines soybeans near Lennox, South Dakota. Photo by Mike Shafer.

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Read online or find archived issues: issuu.com/siouxfallschamber

Thank you to the following members for supporting the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce by being premium sponsors of the Chamber News magazine.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 3

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Message from the Chair More than 40 years ago, my father took me to my first Sioux Empire Farm Show. We each bought a bred Charolais heifer at that show – mine was “FO71”, a great cow that raised nice, tall calves. That event still ranks as one of my favorite memories that I cherish today.

TIM STURDEVANT 2018-19 Chair of the Board

...they help support nearly every business in Sioux Falls

The Sioux Empire Farm Show changed its name this year – it is now the Sioux Empire Livestock Show. But the tradition and purpose of the show remain unchanged. It is an outstanding experience for the whole family and a great opportunity to support our partners in the ag industry. You will often see three and sometimes four generations of a farm family sitting around the Expo Building waiting for their turn on the show floor or primping their farm pets for the judges. If you’ve never attended the Livestock Show, I invite you to do so this year on Jan. 22-26. Come out and see why approximately 30,000 people are drawn to Sioux Falls by this event. You can view the animals and visit the trade show and commercial exhibits. This occasion in the middle of winter is a great way to interact and observe one of our most important resources. The Livestock Show, like many activities of the Chamber, would not be possible without the dedication and hard work of volunteers. Many Livestock Show volunteers come from farming backgrounds, but today make their living in other ways. Farming and the agri-business industry are the largest segment of our regional economy and they help support nearly every business in Sioux Falls with customers from rural areas who come to spend their hard-earned money. As we begin 2019, I’m looking forward to another great Chamber year. Thank you for your continued investment in the economic health and quality of life in our region. Happy New Year!

2018-19 SIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LEADERSHIP AND STAFF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIR TIM STURDEVANT Sturdevant’s Auto Parts CHAIR-ELECT BOBBI THURY Legacy Law Firm, P.C. VICE CHAIR DAN DOYLE Cutler Law Firm TREASURER ALEX RAMIREZ USA Media TV IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR STEVE VAN BUSKIRK Van Buskirk Companies PRESIDENT/CEO JASON BALL Chamber of Commerce

EX-OFFICIO KENT ALBERTY Sioux Falls School Board CINDY HEIBERGER Minnehaha County Commission KYLE GROOS Sioux Falls Catholic Schools MAYOR PAUL TENHAKEN City of Sioux Falls DR. BRIAN MAHER Superintendent, Sioux Falls Public School System JIM SCHMIDT Lincoln County Commission

BOARD OF DIRECTORS TOM BIEGLER Regency Hotel Management MARTIN DESLAURIERS UBS Financial Services, Inc. DAVID FLICEK Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center PAUL HANSON Sanford Health SHARON HASELHOFF Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort PAM HOMAN Augustana University CHRIS HOUWMAN Malloy RANDY KNECHT Journey Group LAURIE KNUTSON SCOTT LAWRENCE Lawrence & Schiller, Inc. CHRISTY NICOLAISEN Multi-Cultural Center of Sioux Falls KARLA SANTI Blend Interactive CLAIRE SANTOS Zoup! and Wingstop CURT ZASKE

CHAMBER & CVB STAFF JASON BALL President/CEO THANE BARNIER Web Development & IT Manager MATT BARTHEL CVB Communications Manager JOAN BARTLING Finance & Accounting Director JUSTIN BENTAAS Public Affairs & Research Manager JILL BLOM Graphics & Communications Manager RACHEL CRANE CVB Host City Manager PATRICK DASCHEL CVB Sales Manager ERIN DEWITT CVB Sales Manager JENNIE DOYEN Marketing & Communications Director ANNA ELIASON CVB Sales Manager AMY M. FARR Membership Development Manager JEFF FEJFAR Web Designer

RENAE HANSEN-KRUID Front Office Assistant MARY HUBLOU CVB First Impressions Manager/Project Assistant KAYLA HUIZING Young Professionals Network Manager JAY KALTENBACH CVB Services/Resale Manager ALEXANDRA LeBLANC CVB Sales Director PAT LUND Member Services Manager MIKE LYNCH Forward Sioux Falls Director of Investor Relations DEBORAH McISAAC Membership Director JILL NIEDRINGHAUS CVB Sales Manager KRISTA ORSACK CVB Director of Marketing DEBRA OWEN Public Policy Director KATHIE PUTHOFF CVB Administrative Assistant HOLLY RADER Agri-Business Division Manager EMILY SCHAFFER CVB Creative Development Manager TERI SCHMIDT CVB Executive Director TERESA SCHREIER Public Affairs & Communications Assistant SUSAN SEACHRIS Administrative/Accounting Assistant JACKIE WENTWORTH CVB Sales Manager VALERIE WILLSON Membership Events Manager

chambernews.com | Chamber News 5

JANUARY-JUNE 2019

MIXERCalendar

WE INVITE YOU AND YOUR EMPLOYEES TO ATTEND THESE UPCOMING MEMBERSHIP MIXERS:

TUESDAY

SPONSORED BY:

JAN. 15, 2019

4:30-6:30 p.m. Sanford Imagenetics, 1321 W. 22nd St.

TUESDAY

SPONSORED BY:

FEB. 12, 2019

4:30-6:30 p.m. Edgewood Prairie Crossings, 1810 S. Dorothy Ave. SPONSORED BY:

TUESDAY

MARCH 12, 2019

4:30-6:30 p.m. El Riad Shriners, 510 S. Phillips Ave.

TUESDAY

SPONSORED BY:

APRIL 9, 2019

4:30-6:30 p.m. George Boom Funeral Home & Crematory, 3408 E. 10th St.

SPONSORED BY:

TUESDAY

MAY 14, 2019

4:30-6:30 p.m. Gage Brothers, 2800 N. Bahnson Ave. SPONSORED BY:

TUESDAY

JUNE 11, 2019 4:30-7 p.m. Sioux Falls Convention Center, 1201 N. West Ave.

The June Mixer includes the 19th Annual Business Fair, which features Chamber members displaying information about their businesses. Reserve your booth today – call Valerie Willson at (605) 373-2010.

COMPLIMENTARY HORS D’OEUVRES • BEVERAGES AVAILABLE $5 ADMISSION OR USE YOUR MIXER PASS (pictured left) If you purchased a 2017-18 Mixer Pass, it is good through the September 2018 Mixer. The 2018-19 Mixer Pass will be valid from October 2018-September 2019 and will be available for purchase beginning September 2018.

CALENDARS

CHAMBER

Events Calendar

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

FEATURED EVENTS JANUARY MEMBERSHIP

MIXER

TUESDAY, JAN. 15

SPONSORED BY:

4:30–6:30 p.m. Sanford Imagenetics 1321 W. 22nd St.

COMPLIMENTARY HORS D’OEUVRES & CASH BAR $5 ADMISSION OR USE YOUR MIXER PASS

RSVP to vwillson@siouxfalls.com or at siouxfallschamber.com

GOOD MORNING SIOUX FALLS LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST THURSDAY, JAN. 3

7–8:30 a.m. BEST WESTERN PLUS Ramkota Hotel, 3200 W. Maple St. DETAILS: Hear from Sioux Falls area legislators about their goals for the upcoming 2019 Legislative Session. Breakfast will be served. COST: $30 RSVP: vwillson@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2010

NEW MEMBER MIXER WEDNESDAY, JAN. 9

4:30–6 p.m. The Blarney Stone Sioux Falls, 333 S. Phillips Ave. DETAILS: New Chamber members or new employees to the community

are invited to learn about the Chamber and visit with other new members. COST: Free RSVP: vwillson@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2010

MORNING MINGLE THURSDAY, JAN. 31

7:30–9 a.m. Van Buskirk Companies, 2512 S. Lorraine Pl. (North of Total Card, Inc.) DETAILS: Start your day with a cup of coffee and conversation with

fellow Chamber members! Our January Morning Mingle will be held at a brand-new retail building that kicks off the next phase of development at Lake Lorraine.

SIOUX FALLS AREA LEGISLATIVE COFFEES SATURDAY, FEB. 2, 2019 –Districts 11, 13, 25 SATURDAY, FEB. 9, 2019 –Districts 10, 12, 15 SATURDAY, FEB. 23, 2019 –Districts: 6, 9, 14

10–11:45 a.m. Southeast Tech, 2001 N. Career Ave., The Hub Auditorium DETAILS: Legislative Coffees are conversations with legislators

SIOUX EMPIRE LIVESTOCK SHOW JAN. 22-26

W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds Expo Building, 100 N. Lyon Blvd. DETAILS: Celebrate agriculture at the 66th Annual Sioux Empire Livestock Show! It is free to attend livestock shows and sales throughout the week and the commercial exhibits, which are open Wed-Fri.

TICKETED FEATURED EVENTS: DRAFT HORSE PULL WEDNESDAY, JAN. 23

6:30 p.m., W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds Expo Building

from Sioux Falls area districts: 6, 9-16 and 25. The public can submit questions and the conversations are moderated.

FEBRUARY MEMBERSHIP MIXER TUESDAY, FEB. 12

4:30–6:30 p.m. Edgewood Prairie Crossings, 4810 S. Dorothy Ave. DETAILS: Join us for the monthly Mixer, featuring networking, food and refreshments! Sponsored by Edgewood Prairie Crossings. COST: $5 or use your Mixer Pass

SIOUX FALLS DAY AT THE LEGISLATURE WEDNESDAY, FEB. 13

5 p.m., BEST WESTERN PLUS Ramkota Exhibit Hall

Pierre, SD Luncheon: Capitol Rotunda DETAILS: Represent the Sioux Falls business community in Pierre.

Find a complete show schedule and details of the featured events on pages 30-31 of this issue.

RSVP: tschreier@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2050

MAYOR’S ROUND-UP AND SALE OF CHAMPIONS FRIDAY, JAN. 25

Observe committee meetings, attend general session and enjoy lunch with your legislators.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 7

Share your message with the business community Advertise in Chamber News Chamber News is a direct business-tobusiness publication that reaches the decision-makers in Sioux Falls area businesses. It is mailed directly to more than 5,000 Chamber members and distributed free at select locations around Sioux Falls.

Promote your business in Chamber News. Contact Steven Herman at (605) 351-1960 or chambernews@siouxfalls.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS To RSVP to any of these events, email khuizing@siouxfalls.com or call (605) 373-2002. Visit siouxfallsypn.com for a full list of events.

Find us on social media or visit siouxfallsypn.com

A SEAT AT THE TABLE WITH KEVIN TUPY TUESDAY, JAN. 8

NEW MEMBER LUNCH THURSDAY, JAN. 10

OFF THE CLOCK THURSDAY, JAN. 17

Noon–1 p.m. RedRossa 3412 S. Western Ave.

4–7 p.m. Butterfly House & Aquarium 4320 S. Oxbow Ave.

DETAILS: Join us for A Seat at the Table

DETAILS: Are you new to YPN? Looking for

DETAILS: This month’s Off the Clock is

Noon–1 p.m. Chamber of Commerce 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200 and the chance to learn from the career and experiences of Kevin Tupy. Tupy is a successful local entrepreneur. He founded Z Wireless, a Verizon Premium Retailer, with one mall-based kiosk in Sioux Falls. Over the next 10 years, it grew to over 100 locations throughout the Midwest. Then Tupy partnered with Atlantic Street Capital to grow the business to a national footprint. By 2016, the business had achieved the status of the largest Verizon Premium Retailer in the country with over 1,200 locations nationwide. Today the business has rebranded as Victra and is now part of the Lone Star Capital family. Tupy also founded Crescent Capital Holdings, a private equity firm focused on real estate, operating companies and alternative assets. A Seat at the Table is reserved for the first 25 YPN Members to RSVP. COST: $5 event only, $10 event + lunch

MORNING BUZZ WEDNESDAY, JAN. 9 7:30–9 a.m. Scheels All Sports, Inc. 2101 W. 41st St.

DETAILS: Set those alarm clocks early!

Morning-minded young professionals are invited to come enjoy coffee and conversation with other YPN members at our January Morning Buzz in the President’s Room at Scheels. COST: Free

your first event to attend? Join us at RedRossa for our New Member Lunch! There’s no agenda or program, just a great opportunity to meet new people over the lunch hour. COST: Free to attend, drinks/food on your own

A SEAT AT THE TABLE WITH TIM STURDEVANT WEDNESDAY, JAN. 16 Noon–1 p.m. Sturdevant’s Auto Parts 2605 S. Shirley Ave.

DETAILS: Join us for A Seat at the Table with

Chamber Chair of the Board of Directors Tim Sturdevant! Sturdevant is the third-generation owner of Sturdevant’s Auto Parts, where he serves as President & CEO. He entered the family business by working in the back office, focusing on inventory management and product flow. He believes in treating his employees like family members and investing in each of the communities served by one of his auto parts stores. Sturdevant’s leadership has grown the business to 50 retail locations in five states. A Seat at the Table is reserved for the first 25 YPN Members to RSVP. Lunch will be provided thanks to Sturdevant’s Auto Parts. COST: $5, includes lunch

sponsored Butterfly House & Aquarium. Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and door prizes. This is an event you will not want to miss. Feel free to bring a co-worker or friend! COST: Free

ACTION TEAM MEETINGS You can help shape key areas of YPN programming by joining an Action Team. All team meetings are held at the Chamber office and are open to any YPN member who would like to get involved. Volunteering with an Action Team is a great way to strengthen professional connections and exercise your skills in collaboration, facilitation and project management. For more details on the responsibilities of each team, visit siouxfallsypn.com.

SOCIAL ACTION TEAM Tuesday, Jan. 8 4–5 p.m. MEMBERSHIP ACTION TEAM Wednesday, Jan. 16 4–5 p.m. CIVIC ENGAGEMENT ACTION TEAM Wednesday, Jan. 23 4–5 p.m.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 9

JANUARY This calendar is a sampling of local events, concerts, fundraisers, seminars and more compiled from siouxfallsevents.com and visitsiouxfallsevents.com. Visit these websites for a complete listing of events happening in the Sioux Falls area, or for more details on the events listed here. 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 list of events they may be interested in attending.

10 Chamber News | JANUARY 2019

Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic

Frosty Frolics 5K & 10K walk/run

Teen Cosmic Skate at SCHEELS IcePlex

Showplace Kitchens’ All-Age Ski & Snowboard Races

9-10

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella at the Washington Pavilion

Sioux Falls Pride Gala

Casey Donahew at The District

Christmas with the Animals at the Great Plains Zoo

Prince and Princess Skate Party at McKennan Park

Introduction to Ice Skating

Chris Janson at The District

Trampled By Turtles at the Washington Pavilion

18-19

Media One Funski

18-20

Dance Gallery of SD Presents Sleeping Beauty

WWE Live at Denny Sanford PREMIER Center

Gonna Get Wed Bridal Showcase

Jason Farnham at the Washington Pavilion

20-26

Kennedy Center for American College Theater Festival

22-26

Sioux Empire Livestock Show

2 MallWalk

Draft Horse Pull at the Sioux Empire Livestock Show

6th Annual In Her Shoes Empowerment Breakfast

23-25

Sioux Falls Farm Show

8-9

Valentine Twilight Flights

25-29

All Breed Dog Show and Obedience/Rally Trial

9-10

Great Plains Golf Expo

Mike Stud at the District

9-10

South Dakota Symphony: Jurassic Park - In Concert

Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band Roll Me Away The Final Tour

12-13

Paw Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure

Ice Fish Fest

13-16

NSIC Swimming & Diving Championships

Sioux Empire On Tap

I Am, He Said--A Celebration of Neil Diamond at the Washington Pavilion

South Dakota Symphony: All Mozart, All The Time

26-27

Dakota Spirit Valentine’s Classic Cheer & Dance Championship

Blake Shelton Friends and Heros Tour 2019 at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center

Sioux Empire Wedding Network Spring Bridal Showcase

29-31

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The King and I at the Washington Pavilion

Big Head Todd & The Monsters at The District

James Taylor, with special guest Bonnie Raitt at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center

22-24

Sioux Empire Home Show

The Church Basement Ladies in Rise Up, O Men

South Dakota Stained Glass Concert

SME Excellence Awards

26-28

Monty Python’s Spamalot

Dierks Bentley at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center

FEBRUARY 1

The Choir of Man at the Washington Pavilion

1-2

Robert Dubac’s “The Book of Moron” at the Washington Pavilion

1-9

Sioux Falls Winter Carnival

Fleetwood Mac at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center

NETWORK COVERAGE SDN WITH THE ASSIST

IT pros are always at the center of the action ready to assist their multiple office locations simultaneously, thanks to SDN’s reliable broadband network.

Enjoy the UPTIME. See the interactive coverage map at

sdncommunications.com/map chambernews.com | Chamber News 11

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.

12 Chamber News | JANUARY 2019

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

NOVEMBER 2018

OCTOBER 2018

CUMULATIVE YEAR TO DATE

7,124 PERMITS

2016

6,411 PERMITS

2017

BISMARCK

2.1%

6,608 PERMITS

2018 0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

FARGO

1.8%

8000

MINNEAPOLIS/ ST. PAUL

Source: City of Sioux Falls

2.1%

RAPID CITY

City of Sioux Falls Total Construction Value

2.8%

NOVEMBER 2018

SIOUX FALLS

2.2%

CUMULATIVE YEAR TO DATE

ROCHESTER

1.9%

CEDAR RAPIDS

2.1%

1000 OMAHA

2.6%

DES MOINES

1.9%

LINCOLN

2.5%

800

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

600

Agriculture Trends OCTOBER 2018 10

400

$9.18 $8.77

$653.5 million $273.8 million

$663.3 million $238.3 million

$8.58

$8.85

(IN MILLIONS)

200

$734.9 million $266.5 million

$7.96

$7.98

SOYBEANS 2017

2016

Source: City of Sioux Falls

Total Construction Value

2018

(PER BUSHEL) U.S. SOUTH DAKOTA

New Non-Residential Construction Value

Sioux Falls Region Housing Overview NOVEMBER 2018

CORN

(PER BUSHEL) U.S. SOUTH DAKOTA

4 $3.26

New Listings: 381 Days on the Market Until Sale: 80 Median Sales Price: $195,000 Inventory of Homes for Sale: 1,354 Source: RASE (Realtor Association of the Sioux Empire)

$2.93

October

2017

$3.39

$3.07

$3.41

$3.18

September October

2018

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture chambernews.com | Chamber News 13

FACES & PLACES

Faces & Places

COREY WEIDE

Morgan Stanley Wealth Management

CRAIG LINDES

HOM Furniture/ Gabberts Design Studio

JOEY ROTERT Sioux Falls Federal Credit Union

ANGIE WAHL

J. Wahl Home Inspection

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.

DAREN ANDERSON

DARCI HUSTRULID

SHIELA HOFF

MARK LEE

Big D Technology Solutions, Inc.

Keller Williams Realty

Arthritis Foundation Upper Midwest Region

Reliabank

Recognition of Chamber Volunteers The Ambassador Committee promotes the Chamber and assists in bringing new members into the organization. The Diplomat Committee works to maintain membership strength in the Chamber and provide outstanding customer service to members. Their volunteer service keeps the Chamber strong. Featured Ambassadors and Diplomats this month include: Corey Weide, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, eight years as an Ambassador; Joey Rotert, Sioux Falls Federal Credit Union, four years as an Ambassador; Daren Anderson, Big D Technology Solutions, Inc., seven years as

a Diplomat; Darci Hustrulid, Arthritis Foundation - Upper Midwest Region, two years as a Diplomat; Craig Lindes, HOM Furniture/Gabberts Design Studio, one year as a Diplomat; and Angie Wahl, J. Wahl Home Inspection, nine years as a Diplomat.

Diplomat Team of the Month for November went to Captain Daren Anderson, Big D Technology Solutions, Inc.; Deb Peterson, CorTrust Bank; Nancy Van Otterloo, First PREMIER Bank; Mark Lee, Reliabank; and Tina Shuman, CellOnly.

Diplomats who complete all their member contact calls each month are part of the 100 Club. One member of the 100 Club is recognized as the Service Star. The November Service Star was awarded to Sheila Hoff, Keller Williams Realty. Mark Lee, Reliabank, was recognized as the Event Champion for consistently attending Chamber events.

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, major developments and award recognition. Submit news using the Faces & Places form at chambernews.com or email jdoyen@siouxfalls.com. Professional portraits of Chamber volunteers are courtesy Chad Phillips Photography. chadphillipsphotography.com.

14 Chamber News | JANUARY 2019

New Faces & Promotions Ryan Quam and Will Bushee have joined MarketBeat. Quam is the vice president of software engineering and will lead software development efforts. Bushee is the vice president of business development, responsible for overseeing partner relationships and operational tasks. Allison Weiland has been promoted by the Sioux Falls State Theatre Company to executive director. She had been working as the nonprofit organization’s development coordinator. Alternative HRD has hired Sandy Herkenhoff as a human resources consultant. Herkenhoff is experienced in all aspects of HR management, including recruiting and performance management, HRIS data management, and strategic HR leadership. She has worked with people at all organizational levels, from Chancellor to student employees, from CEO to hourly staff, and including both union and non-union work environments. Interstates Control Systems, Inc. welcomes Dave Stienstra to its Estimating team. Stienstra will focus on Operational Technology Infrastructure and Security projects. His past experience includes serving as network administrator at Sioux Falls Christian Schools and director of technology at Nicaragua Christian Academy. MetaBank has hired Barb Meng. Meng joined the company as a Project Manager in the Enterprise Project Management Office. She has extensive finance, IT and project experience and most recently held a Project Manager position with State Farm Bank, a subsidiary of State Farm Mutual Insurance Companies.

MetaBank has promoted twenty individuals. Lorraine Wolf is the Operations Manager. Wolf has been with Meta for four years and joined the company as a Business Banking Assistant. Cole Lewandowski is the Financial Analyst II. Lewandowski has been with Meta for two years and joined the company as a Financial Analyst I. Matt Wenge is the Database Developer II. Wenge has been with Meta for three years and joined the company as a Database Developer. Nick Kontz is the Operations Support Manager. Kontz has been with Meta for four years and joined the company as a Support Analyst I. Ashley Sutton is the BI Analyst II. Sutton has been with Meta for almost two years and joined the company as a BI Analyst I. Leah Sideras is the Advisor-Business Control Administration. Sideras has been with Meta for three years and joined the company as a Senior Operations Analyst. Tyler Olson is the Director of Information Security. Olson has been with Meta for seven years and joined the company as a Security Analyst. Jennifer Nearman is the Operations Business Analyst. Nearman has been with Meta for 10 years and joined the company as a Deposit Servicing Specialist. Kristin Cooke is the Communication Specialist. Cooke has been with Meta for three years and joined the company as a Marketing Coordinator. Reilly Licha is the Operations Support Supervisor. Licha has been with Meta for three years and joined the company as a Support Analyst I. Sharon Voss is the VP of EFT Services. Voss has been with Meta for nine years and joined the company as an EFT Relationship Manager. Keith Sexe is the Director of Consumer Lending. Sexe has been with Meta for a year

and a half and joined the company as a Portfolio Risk Manager. Melissa Toft is the Account Management Manager. Toft has been with Meta for a year and a half and joined the company as an Account Manager. Chris Seacrest is the Director of Information Security. Seacrest has been with Meta for six years and joined the company as an IS Security Analyst III. Jennifer Weidenbacher is the Director of Portfolio Risk Management. Weidenbacher has been with Meta for six years and joined the company as a Product Manager. Camille Lewis is the Director of Business Analysis. Lewis has been with Meta for five years and joined the company as a Senior Business Analyst. Britney Klimes is the Database Developer II. Klimes has been with Meta for one year and joined the company as a Database Developer. Kylie Brunick is the Enterprise Risk Analyst. Brunick has been with Meta for two years and joined the company as a procedure writer. Darron Werkmeister is the Accountant II. Werkmeister has been with Meta for one year and joined the company as an Accountant I. Brad Bates is the Director of Third Party Risk. Bates has been with Meta for two years and joined the company as an FIU Supervisor. High Point Networks, LLC has hired Chris LaMont as a Solutions Engineer in their Sioux Falls office. LaMont graduated from Mitchell Technical Institute with a degree in telecommunications and has 14 years of experience.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 15

FACES & PLACES

Honors & Awards

Good Deeds

Prairie Family Business Association, an outreach center of the Beacom School of Business at the University of South Dakota, presented the Boyd Hopkins, Sr. Excellence in Family Business Award to the Menke family of Pride Neon Signs. The award celebrates the importance of family-owned businesses to the economy and the region and recognizes multigenerational family businesses with practices and policies that positively impact local business, as well as the neighboring community.

Sammons Financial Group has been honored with a Glassdoor Employees’ Choice Award recognizing the Best Places to Work in 2019. The Employees’ Choice Awards program is based solely on the input of employees who elect to provide feedback on their jobs, work environments, and companies on Glassdoor, one of the world’s largest job and recruiting sites. The award recognizes a company’s commitment to creating an exceptional work environment for all staff.

Four Sioux Falls-based professionals have been named to Prairie Business magazine’s 40 under 40 list for 2018. Honorees represent a wide range of industries and are recognized for making a significant impact in their chosen profession, industry and community. They include Michelle Klobassa, Principal and Senior Architect for TSP Inc.; Laura Mitchell, Vice President of Digital for Lawrence & Schiller; Jake Quasney, General Counsel and Vice President of Real Estate and Investments for Lloyd Companies; and Jered Schock, IT Infrastructure and Security Consultant for Marco.

The Sioux Falls Business Resource Network recognized The Pita Pit (Minnesota Avenue), Walgreens (26th & Minnesota), Rudy M. Navarrete’s Tex-Mexican Restaurant and REACH Literacy with Disability Friendly Recognition Program awards.

KELOLAND Media Group will donate $200,000 in airtime to 12 nonprofit organizations in 2019. The organizations receiving Avera Tradition of Caring in KELOLAND grants are: Alzheimer’s Association South Dakota; Beacon Center; Black Hills Works, Inc.; Girl Scouts – Dakota Horizons; HorsePower; REACH Literacy; Sioux Falls Hope Coalition; Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation; SPURS Therapeutic Riding Center; Teachwell Solutions – Project SEARCH; Teddy Bear Den; and The Compass Center.

Sanford Health awarded the Sanford Lorraine Cross Award to Dr. Jean Bennett and Dr. Katherine High. The $1 million award recognizes visionaries who are changing the face of medicine.

Leadership The Sioux Falls Development Foundation has chosen three local business leaders to serve on the organization’s board of directors. The new board members began their terms of service January 1, 2019. Newly elected members are Dr. Brett Bradfield, University of Sioux Falls, Kent Cutler, Cutler Law Firm, and Steve Watson, ISG. Carly Nord, TSP, Inc., passed the National Society of Professional Engineers examinations to become a licensed professional engineer specializing in the design of electric systems. Nord has already received her LEED GA certification. She specializes in power and lighting design. Brenna Wiertzema, TSP, Inc., has attained national credentials through the National Council for Interior Design Qualifications. The NCIDQ’s three, separate test sections cover seven distinct areas that capture core competencies: building systems, codes, construction standards, construction administration, design application, professional practice and project coordination. The exams are offered twice a year and candidates must complete the entire cycle in five years. South Dakota does not require individuals to pass the exams in order to market 16 Chamber News | JANUARY 2019

themselves as interior designers. The national designation is an extra mark of credibility that attests to an individual’s scope of knowledge. EmBe has announced the participants of its 2019 Women’s Leadership Program. The class includes: Ellen Arens, Raven Industries; Megan Backer, First Bank & Trust; Carrie Biever, The First National Bank in Sioux Falls; Samantha Bucknell, EmBe; Stephanie Burt, Reliabank Mortgage; Terra Bylander, Howalt+McDowell Insurance, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC company; Sara Damjanovic, Floret Cakery; Allison Dvorak, TSP, Inc.; Ashley Gibson, Avera McKennan; Lindsey Hauger, Pioneer Memorial Hospital and Health Services; Kristin Hayward, Planned Parenthood; Arin Knudtson, Journey Group Co.; Stephanie Krumvieda, Blend Interactive, Inc.; Morgan Hauck Larson, Lemonly; Colette Manning, Sanford Health; Kelly Marshall, Risk Administration Services; Rachael Meyerink, Sanford Health; Hilairee Mosier, Avera Health; Christina Oey, Feeding South Dakota; Dr. Ashley M. Pfaff, Dr. Ashley Family Chiropractic; Julie Prairie, Julie Prairie Photography; Brittany

Reith, Midco; Katie Shuck, CybHER; Leah Sideras, Meta Payment Systems; Jackie Swanstrom, Girl Scouts-Dakota Horizons; Adrianne Jo Turner, Lynn, Jackson, Shultz & Lebrun; Carly Uthe, Sioux Falls School District; Sarah Van Voorst, Sioux Falls Police Department; Andrea Vetos, Silverstar Car Wash; and Amanda Wermers, Game Chest. The Sioux Falls Education Foundation Board has elected officers and members for 2019. The leadership includes Chair Callie Beisch, Eide Bailly, LLP; Past Chair Stephanie Gongopoulos; Vice Chair Reece Almond, Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP; Secretary Carrie Aaron; and Treasurer Jackie Dumansky, First PREMIER Bank/PREMIER Bankcard. Rich Brenneman, Mutual of Omaha, joins the board as a new member. Other board members include Nancy Hagen, Memorial Middle School; Kiki Nelsen, Roosevelt High School; Deb Koski, Sanford Health Foundation; Peggy Baney, Sioux Falls Public Schools; Cynthia Mickelson, Sioux Falls School Board; and DeeAnn Konrad, Sioux Falls School District.

Be Seen

3 2 1-4 Approximately 180 members attended the December

Membership Mixer, which was hosted by Active Generations. Gerald Beninga welcomed attendees, who enjoyed networking with fellow Chamber members.

4 chambernews.com | Chamber News 17

FACES & PLACES

Be Seen

5 5 Plains Commerce Bank hosted 100

Chamber members for Morning Mingle on Dec. 5. 6 Rock Nelson, director of the South Dakota International Trade Center, spoke to the YPN Civic Engagement Action Team about international trade in our area.

18 Chamber News | JANUARY 2019

7 Private Mortgage Banking

May the new year bring you happiness and prosperity

8 7-8 The Chamber’s Issues Management Council hosted a legislative mixer with local legislators. The event was an opportunity to discuss issues affecting Sioux Falls that are expected to come up in the 2019 legislative session.

This new year, we want to take a moment to thank you for providing us the opportunity to serve you. Our greatest satisfaction is to deliver our best in meeting your home financing needs. Jen Dykstra 605-575-8778 jennifer.a.dykstra@wellsfargo.com NMLSR ID 400259

Katie Mouw 605-575-8725 katie.mouw@wellsfargo.com NMLSR ID 1413795

Information is accurate as of date of printing and is subject to change without notice. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2018 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801. AS4754586 Expires 11/2019

chambernews.com | Chamber News 19

Prin 3.5

FACES & PLACES

Be Seen

9 9 Members of Leadership Sioux Falls

learned about issues in education and government in a recent class. Lincoln County Commissioner Jim Schmidt was one of the guest speakers who shared his insights with the group. 10 Reliabank hosted a holidaythemed Morning Buzz for YPN members in December.

20 Chamber News | JANUARY 2019

11-14 The Young Professionals Network annual

holiday party, the Kringle, was held Dec. 13 at Chef Dominique’s Catering and Banquet Facility. Sponsored by Pinnacle Productions, the festive event attracted 200 people. Attendees were encouraged to bring a donation for Children’s Inn.

14 chambernews.com | Chamber News 21

FACES & PLACES

Be Seen

15 15-16 South Dakota Chamber of Commerce & Industry President David Owen offered a preview of the upcoming legislative session for Chamber members and area legislators.

22 Chamber News | JANUARY 2019

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

HOMEPLACE VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA, DAKOTAS NOV. 1, 2018-MARCH 31, 2019 $1.25 MILLION To construct multi-family housing to serve young people ages 16-21 who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

For more information on the Community Appeals Committee, call Mike Lynch at (605) 373-2008.

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICASIOUX COUNCIL APRIL 1-JULY 31, 2019 $1.57 MILLION

Renovate existing facilities to meet the increasing safety and program standards necessary to equip local youth to be “Prepared for Life.”

THE GLORY HOUSE OF SIOUX FALLS NOV. 1, 2019-MARCH 31, 2020 $1.35 MILLION

To provide affordable, long-term housing for up to 72 offenders with immediate access to substance abuse, mental health, employment and case management services.

ACTIVE GENERATIONS APRIL 1-JULY 31, 2020 $1.45 MILLION

To purchase land and build a second facility on the east side of Sioux Falls to accommodate its expanding programs and membership.

The Coverage You Want. The Commitment You Need. Business | Home | Health | Life We all need insurance to protect our homes and businesses. You also need the support of professionals who stand by your side— sweating the small stuff so you don’t have to. Fischer, Rounds & Associates combines the coverage you want with the commitment you need. That’s at Your Service. At Your Side.

Call Us in Sioux Falls Phone: 605-336-4444 Toll Free: 877-789-3773

2300 W. 49th St. Sioux Falls, SD 57105 FischerRounds.com

Offices also in Mitchell, Pierre, Watertown and Rapid City chambernews.com | Chamber News 23

COVER STORY

Jim Woster is the 2019 Agri-Business Citizen of the Year. Photo by Wendy Sweeter.

Woster recognized for commitment to ag industry BY WENDY SWEETER

For the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

Jim Woster may be retired from the Sioux Falls Stockyards, but that does not mean he has slowed down. Woster has been selected as the 2019 Agri-Business Citizen of the Year by the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Agri-Business Division. He is the first person to be recognized with this honor twice in the show’s history with his first time as Agri-Business Citizen in 1987. The Reliance, South Dakota, native started his career at the Sioux Falls Stockyards in 1962 after getting a bachelor’s degree in animal science from what was then

24 Chamber News | JANUARY 2019

South Dakota State College. While at the stockyards, he worked for Farmers Union Livestock for a couple of years, then he bought cattle for Greenlee Cattle Packing Co. from 1965 to 1971. When the stockyards market reporter Les Harding retired, Woster took over running the Exchange and being the market reporter. He did that for 13 years. He became a partner with David Frankman with Olsen-Frankman Livestock in 1981 and spent 23 years with the partnership before retiring in 2004.

Today, at the age of 78, Woster does some work for the South Dakota State University College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences and Avera Health. He does not do as much speaking anymore but still writes a column for the Tri-State Neighbor. “Quite frankly I think I’ve worn out my welcome. I think I’ve told the same jokes for the last 40 years,” Woster joked. When the stockyards closed in 2009, Woster realized that when it was closed no one would remember it existed. So, he met with city planner Mike Cooper, who he had worked with when he co-chaired the event center task force, about building something for the stockyards.

Agri-Business Citizen of the Year Jim Woster Education: Bachelor’s degree in animal science from South Dakota State University Family: Wife, Penny; two daughters, one son, three daughters, two grandsons

Woster’s grandiose plan to put up a big building shaped like a pig on the old stockyards grounds did not quite pan out. “Basically, he said we don’t need another building in the city, would you look at the old horse barn (at Falls Park),” he said. “We came across the street. We started putting some people together. It worked out good. They kept the original building, but modernized the inside.” The Stockyards Ag Experience opened in 2017, but that was just the first phase. Woster has been instrumental in raising funds for a Stockyards Plaza on 3.8 acres on the southwest corner of the old stockyards property. He hopes they will start work next spring and be able to open in 2020.

Jim Woster worked at the Sioux Falls Stockyards from 1962 to 2004. Photo courtesy of Jim Woster.

Jim Woster chats with Jerry Crew of Webb, Iowa, in the Tri-State Neighbor booth at the 2018 Clay County Fair. Photo courtesy of Tri-State Neighbor.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 25

Getting involved in promoting agriculture is nothing new for Woster. He was part of a group that helped get the Agri-Business Division started at the Chamber and the Chamber’s Ag Appreciation Day lunch at the Sioux Empire Fair. Woster has also been a volunteer with the Chamber’s January show since 1971. “The Chamber of Commerce, and I mean this sincerely, has always been supportive of agriculture,” Woster said. “At that time, John Morrell & Co., Sioux Nation Ag Center, Zip Feeds, GTA Feeds, locally-owned banks—these all depended directly on farm and ranch people that came to Sioux Falls. They understood the value of farm and ranch people to this city and the region.” Woster believes agriculture is as important today as it was when the Agri-Business Division began. “It’s still a huge driving force in the city of Sioux Falls,” he said. “With all due respect to the health systems and financial systems, which are hugely important to the city, you’d still hate to take out the Smithfields and the ag-related businesses in our city because it would really hurt. We’re still in ag country.”

CELEBRATING AGRICULTURE Each year the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Agri-Business Division recognizes a Farm Family of the Year and an Agri-Business Citizen(s) of the Year. A subcommittee of the Agri-Business Division nominates deserving families and agri-business citizens to be considered for the award and the voting members of the Agri-Business Council choose the winners. The 2019 Farm Family of the Year is the Schmeichel Family of Hurley, South Dakota. Jim Woster is the Agri-Business Citizen of the Year. Both the Schmeichels and Woster will be recognized at the Mayor’s Round-Up & Sale of Champions at the Sioux Empire Livestock Show and at the Agri-Business Division Annual Meeting in the spring. The Farm Family also shares their expertise by sitting on the Chamber’s Agri-Business Division Council for a year.

Jim Woster worked with a board of directors to make the Stockyards Ag Experience come to life at the old horse barn at Falls Park. Photo courtesy of Stockyards Ag Experience.

26 Chamber News | JANUARY 2019

COVER STORY

Ben and Susan Harder; Tom, Paula and Vail VerDouw; Debra and Steve Schmeichel; Jessica and Ethan Schmeichel. Ben and Susan’s son, Roy, was born this summer after the photo was taken. The Schmeichels are the 2019 Farm Family of the Year. Photo courtesy of the Schmeichel family.

Schmeichel family honored as 2019 Farm Family of the Year BY WENDY SWEETER

For the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

For Steve Schmeichel, his home west of Hurley, South Dakota, has been his home for all but five years of his life—and even then he was only four miles away. The Steve and Debra Schmeichel family has been selected as the 2019 Farm Family of the Year by the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Agri-Business Division. “It was right after I got married and my folks still lived here at that time,” Schmeichel said of his four years living away from the farm. He and Debra met when they were in high school at Freeman Academy. Schmeichel spent two years at Freeman Junior College where he learned more about agriculture and played basketball before he started farming full-time. Schmeichel grew up on a hog and cattle operation. When he was a sophomore in high school, he bought two bred gilts at the South Dakota Yorkshire sale and started raising purebred hogs. He sold a lot of boars to commercial producers in the area, but also exported some to Mexico and Korea.

Today, he still raises some purebred hogs, but most of Schmeichel’s hog operation is a 140 sow farrow-to-finish operation with a 2,400-head custom feeding barn. In addition to hogs, they also run 60 cow/calf pairs, plus farm about 1,500 acres of corn and soybeans. Next spring, he and seven other local families plan to start construction on a 5,400-head sow operation. In addition to the farming and livestock operation, Schmeichel also runs S&S Ag Supply LLC. His grandpa started selling seed 50-60 years ago and then his dad sold seed. Now Schmeichel sells Channel seed and his son, Ethan, daughter, Paula VerDouw, and friend Joe Schaefer are partners in the business. They sell wood pellet grills, heaters, Exmark lawn mowers and precision ag equipment. “We don’t farm by the acre anymore, we farm by the inch and it’s getting to be that way technology-wise. We throw all this precision stuff on our planters and then on our combines and map it all and we variable rate our fertilizer and variable rate our seed. The only thing we haven’t been able to figure out is we haven’t been able to variable rate the rain at the right time,” he said.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 27

COVER STORY

Schmeichel is glad to have two of his three children involved in the family business. He never thought his oldest daughter, Paula, would have any interest in the farm operation when she got her degree in accounting from Augustana University. “It’s the people that you have around you that make things better and understand what you’re doing. We’re pretty fortunate that we have family that’s interested,” Schmeichel said. “I would’ve never thought my oldest daughter would be interested in the farm. She was watching us and we had too much going on and we weren’t doing timely billing or keeping track of everything we sold. Paula brings accountability to all of us.”

The Schmeichels’ son, Ethan, went to South Dakota State University for three years before returning home to farm. He and his family live a half mile from the farm. Their other daughter, Susan Harder, is an art therapist at Avera Health in Sioux Falls.

Farm Family of the Year The Schmeichel Family Steve and Debra Schmeichel; children: Paula VerDouw and her husband, Tom, and daughter, Vail; Susan Harder and her husband, Ben, and son, Roy; and Ethan Schmeichel and his wife, Jessica Hometown: Hurley, South Dakota Types of crops: corn and soybeans Types of livestock: hogs and cow/calf herd Family business: S&S Ag Supply LLC

Besides farming and running S&S Ag Supply, Schmeichel has spent nine years serving on the National Pork Board and some years on the South Dakota Pork Producers Council. Most recently, he has spent the last 12 years as a Turner County Commissioner. His final term was up at the end of 2018. “That’s been good, but I’m also a believer of you

As part of their business, S&S Ag Supply LLC, Steve treats soybeans for producers as they pick up their orders. Photo by Wendy Sweeter.

28 Chamber News | JANUARY 2019

need new blood,” he said. “I’m still big on doing as much as you can do, especially of things you have a passion about.” Schmeichel remembers his grandfather having a cow give birth to quadruplets in the fall of 1955 and they displayed them at the Sioux Empire Farm Show in 1956. He also recalls bringing hogs to the show to sell bred hogs. “That goes back to when the farm show was down at the Coliseum. We had bred gilt sales. We had wooden pens,” he said. Schmeichel said agriculture continues to be an important economic driving factor for the Sioux Falls area. He remembers growing up they would take a load of hogs to the Sioux Falls Stockyards and then eat at the Stockyards Cafe and shop at Sioux Nation, Campbell’s and other stores before heading home and stopping in Lennox for parts. While they ship hogs differently today than when he was a kid, Schmeichel said agriculture is important to the area. “If we’re in Sioux Falls, we’re going to stop for whatever we need or we stop in Lennox on the way home. Agriculture will support all of these communities and the Sioux Falls area. Without that, I think people would be really, really surprised,” Schmeichel said.

The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Sioux Empire Livestock Show is an annual celebration of the importance of agriculture in the region. Each January, agricultural producers and members of the Sioux Falls area business community gather to participate in a variety of events, from livestock shows and sales, to junior judging competitions and a trade show. As a $25.6 billion industry in South Dakota, agriculture directly impacts the Sioux Falls area economy. The success of the Livestock Show is directly related to the efforts of several area businesses, individuals and producers who devote their time and talents to the event. More than 30,000 people attend the Sioux Empire Livestock Show each year, with an estimated economic impact of $3 million. The Sioux Empire Livestock Show is hailed as one of the largest feeder steer shows in the region. Six breeds of cattle compete for the $12,000 Supreme Row purse. The show features the best regional market livestock shows and sales and plenty of commercial exhibits. Coinciding with the Sioux Empire Livestock Show is the Sioux Falls Farm Show on January 23-25. This commercial exhibition is organized by Midwest Shows, Inc. and takes place at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, Sioux Falls Convention Center and Arena. It features over 320 exhibitors and more than 1,000 product lines. The Sioux Empire Livestock Show hosts a trade show and exhibitor space that fills the north end of the Expo Building at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds. Together, both shows are featured as “Sioux Falls’ Salute to Agriculture.”

Quadruplet Shorthorn calves born in 1955 were displayed by Steve Schmeichel’s grandfather at the 1956 Sioux Empire Farm Show. Photo courtesy of the Schmeichel family.

The name of the Sioux Empire Livestock Show was changed in 2018; it was previously known as the Sioux Empire Farm Show. The Show’s purpose remains the same as when it began in 1954: to strengthen the ties between the urban and agricultural communities, support livestock producers and exhibitors, provide educational programs and exhibits, and promote the importance of agriculture in our region.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 29

COVER STORY

2019 SIOUX EMPIRE LIVESTOCK SHOW

MAYOR’S ROUND-UP & SALE OF CHAMPIONS Whether you are returning to your agricultural roots or getting your first introduction to South Dakota’s largest industry, the Mayor’s Round-up & Sale of Champions is a fun way to support agriculture in our region.

MAYOR’S ROUND-UP & SALE OF CHAMPIONS

Agriculture is South Dakota’s No. 1 industry, generating annual revenues of $25.6 billion. By participating in the Mayor’s Round-up & Sale of Champions, you show your support for the regional agricultural community.

5 p.m. Social, 6 p.m. Dinner 7 p.m. Program/Auction

Bring your friends and co-workers to enjoy a great prime rib dinner and the camaraderie of other members of the Sioux Falls business community celebrating agriculture.

LOCAL RECOGNITION When you purchase livestock at the Mayor’s Round-Up & Sale of Champions, your company will be recognized in the Tri-State Neighbor and Chamber News magazine. New this year, if you give $2,500 or more to exhibitors at the Mayor’s Round-Up & Sale of Champions, your business will be recognized on the Sale of Champions Wall of Fame for the duration of the next year’s Livestock Show, as well as on the Sioux Empire Livestock Show’s website.

SUPPORT THE SIOUX EMPIRE LIVESTOCK SHOW The Sale of Champions is a big incentive for youth producers to attend the Sioux Empire Livestock Show. In 2018, more than $66,000 in premiums was paid out to 25 market livestock producers. By showing financial support yourself or through your business, you support agriculture and promote the region’s largest market and purebred livestock show. A successful Sale of Champions encourages these livestock producers to return to the Sioux Empire Livestock Show, as well as pursue a career in the agricultural industry.

SUPPORT THE VISITOR INDUSTRY The Sioux Empire Livestock Show draws exhibitors from more than 20 states and brings more than 30,000 people to Sioux Falls annually. An estimated $3 million is brought into the greater community through the fiveday show.

Visit us at siouxempirelivestockshow.com or find us on Facebook or Instagram!

30 Chamber News | JANUARY 2019

FRIDAY, JAN. 25 Best Western PLUS Ramkota Exhibit Hall

Cost: Individual tickets are $45/per person with reserved tables of eight, includes prime rib dinner RSVP to Valerie Willson or call (605) 373-2010.

HOW DOES THE SALE OF CHAMPIONS WORK?

Buyers who participate in the Mayor’s Round-Up & Sale of Champions are paying a premium to the market livestock producer – which means you are not purchasing the animal on which you are bidding. This dollar amount is in addition to the market price they receive for their animal. The Sioux Empire Livestock Show is a terminal show so all livestock sold at the Mayor’s Round-Up & Sale of Champions will go to slaughter. Livestock is auctioned by the head. This means the dollar amount you bid is the dollar amount you pay. Livestock can be purchased by cooperative bidders. Partnering with another business is a great way to bump up the premiums for the producers. All buyers at the Mayor’s Round-Up & Sale of Champions will get their photos taken with the exhibitors and the animals. Photos will be available upon request and all Sale of Champions will be invited to an appreciation dinner and banquet in the spring.

SCHEDULE of EVENTS

Sioux Falls, S.D. — Jan. 22-26, 2019 • W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds, Expo Building TUESDAY, JAN. 22 4:30 p.m.

Welcome to Sioux Falls! Ribbon Cutting

5 p.m. . . . . . . . . 4H/FFA Invitational Calf Shows

FRIDAY, JAN. 25 9 a.m.–4 p.m. . Trade Show: Sioux Falls Day 9 a.m. . . . . . . . . Market Goat Show Market Beef Show 10 a.m. . . . . . . . Feeder Steer Show

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 23 9 a.m.–5 p.m. . Trade Show: Women’s Wednesday 8 a.m. . . . . . . . . Market Swine Show 8:30 a.m. . . . . . Angus Show Simmental Show 11:30 a.m. . . . . . Simmental Sale

6 p.m. . . . . . . . . Mayor’s Round-up & Sale of Champions $12,000 Supreme Row Cash Awards Presentation, Sponsored by Tri-State Neighbor, Wells Fargo Bank and Campbell’s Best Western PLUS Ramkota Hotel Exhibit Hall Cost: $45 per person, Tickets available at show office

1 p.m. . . . . . . . . Angus Sale 6:30 p.m. . . . . . Pony Pull 7 p.m. . . . . . . . . Draft Horse Pull Cost: $5; Ages 6 & under FREE Tickets available at event

THURSDAY, JAN. 24 9 a.m.–5 p.m. . Trade Show: Cattlemen’s Appreciation Day 8 a.m. . . . . . . . . Hereford Show Charolais Show 9:30 a.m. . . . . . Red Angus Show Limousin Show 1 p.m. . . . . . . . . Hereford Sale 2 p.m. . . . . . . . . Charolais Sale

SATURDAY, JAN. 26 6:30 a.m. . . . . . Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest 8:30 a.m. . . . . . Youth & Open Rabbit Show 10 a.m. . . . . . . . 4-H/FFA Livestock Judging Contest 1 p.m. . . . . . . . . . Breeding Heifer Show 1:30 p.m. . . . . . . 4-H/FFA Livestock Judging Contest Awards

Commercial Exhibits are located at the north end of the Expo Building. They are open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Wednesday-Thursday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Friday.

Schedule subject to change.

SPONSORED BY:

3 p.m. . . . . . . . . Red Angus Sale 3:45 p.m. . . . . . Limousin Sale 5 p.m. . . . . . . . . Market Lamb Show 6 p.m. . . . . . . . . Feeder Heifer Show 7 p.m. . . . . . . . . Supreme Row Judging 7:30 p.m. . . . . . . Supreme Row Social

chambernews.com | Chamber News 31

BUSINESS ADVOCACY

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce 2019 Legislative Platform In order to develop its legislative platform, the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce (Chamber), through its Issues Management Council, conducts research, hears presentations and surveys its members about issues affecting business. These efforts, combined with actively following and monitoring legislative activity, guide our efforts toward developing the legislative platform. The Issues Management Council makes platform recommendations to the Board of Directors, which is the final policy decision-making body for the Chamber.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The Chamber supports economic development and the Building South Dakota Fund and the Governor’s legislation passed in 2018 that simplified the funding mechanism. The Chamber supports workforce focused programs, addressing infrastructure and revolving fund loans, workforce education and housing, and grants to offset certain taxes for qualifying projects. We will continue to monitor the use and impact of these programs and we will closely analyze any legislation that impacts these programs and other economic development efforts in our state.

TAX INCREMENT FINANCING South Dakota has limited programs, when compared to other states, to help compete for and leverage business growth and development. One such program that is locally controlled and administered is tax increment financing which can be vital to a project happening, relocating or moving forward in South Dakota. The Chamber supports the appropriate use of TIFs for projects when it is needed to address blight, build infrastructure, encourage workforce housing expansion, promote economic development and/or make public improvements. Further, we support local decision-making in the administration of TIFs.

TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE The Chamber recognizes that a safe, efficient and responsive transportation infrastructure is critical to economic development and commerce in Sioux Falls and throughout South Dakota. The Chamber supports the evaluation of our highway and bridge systems on an ongoing basis. The full impact of the funding approved in 2015 including local flexibilities should be carefully reviewed before new funding is considered. We also support retaining the requirement of local county effort for match funding.

BUSINESS CLIMATE The Chamber believes our economy is best served by allowing free and open competition in the marketplace in an environment that encourages business development and expansion. Laws that preclude or give advantage to one business structure or arrangement over another ultimately lessen competition and reduce our area’s attractiveness as a business location. Barriers to business investment and capital formation impede growth and economic diversification. Appropriate rules and regulations, may be required for a viable free market, but government intrusion should not inhibit or restrict business unnecessarily.

32 Chamber News | JANUARY 2019

The Chamber opposes unnecessary intrusions into employer/ employee relationships. We support voluntary agreements between management and the workforce establishing compensation, benefits, hours and working conditions.

ACCESSIBLE HOUSING The Chamber supports accessible housing for workforce development, retention and recruitment.

DRIVERS LICENSE EXAMS The Chamber supports legislation to examine or implement drivers’ license testing in languages other than English. A pilot program or a summer study would help enumerate costs and challenges. As one of only a few states that have not yet implemented multi-language tests, we hamper our workforce development efforts.

THE STATE BUDGET The Chamber supports a balanced budget even if it means difficult decisions. Changing some sales tax exemptions may provide additional revenue, but each one must be carefully considered. We continue to see no need for an income tax or major tax increases.

EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT The future of Sioux Falls and South Dakota depends on educating our citizens and developing our workforce to remain competitive on a regional, national and international scale. It is vital to foster an educational system that works in tandem with the business community and government to address and support workforce development initiatives. We look forward to evaluating any workforce development proposals that may arise during the Legislative Session. To support our state’s citizens and to meet our workforce development needs, the Chamber supports the allocation of public monies to ensure funds for an equitable, effective and efficient system of pre-K-12, technical schools and higher education. K-12 FUNDING: The Chamber supports efforts to maintain

and increase teacher pay and would oppose efforts to rollback past funding levels. Further, we encourage the School Finance Accountability Board and the Legislature to ensure that in the future school districts are held accountable for meeting

teacher pay and cash balance targets. Quality education is essential for the business community to attract new employers and employees and to educate a growingly diverse workforce. We will follow all proposals affecting K-12 funding closely and consider the impact on our members and area schools. We support the findings of the 2018 Teacher Compensation Review Board and allowing the current five-year plan within the formula to be completed prior to the consideration of additional changes to the formula.

enhance access to master teachers and course topics that are not available in our smaller districts. We discourage school districts from utilizing recruitment and busing to lure and transport students from one district to another. If at all possible, school districts should not be financially incented to recruit students. In short, efficiency and organizational decisions need to be made to reflect changing demographics and to meet the needs of our K-12 learners.

K-12 EFFICIENCY: The Chamber fully understands the

skilled workforce continues to grow, South Dakota’s technical institutes require the ability to respond programmatically to that demand and the funding for workforce-related programs. Costs continue to rise particularly in regard to serving students in high-cost program areas. The Chamber urges tuition costs for students be lowered to be competitive with surrounding states. Currently South Dakota has the third highest tuition rates in the nation and is not competitive with surrounding states. The Chamber supports increased investment in the workforce of tomorrow, which is critical for continued economic development. The Chamber also supports continuing progress to enhance local control of our state’s technical institutes to ensure they best serve South Dakota.

challenges of operating a K-12 system in a largely rural state that is sparsely populated. For their well-being and the wellbeing of our state, children throughout South Dakota must be assured a quality education as our Constitution outlines. Still, we encourage organizational changes to improve efficiency and permit reinvestment into core priorities like teacher salaries and educational programming. We recognize that some districts that are sparsely populated need additional resources per student to ensure a quality education. However, some districts choose to remain small and additional financial subsidies in those instances should be critically reviewed. We encourage the use of technology-based instruction to

TECHNICAL INSTITUTES: As demand for a technically-

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35th ANNUAL

SIOUX

FALLS Day at the

LEGISLATURE WEDNESDAY, FEB. 13, 2019

View committee meetings, listen in on session and join us for a luncheon in the Capitol rotunda. Visit with your elected officials to talk about issues important to you.

Join us for this annual all-day trip to Pierre!

Pricing includes: Ride the bus and attend lunch, $55; Provide own transportation, lunch is $25. For more information or to sponsor this event, contact Teresa: (605) 373-2050 or tschreier@siouxfalls.com. chambernews.com | Chamber News 33

BUSINESS ADVOCACY

2019 Legislative Platform (continued) HIGHER EDUCATION: The Chamber acknowledges that a

highly educated citizenry is critically important to many individual businesses and to competitively position our community for future economic development. We support increased funding for the Regental system and encourage consideration for funding options for the University Center in Sioux Falls to address tuition and service inequalities and new mission opportunities Further, we encourage more local governance and input into the University Center to better align its programs with the needs of residents and the business community.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNTY FUNDING: The Chamber is concerned about

resources available to counties to address, in particular, increased behavioral health and criminal justice costs. We believe alignment with collaborative partnerships and improved funding will benefit the counties. CITY SALES TAX FOR INFRASTRUCTURE: The Chamber

has consistently supported a proposal to permit municipalities to impose a sales tax for infrastructure purposes, provided there is an affirmative vote of the municipality’s residents and the tax is tied to specific projects for a set period of time. We believe this type of local control proposal is the best way to determine the need for such a tax and measure the willingness of local citizens to impose a tax in their community.

HEALTH CARE The Chamber recognizes the role the non-profit community plays in providing essential services to our most vulnerable citizens and supports appropriate funding for them. We strongly encourage the state’s reimbursement rates to align with providers true costs associated with those essential services.

NONMEANDERED WATERS COMPROMISE The Chamber has supported the compromise legislation to provide access to certain nonmeandered waters in our state. As this legislation is implemented, we will continue to watch and assess the strengths and weaknesses that arise as we seek to balance the interests of our members.

34 Chamber News | JANUARY 2019

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVITY The Chamber recognizes the growing diversity of our state’s population and we embrace the opportunities that this diversity provides for a culturally and talent-rich community. We will work with residents, our partners, community and state agencies and elected officials to develop efforts to engage and include all individuals in our state who seek to work side-by-side with us to grow our economy. As we work to meet the workforce expectations evident today and predicted well into the future, legal immigration and refugee resettlement are proven and important strategies. We will also resist initiatives which inappropriately sanction or discriminate against individuals or groups.

PROPERTY AND BUSINESS OWNER RIGHTS Each sessions legislation is introduced that put business and property owners at odds with gun advocates. The Chamber supports the right to gun ownership and the traditions of hunting and outdoor life so prominent in South Dakota. However, we have also maintained that property and business owners have the right to restrict gun possession on their property if they choose. The Chamber will continue to support the rights of property and business owners to restrict gun possession on their property.

TOURISM/VISITOR INDUSTRY The Chamber supports the visitor industry/tourism as it continues to be an important and vital part of the South Dakota economy and supports keeping the current the 1.5 percent tourism tax.

INITIATIVE AND REFERENDUM The Chamber believes that South Dakota’s longstanding tradition of allowing direct citizen access to the ballot through the initiative and referendum processes should remain. However, South Dakota finds itself in the position of allowing very broad access and relatively low signature requirements making our state an easy target for special interests who want to test issues. We would encourage an ongoing review of the rules and requirements surrounding constitutional and statutory ballot measures and support changes that address problems while preserving our tradition of access.

Engage in the legislative process through Chamber events Sioux Falls Day at the Legislature The annual Sioux Falls Day at the Legislature will take place Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019. The all-day event allows Chamber members to meet and visit with state legislators and see the legislative process first-hand. The Chamber has been organizing Sioux Falls Day for 35 years as a way to connect members to the legislative process. It is also an opportunity to show support for issues affecting the Sioux Falls area that are being discussed in Pierre. All Chamber member employees are invited to attend Sioux Falls Day. Participants depart Sioux Falls early in the morning and travel on coach buses to Pierre. A mid-morning arrival time provides the opportunity for participants to observe committee meetings taking place throughout the Capitol building. The Chamber hosts a luncheon in the Capitol Rotunda that includes legislators and top government officials – giving Sioux Falls Day participants direct access to leadership. In the afternoon, participants can watch the full legislature in action as the House and Senate are in session. The day concludes with a group photo on the Capitol steps before returning to Sioux Falls. Cost to participate in Sioux Falls Day is $55 for the full day, $30 to only ride the bus or $25 to only attend the luncheon. To register, call (605) 373-2050 or email tschreier@siouxfalls.com

Members Say “Our legislators do value the input and opinions of the Sioux Falls area business community. Showing up in force at the Capital reinforces our interest in their lawmaking, and it gives us a chance to show our appreciation for their service. I know all our legislators look forward to Sioux Falls Day and show great pride when we are introduced in each chamber. Our voice makes a difference!” Paul Bruflat, CNA Surety “The things I enjoy most are introducing my Sioux Falls friends to the legislators and helping explain the processes that are taking place. Second, and most fun, is meeting the new people who come out for the event. The Capitol building is beautiful and a wonder to walk around. The day allows for plenty of fun, learning, conversation and networking.” Steve Kolbeck, Xcel Energy If you are considering attending for the first time… “Do it! You will learn about the process of state government, meet many local legislators, learn about bills and measures being offered up during session, connect with other Sioux Falls business leaders, meet new friends and also tour our beautiful State Capitol building.” Stacy Wrightsman, Sanford Health

Legislative Coffees The Chamber will host three Legislative Coffees in the month of February featuring legislators from Districts 6, 9-16 and 25. The Coffees will take place from 10-11:45 a.m. on February 2, 9 and 23. All three sessions will be held in the Hub on the campus of Southeast Tech. The Coffees provide a forum for constituents to hear about current bills and communicate with their elected officials—a vital aspect of forming legislation. They are also an opportunity for citizens to learn more about legislators’ positions, to ask questions and to formulate a better understanding of the impact that a prospective law might have upon them. A moderator from the League of Women Voters will lead the conversation and take written questions from the audience. The 2019 Legislative Coffees are sponsored by League of Women Voters, Sioux Falls Education Association and AARP-Sioux Falls.

Amy Scott-Stoltz, League of Women Voters, moderates a 2018 Legislative Coffee.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 35

BUSINESS SENSE

Five steps to implementing an effective mentorship program According to the Association of Talent Development, workplace mentorship programs are on the rise; however, only 25 percent of small organizations offer formal mentorship programs to their staff. Mentorship programs are an important development tool for all sizes of organizations, regardless of industry. They allow an organization to facilitate positive and impactful relationships among their staff. SARAH MEUSBURGER These relationships increase engagement, Banner Associates, Inc. provide a supportive way for staff to gain skills, and offer an opportunity for more experienced staff to share their knowledge and expertise with others. All of these things help an organization be more successful. Civil engineering firm Banner Associates, Inc. is an organization that started a new mentorship program six months ago. President Brad Wermers participates in the program as a mentor to two staff members. He says, “It’s so important that we keep our staff. The mentoring sessions bring up topics that wouldn’t otherwise come up and fosters work relationships across departments.” Many organizations may put off implementing a program because they aren’t sure exactly how it should be structured. Although it may seem daunting to create a workplace mentorship program, here are five steps that may help organizations get started. 1. Identify the goals and objectives. Align these with your organization’s mission and core values. What do you want the program to accomplish? What challenges do you have as an organization that you want the program to address? Mentorship programs are most effective when the concept is supported by leadership. Also, the organizational culture needs to encourage learning and strong working relationships among staff. 2. Spend time on the details. Effective mentorship programs should strike a balance of structure and simplicity. Identify a timeframe such as 6 or 12 months in which a structure is formulated. In traditional mentorship programs, a mentee is paired up with one or two mentors. Determine the frequency with which your participants will meet and what they will discuss. These discussions should involve a topic that correlates directly with the program goals and objectives yet allows for additional dialogue as well. The overarching goal is for mentors to provide support to mentees. This may involve answering questions, talking about their experiences, sharing resources, brainstorming new ideas, etc.

36 Chamber News | JANUARY 2019

MENTORING DISCUSSION TOPICS •

The drive to succeed and what makes someone successful

•

Communication and fostering strong working relationships

•

Culture of improvement and the importance of continued learning and development

•

Self-reflection of soft skills and discussion of emotional intelligence

3. Identify your participants. Meet with each individual to discuss the program. Mentors should exemplify your organization’s core values. Communication with participants is vital. Be transparent about why the mentorship program is being established, what goals you have for the program and encourage an open door of feedback from participants along the way. Make sure participants understand the time commitment at the start of the program. Be flexible in knowing that the program you start may need to be adjusted as time goes on to make it most effective for your organization. 4. Support the process. Identify someone that can serve as the program coordinator, sending regular reminders to participants, sharing discussion topics, and references. This person should actively communicate with mentors and mentees throughout the program. While it is important to remember that everyone is busy, the program can’t be effective if participants do not make the time to meet with one another. 5. Evaluate the effectiveness. While quantitative data may not be feasible, try to identify ways to measure whether or not the structure created is effectively meeting the organization’s needs. Don’t be afraid to change the aspects that are not working. Mentorship programs can be a valuable way to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and best practices within the organization. They allow organizations to take an active role in fostering meaningful work relationships, which will increase overall engagement, productivity, and collaboration. Sarah Meusburger, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, has 15 years of experience in Human Resources. She serves as the Director of Human Resources for Banner Associates, Inc., a civil engineering firm based in Brookings and is also a Human Resources Consultant for Alternative HRD, LLC, an HR-consulting firm based in Sioux Falls.

HEADLINES

John T. Meyer, Lemonly, speaks to attendees at the 2017 Crossroads Summit.

Crossroads Summit keynote speakers announced Keynote speakers for the 2019 Crossroads Summit have been announced. Author and youth leader Alton Carter will open the event as the morning keynote speaker. Entrepreneur, author and rapper Jesse Itzler will be featured as the afternoon keynote speaker. The Summit is scheduled for Thursday, August 15, 2019 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. The Young Professionals Network of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce organizes the Crossroads Summit, which takes place every other year. The one-day, professional development conference encourages people from all industries around the region to network, learn and build relationships. In addition to the two keynote speakers, the agenda includes multiple breakout sessions with local experts in their field. A new awards program will debut at this year’s event—4 Under 40 will recognize four outstanding young professionals. Planning for the 2019 Crossroads Summit is being led by volunteer co-chairs Daschle Larson, McKinneyOlson Insurance, and Kristin Hoefert-Redlinger, Northwestern Mutual. Tickets will go on sale in the spring. Avera Health is the Lead Partner for the Crossroads Summit. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Kayla Huizing at khuizing@siouxfalls.com for more information.

MORNING KEYNOTE ALTON CARTER Alton Carter is the Director of Youth Ministries at First United Methodist Church in Stillwater, Oklahoma. He is the author of The Boy Who Carried Bricks and Aging Out which are books about his life journey from foster care through adulthood. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Oklahoma State University and uses his story to inspire youth and adults to do all they can to “make the world a better place.” Carter makes his home in Stillwater, Oklahoma with his wife Kristin and their five children.

ALTON CARTER

AFTERNOON KEYNOTE JESSE ITZLER Jesse Itzler only eats fruit until noon, loves Run-D.M.C. and enjoys living life “out of the box,” actually, he doesn’t even have a box. He cofounded Marquis Jet, the world’s largest prepaid private jet card company in 2001, which he and his partner sold to Berkshire Hathaway/NetJets. He then partJESSE ITZLER nered with Zico coconut water, which they sold to The Coca-Cola Company in 2013. He is a former rapper on MTV and he produced and sang both the NBA’s Emmy Award-winning I Love This Game music campaign and the popular New York Knicks anthem Go NY Go. Itzler is also the author of Living With a SEAL (New York Times Bestseller , #1 LA Times, #1 Amazon, #1 iTunes audiobook) and Living With the Monks. When he’s not out training for his next 100-mile run or being a dad, Jesse can be found at the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks games, where he is an owner of the team. He is married to Spanx founder Sara Blakely and the couple and their four children live in Atlanta, Georgia.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 37

BUSINESS NEWS

Chamber to host Cybersecurity Conference The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce will host the Sioux Falls Cybersecurity Conference in April 2019. The conference will bring together speakers in government, law enforcement and industry to explore the evolving threat landscape, cyber policy and industrydeveloped best practices for protecting your organization. A distinguished lineup of security experts will examine what leaders can do to defend critical infrastructure and deter malicious actors. Businesses of every size need a cybersecurity plan. This conference will offer valuable insight into threats facing businesses, best practices for mitigating cyber risk and ways

38 Chamber News | JANUARY 2019

in which leaders in business and government can respond to significant cyber threats. Throughout the program, attendees will also have time to connect with industry peers, government officials and sponsors. The Sioux Falls Cybersecurity Conference will take place Thursday, April 18 from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. Breakfast and lunch are included with registration. The full agenda for the event and registration information will be available in February. SDN Communications is the lead sponsor of the Sioux Falls Cybersecurity Conference. In addition, Eide Bailly LLP, PREMIER Bankcard and Secure Enterprise

SIOUX FALLS CYBERSECURITY CONFERENCE Thursday, April 18, 2019 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Sioux Falls Convention Center

Asset Management (SEAM) are supporting sponsors. A limited number of sponsorship and exhibitor spaces are still available. For more information, please contact Justin Bentaas at jbentaas@siouxfalls.com.

MEMBER VOICE

Biofuels offer economic growth opportunity during challenging times It’s no secret that the economic outlook for the agriculture sector has been difficult over the past few years. Commodity prices are stagnant, farm income is down and farm debt is up. It’s estimated that net farm income will decrease $9.8 billion this year, and other farm income metrics will be at the lowest levels since the last financial crisis. In fact, a new analysis from the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis found that chapter 12 bankruptcies are rising in the Upper Midwest due to low commodity prices. According to an analyst at the Minneapolis Fed, current price levels and trajectories of trends indicate that this trend hasn’t reached a peak. JEFF LAUTT POET

Biofuels are the epitome of value-added agriculture.

The ag downturn is having a ripple effect across the economy. For example, the Minneapolis Fed reports that ag bank loans are also seeing the impact. “The rising trend in chapter 12 bankruptcies aligns closely with a rising level of bad ag loans among the Ninth District’s 531 banks,” reports the Minneapolis Fed, which serves the six states of the Ninth Federal Reserve District, including South Dakota. But at POET we still remain optimistic about the future of agriculture as a whole and its role as an economic engine for the state of South Dakota. As we’ve seen in the past, biofuels can lift agriculture out of crisis, grow demand for grain and other agricultural products, and give farmers a boost in income. Another major reason for our optimism is that growth opportunities for biofuels are on the horizon. In October 2018 President Trump announced that his administration is lifting restrictions on year-round E15 — a federally approved biofuel with 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline — which could grow demand for grain in the U.S. by 2 billion bushels annually. That’s welcome news for anyone in agribusiness or for those who interact with agriculture — farmers, bankers, seed and machinery dealers, you name it. We also see E15 and higher biofuel blends as a catalyst for expanding economic growth across America’s heartland. Biofuels are the epitome of value-added agriculture. POET is the world’s largest biofuel company, and we utilize grain from across the Midwest to literally fuel and feed the world. Each year, POET crushes 5 percent of the nation’s corn. And we use each kernel of that corn to produce our three primary products: • 2 billion gallons of biofuel (or ethanol), which displaces 1 billion gallons of finished gasoline • 10 billion pounds of highly nutritious animal feed • And 550 million gallons of corn oil that’s used in a variety of products. All of that adds value to farmers’ grain. In fact, POET’s bioprocessing locations help increase the local corn basis for farmers by 10 cents per bushel. Another big advantage of our industry, especially during this tough climate for agriculture, is the contribution we make overall to economic growth and job creation. More than 200 ethanol plants power economic growth across the heartland, supporting more than 350,000 jobs and a stronger farm economy. POET generates $13.5 billion in sales for U.S. businesses and $3.1 billion in income for U.S. households annually. POET is also strengthening the local economy, generating more than $2.05 billion in business revenues, $38.4 million in state and local taxes, and $384.4 million in household earnings within South Dakota. That’s a significant impact across our state, which goes to show that when ag wins, we all win. That’s why we are so interested in the opportunity to grow demand for grain here at home with E15 and higher biofuel blends. That’s demand that farmers can depend on, and no foreign government or trade agreement can take away. Jeff Lautt is President and Chief Operating Officer at POET. He is also a member of the company’s Board of Directors and Vice Chairman and President of POET Biorefining, LLC. He serves on the board of directors for POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels, the company’s joint venture to commercialize cellulosic ethanol from corn stover. He has also been an advocate for biofuels in Washington, D.C.; states; media and various conference venues. Visit getbiofuel.com to search for a station near you that sells higher biofuel blends.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 39

USING YOUR MEMBERSHIP

Promote your business through the Chamber BY DEBORAH McISAAC

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

Put your membership in the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce to use in your strategic plan. There are several ways members can promote their brand and value proposition while supporting the Chamber. Choose your path of promotion based on your strategic direction and preferred methods of communication… or choose them all!

SHARE YOUR INVOLVEMENT The chamber of commerce is a globally respected brand. Shapirogroup.com found in a research study that consumers and businesses tend to prefer to deal with chambers of commerce. Communicating your participation in the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce can be a competitive advantage. Ensure your listing is accurate in the membership directory. Use your logo and add your various social media connection points. Identify keywords that will help your potential customers find you. Place your Chamber member label prominently at your business. Communicate to your customers, suppliers and prospects that you support our local economic development and quality of life, inviting them to do the same.

SHARE YOUR BRAND There are several advertising opportunities available only to Chamber members. Whether it is a quick point of online connection or a highly visible print space, you can choose your path of promotion through well-developed Chamber communication channels. This is an excellent opportunity for member companies to enhance their own brand by putting their names before a target audience of local business people. Connect with your Chamber staff to identify key opportunities that may align with your target demographic or general brand awareness.

QUICKLY More than 5,000 Chamber member businesses and their employees receive Quickly each week. This electric publication details two weeks of Chamber opportunities to interact and celebrate with fellow Chamber members — ribbon cuttings, mixers, meetings, workshops, small group events, etc. A limited number of ad spots are available in each publication.

CHAMBER NEWS This magazine features business news and information by Chamber members and about Chamber members. The magazine is a high-quality, glossy publication published ten times per year. Chamber News is direct mailed to Chamber members and is available at several drop-off points throughout the community.

SIOUXFALLSCHAMBER.COM The Chamber’s website also shares information about Chamber events and activities and contact information for elected officials, Chamber staff and key volunteers. Display banner ads are available to chamber members. Rates are available for one-month, three-month, six-month and 12-month contracts.

40 Chamber News | JANUARY 2019

SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Are you an expert in your field? Let your Chamber know of your areas of proficiency. Offer to be a volunteer presenter for the many Business Sense Workshops and various topical forums offered through the chamber. If writing is more your path, offer to contribute content for our various platforms. Make an impact by participating in the Chamber’s small group events. Panel discussions, special interest micropods and community builders are a few opportunities to share your insights with fellow Chamber members. Use your Chamber membership to increase your community visibility, expand your brand awareness and communicate your value proposition. The Chamber is only as strong as its members. When you share your involvement, the chamber grows. When your share your products and services, members’ needs are met. When you share your message, professionals are developed. We are stronger together.

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Ribbon Cuttings

The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce holds ribbon cutting ceremonies for members to celebrate joining the Chamber, milestone anniversaries, 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.

Alzheimer’s Association, South Dakota Chapter

NEW LOCATION

4304 S. TECHNOLOGY DR. alz.org The Alzheimer’s Association provides vital care and support free of charge to those impacted by Alzheimer’s and other diseases that cause dementia. L to R: Bud Heinemann, April Meyerink, Kathi Herreid, Edie Renner, Leslie Morrow (state executive director), Bobbi Thury, Jackie Stratman, Sandy Case and Dr. James Barker.

The Compass Center

NEW LOCATION

1704 S. CLEVELAND AVE., SUITE 3 thecompasscenter.org The Compass Center is a non-profit that daily works hand in hand with survivors of sexual and domestic violence, giving them a safe place to “navigate the journey to healing.” L to R: Tom Fuller, Nathan Stallinga, Governorelect Kristi Noem, April Meyerink, Jennifer Adler, Michelle Markgraf (executive director), Mayor Paul TenHaken, Jean Bender and Amanda Feldkamp.

Lloyd Nickel Allstate Insurance

7600 S. LOUISE AVE., SUITE 110 Lloyd Nickel Allstate Insurance is a brand-new agency here in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. L to R: Michael Richardson, Michelle Nett, Sandy Case, Nathan Stallinga, Lynda Billars, Lloyd Nickel (president), Micah Gillette, Corey Weide, Rochelle Smith, Josh Muckenhirn and Amber Johnson. NEW MEMBER

Rudy M. Navarrete’s Tex-Mexican Food

2209 W. 57TH ST. rudymnavarretes.com Rudy M. Navarrete’s Tex-Mexican Food is an authentic family experience. L to R: Rudy Navarrete Jr., Scott Lawrence, Jay Soukup, Rudy M. Navarrete (owner), Aurora Aasheim, Cindi Johnson, Lynda Billars and Kristin Hoefert-Redlinger. NEW MEMBER

chambernews.com | Chamber News 41

RIBBON CUTTINGS Siouxland Heritage Museums Irene Hall Museum Resource Center

EXPANSION

4300 N. WESTPORT AVE. siouxlandmuseums.com Siouxland Heritage Museums opened the Irene Hall Museum Resource Center as the primary artifact storage location for the museum’s collection that is not on exhibit. L to R: Bill Hoskins, Jeff Barth, Pat Starr, Steve Van Buskirk, Kari Hall, Lynda Billars, Bob Hall, Darci Hustrulid, Megan Jansick, Corey Weide and Kari Kohlhoff.

University of Northwestern/LIFE 96.5 4721 W. 71ST ST. unwsiouxfalls.com knwc.org

NEW LOCATION

42 Chamber News | JANUARY 2019

A brand-new building was opened to house LIFE 96.5/KNWC and the expansion of the University of Northwestern to Sioux Falls. L to R: Jason Sharp, Sharon Haselhoff, April Meyerink, Jeff Rupp (LIFE 96.5/KNWC Radio manager), Dr. Alan Cureton (University of Northwestern president), Megan Jansick, Kristin Hoefert-Redlinger, Daren Anderson and Dr. Janet Sommers.

University of South Dakota (USD) Discovery District

GROUNDBREAKING

usddiscovery.com The USD Discovery District broke ground on the first buildings in South Dakota’s first innovation community. Alumend and SAB Biotherapeutics will anchor the 80-acre contemporary corporate and academic research park. L to R: Rich Naser, Jr., Christine Tjelmeland, Dr. Eddie Sullivan, Zach Wiegert, Sheila Gestring, Governor Dennis Daugaard, Mayor Paul TenHaken, Dave Rozenboom, Ryan Hansen, Aaron Scheibe.

Weisser Distributing

EXPANSION

921 E. AMIDON ST. weisserdistributing.com Weisser has expanded their operations into Las Vegas and Sioux Falls, in addition to their original location in Tea. L to R: Kayla Stephenson, April Meyerink, Nathan Stallinga, Eric Weisser, Laurie Knutson, Bob Weisser (owner), David Johnson, Kristin Hoefert-Redlinger, Chaplin James Swanson, Chris Kolseth and Jason Lovro.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 43

MEMBERSHIP

Member Anniversaries FOUNDING MEMBERS

Argus Leader Media/ Sioux Falls Business Journal News Media argusleader.com Member since 1907

Christopherson, Anderson, Paulson & Fideler, LLP Attorneys capflaw.com Member since 1907

First PREMIER Bank Banks firstpremier.com Member since 1914

Henry Carlson Co. Contractors-General henrycarlson.com Member since 1919

MidAmerican Energy Company Gas Companies midamerican.com Member since 1907

Xcel Energy

Electric Companies xcelenergy.com Member since 1916

YMCA

Fitness Centers siouxfallsymca.org Member since 1919

35 YEARS

Graybar Electric Company, Inc.

Electric Equipment & Supplies-Wholesale graybar.com

Lynn, Jackson, Shultz & Lebrun, PC Attorneys lynnjackson.com

Magellan Pipeline Co. Pipe Line Companies

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.

25 YEARS

FIRST YEAR REINVESTORS

Construction Equipment dieselmachinery.com

Sprinklers-Automatic Fire buildingsprinkler.com

Diesel Machinery, Inc.

20 YEARS

State Farm Insurance Priebe Insurance Agency, Inc. Insurance jerrypriebe.com

15 YEARS

Redstone Law Firm LLP Attorneys redstonelawfirm.com

10 YEARS

Bank of the West Banks bankofthewest.com

Brian Burkhart Associate Member

Cherapa Place, LLC Property Management cherapaplace.com

5 YEARS

Asphalt Surfacing Company Paving Contractors asco-usa.com

City of Harrisburg

Associate Member harrisburg.govoffice.com

National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Associate Member

Orion Food Systems Franchisor/Distributor hotstufffoods.com

REACH

Associate Member reachliteracy.org

WOW Productions Inc. dba Winterfest of Wheels Associate Member winterfestofwheels.com

44 Chamber News | JANUARY 2019

Building Sprinkler, Inc.

Edward Jones - Brian Christensen Financial Planning edwardjones.com

Keller Williams Realty Sioux Falls Sarahlyn Gross Affiliate-Real Estate sarahlynrealestate.com

KWB Hotel Partners, LLC Hotel/Motel Development kwbhotels.com

M.Heckel Design Associate Member mheckeldesign.com

New Standard US, Inc. Agri Business newstandard-group.com

Paws Pet Resort Pet Boarding pawspetresort.com

PUSH Personal Development Associate Member push-courses.com

RISE Structural Associates Engineers riseincorp.com

Sioux Falls Pride Associate Member siouxfallspride.org

Thrive After Birth

Doula-Postpartum Care thriveafterbirth.com

Travel Nurses USA, LLC Health Care Staffing Agency travelnursesusasd.com

Waxing the City of Sioux Falls Salon-Waxing waxingthecity.com

Wild Bird Connection Retail wildbirdconnection.com

New Members A.L.S. Properties Misty Glen

Property Management Shannon Joneson, (605) 362-4705 6301 W. Misty Glen Place, 57106

Allstate Agency/Lloyd Nickel

Insurance Lloyd Nickel, (605) 937-6500 7600 S. Louise Ave., Suite 110, 57108

BB Kint Construction LLC Home Builders Brian Kint, (605) 214-0190 bbkint.construction

IT Security Group

Cyber Security Adam Cooper, (605) 956-3064 7608 W. 67th St., 57106 Itsecurity.group

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. Want to become a member? Call (605) 336-1620.

Lake Lorraine

OsteoStrong

MGM Insurance Group

R Wine Bar

Nothing Bundt Cakes

SafeSplash Swim School Sioux Falls

Development Amy Smolik, (605) 929-9319 615 S. Marion Rd., 57106 lakelorrainesiouxfalls.com

Insurance Michael Mauszycki, (605) 838-4444 4101 S. Westport Ave., 57106 mgmagency.com

Bakery/Bakers Diane Meyer, (605) 388-2452 2101 W. 41st St., Ste. 30, 57105 nothingbundtcakes.com

Health & Wellness Programs Becky Bear, (605) 988-8596 5031 S. Louise Ave., 57108 siouxfallsosteostrong.com

Bars & Lounges Riccardo Tarabelsi, (605) 271-0814 322 E. 8th Street, 57103 rwinebar.com

Swim School Dan & Christa Sobocinski, (612) 670-5498 427 W. 85th St., 57108 safesplash.com/locations/sioux-falls-south

Orvin E. Olivier Associate Orvin E. Olivier

chambernews.com | Chamber News 45

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 Tolcha Mesele Tolcha Mesele is a supply planner for Smithfield Foods. He was born in Nairobi, Kenya but raised in Sioux Falls. His parents and siblings live in Sioux Falls, and he has extended family around the world. Mesele earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Grinnell College. He is an active community volunteer, serving with the Sioux Empire United Way, Conscious Youth Solutions and Lutheran Social Services. Mesele is a graduate of Leadership Sioux Falls class 29 and recently joined the Chamber’s Foundation Board.

What have you or your employer gained from being a Chamber member? I have enjoyed the numerous professional development opportunities, an increased understanding of legislative and economic policies and building relationships with fun people who are passionate about our special city!

How do you describe the Sioux Falls area to people who don’t live here?

TOLCHA MESELE Smithfield Foods

An empathetic, hard-working community with boundless economic opportunities and exemplary leadership. Sioux Falls has some of the kindest people I have met. From church members and co-workers to neighbors and strangers, people in Sioux Falls identify with the beliefs and experiences of others; fostering a culture in which people can coexist, regardless of dissimilar opinions. Citizens of the Sioux Falls area are also profoundly diligent individuals. Whether it is a hobby or a demanding career, people here are passionate about what they do. Finally, the economic landscape of Sioux Falls is exemplary. We have a low unemployment rate, no individual income tax and no corporate income tax. I know members of the community who lack a college degree and have no prior experience creating their own businesses. Nevertheless, the phenomenal economic environment has allowed them to succeed.

How did you choose your career? In the midst of the 2008 recession, I found a temporary job at Smithfield focused on SAP inventory reconciliation. As the layoffs started, I transferred to shipping and have held numerous positions in supply chain management. I did not plan on being there more than few months but I fell in love with the people, the challenging work and the many opportunities Smithfield was providing to young professionals. Plus, as a broke college student with a frightening amount of debt, having more than flying moths in my wallet was pretty awesome.

What are you reading right now? Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki/Sharon Lechter and The Political Mind by George Lakoff. I have a plethora of interests but I especially love books about politics, psychology, neuroscience and business.

What is one opportunity you see in the agriculture industry today? A full embrace of the Internet of Things (IoT) will revolutionize the agricultural industry. The population continues to climb dramatically and leveraging IoT technologies will allow farms to significantly enhance productivity while simultaneously reducing waste. The future is smart farming – large fields covered with sensors monitoring everything from light, temperature, soil moisture and humidity to aerial drones that can efficiently assess crop health using geographic information system mapping.

46 Chamber News | JANUARY 2019