January 2016 Chamber News by Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce

Chamber News January 2016

Vol. 51, No. 4

A PUBLICATION OF THE SIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

IN THIS ISSUE COVER STORY

2016 Sioux Empire Farm Show.......................... 24-31

Chamber News PUBLISHER

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

FEATURES

2016 Policy Statements, Platform. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32-35 IN EVERY ISSUE: Message from the Chair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Events Calendars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11 Economic Indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Noteworthy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Faces & Places. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-22 Community Appeals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Business Advocacy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32-35 Convention & Visitors Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Chamber Partner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Headlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Member Voice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Mind Your Small Business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Business News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42-43 Ribbon Cuttings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45-49 New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50-51

CHAMBER NEWS AD SALES

ARGUS LEADER MEDIA For advertising information, call: (605) 977-3943

CHAMBER NEWS LAYOUT/DESIGN JILL BLOM

CHAMBER NEWS EDITOR

AMY SMOLIK For editorial information, call: (605) 336-1620 Chamber News is published monthly by the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 1425, 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200 Sioux Falls, SD 57104 Advertising and editorial deadlines can be found at siouxfallschamber.com under News & Publications. Postmaster please send address changes to: Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 1425, 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200, Sioux Falls, SD 57101-1425 Phone: (605) 336-1620 • Email: sfacc@siouxfalls.com

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

Communicate WITH THE

Five Questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

CHAMBER

From the Archives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

.com/siouxfallschamber

Membership Anniversaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

ON THE COVER The 63rd Annual Sioux Empire Farm Show features market lambs, goats, pigs and cows along with six breed shows and sales.

CORRECTION

The December 2015 Chamber News magazine had District 14 Rep. Larry Zikmund’s name spelled incorrectly. His correct email address is lzikmund@sio.midco.net. All Sioux Falls area elected officials’ contact information can be found at siouxfallschamber.com under the Advocacy tab.

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

2015-16 SIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LEADERSHIP AND STAFF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIR PAUL BRUFLAT CNA Surety CHAIR-ELECT DAVE KAPASKA, D.O. Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center VICE CHAIR STEVE VAN BUSKIRK Van Buskirk Companies TREASURER JOHN HENKHAUS The Everist Company IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR DANA DYKHOUSE First PREMIER Bank PRESIDENT/CEO EVAN NOLTE Chamber of Commerce BOARD OF DIRECTORS WENDY BERGAN JDS Industries RANDY BURY Sanford Health JULIE DARRINGTON CenturyLink GARY GASPAR Interstate Office Products MIKE HAUCK Accord Commercial Real Estate, LLC JAY HUIZENGA KELO-TV DEAN KARSKY Farmers Insurance Group/Karsky Agency MARK MICKELSON Mickelson & Co. BETTY OLDENKAMP Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota ALEX RAMIREZ USA Media TV TIM STURDEVANT Sturdevant’s Auto Parts ROB TEKOLSTE Sammons Financial Group/Midland National Life Insurance Co. BOBBI THURY Cutler Law Firm CARL WYNJA U.S. Bank

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

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

chambernews.com | Chamber News 3

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Resolve to take advantage of your Chamber membership this year A new year is an opportunity to make positive changes. Yes, that means that gym memberships might get dusted off as people resolve to be healthier in the new year. Dedication to new opportunities for positive change is important, but so are commitments to continue things that are successful. Membership in the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce is one way to ensure our region continues to grow and prosper — providing a strong workforce and customer base for all. I encourage you to resolve to learn more about how best to take advantage of your Chamber membership in 2016. Here’s a few opportunities: PAUL BRUFLAT 2015-16 Chair of the Board

Membership in the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce is one way to ensure our region continues to grow and prosper ...

Invest in Forward Sioux Falls 2021. The Chamber’s joint venture with the Sioux Falls Development Foundation certainly has a successful track record and the 2021 campaign continues that momentum into a seventh program. Research has shown that for every $1 invested in economic development, we receive a return of $10.97 to our community. This month dozens of volunteers will be asking the business community to support a seventh program. The 2021 program supports initiatives with short- and longer-term goals and action steps and invests in projects like Foundation Park and the USD Discovery District, both of which will have impacts for generations. Workforce development is also a key component of the 2021 plan. We’ve established a number of collaborations to tackle this community issue based on research and action steps created with our Strategic Workforce Action Agenda Task Force last year. Invest in yourself and your employees. The Chamber offers several personal and professional development opportunities throughout the year for business owners and managers and their employees. The annual Business Sense Workshops kick off this month and run weekly through March. These affordable learning lunches provide networking opportunities along with information that can help your business grow. Be informed about issues taking place at the state Capitol during the legislative session. All year long the Chamber is tracking issues at all levels of government. Activity increases during the legislative session and a number of opportunities are available for members to engage in issues and interact with elected officials. From lunch with the Governor in Sioux Falls to Legislative Coffees with area legislators to Sioux Falls Day at the Legislature, there are lots of ways to be involved. Can’t make any of these events? You can stay informed by reading the weekly email Chamber Advocate, following along on social media (@SFAreaAdvocate) and reviewing the weekly Bill Tracker. The Chamber aims to inform as well as provide context about issues and explain how decisions affect the business community. Learn something new or remember your roots by checking out the Sioux Empire Farm Show. This annual salute to agriculture is a great way to celebrate our city’s past and learn more about the innovation used by today’s farmer. The annual Mayor’s Round-Up & Sale of Champions is a fun evening that recognizes exhibitors from the Chamber-sponsored week-long farm show. Read this issue to learn more about the people being honored and activities taking place. As we start a new calendar year in Sioux Falls, I’m encouraged by all the positive changes taking place in our region and am grateful for the leaders who are open to new ideas and embrace innovation. Progress is everyone’s business and I’m looking forward to another great Chamber year. Thank you for your continued investment to improve the region’s economic health and quality of life by being members of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. Happy New Year!

chambernews.com | Chamber News 5

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. 12

CO-SPONSORED BY:

4:30-6:30 p.m. Great Bear Recreation Park 5901 E. Rice St.

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

TUESDAYS IN JANUARY, FEBRUARY & MARCH

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

COST: $10, brown bag lunch. RSVP: kfoley@siouxfalls.com or on siouxfallschamber.com

TUESDAY, JAN. 19 Marketing: You Can’t Manage What You Can’t Measure

4:30-6 p.m. Cherry Creek Grill, 3104 E. 26th St. DETAILS: New Chamber members (or new employees to the commu-

nity) are invited to this Mixer to learn more about the Chamber and visit with other new Chamber members.

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

GOVERNOR’S STATE OF THE STATE TOUR — SIOUX FALLS TUESDAY, JAN. 26

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Location: TBD DETAILS: Gov. Dennis Daugaard is touring the state to recap his State of the State address, which will take place Jan. 12 in Pierre. His Sioux Falls stop is Jan. 26. Watch your email for more information.

COST: $25 RSVP: tschreier@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2050

63RD ANNUAL SIOUX EMPIRE FARM SHOW JAN 26-30

W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds Expo Building, 100 N. Lyon Blvd. DETAILS: Celebrate agriculture at the 63rd Annual Sioux Empire Farm

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

TUESDAY, JAN. 12 Cyber Soft Targets: It Takes More than a Firewall

NEW MEMBER MIXER TUESDAY, JAN. 19

TUESDAY, JAN. 26 Fraud in Today’s Workplace Look for more details for Business Sense Workshops at siouxfallschamber.com under the Events tab.

Show! Livestock shows and sales take place throughout the week at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds. Volunteer your time or come out to see the region’s best market and purebred livestock. The set-up day is Monday, Jan. 25 and tear-down is Sunday, Jan. 31. Commercial exhbits run Jan. 27-29. FOR MORE INFORMATION: cchristensen@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2016, or go to siouxempirefarmshow.org

MAYOR’S ROUND-UP & SALE OF CHAMPIONS FRIDAY, JAN. 29

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

Farm Show, enjoy a steak dinner and network with other Chamber members at this fun auction. A silent auction prior to the dinner will raise funds for a scholarship for a Sioux Empire Farm Show ag exhibitor. Watch your email for more information about the event. COST: $45 per person which includes a prime rib dinner, with reserved tables of eight RSVP: vwillson@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2010

SIOUX FALLS AREA LEGISLATIVE COFFEES SATURDAY, FEB. 6 SATURDAY, FEB. 20 SATURDAY, FEB. 27

10-11:45 a.m. Holiday Inn City Centre, 100 W. 8th St. DETAILS: Featuring legislators in districts 6, 9-15 and 25. More

information will follow about the district assignments for each date. COST: Free MORE INFORMATION: mlynch@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2006 SPONSORS: AARP, American Association of University Women, Democratic Forum, League of Women Voters, Minnehaha County Democratic Party, Minnehaha County Republican Party, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), Sioux Falls Education Association, and Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce chambernews.com | Chamber News 7

JANUARY-JUNE 2016

MIXERCalendar

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

TUESDAY

JAN. 12, 2016

CO-SPONSORED BY:

TUESDAY

CO-SPONSORED BY:

4:30-6:30 p.m. Great Bear Recreation Park 5901 E. Rice St.

FEB. 9, 2016 4:30-6:30 p.m. TSP, Inc. 1112 N. West Ave.

TUESDAY

MARCH 15, 2016

SPONSORED BY:

TUESDAY

SPONSORED BY:

4:30-6:30 p.m. Avera Prairie Center 1000 E. 23rd St.

APRIL 12, 2016 4:30-6:30 p.m. Home Federal Bank 225 S. Main Ave.

TUESDAY

SPONSORED BY:

MAY 10, 2016

4:30-6:30 p.m. Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History 805 S. Kiwanis Ave.

TUESDAY

JUNE 14, 2016

SPONSORED BY:

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

The June Mixer includes the 16th Annual Business Fair, which features Chamber members displaying information about their businesses. Reserve your booth today – call Valerie Willson at (605) 373-2010.

S 2015-16 MIXER PAS to each admittance

for • Use this pass from October 2015 monthly mixer September 2016.

, per ion per person

• Limit one admiss pass.

t this pass at the

• You MUST presenfor admission to

registration table do not present you each event. If ion, you will be this card for admiss$5 admission fee. the required to pay

EVENTS, GO TO FOR UPCOMING MIXER COM SIOUXFALLSCHAMBER.

NO. _______

S • ADMIT 2015-16 MIXER PAS

ONE

COMPLIMENTARY HORS D’OEUVRES • BEVERAGES AVAILABLE $5 ADMISSION OR USE YOUR MIXER PASS (pictured left) If you purchased a 2015-16 Mixer Pass, it is good through the September 2016 Mixer. The 2016-17 Mixer Pass will be valid from October 2016-September 2017 and will be available for purchase beginning September 2016.

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

Young Professionals Network

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

YPN MORNING BUZZ - DOWNTOWN WEDNESDAY, JAN. 6 7:30-8:30 a.m. Pappy’s, 101 S. Phillips Ave. DETAILS: Network with other YPN members

over a cup of coffee. Feel free to bring a friend or co-worker and don’t forget your business cards. Come for the coffee, stay for the conversation! COST: Free to attend, drinks/food are on your own.

YPN MORNING BUZZ - SOUTH WEDNESDAY, JAN. 6

7:30-8:30 a.m. Panera Bread, 5117 S. Louise Ave. DETAILS: Network with other YPN members

YPN POWER LUNCH THURSDAY, JAN. 14

Noon-1 p.m. Jacky’s Restaurant, 702 E. 8th St. DETAILS: YPN Power Lunches are a great way to network and expand your professional contacts. There’s no program or agenda, just good conversation among YPN members. COST: Free to attend, lunch is on your own.

Connect WITH THE

YPN NIGHT AT THE SKYFORCE TUESDAY, JAN. 19

7-10 p.m. Sanford Pentagon, 2210 W Pentagon Pl. DETAILS: Grab your friends, family and coworkers and join us for YPN Night at the Skyforce! We’ve reserved a suite and tickets are limited and only available in advance. Don’t wait until it’s sold out! COST: $25 per person

A SEAT AT THE TABLE WITH PAUL HANSON THURSDAY, JAN. 21

Noon-1 p.m. Chamber of Commerce, 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200 DETAILS: Paul Hanson is the President of San-

ford USD Medical Center. He is responsible for the overall management and operations of the Sioux Falls market and works closely with Enterprise resources to coordinate corporate priorities with operational initiatives. He began his career with Sanford Health in 2011 as part of the Sanford Health merger with North Country Health Services in Bemidji, Minn.. He served as the President of Sanford Bemidji from the time of the merger through May 2013. He became the President of Sanford USD Medical Center in June 2013. Hanson and his wife, Paige, have four children and two grandchildren.

OUR SIOUX FALLS: FORWARD SIOUX FALLS FRIDAY, JAN. 22

Noon-1 p.m. Chamber of Commerce, 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200 DETAILS: Forward Sioux Falls is the successful joint venture economic development partnership between the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and the Sioux Falls Development Foundation. In November 2015, the FSF 2021 Momentum campaign launched – the seventh program. Learn about specific initiatives included in this campaign and opportunities to serve on a work advisory or work group as part of the 2021 program. COST: Free to attend, lunch sponsored by Forward Sioux Falls.

JANUARY OFF THE CLOCK THURSDAY, JAN. 28

4-7 p.m. Empire Bowl, 3800 S. Westport Ave. DETAILS: For just $10, there is unlimited

bowling, which includes shoe rental! Not interested in bowling? That’s OK! Beverages and food will be available and there will be plenty of new people to meet. COST: Free to attend, bowling/food/drinks are on your own.

A Seat at the Table allows YPN members the insights, wisdom and lessons only experienced leaders can provide. It is limited to the first 20 people to RSVP, and is open to YPN members only. COST: Free to attend, lunch sponsored by Sanford

YPN

Sioux Falls Young Professionals Network .com/siouxfallsypn @siouxfallsypn

Find us on social media or visit siouxfallsypn.com chambernews.com | Chamber News 9

JANUARY Events listed are compiled from siouxfallsevents.com and visitsiouxfallsevents.com. Siouxfallsevents.com is the community’s free, comprehensive community events calendar. Anyone can post an event happening in the Sioux Falls area. It’s free and it’s a great way to promote your event. The Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau developed the visitor-related calendar to provide visitors a list of events they may be interested in attending. By combining the calendars, you can see when there’s going to be a large number of visitors in the community and learn about events and activities you want to attend. For more information about visitor-related activities, contact the Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau at (605) 275-6060. Learn more details about any of the following events by logging on or contact the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce at (605) 336-1620.

10 Chamber News | JANUARY 2016

1-10

Winter Wonderland

Rick Springfield

8-9

Winter Crazy Days

Christmas with the Animals

Joan Jett & The Blackhearts

14-17 Rent 15-17

Greater Sioux Falls Outdoor Show

Beat the Blues

20-23 Pippin 21

Rival Sons

Led Zeppelin 2

21-24 Rent 22

The Jennifer Keith Quintet

22-23

Monster Jam

22-23

NPRA Bull Riding Challenge

26-30

Sioux Empire Farm Show

27-29

Sioux Falls Farm Show

28-31 Rent 28 Europe 29

Mayor’s Round-Up & Sale of Champions

Ice Fish Fest

MARCH

Jason Aldean

Lil’ Wayne

Sioux Empire Wedding Showcase

Cyrille Aimee

4-6

Sioux Empire Home Show

5-8

Summit League Basketball Tournament

10-13

Sioux Empire Sportsmen’s Show

11-12

Men are from Mars – Women are from Venus Live!

11-12

NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships

11-13

Sioux Falls Lawn & Garden SHow

11-13

The Giver

12-13

Bullets Over Broadway

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Up With People

18-20

The Giver

22-23

NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Tournament-Elite 8

25-28

NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championships Regional Round

25 Disturbed

Pancake Feed & Easter Egg Hunt

Peter Gros – The Original Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom

29-31

Central Plains Dairy Expo

26-28

Sioux Empire Wacipi

FEBRUARY 4 Tonic 5

Free First Friday

Sioux Empire on Tap

LA Theatre Works: Dracula

11 KISS 11

Volunteer Sioux Falls – 211 Day

American Heart Association Live Stream Fashion Show

12-14

Neil Simon’s Lost in Yonkers

13-14

Million Dollar Quartet

19-21

Neil Simon’s Lost in Yonkers

SME Excellence Awards

Presidio Brass

27-28 Once

chambernews.com | Chamber News 11

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

City of Sioux Falls Building Permit Data

Regional Unemployment Rates

JANUARY-NOVEMBER 2015 2013

OCTOBER 2015

7,662 PERMITS 14,566 PERMITS

2014 2015

11,776 PERMITS Fargo 1.8%

Source: City of Sioux Falls

City of Sioux Falls Total Construction Value JANUARY-NOVEMBER 2015 $700

Rapid City 2.6%

Total Construction Value

$650

Rochester 2.5%

Sioux Falls 2.0%

Des Moines 3.0%

Omaha Lincoln 2.9% 2.3%

New Non-Residential Construction Value

$600

Minneapolis/ St. Paul 2.9%

$550 $500

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

$450

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

$400

Agriculture Trends

$350

OCTOBER 2015

$300 $250

$648.2 million $237.7 million

$200

$50

(IN MILLIONS)

$100

(PER BUSHEL) U.S.

2014

SOUTH DAKOTA

$13

$568.6 million $76.1 million

2013

SOYBEANS

$15 $14

$560.3 million $149.5 million

$150

$16

$12 2015

Source: City of Sioux Falls

$11 $10 $9

$9.97 $9.22

$9.05 $8.81

$8.43

$8.45

Sioux Falls Region Housing Overview NOVEMBER 2015

New Listings: 321 Days on the Market Until Sale: 91 Median Sales Price: $167,500 Inventory of Homes for Sale: 1,266 Source: RASE (Realtor Association of the Sioux Empire)

CORN

(PER BUSHEL) U.S.

$3.67

$3.57

$3 $2

SOUTH DAKOTA

$3.68

$3.09

2014

October

$3.37 $3.33

September October

2015

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

chambernews.com | Chamber News 13

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

Agriculture’s economic impact Agriculture has a

South Dakota has

on South Dakota

with an estimated

$25.6 BILLION ANNUAL ECONOMIC IMPACT

1.6 MILLION COWS 90,000 BULLS

Production ag’s impact on South Dakota’s economy in 2014:

$8.3 BILLION Agricuture contributed

$654 MILLION in taxes Nationwide, farm and ranch families comprise

In 2013 South Dakota farmers raised

812 MILLION BUSHELS OF South Dakota ranks CORN SIXTH IN CORN PRODUCTION

2 PERCENT OF THE U.S. POPULATION

It was estimated that the 2015 harvest totalled more than

760 MILLION BUSHELS

10 BILLION BUSHELS

of corn are produced in Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, Minnesota and Indiana — nearly 60 percent of the nation’s production The South Dakota corn industry has an annual impact of

$3.28 BILLION

in sales in South Dakota Agriculture is responsible for

of corn — the third highest on record; 500,000 fewer acres were planted in 2015 vs. 2014

SOUTH DAKOTA CORN is primarily used to feed livestock in this state and surrounding states

1 OUT OF EVERY 5 JOBS in South Dakota

Source: Cattle Business Weekly chambernews.com | Chamber News 15

FACES & PLACES

Faces & Places

COREY WEIDE

Morgan Stanley Wealth Management

JACK DYVIG

Sioux Falls Morning Optimists Club

HEATHER KITTELSON

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.

ADAM COOPER

Sidewalk Technologies

Howalt+McDowell Insurance, a Marsh & McLennan Agency

JULIE NELSON

CINDI JOHNSON

Home Federal Bank

Spectrum Marketing Services

AMY O’CONNOR HOBACK Kleenrite Company

MARSHALL SELBERG Lloyd Residential Group

Recognition of Chamber Volunteers The Ambassador Team of the Month for November was Team Weide: Corey Weide, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management; Heather Kittelson, Sidewalk Technologies; and Adam Cooper, Howalt+McDowell Insurance, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC company. The Top Sales Award went to Amy O’Connor Hoback, Kleenrite Company. The Chamber Ambassadors added 70 new members during the Fall Membership Drive, held Nov. 2-23. The first place team was Team Weide: Corey Weide, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, Heather Kittelson, Sidewalk Technologies and Adam Cooper,

Howalt+McDowell Insurance, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC company. Second place went to Team Billars. Third place went to Team Stallinga. The top three Associate Ambassadors were: First Place Cindi Johnson, Spectrum Marketing Services; Second Place went to Mike Denning, Fireworkz Store, and Third Place went to Deb Peterson, CorTrust Bank. Jack Dyvig, Sioux Falls Morning Optimist Club, was awarded Diplomat of the Month honors for November. Second place honors went to Julie Nelson, Home Federal Bank, and third place honors went to Cindi Johnson,

Spectrum Marketing Services. Dyvig was also the recipient of the Ribbon Cutting Attendance Award and Marshall Selberg, Lloyd Residential Group, won the Reinvestment Award. The Diplomat Team of the Month for November was Captain Daren Anderson, Big D Technology Solutions, Inc.; Duane Noerenberg, Anderson Group CPA; Angie Wahl, All-Star Travel; Dustin Brouwer, Sioux Falls Seminary; and Cindi Johnson, Spectrum Marketing Services.

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

16 Chamber News | JANUARY 2016

FACES & PLACES

New Faces & Promotions Matthew Bonacker is the new owner and President of Advertising Arts having recently purchased the local printing and graphics company. Bonacker has extensive sales and marketing experience in the printing industry, most recently at Alphagraphics.

Hegg Hospitality promoted Eden Quizon to Banquet & Restaurant Services Manager at the Hilton Garden Inn-South in Sioux Falls. Quizon has been with the company since April 2013 and most recently held the title of Banquet Supervisor for the hotel.

Matt Dickinson joined SDN Communications as a Software Engineer. Most recently, Dickinson spent time working as a developer at Citibank. His resume also includes four years of teaching high school math in the Sioux Falls School District. Ryan Punt is the new Vice President of Sales at SDN Communications. Punt is a 16-year veteran of the telecommunications industry and has worked for SDN for a decade. He succeeds Dennis Cromwell, who recently retired from SDN.

Insight Marketing Design hired Stuart Little as Digital Strategist. Previously, Little worked at Google. Kari Geraets was promoted from Production Manager to Operations Manager. Brown & Saenger hired Alan Schlaikjer as a Sales Representative. Schlaikjer brings more than 14 years of experience in the business products industry. Previously he was a co-owner of an office equipment and supply business in Sioux Falls. Schlaikjer is a graduate of the University of Sioux Falls. He

resides in Dell Rapids. Dale Bloem joined Brown & Saenger as Operations Manager. Bloem brings more than 30 years of industry experience including owning and operating a business similar in product offering to Brown & Saenger’s. Bloem’s experience within the industry includes serving on the Board of Directors for TriMega Purchasing Association, the nation’s largest office product buying group, as well as numerous committees within TriMega. Bloem also served on the Board of Govenors for the National Office Products Alliance, where he served as chairman in 2012. Bloem is a graduate of Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Mich. Credit Collections Bureau promoted Casey Joe to Collection Coordinator and Mark Grant to Collection Advisor.

Honors & Awards J&L Harley-Davidson was named the 2015 Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation for its two decades of fundraising work with MakeA-Wish South Dakota. The South Dakota Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals recognized individuals, businesses and communities for their philanthropy in South Dakota. In the past 20 years, J&L and Make-A-Wish South Dakota have raised more than $2.25 million so that children with life-threatening illnesses can experience a “wish come true.” As part of its signature event Hot Harley Nights, J&L organizes a casino run, motorcycle parade, live music, raffles, bike show and silent auction. J&L was nominated for the philanthropy honor by Make-A-Wish South Dakota. The South Dakota Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals is a membership organization that serves as the standard-bearer for professional fundraising. J&L Harley-Davidson in Sioux Falls, Glacial Lakes Harley-Davidson in Watertown, and Harley-Davidson of Fargo in West Fargo, N.D., are owned by the Entenman family. The following floats received awards at the 24th Annual Parade of Lights presented

by CenturyLink; CenturyLink Best Use of Lights: First PREMIER Bank “Believe In Possibility;” Best Workmanship: First Bank & Trust “I’m Dreaming of a Tropical Christmas;” Spirit of Sioux Falls: Vance Thompson Vision “Happy Holidays;” Mayor’s Choice: King of Glory Church “Island of Misfit Toys;” and Downtown Sioux Falls Board Choice: Calvary Church “Bethlehem Birthday.” Nathan Hitchcock, Associate Professor of Church History and Theology at Sioux Falls Seminary, received the institution’s 2015 Powell Award for Excellence in Service by Faculty. Hitchcock was recognized by his peers for excellent work in and dedication to the development of the Kairos Project, which is an alternative educational track that facilitates flexible learning. Shanda Stricherz, Chief Creative Officer and Vice President of Project and Strategic Design at Sioux Falls Seminary, received the institution’s 2015 Rauschenbusch Award for Excellence in Service by Administration. She was nominated for her ability to design and organize processes, meet challenges and deadlines, and work sacrificially, tirelessly, and with professionalism

and cheerfulness. Jennifer Helkenn, Licensed Psychologist, received Sioux Falls Seminary’s 2015 Zimbelman Award for Excellence in Service through Sioux Falls Psychological Services. Helkenn was selected for her ability to provide outstanding psychological assessments, treatment, and quality client care. In addition, Helkenn recently joined the faculty at Sioux Falls Seminary as Assistant Professor of Counseling. Darrel Bartell, Bartell Company Real Estate and a recent member of the Board of Trustees at Sioux Falls Seminary, received the institution’s 2015 Schmeltekopf Award for Excellence in Volunteer Service for sharing his vision and expertise in real estate and budgeting and through his heart for service. Credit Collections Bureau named Mark Grant Collector of the Month for November 2015; Roe Benson and Megan Wehrkamp were named Collectors of the Month for October 2015. The MarCom Awards, one of the world’s largest creative competitions, awarded Insight Marketing Design seven awards for work created for clients throughout the country.

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FACES & PLACES

Leadership The 2016 Governing Board Officers of LifeScape include: Chair Chip Carlson, Vice Chair Patty Peters, Secretary Gayle Ver Hey, Treasurer Dan Donohue and Member At-Large John Rozell. The 2016 LifeScape Foundation Board Officers include: Chair Curt Hohman, Vice Chair Jeff Nelson, Secretary J. Tyler Haahr, and Treasurer John Sutton. EmBe accepted 25 participants for the 2016 Women’s Leadership Program and 20 participants for the 2016 Center for Nursing Workforce Leadership Program. Both programs begin in January 2016. The 2016 class of participants for the Women’s Leadership Program are: Danielle Aanenson, Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center; Stacey Andernacht, Girl Scouts-Dakota Horizons; Paige Baskerville, Avera Health; BryAnn Becker, Avera Health; Sadie Bell, U.S. Bank; Alicia Carlson, Howalt+McDowell Insurance, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC Company; Michelle DeSchepper, City of Sioux Falls; Trisha M. Ferwerda, Sammons

Financial Group/Midland National Life Insurance Co.; Brooke Fitts, Carsforsale.com; Breanna Garbers, First Bank & Trust; Lisa Groon, Meta Payment Systems and Nourish Birth Collective; Jamie Hegge, Lawrence and Schiller Advertising; Andria Hinz, Cain Ellsworth & Co.; Brigid Hurley, Brava Creative; Andrea Miller, G & R Controls; Jess Miller Johnson, JAM Art & Supplies; Tamara Parliament, Click Rain; Julie Redlin, Rainbow International Restoration of Sioux Falls; Katie Roth, LifeLight Communications; K Moriah Slade, Chef to Plate; Kassidi Smith, Kidstop/First United Methodist; Amanda Spader, Sammons Financial Group/ Midland National Life Insurance Co.; Angela Tewalt, OTA; Emily Wegner, Raven Industries; and Zebiba Zere, Children’s Inn. EmBe partnered with the South Dakota Center for Nursing Workforce (CNW), a lead agency for the South Dakota Board of Nursing. The 2016 class of participants for the Center for Nursing Workforce Leadership Program

Good Deeds KELOLAND TV is donating $200,000 in airtime to 12 nonprofit organizations in 2016. The Avera Tradition of Caring in KELOLAND grant program will award grants to local nonprofit organizations to provide a television advertising campaign for education and awareness of their organization. The organizations receiving grants are: The Banquet, Ability Building Services, Inc., Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sioux Empire, Call to Freedom/

18 Chamber News | JANUARY 2016

Tapestry International Ministry, Caregivers by Active Generations, Goodwill of the Great Plains, REACH Literacy, South Dakota Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities, Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation, South Dakota Diabetes Coalition, Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, and Volunteers of America, Dakotas. In 2015, 14 organizations benefited from the grant program.

are: Johna Kern, Sanford Canton-Inwood Medical Center; Beth Simonsen, Bethesda of Beresford; Jessica Barnes, Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center; Elizabeth Bockelman, Sanford Canton-Inwood Medical Center; Brianna Broschat, Sinte Gleska University; Carrie Hawley, Sanford Clinic-Watertown; Elizabeth Howe, Sanford Clinic-Peds/ Nephrology; Michelle Knuppe, University of South Dakota; Jaclyn Kramer, Southest Technical Institute; Mary Kathryn Lanning, Avera St. Mary’s Hospital; Mary Jo Marcotte, Sanford Orthopedics and Sports Medicine; Sandra Minter, Sanford Health; Kimberly Nerud, University of South Dakota; Brenda Olson, Sanford Cardiovascular Insititute; Andrea Polkinghorn, Sanford Clinic; Jeannette Saugstad, Southest Technical Institute; Marin Schaefer, Sanford Health; Tracey Sherman, Avera McKennan; Jess Stenen, Sanford Health OBGYN and Women’s Internal Medicine Clinics; and Stacy Vis, Avera McKennan Brain and Spine.

FACES & PLACES

Be Seen 1 First Place, from L to R: Chair of the Board

Paul Bruflat, CNA Surety; Ambassador Adam Cooper, Howalt+McDowell Insurance, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC company; Mike Denning, Fireworkz Store; Cindi Johnson, Spectrum Marketing Services; Chamber President/CEO Evan Nolte; Ambassador Heather Kittelson, Sidewalk Technologies; Jack Dyvig, Sioux Falls Morning Optimists Club, Ambassador Chair Amy O’Connor Hoback, Kleenrite Company; Fall Drive Chair Nathan Stallinga, DakotAbilities; and Ambassador Corey Weide, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. 2 Second Place, from L to R: Chair of the Board Paul Bruflat, CNA Surety; Ambassador Lynda Billars, The Lynda B. Advantage/Team Billars & Associates KW; Daschle Larsen, McKinneyOlson Insurance; Gita Hendricks, Yoli, Chamber President/ CEO Evan Nolte; Deb Peterson, CorTrust; Fall Drive Chair Nathan Stallinga, DakotAbilities; Amy O’Connor Hoback, Kleenrite Company (ambassador chair) and Bernie DeWald, McKinneyOlson Insurance. 3 Third Place, from L to R: Chair of the Board Paul Bruflat, CNA Surety; April Meyerink, Quality Inn & Suites; Fall Drive Chair Nathan Stallinga, DakotAbilities; Ambassador Chair Amy O’Connor Hoback, Kleenrite Company; and Chamber President/CEO Evan Nolte. 4 Top Associates, from L to R: Fall Drive Chair Nathan Stallinga, DakotAbilities; Ambassador Chair Amy O’Connor Hoback, Kleenrite Company ; Chamber President/CEO Evan Nolte; Deb Peterson, CorTrust, Mike Denning, Fireworkz Store; Cindi Johnson, Spectrum Marketing Services; and Chair of the Board Paul Bruflat, CNA Surety.

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FACES & PLACES

5 9 6 10 5 The First National Bank in Sioux Falls hosted the December YPN Off the Clock event in their downtown atrium. 6 South Dakota Chamber of

7 20 Chamber News | JANUARY 2016

Commerce & Industry President David Owen presented a pre-legislative update to Chamber members and area legislators. 7 The Chamber’s Sports & Recreation Committee toured Golf Addiction and tried out one of the golf simulators. 8, 9 The YPN Kringle, the annual holiday party, was held at The Country Club of Sioux Falls. Approximately 170 people attended. 10 South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice David Gilbertson shared his story and answered questions at a recent YPN A Seat at the Table luncheon. This event brings young professionals together with a community or statewide leader to hear lessons learned.

FACES & PLACES

11, 12 Trail Ridge Retirement Community hosted the December Membership Mixer. Approximately 250 people attended. Trail Ridge Administrator Allen Svennes received an anniversary plaque commemorating 20 years of Chamber membership from Chair of the Board Paul Bruflat, CNA Surety, at the Mixer (10).

13, 14, 15 The Chamber’s annual Membership Mixer & Holiday Fair featured more than 40 Chamber member vendors sharing their holiday gift ideas. The atmosphere was festive and attended by more than 350; it was sponsored by Midcontinent Communications.

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

LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES APRIL 1-JULY 31, 2016 $1.25 MILLION To create “The Campus on East Bank”

LEVITT AT THE FALLS NOV. 1, 2016-MARCH 31, 2017 $1.06 MILLION Create an outdoor concert venue in Sioux Falls, partnering with non-profit Levitt Pavilions

SERTOMA BUTTERFLY HOUSE & MARINE COVE APRIL 1-JULY 31, 2017 $1.26 MILLION Expand public aquarium exhibits in the Marine Cove

32nd ANNUAL

SIOUX

FALLS Day at the

LEGISLATURE FRIDAY, FEB. 19, 2016

Join us for this annual all-day trip to Pierre! View committee meetings and see session. Visit with your elected officials to talk about issues important to you. Gov. Dennis Daugaard has been invited to address attendees as well. For more informatin or to sponsor this event, contact Teresa: (605) 373-2050 or tschreier@siouxfalls.com. chambernews.com | Chamber News 23

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 entire AgriBusiness Council chooses the winners. For 2016, the Chamber is honoring the Brad and Monica Nussbaum Family of Garretson, S.D., as the Farm Family of the Year. Bill Evans, who retired from The First National Bank in Sioux Falls at the Dell Rapids branch, is the Agri-Business Citizen of the Year. Both the Nussbaums and Evans will be recognized at the Mayor’s Round-Up & Sale of Champions at the Sioux Empire Farm 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. Each year in January, area agricultural producers and the members of the Sioux Falls area business community gather to participate in a variety of events that highlight the importance of agriculture in the region. This year marks the 63rd Anniversary of the Chambersponsored Sioux Empire Farm Show. As a $17 billion industry in South Dakota, agriculture definitely impacts the Sioux Falls area economy. More than 30,000 people attend the Sioux Empire Farm Show each year, with an estimated economic impact of $3 million. The Sioux Empire Farm Show is one of several ag-related events hosted in Sioux Falls each year. It is hailed as one of the largest feeder steer shows in the nation. 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. Since 1998, the Chamber has partnered with Midwest Shows, Inc., for the commercial exhibitor farm show events. Headquartered in Austin, Minn.,

24 Chamber News | JANUARY 2016

Midwest Shows sells commercial exhibit space for the show. The commercial exhibit portion of the two shows is called the “Sioux Falls Farm Show,” with both shows being featured as “Sioux Falls Salute to Agriculture.” The Sioux Falls Farm Show exhibits are a three-day show. In addition to the numerous purebred and market shows that take place during the week, the Chamber also sponsors several special events: The $12,000 Supreme Row competition is sponsored by the Tri-State Neighbor (gold), Wells Fargo Bank (silver), and Campbell Supply Co. (bronze). This competition is for purebred cattle. The purse is split between the buyer and the consignor of the animal that places at the top in this highly competitive best of all breeds award of both the bulls and heifers. Since 1998, Sioux Falls’ very own Mayor has participated in the Sale of Champions. For several decades now, the Sioux Falls business community has supported area producers by bidding on the best livestock from the Farm Show and paying a premium to the producers. The top market steers, market swine, market lambs and market goats are featured in this fun event. The success of the Farm Show is directly related to the efforts of several area businesses, individuals and producers who devote their time and talents. The Sioux Empire Farm Show recognizes the many ways agriculture has impacted the economy, local citizens and the entire community. For more information about the Sioux Empire Farm Show, contact Chamber Agri-Business Division Manager Cindy Christensen at (605) 373-2016 or visit siouxempirefarmshow.org. For a complete schedule of activities, see pg. 27. More information about the Farm Show can also be found at siouxempirefarmshow.org.

COVER STORY

Agri-Business Citizen of the Year BILL EVANS

Evans recognized for service to ag industry BY AMY SMOLIK

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

Bill Evans uses three words to summarize his 30-year banking career: family, change and relationships. Evans retired from The First National Bank in Sioux Falls at the end of 2015. An ag lender, Evans was proud to close out his professional career working on the main street of his hometown Dell Rapids. He was named the Agri-Business Citizen of the Year by the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce AgriBusiness Division. Evans didn’t set out to be an ag lender, however; he grew up on the family farm southeast of Dell Rapids and went to South Dakota State University where he studied animal science production and economics with the intention of returning to the family farm. Evans met his wife, Gayla, at SDSU and after graduating they returned to the Dell Rapids area where he and his brother farmed with their parents for 10 years, raising hogs, cows and corn and beans.

In January 1985, the Evans family decided to discontinue their farm operation. Evans said extreme weather conditions and high operating costs contributed to their decision. Evans thoroughly enjoyed working side-by-side with his wife, a Canistota native who was as much of a farmer as he was. “I miss farming with my wife — we worked well as a team,” he said. “We could talk the same language and we both loved it. We had our personal and business life wrapped into one.” Change provides opportunities, Evans believes. When telling their banker of the family’s decision to exit farming, Evans was offered a job on the other side of the desk. This started a three-decade career in the industry, where he worked in Garretson, Brookings, Flandreau and back in his hometown. “To this day, I miss farming. I can smell the fresh dirt in the spring and the harvest dust in the fall,” he said.

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COVER STORY

BILL EVANS Hometown: Dell Rapids, S.D. Professional: Vice President/Ag Banker with The First National Bank in Sioux Falls, Dell Rapids branch, retired in December 2015 Education: Dell Rapids High School, South Dakota State University Family: Wife Gayla, who works at EROS Data Center; son Justin (Jessica), who is an engineer at Adams Thermal Systems and live in Dell Rapids with their children: Ryler, Kale, Breck, Myelle and Jett; daughter Billie (Ryan) Rothenberger, a math teacher at Washington High School, who live in Sioux Falls with their children: Rylie and Alexa Community Involvement: different committees with the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids, hospital advisory board, Dell Rapids High School Booster Club, Member of the “Chain Gang” for Dell Rapids home football games, Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce

Evans adjusted well to his new role as an ag banker. He noticed his dialogue with neighbors changed once they became customers to now include conversations about plans and changes in the industry. Ag lending in the 1980s was an education, Evans said, as the ag crisis created tough times. Evans’ interest in numbers and his background in economics prepared him for the new challenges. Working in the ag industry for more than 30 years, both as a banker and a farmer, Evans believes that change is the constant. More years ago than he can remember, Evans found a quote in a magazine about change that he carries around with him as a reminder; it reads: “Change. This word will either get you out, push you ahead or weigh you down. The word is easy to pronounce, however, when spoken in a room of people, it can be a threat, order or crazy idea. Change is not easy. People seldom change their thinking, habits or preferences on their own. It is time consuming, frustrating and also inevitable.” A favorite conversation starter from the last few years were the assortment of ears of corn from different years on his desk, which he started collecting in 2009. Each ear had a story to tell about the growing conditions from their respective years. “The ears show me that each year is unique,” he said. “We need to plan but also understand that there can be a lot of variance.” In Evans’ opinion, a key asset in the banking world is relationships. His love of working with people allowed him to constantly adapt as technology changed the way bankers and farmers do business. Cell phones and state-of-the-art equipment allow farmers to call their bankers while they’re working in the fields, whereas a few decades ago they tended to only do banking on rainy days or in the off-season. “Back then, relationships were developed with customers on a a face-to-face meeting,” he said. “Now they can call us from anywhere and it can be harder to make those connections. Due to the changes in technology, we may have to work a little harder to develop and grow these relationships.” Evans believes he “fell into” the perfect career for him, which enabled him to build relationships with a great number of people over the years while still being a part of the ag industry.

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COVER STORY

SIOUX EMPIRE FARM SHOW 2016 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS TUESDAY, JAN. 26 4:30 p.m. 5 p.m.

Ribbon Cutting (Expo Building) 4-H/FFA Invitational Calf Show

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 27 8 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 1 p.m. 4:30 p.m.

Market Barrow and Gilt Show Angus Show Simmental Show Simmental Sale Angus Sale Ribbon Cutting (Convention Center)

THURSDAY, JAN. 28 OPPOSITE PAGE: Bill Evans shows the ears of corn he kept at his desk at The First National Bank in Sioux Falls, Dell Rapids branch. Evans said each ear of corn told a story about the growing conditions of that year. THIS PAGE: Change is a word that Evans used to describe his 30-year career in the banking industry. He carried a definition of the word in his wallet, which was clipped from a magazine years ago.

“Each person has a unique story, which creates a unique relationship,” he said. Family remains the central part of his life — Evans considered his co-workers to be his “work” family. He said he was very humbled that they nominated him for the Agri-Business Citizen of the Year award. “I’m just a member of our ag department team. It takes a collective effort to accomplish things and I’m proud of the great team I’ve been part of,” he said. He’s also proud to have closed out his career with The First National Bank in Sioux Falls, a family-run bank that Evans believes has strong family values. Now that he’s retired, Evans is excited to spend more time in his role as “Papa” to his seven grandchildren, who live close to home. Family, change, relationships — Evans believes it’s been a good recipe for a great life so far and he’s ready for the next stage. “I’m blessed,” he said.

8 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 2 p.m. 2:45 p.m. 6 p.m.

Hereford Show Charolais Show Red Angus Show Limousin Show Hereford Sale Charolais Sale Red Angus Sale Limousin Sale Feeder Heifer Show Market Lamb Show

FRIDAY, JAN. 29 9 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 6:30 p.m.

Supreme Row Judging Market Goat Show Market Beef Show Feeder Steer Show Mayor’s Round-Up & Sale of Champions

$12,000 Supreme Row Cash Awards Presentation, Sponsored by Tri-State Neighbor, Wells Fargo Bank and Campbell Supply Co. at the Best Western PLUS Ramkota Hotel Exhibit Hall

SATURDAY, JAN. 30 6:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 10 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7 p.m.

Senior College Livestock Judging Contest Youth & Open Rabbit Show Junior Livestock Judging Contest Breeding Beef Heifer Show Announce Junior Judging Contest Winners Pony Pull Draft Horse Pull

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2016 SIOUX EMPIRE FARM SHOW Mayor’s Round-Up & Sale of Champions FRIDAY, JAN. 29 Best Western PLUS Ramkota Hotel Exhibit Hall 5:30 Social • 6:30 Dinner • 7:30 Program/Auction RSVP to Valerie: vwillson@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2010 Individual tickets are $45/per person with reserved tables of eight, includes prime rib dinner

Why should you participate in the Sale of Champions? IT’S FUN! Return to your agricultural roots or learn more about one of South Dakota’s largest industries. Either way, you can enjoy the camaraderie of hundreds of folks from Sioux Falls area businesses. Get together with your friends and co-workers for a great prime rib dinner and to support agriculture.

LOCAL RECOGNITION When you purchase livestock at the Mayor’s Round-Up & Sale of Champions, your company will be recognized in the Argus Leader, Tri-State Neighbor and Chamber News magazine. Business representatives who bid on the Grand and Reserve Champions and 3rd place market livestock for each animal species will have their photos included.

SUPPORT OF THE VISITOR INDUSTRY The growing Sioux Empire Farm 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 five-day show.

SUPPORT OF THE AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY Agriculture is South Dakota’s No. 1 industry, generating annual revenues of $20.9 billion. By participating, you show your support for the regional agricultural community.

SUPPORT OF THE SIOUX EMPIRE FARM SHOW The Sale of Champions is a big incentive for producers to attend the Sioux Empire Farm Show. In 2015, more than $80,000 was paid out to 25 market livestock producers in cash awards and bids. By showing financial support yourself or through your business, you are able to 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 Farm Show.

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 Farm 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 producers and the animals and will receive the commemorative photos at an appreciation banquet later in the year.

siouxempirefarmshow.org 28 Chamber News | JANUARY 2016

Farm Family of the Year THE NUSSBAUMS

Nussbaum family honored for ag promotion BY AMY SMOLIK

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

In the early morning of June 22, 2015, a major storm ripped through Garretson, S.D. Brad and Monica Nussbaum argue that it was a tornado but the official pronouncement was straight-line winds. The Nussbaums rode out the storm in their first floor bathroom’s bathtub, with nothing but sofa cushions to protect them from any debris. The house remained standing, however; the four-foot deep concrete columns on the house’s front porch may have been what kept their home from blowing away. The damage from the storm was intense — picking up round hay bales weighing 1,800 pounds and dropping them into evergreen trees several fields away, for example. The Nussbaums lost their hip roof barn, had major damage to the freestyle barn and sustained damage to the new milking barn, among other items that were damaged or completely destroyed. A storm can wreak havoc by destroying property, adjusting plans and rearranging priorities. Within weeks, though,

they were revamping their long-term business plan for Cottonwood Ridge Dairy. For the Nussbaums, the storm may have changed their timeline but didn’t dampen their spirits. Their continued promotion of the ag industry is one of the reasons the Nussbaums were named the Farm Family of the Year by the Agri-Business Division of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. In the weeks following the storm, the Nussbaums started clean-up of the farm. They temporarily discontinued tours of their milking operation but still attended the Governor’s 2015 Agricultural Summit in the Black Hills and celebrated Brittany’s wedding, both held in July 2015 weeks after the storm. Brad and oldest daughter Brittany were part of a panel discussion on opportunities for ag producers at the Ag Summit. The Nussbaums shared the story of how they built their robotic milking operation from the ground up — the first newly-built operation of its kind in South Dakota. “You’ve gotta laugh,” Monica said about the chaos following the storm. Brad and Brittany were asked a number of

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COVER STORY

questions following their presentation at the Ag Summit. The only question that really stumped them was “What is your five-year plan?” The Nussbaums had to throw their plan out the window following the storm and essentially compacted their five-year plan for the dairy into about three months. A new machine shed with a commodity shed was not part of the plan but was added. They intended to replace the hip roof barn — but it was supposed to be a ways down the road. They wanted to save the freestall barn that was attached but were unable to do so because of damage. They also had some repairs they needed to make to the dairy barn — the 16-foot overhood door was twisted like a Tootsie Roll wrapper, about 50 feet into the feed alley. When Brad and Monica started their dairy and crop farm east of Garretson in 1981, they couldn’t have anticipated the changes that they’d make on the farm that Brad’s dad Richard Nussbaum started in 1960. Over the years the couple continued to update the farm, which includes dairy cows, beef cattle and crops. Their two daughters, Brittany and Stephanie, wanted to continue in the family farming operation. They grew up showing cattle and participating in FFA and the World Dairy Expo. Throughout college, both girls continued to help on the farm. Oldest daughter Brittany graduated from SDSU in 2008-09 at the start of the national recession. At that time, she didn’t feel it was prudent to break into farming on her own or to expand the family’s operation. 30 Chamber News | JANUARY 2016

The four Nussbaums opted to wait out the recession but began making plans for how they would expand their operation. They initially looked at parlor barns. By the time Stephanie graduated from SDSU in 2011, they had a direction they wanted to go after touring numerous barns: robotics. In May 2013 they started construction on the new dairy barn. In March 2014 their cows moved into the new state-of-the-art robotic milking barn. Being environmentally-friendly, looking to the future for potential expansion of the robotic dairy and ensuring the comfort of the cows were all forefront in their planning. The barn enables the family to milk, feed and house approximately 120 dairy cows all under one roof. The south wall has tinted clear panels to allow in light and reflect heat; the north wall has clear panels to allow in natural light, eliminating the need for many overhead lights. Cows have free range within the barn and rest on waterbeds. The temperature is consistent 12 months out of the year, helped partially by fans on the east and west walls that adjust to the weather. Rather than building a lagoon that would have expanded the barn’s footprint and affected expansion, the manure pit is under the barn in a 12-foot deep concrete pit that can store waste before it is pumped out. Slats in the floor collect the waste, which is then later used as organic fertilizer for the crops. They’re able to extract enough nitrogen to cover about 300 acres of corn.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Stephanie Nussbaum, Brittany Lessman and Monica Nussbaum talk about the calves in their calf barn. THIS PAGE: (Top) Cows at the Cottonwood Ridge Dairy can eat whenever they want. The robot shown against the garage door replenishes feed once an hour. (Bottom) Monica and Stephanie Nussbaum show some of the data collected by the robotic milker as it milks one of their dairy cows.

THE NUSSBAUM FAMILY Brad and Monica Nussbaum Daughters Brittany (Kyle) Lessman and Stephanie (fiancé Brett Tighe) Hometown: Garretson, S.D. Education: Brittany and Stephanie are graduates of South Dakota State University

They have separate rooms within the barn for expectant mothers, newborn calves and milk storage. Two robotic milkers serve the herd. Two additional robots assist as well — one with cleaning the floors and one with distributing feed, assuring that the there is a constant supply of food and that the barn remains clean. Workforce is a challenge in the ag industry as well and also played a role in determining their expansion plan into robotics. The Nussbaums said they struggled finding good help to assist with their dairy operation. A traditional dairy farm is time and labor intensive. The cows need to be monitored and milked regularly. The robotic operation still needs outside help — but workers need to be able to more than just clean and put out feed. Some of those traditional labor tasks have been delegated to robots. Both Brittany and Stephanie say their education at SDSU prepared them for the technological tools they use and the ability to interpret the data.

The data they’re able to capture allows them to better provide for the cows, too. Each cow has a collar with a transponder on it — a “FitBit” for cows. This ensures that each cow is getting the nutrients for her individual needs (cows are also fed while they’re being milked) and the Nussbaums can manage each individual cow’s health status, milking history and breeding cycle. The data can be pulled up on large monitors in the office inside the dairy barn or the Nussbaums can view it on their phones or receive alerts if data differs from the norm. Milking frequency, milk production, activity and feeding history are just some of the things captured by the transponder — there are 140 points of data collected on each cow. They know more about the health of the cows than people know about their own health, they say. The Nussbaums joked that when it came to attending functions like weddings, they performed a “relay” attendance schedule so that everyone could participate — just not at the same time. The robotic milking facility has enabled them to spend more time as a family outside the barn. The family hopes to grow Cottonwood Ridge Dairy for future generations. They don’t anticipate any tornados for Stephanie’s April 2016 wedding, but have learned to be prepared for anything — and that they can survive anything.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 31

BUSINESS ADVOCACY

Chamber’s 2016 Legislative Platform In order to develop its legislative platform, the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, 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 since the close of last session, guide efforts in developing the platform for the upcoming session. The platform is reviewed, edited and approved by the Issues Management Council and forwarded to the Chamber Executive Committee for review and the Chamber Board for adoption. The Platform presented was adopted at the Board of Directors December 2015 meeting.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

SB 235 of the 2013 Legislative Session established the Building South Dakota Fund and during the 2014 Session, one-time funds were used to forward fund the new program. We will continue to monitor the use and impact of this program and we will closely analyze any legislation that impacts this program and other economic development efforts in our state. Tax increment financing (TIF) has been an effective economic development tool and the Chamber supports current law regarding the application of TIFs and opposes changes that would negatively impact this program’s effectiveness. USD Discovery District: The Chamber supports the development of the University of South Dakota Discovery District in Sioux Falls and legislation to provide matching funds to support the development, marketing and ongoing operations of the District as well as the Research Park at South Dakota State University in Brookings.

INFRASTRUCTURE

The Chamber recognizes that a safe, efficient and responsive transportation infrastructure is critical to economic development and business commerce in Sioux Falls and throughout South Dakota. The Chamber encouraged the 2015 Legislature to address the funding needs of our state and local highway and bridge systems leading to the enactment of a comprehensive funding program for these systems. The Chamber supports the evaluation of our highway and bridge systems on an ongoing basis. The full impact of the new funding approved last year 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.

EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes the many requests for state funding that arise each year and our system of public education – K-12, technical institutes and universities – represents a top priority. 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.

32 Chamber News | JANUARY 2016

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 K-12, technical schools and higher education. K-12 FUNDING: The Chamber closely followed and researched the issue of K-12 funding as the Blue Ribbon Task Force did its work over the interim. We thank them for their considerable efforts. The Chamber acknowledges Sioux Falls’ and South Dakota’s relative position in the area of teacher pay and the growing effects on recruitment and retention of quality teachers. 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 funding proposals closely and consider the impact on our members as we work together to improve K-12 education. If new funding is approved for increasing teacher salaries, we encourage policy makers to ensure that those funds are used for their intended purpose and not appropriated for other district expenditures. Further, we believe that if changes to move part of the capital outlay mill and the full pension mill to the general fund are made these moves should affect each class of property equally and not proportionate to today’s general fund mill levies. Further, capital outlay and pension are a local source today and we will closely monitor any change that would negatively impact the administration of these dollars. K-12 EFFICIENCY: The Chamber fully understands the challenges of operating a K-12 system in a largely rural state that is sparsely populated. For their well-being and the well-being 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. We further encourage the use of technology-based instruction to enhance access to master teachers and course topics that are not available in our smaller districts. 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 SCHOOL DISTRICT BOUNDARY CHANGES: The Chamber is concerned that efforts to severely restrict or eliminate minor school district boundary changes will impede family choice and negatively impact a growing Sioux Falls. Proposed legislation would permit boundary changes only if there is a land-swap of comparably valued land. This restriction on local control means that all changes would require this type of land-swap even if two school boards were willing to agree to something different. We understand that districts around Sioux Falls want to maintain their viability, but protecting the interests of students and families is our top priority and retaining local decision authority on this issue seems to make the most sense. Open enrollment is not a panacea and may serve to erode the ability of the Sioux Falls School District to finance needed facilities growth.

BUSINESS ADVOCACY

TECHNICAL INSTITUTES: As demand for a technically-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 supports increased investment in the workforce of tomorrow, which is critical for continued economic development. The Chamber also supports enhancing local control of our state’s technical institutes to ensure they best serve South Dakota. 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.

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 will closely monitor proposals to enhance revenues to address the needs of our area counties. We would also consider strategies to include county funding with any funding increase package that might come forward for K-12 education. 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. 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.

MEDICAID

EXPANSION: The Chamber believes it is important to consider the issue of Medicaid expansion. We applaud the Governor for his efforts to advance an expansion that best fits South Dakota and addresses the healthcare needs of our most impoverished citizens. Based on the details emerging on this plan, we will evaluate it and consider supporting the Governor’s approach to expansion that is revenue and expense neutral to the State’s general fund.

As we consider the needs of injured workers and balance it with the needs of employers, we will carefully consider legislation that may come forward to abrogate or mitigate the effects of the Wheeler ruling.

COMPARATIVE NEGLIGENCE

South Dakota’s unique standard of contributory negligence as a measure for tort recovery will likely be challenged again in 2016. The Chamber has lobbied successfully to retain the current standard rather than move to a more widely accepted comparative negligence standard. As it appears this will be an annual policy issue, we encourage the parties to negotiate a compromise rather than attempt to legislate change each year.

LEASED RESIDENTIAL HOUSING PROPERTY TAX CLASSIFICATION

The Chamber supported creating a new class of property called “leased residential property” to facilitate the collection of data on this type of property to determine if property tax policy was negatively affecting the supply of competitively-priced housing for our state’s workforce. Last year’s proposal would not have, in any way, affected tax policy or revenues, but it was resisted and was lost. A similar proposal is likely to emerge again and we encourage some action on this issue including the prospect for a compromise that would permit us to move forward rather than attempt to legislate change each year.

NON-PROFIT CORPORATIONS ACT

A bill introduced last session was intended to modernize the statutes regarding non-profit corporations in our state. These statutes date back to 1965 when comprehensive legislation regarding non-profit corporations was passed. In 2015, the bill met with resistance and was withdrawn. Another attempt to modernize these statutes is likely for 2016 and the Chamber encourages adoption of the new provisions. As part of our position, we believe it is necessary to provide flexibility for non-profit corporations to continue to operate under the current law or to choose to operate under the provisions of the new law as they determine what is best for them. This will permit some organizations to take advantage of the modernization and others to retain their current governance and operating protocols. If included in the proposed legislation, we would also consider a proposal that would set a future date for all non-profit corporations to conform to the new law.

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

The Wheeler decision that permits an injured employee to aggregate wages from different jobs to determine the average weekly wage for workers’ comp purposes effectively changed state law and established practice. The Chamber acknowledges that barring low-wage employees from aggregating wages is not a worker-friendly solution. We also acknowledge that aggregation could significantly increase the cost of insurance and have other negative consequences.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 33

BUSINESS ADVOCACY

Chamber’s 2016 Policy Statements Since 1993, policy statements addressing broad issue areas have been endorsed by the Chamber Board to direct Chamber business advocacy efforts. The policy statements have been reviewed annually and modified to reflect the issues and context of the day as necessary. The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors approves the following statements to guide lobbying and community development activities in 2016.

QUALITY OF LIFE

The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce believes individuals living in the area should be able to enjoy personal security, quality education, first-rate medical care, adequate and affordable housing, economic opportunity and diverse leisure activities. The business community in Sioux Falls should contribute to the overall quality of life by showing generosity, concern and involvement in the community.

TAXATION

The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce supports a fair and reasonable tax system wherein necessary revenue is collected to support essential government services. For taxation purposes agricultural land, non-agricultural, commercial property and housing should be valued using equitable and uniform methods in all counties. At the state level, there is no need for a corporate or personal income tax. The Chamber recognizes that a basic level of funding is required to fund the necessary services of government. The Chamber understands that inflationary pressures, cost increases and changing conditions may require tax and fee increases, however, the Chamber supports the concept that reorganization of priorities and cutting of spending should be carefully considered at all levels of government before tax and fee increases are considered.

BUSINESS CLIMATE

The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce believes our economy is best served by allowing free and open competition in the marketplace. 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. The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce opposes unnecessary intrusions into employer/employee relationships. We support voluntary agreements between management and the workforce establishing compensation, benefits, hours and working conditions.

34 Chamber News | JANUARY 2016

EDUCATION The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce advocates a quality education system that provides individuals the chance to reach their own life goals and supports the current and future workforce needs of the community. We support efforts to adequately fund an effective, efficient system of pre-kindergarten, K-12, technical and post-secondary schools, both locally and statewide. The distribution of state aid dollars to local school districts should be equitably based, at least in part, on the number of children served. The Chamber urges continued dialogue regarding population growth and diversity in the Sioux Falls area and the effect on regional school districts. It is important to maintain an employment environment for schools that attracts and retains quality employees in education. Individual businesses should engage in cooperative partnerships with schools in order to expand learning opportunities.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Federal, state and local government should maintain a high quality infrastructure network, which provides for and supports economic and community development. Emphasis must be placed on adequately designing, constructing and maintaining a growth-managed infrastructure network (roads, air, rail, water, sewer, public transit and public facilities) which is cost-effective yet provides the highest possible level of service to residential and commercial sectors of the Sioux Falls metropolitan area. The effort to maintain adequate infrastructure is necessary to sustain current growth trends while retaining a high quality, urban environment.

ENVIRONMENT

The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce places a high priority on safeguarding and conserving both the quality and quantity of our area’s natural amenities. Government, in partnership with business, should share a responsible role in conserving, enhancing and protecting our water quality, air quality and land. Landowners and sportsmen should work together to ease conflicts in land access and game management issues, in order to preserve the economic and quality of life benefits from outdoor recreation. Given the substantial public and private investments to develop the river greenway, and the potential to develop a first-class amenity in our community, strategies to support a clean-up of the Big Sioux and its tributaries should be identified and implemented.

GOVERNMENT

LOCAL The Sioux Falls area should be open to cooperative efforts between local units of government as well as consolidation efforts among local units of government. Growth in the area provides an opportunity to explore new forms and methods of government to ensure taxpayers receive cost-effective government and quality service delivery.

BUSINESS ADVOCACY

STATE The state government in South Dakota should operate in a way that allows for continued balanced budgets without imposing undo tax burdens on state residents and commerce. Every effort should be made to distribute limited state resources in a fair and equitable manner to encourage growth and address challenges. State directives to local governments should not rely on unfunded mandates. FEDERAL The federal government should strive for a balanced budget. Legislative mandates imposed on state and local governments should be accompanied by the necessary funds to carry out the mandates. The Chamber will monitor and analyze proposed regulations for their effect on the business community and to determine potential impact.

TOURISM

The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, through the Convention & Visitors Bureau, supports private and governmental efforts to enhance and market the area’s full tourism potential. The cultural history of our area provides destinations of worldwide interest, and the Sioux Falls metropolitan area is a key starting point and destination. Efforts to encourage business and sports related tourism should continue in earnest given the new and future facilities we have to offer.

HOUSING

The Sioux Falls Chamber, working with the Sioux Empire Housing Partnership and others, supports public and private efforts to provide affordable housing in the Sioux Falls area. The Chamber supports public and private efforts to redevelop blighted areas in the city and encourages additional housing development and redevelopment in the downtown district.

WORKFORCE

The Sioux Falls Area Chamber working with the Sioux Falls Development Foundation supports efforts toward workforce enhancement through attraction, retention and educational attainment strategies that provide continued economic growth and individual opportunity in the Sioux Falls area. The Chamber supports the developing strategies in the 2016-21 Forward Sioux Falls Strategic Workforce Initiative to address our workforce attraction, retention and development challenges.

CHAMBER ADVOCACY ISSUES siouxfallschamber.com

The Chamber’s 2016 Platform and Policy Statements can also be found online at siouxfallschamber.com under the Advocacy tab, along with a listing of Sioux Falls area legislators and other elected officials’ contact information.

Bill Tracker

During the Legislative Session, the Chamber Bill Tracker progressively monitors bills being considered that are of vital interest to Chamber members. Bills being followed are based on the Chamber’s Legislative Platform and are ranked for importance by tiers (1, 2 and 3). A tier 1 bill is one of highest importance to members; a tier 2 bill is one that we actively follow with potential to move to tier 1; and a tier 3 bill is one is not given high priority at present, but is monitored for any movement. The Bill Tracker is updated on a weekly basis. Members can choose to receive it via email or can read it online at siouxfallschamber.com under the Advocacy tab.

@SFAreaAdvocate

Stay up to date in real time by following the Chamber’s advocacy-specific Twitter handle, @SFAreaAdvocate. The Chamber’s lobbyist will tweet during committee meetings and share information on floor action.

Chamber Advocate

During session, the weekly electronic email The Chamber Advocate will add context to action taking place in Pierre. In addition, activities at the local government level will continue to be monitored. For more information about these documents or the Chamber’s lobbying efforts, contact Public Affairs & Communications Director Mark Lee at (605) 336-1620 or mlee@siouxfalls.com.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

The Sioux Falls Area Chamber working in partnership with the Sioux Falls Development Foundation believes in proactive approach to business development through business parks, the South Dakota Technology Business Center, the USD Discovery District and the Forward Sioux Falls initiative. The Chamber supports these activities to further a progressive and growing economy ever moving forward to support the goals of its constituency.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 35

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

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36 Chamber News | JANUARY 2016

New Childrens’ Favorites Available

Managed by Falls Park Visitor Information Center • 367-7430 Open Saturday-Sunday 10am-5pm through March 25, 2016.

Bring your meeting home Sioux Falls is the perfect Midwest destination. Let us invite your organizations to meet here. Bring your meeting home to showcase why Sioux Falls is the Heart of America. Call our office at 605-275-6060 or get started at VisitSiouxFalls.com/BringitHome

chambernews.com | Chamber News 37

CHAMBER PARTNER

Sioux Empire Farm Show: Farming & Family It was 40 years ago when my father took me to the Sioux Empire Farm Show and we each bought a bred Charolais heifer. That event in my life still ranks in the top 10 great times that I cherish today.

TIM STURDEVANT Sturdevant’s Auto Parts

I salute those who participate in agri-business, a sector that helps support all of our businesses and puts plenty of food on our dinner tables.

The 63rd Sioux Empire Farm Show is going to take place the last week of January and it’s an outstanding experience for the whole family. And when I say the whole family I’m not just talking about your family but also the farming families tending their show livestock. 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. This occasion in the middle of winter is a great way to interact and observe one of our most precious resources that we have in the Sioux Empire and it takes place right here in Sioux Falls. I’m proud to be the Sioux Falls Area Chamber Board of Director’s liaison to the AgriBusiness Council that puts on the Sioux Empire Farm Show. It has been a pleasure to meet and work with many hard-working volunteers who, most often, come from farm backgrounds. These people are the type of “salt of the earth” folks I have always enjoyed being around. Farming and the agri-business industry are the largest segment of our regional economy and they help support nearly every business inside Sioux Falls with customers from the rural areas who come to spend their hard-earned money. Since 1998, the Chamber has partnered with Midwest Shows, Inc. for the commercial exhibitor events. This part of the Sioux Empire Farm Show takes place in the Convention Center, Arena, and the Premier Center. It’s the big equipment with the latest technology on display. There is some equipment that, when set up in the PREMIER Center, actually makes the PREMIER Center look small! If you have children, they will enjoy seeing this impressive specialty equipment as well as get a look at what is happening on the farm these days. The Mayor’s Round-Up & Sale of Champions takes place Friday evening, Jan. 29. It is a wonderful way to show our appreciation to those hard-working families who take the top awards at the livestock shows earlier in that week. The livestock is led out into a ring where they are auctioned off for premiums. In addition, a silent auction is held to support a Sioux Empire Farm Show Exhibitor Scholarship. Many area businesses pledge money to support these ag producers and encourage them to return. The farm show typically draws approximately 30,000 people to Sioux Falls during that week with an estimated impact of $3 million to our area. As a proud member of our 2,200 member-strong Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, I salute those who participate in agribusiness, a sector that helps support all of our businesses and puts plenty of food on our dinner tables. See you at the Sioux Empire Farm Show Jan. 26-30! Tim Sturdevant is the President of Sturdevant’s Auto Parts. He also serves as the Chamber Board of Directors liaison to the Chamber’s Agri-Business Division.

38 Chamber News | JANUARY 2016

HEADLINES

Changes underway for 2016 St. Patrick’s Day festivities Planning is underway for the 2016 St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which will be held Saturday, March 12 in downtown Sioux Falls. In order to conform to the standards set for other downtown parades, this year’s event will have a different route than previous years. The planning committee, which is comprised of community volunteers and assisted by the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce staff, continues to work on the new details and will share the new route as soon as it’s approved. The approved route

and parade packet will be available for download at siouxfallschamber. com/stpatrick. Several years ago, the parade and festivities were moved to the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day. Parade buttons continue to be sold to benefit local charitable organizations. Buttons will be available at the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce (200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite

200) and area businesses. Parade participants must be wearing a button in order to be in the parade. Look for more information in the February Chamber News magazine. For more information, contact the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce at (605) 336-1620.

Advertise in detailed city map Production of the Official 2016 Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce detailed map will begin soon and Chamber members are invited to place a display ad on the map. The Chamber is working with Spring Hill Press, a long-time Chamber member, to produce the 2016 edition of the Sioux Falls city street map. This detailed city map will be approximately two feet by three feet in full color printed on 70 pound, high gloss paper. It will also include these communities outside Sioux Falls: Baltic, Beresford, Brandon, Canton, Colton, Crooks, Dell Rapids, Fairview, Garretson, Harrisburg, Hartford, Hudson, Humboldt, Lennox, Sherman, Tea, Worthing and Valley Springs, as well as Lincoln and Minnehaha counties. Spring Hill Press representatives will be contacting members to discuss various ad sizes and prices available. You can pick up a sample map for reference at the Chamber office. Premium advertising spaces are limited and in high demand, so act quickly to reserve your space. Ad prices range from $400 to $2,995.

Contact Dick Bushman or Nita Hickman at (800) 627-8141 to reserve your space. Spring Hill Press also offers Online Maps that display your advertising until the next edition. Go to springhillpress.com to view samples. Spring Hill Press will also provide the Chamber with a link that will take web visitors to the online map. Users can select a member business from the List of Advertisers and the map will pan to the selected location. Once the selected location has been displayed, the ad will be displayed with the advertiser’s information, users can click on a link to the advertiser’s website and when the page is viewed on a smart phone, users will be able to click on the advertiser’s phone number and it will call the advertiser. Advertising on the Chamber map affords you the opportunity to reach new residents and visitors alike. A detailed city map is one of the most requested items at the office and 10,000 maps will be distributed for the year of 2016. For more information, contact the Chamber office at (605) 336-1620 or Spring Hill Press at (800) 627-8141.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 39

MEMBER VOICE

Be knowledgable about updates to the tax code It’s the New Year so let’s see what Santa left us in our fourth quarter 2015 tax stocking; will it be goodies or coal? Congress finally acted on a package of more than 50 tax provisions known as the “Extenders,” which was finally brought to a vote on Dec. 17. Included in this package are pieces of legislation that affect small business owners, homeowners, teachers, retired people who need to make required minimum distributions, and individuals living in states with no income tax. The legislation would renew tax provisions that expired Dec. 31, 2014. TIM NESS

Ness Tax and Bookkeeping Service

... it will be much better to plan using permanent tax law than deal with temporary legislation ...

Many business owners are acquainted with the Section 179 write-off that allows owners to treat otherwise depreciable assets like office supplies and expense the total cost of the assets in one year instead of depreciating these over a longer period of time. While the code section itself has stayed in place, it is the limit on this expenditure which has dropped from $500,000 in 2014 to $25,000 beginning in 2015. The legislation renews and makes permanent the $500,000 cap on Section 179 property and would continue 50 percent bonus depreciation for another five years. Other provisions of the tax law that ended on Dec. 31, 2014 were also renewed, including a special educator expense for teachers, the deduction for mortgage insurance premiums for homeowners, RMD direct charitable contributions, and the sales tax deduction that can be used instead of the state income tax deduction for those who can itemize their deductions. Congress first talked about passing extender legislation in June of this year so businesses, individuals and their accountants could finally have something concrete to use for tax planning purposes. While we have all operated under the assumption that these extenders would be renewed, it will be much better to plan using permanent tax law than deal with temporary legislation from 2016 forward. In further tax related developments, Congress is now requiring IRS outsource some collections to private firms. The private collector will usually contact the taxpayer by letter and ask for full payment. For those who cannot full pay, an installment agreement is available. Private collectors cannot accept payments so payment must still be made to the US Treasury. If you do have back tax debt of more than $50,000 and you have not entered into an installment agreement, the IRS has been provided with the power to revoke passports. These measures were in part dictated because the IRS does not have the staffing to pursue debtors. However, the IRS is going to start a new Early Action Initiative designed to quickly identify employers who have fallen behind on payroll taxes. Guidance letters, automated phone messages and visits from local revenue officers are now supposed to reach employers before their unpaid payroll tax situations spin out of control. All of these potential new contacts by IRS and authorized representatives could complicate the rampant telephone scamming which has hit our area and affects people nationwide. Remember to play it safe if you are contacted and not release any information until you are able to verify you are speaking with the IRS or its representatives. And just when you thought you knew when your filing dates were, along came The Surface Transportation and Veterans Health Care Choice Improvement Act of 2015 which (of course) changes the filing dates for corporations and partnerships for 2016 returns. Beginning for tax year 2016 (filed in 2017), calendar year in Partnerships and S corporations will have returns due March 15 and C corporations will be due April 15. Because the first two entities are flow-through entities where the tax is paid on the 1040, this is a change that does make some sense. We’ll keep an eye on further developments in 2016 and hope all of you have a great new year! Tim Ness is the owner of Ness Tax and Bookkeeping Service.

40 Chamber News | JANUARY 2016

MIND YOUR SMALL BUSINESS

Training can keep your business ahead of the curve BY KATE FOLEY

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

Computers, cell phones, websites, social media — once all novelties are now essential components of nearly every successful company and organization. Such is the dynamic nature of today’s business environment. And as a business owner or department manager, it’s up to you to keep your finger on the pulse of these changes — new technologies, new regulations or new procedures — in order to ensure that you and your employees have the knowledge and skills to capitalize on them. Learning is a life-long process. Whether your workforce is comprised of high school graduates or college graduates, all employees need to learn and grow. If you value long-term employees, you will invest in training that keeps them growing within their jobs, thereby enabling you to grow the business. People are a key factor in joining the capital and physical resources of the company or organization to produce the outcomes (profits) and goals you have set. Business consultants will cite well-trained and motivated employees can prove to be the difference between success and failure.

BUSINESS SENSE WORKSHOPS Held every Tuesday in January-March at the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce $10/per person, brown bag lunch Read more and register/pay online: siouxfallschamber.com under Upcoming Events Contact Kate Foley for more information: (605) 373-2002 or kfoley@siouxfalls.com

Another source of training support can be found through your Chamber membership, too. The Business Sense Workshops, sponsored by the Chamber’s Small Business Council in cooperation with SCORE, the Small Business Administration and the Small Business Development Center, offer modestly priced (just $10 per person) focused training — right here in Sioux Falls. These one-hour workshops, held in January, February and March each year, deliver business and management guidance led by talented and engaging Chamber On-going employee education is necessary at all levels. This function might even be handled internally. Entry-level employees are member presenters. provided with an orientation and receive specific on-the-job training A wide-range of topics are planned for 2016, including: how to for specific job duties. However, training is often neglected, because fully engage and educate your employees on IT security; measurable it adds to overhead expense. It’s a cost some may find difficult to marketing; preventative practices to safeguard against workplace fraud; justify, so the owner takes on the duties of trainer. On some topics, accounts receivable management; rethinking your hiring process and he or she may well be the best person to relay valuable information. attracting needed talent; retaining employees; time management and In other cases, however, the owner should consider providing funds delegating; teamwork; workplace stress; conflict management; and to send employees to specific classes, seminars or workshops, which turning obstacles into customer opportunities. can provide specific information. Remember — training can keep your business ahead of the curve. Trade associations, books, seminars and conferences can all provide Invest in your employees by offering the opportunity for them to focused training. Using interactive technology, employees can take attend the Chamber’s Business Sense Workshops. classes or formal training programs while at work (if schedules permit), or at home — even in the middle of the night!

chambernews.com | Chamber News 41

BUSINESS NEWS

Visitor Industry Updates CVB LAUNCHES NEW MIDWEST LIVING CAMPAIGN

The Sioux Falls CVB’s new Midwest Living print and digital campaign will launch in the January/February issue of Midwest Living magazine. The Midwest Living Dream Trip Giveaway will generate 70 million impressions across multiple channels. Of the total value for this package, the CVB is paying 17.14 percent or a cost of $.45 per thousand impressions. The package the CVB is giving away is valued at $6,510 and includes sponsorships/partnerships from a number of Sioux Falls entities and travel vouchers totaling $2,500 from Midwest Living. Print efforts include a full-page editorial feature in the January/ February issue and a full-page, four-color ad next to it. Sioux Falls will also be included in promotional announcements in regular in-book and online promotional page “Explore and Savor.” Online efforts include prominent sponsor recognition on online contest hub with qualified lead database deliverable upon completion of the campaign. Sioux Falls will be seen on traffic-driving units across midwestliving.com and Meredith sister sites as well as inclusion in dedicated email blasts to Meredith subscribers. Public relations efforts include sponsor recognition on Midwest Living’s social platforms throughout the campaign (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) and editorial mention in Midwest Living’s travel blog, Midcetera. Sponsorship recognition on all press outreach including TV ads, radio announcements and print and inclusion in national and regional press releases to be distributed to extensive media database, pre- and post-contest.

CVB REGISTRATION ASSISTANCE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

The Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) prides itself on exceeding expectations. The service department is there to make sure meetings, events, conventions and group tours are a success. They work for and with planners to ensure the group has a pleasant and rewarding experience in Sioux Falls. The No. 1 requested service of the CVB is registration assistance, which includes convention registration assistance with trained and experienced personnel that can work as greeters, registrars, cashiers or ticket takers. In 2015, the CVB offered registration assistance to 159 groups with a total of 483 registration service hours tracked. Name badge assistance is another service offered by the CVB and is the second most popular service. Name badges are an event staple and a great way for attendees to get to know one another. The CVB is willing to print and prepare tags for all types of events and supply the lanyards if needed. Annually the CVB prints thousands of name badges for serviced groups. Staffed information desks and welcome tables, another service provided by the CVB, are great for welcoming attendees to Sioux Falls, allowing guests the opportunity to ask questions, helping them find their way around Sioux Falls and sharing literature on attractions and other areas of interest. The CVB also provides step-on guides, attendance building assistance, public relations assistance and a complimentary event app, the newest addition to CVB services.

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PLANNERS TO BE TARGETED WITH NEW “WHY WE ARE HERE” MARKETING EFFORTS

Meeting planners are bombarded by multiple messages and increasing incentives from different cities, CVB’s and hotels. To attract planners to take a closer look at Sioux Falls, the CVB will position “Why” Sioux Falls is the ultimate destination for their event. The CVB will tie into the success of the leisure “we are here” campaign, for more cohesive brand messaging. The campaign will focus on three distinct areas “Why” Sioux Falls is here: to make your job easier; to make your event memorable; and to give you the insider guide to the city. The messaging will take on the concept of “Why” and highlight one of those three areas. For example, an ad could feature an image of CH Patisserie with a headline of “To discover a dessert so mouthwatering, you’ll lick the plate clean.” and a subhead of “We are here to make your event memorable—and that often means some out-of-the-box thinking. Want an opening reception with a custom dessert for your group? We have ideas with local flair.” Storytelling will be what sets Sioux Falls apart from other markets. People don’t want to see a photo of a meeting room, they want to hear about an opening reception where custom cocktails were created or a tour group that received a lesson in making smacos. Those stories will show the insider look while communicating to the planner that the Sioux Falls CVB is here to help. Video will be a major element in this campaign as it provides a way to highlight unique features better than just text and images alone. In order to really showcase the experience, the CVB will tell the same story from two different perspectives: that of the attendee and that of the planner. For example, in the attendee video, a person would be shown coming to the registration table and receiving their name badge, then jumping online and enjoying the quality wi-fi. The planner video would show that same attendee approaching the table but with the planner utilizing the name badge and registration help from the CVB. These videos will offer unique perspectives for conventions, sports and group tours. Ultimately, the CVB will use the campaign to ask visitors to submit an RFP. The campaign will use a variety of calls to action, from scheduling a call or video chat, virtual tours, hosting a site visit, submitting an RFP or qualifying for an incentive. The campaign creative will carry strong, highly-focused photos with succinct and targeted messaging to stand out from the competition. The CVB scheduled print media in 33 highly strategized high-impact placements in the top industry publications to reach more than 1 million meeting and event planners, sports event organizers and domestic and international tour operators and receptive operators.

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Ribbon Cuttings

The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce holds ribbon cutting ceremonies for members to celebrate joining the Chamber, milestone anniversaries, grand openings, expansions or remodelings. Ribbon cutting ceremonies are organized free of charge for members and are held Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The public and all Chamber members are invited to share in the celebration. Call (605) 336-1620 for more information or to schedule your event. Groundbreaking ceremonies are coordinated by the Sioux Falls Development Foundation. Call (605) 339-0103 for more information or to schedule your event.

4D Design + Consulting

4301 W. 57TH ST. #110 4ddesignconsulting.com 4D Design + Consulting is an architectural and interior design firm that specializes in the residential market. L to R: Lauren Denney, Lucas Fiegen, Amy O’Connor Hoback, Dudley Deffenbaugh (vice president), Jesse Deffenbaugh (vice president), Lynda Billars, Mike Hauck, Gita Hendricks and Eric Roberts. NEW MEMBER

Bird Dog Equity Partners

221 S. PHILLIPS AVE. #202 nordicventurepartners.com Bird Dog Equity Partners is a Sioux Falls-based private equity company built on the foundation that people come first. L to R: Nathan Stallinga, Amy O’Connor Hoback, Lynn Steele, Paul Schock (partner), Chad Hatch (partner), Jered Schock, Steve Van Buskirk, Gail Meader, Bill Rezac and Jena Page. NAME CHANGE

The Center for Equality

NEW MEMBER

220 S. PHILLIPS AVENUE thecenterforequality.org The Center for Equality is a non-profit organization comprised of volunteers that advocate for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community for support, rights, community and well-being. L to R: Lexie Frankman, Jessica Hauck, Paul Bruflat, Ashley Gaddis, Thomas Christiansen (president), Amy O’Connor Hoback, Jackie Stratman and Brienne Maner.

Co-op Natural Foods

410 W. 18TH ST. coopnaturalfoods.com Co-op Natural Foods exists to provide a vibrant community with access to sustainable, healthy and fairly-traded goods and services. L to R: Joey Rotert, Amy O’Connor Hoback, Alex Halbach (board president), Dan Doyle, Lily Baltazar, Molly Langley, Randall Sanderson, Alex Ramirez and Tammy Beintema. NEW LOCATION

chambernews.com | Chamber News 45

RIBBON CUTTINGS Home Federal Bank

REMODEL/EXPANSION

2700 W. 41ST ST. homefederal.com Home Federal Bank is a trusted, local and prudent bank — values they’ve embraced and brought to their business for more than 85 years. L to R: Marissa Leuthold, Brent Olthoff, Stacy Wrightsman, Nathan Stallinga, Liz Lloyd, Gary Gaspar, Kari Hybertson, Jon Gadberry, Steve Bianchi (President/CEO), Reggie Kuipers, Rick Rysavy and Nancy Miller.

Home Federal Bank

REMODEL/EXPANSION

3717 E. 10TH ST. homefederal.com Home Federal Bank is a trusted, local and prudent bank — values they’ve embraced and brought to their business for more than 85 years. L to R: Andrea Loewenberg, Mayor Mike Huether, David Johnson, Scott Hirsch, Rod Carlson, Steve Bianchi (President/CEO), Rick Rysavy, Amy O’Connor Hoback, Mike Hauck and Lim Bun.

I-29 Antiques & Collectibles Mall

46990 271ST ST., TEA, SD i29antiquessd.com I-29 Antiques & Collectibles Mall offers retro, vintage, primitives, antiques and collectables for sale. L to R: Marshall Selberg, Amy O’Connor Hoback, Tim Sturdevant, Randy Maas (CEO/manager), Aubry Brewen, Tom Hackl, Janice Maas, Tosha Gray and Layla Gray and Steve Maas. NEW MEMBER

Marsden Building Maintenance

NEW MEMBER

101 S. REID ST. #307 marsden.com Marsden Building Maintenance is a full-service facility provider, which includes janitorial, security, HVAC/mechanical, calibrations and special needs. L to R: Pam Schultz, Daren Anderson, Bobbi McNab, Larry Ayres, Larry Oelke (business development), Erin Schoenbeck, Amy O’Connor Hoback, Alex Ramirez and Wendy Larson.

Pappy’s The Original

NEW MEMBER

46 Chamber News | JANUARY 2016

101 S. PHILLIPS AVENUE #101 pappystheoriginal.com Pappy’s The Original serves fresh, quality food, South Dakota coffee, made from scratch smoothies and an ultimate Greek yogurt bar. L to R: Olga Pavlovska, Mayor Mike Huether, Dan Doyle, John Henkaus, Ari Pappas, Jessica Pappas (owner), Mike Hauck, Chef Shonna Haugen, Julie Nelson, Corey Weide and Kim Weber.

RIBBON CUTTINGS Prins Insurance of Sioux Falls, Inc.

NEW LOCATION

4117 S. SOUTHEASTERN AVE. prinsinsurance.com Prins Insurance of Sioux Falls, Inc. offers 34 years of expertise as an independent insurance agency and are excited to open this second location. L to R: Nicole Polreis, Stacy Maier, Lynda Billars, Corey Weide, Dick Applequist (president), Brett Carter, Kristi Nordquist (vice president/office manager), Rob TeKolste, Paige Bonnema, John Neth and Rachel Potter.

Rainbow Comics, Cards & Collectibles 3310 S. MINNESOTA AVE. rainbowcardsandcomics.com

NEW MEMBER

Rainbow Comics, Cards & Collectibles specializes in retail sales of comic books, sports cards, games, gaming materials, trading cards, supplies and collectibles. L to R: Brian Ernst, Stefanie Engebretson, Dave McElroy (co-owner), Brenna McElroy, Eric Anderson, Becky McElroy (co-owner), Mike Hauck, Amy O’Connor Hoback and John Nordstrom.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 47

RIBBON CUTTINGS Samaritan’s Feet International

samaritansfeet.org Samaritan’s Feet International is a 501 (c)(3) humanitarian aid organization that provides shoes for impoverished children and adults in 300-plus U.S. cities and 75-plus countries around the world. L to R: Gita Hendricks, Stacy Wrightsman, Lexie Frankman, Denise Blomberg (regional director), Manny Ohonmne (co-founder/president/CEO), Randy Bury, Amy O’Connor Hoback, Lynda Billars and Laurie Knutson. NEW MEMBER

Shipping TapeB2B

108 N. MAIN ST., LENNOX, SD shippingtapeb2b.com Shipping TapeB2B is a wholesale shipping tape dealer. L to R: Kristin Cooke, Amy O’Connor Hoback, Alex Ramirez, Daren Anderson, Ryan McCaffrey (sales manager), Aaron Clayton, Nathan Stallinga and Jessica Hauck.

NEW MEMBER

48 Chamber News | JANUARY 2016

RIBBON CUTTINGS South Dakota Democratic Party

sddp.org South Dakota Democratic Party includes Democrats working together, winning for South Dakota. L to R: Sam Parkinson, Tom Hackl, Suzanne Jones Pranger (executive director), Chris McEwen, David Johnson, Amy O’Connor Hoback and Alex Ramirez.

NEW MEMBER

Sugar’s Baked Goods and Sweet Treats 5239 W. 26TH ST. sugarsbakedgoods.com

Sugar’s Baked Goods and Sweet Treats is a “gourmet” comfort treats bakery serving the Sioux Falls area. L to R: Annamarie Albers, Mike Hauck, Kari Popham (owner), Drew Popham, Mark Luke, Heather Kittelson, Christie Aberson and Angie Wahl. NEW LOCATION

chambernews.com | Chamber News 49

MEMBERSHIP

New Members

New members are printed in each issue of Chamber News. Following is a list of businesses or individuals who have invested in the greater community by joining the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. An online Membership Directory can be found at siouxfallschamber.com or by using the Chamber’s App, available in the iTunes and Google Play stores. Want to become a member? Call (605) 336-1620.

Advanced Moving

Cetera Services

inSKribe

Moving & Storage Dondi & Dennis Ahlers, (605) 333-6000 6204 W. 12th St. #A, 57106 advancedmovingsd.com

Marketing Consultants Angela Lammers, (605) 695-4566 ceteraservices.com

Content Writing/Copy Writing Stacey Kracht, (605) 321-0170 800 E. 14th St. #109, 57104

Aflac-Renae Knopf

Dustin Hoffman Construction

JAM Art & Supplies

Roofing Contractors Dustin Hoffman, (605) 553-4348 PO Box 89522, 57109

Associate Member Jess Miller Johnson, (605) 338-3980 401 N. Phillips Ave., 57104 jamartandsupplies.com

Affiliate-Insurance Renae Knopf, (605) 331-5223 3500 S. Phillips Ave., Ste. 101, 57105

All States Concrete Cutting SD Inc. Concrete Sawing/Drilling/Demolition Eric Herbek, (605) 368-9885 47062 98th St., 57108 allstatesconcretecutting.com

Alternative Strategies Group Financial Planning Jason Erickson, (605) 275-1011 196 E. 6th St. #102, 57104 investasg.biz

Ascend Financial Financial Services Kris Jerke, (605) 553-9620 PO Box 825, 57101 toascend.net

Baird Financial Planning Mark Stuck, (605) 275-2310 4930 S. Western Ave., Ste. 400, 57108 howardgroupofbaird.com

Beautycounter

Edward Jones Finance Brett Travica, (605) 330-5856 5404 W. 26th St., 57106 edwardjones.com

Farm Bureau Financial ServicesRex Buettgenbach

Kore Cares Home Health Care Tara Burton, (605) 660-2495 korecares.com

Franz Digital/Dakota Blueprinting

LOL Photo Booth, LLC

Drafting & Engineering Wade Coffey, (605) 335-4710 1208 W. 51st St. #3, 57105 franzpro.com

Entertainment Kim Helgerson, (605) 321-0200 lolphotobooth2.com

G & H Distributing, Inc.

Business Broker Bryan Mulder, (605) 444-7138 2500 W. 49th St. #101, 57105 murphybusiness.com/siouxfalls

Industrial Equipment & Supply Kara Flier, (605) 334-7131 900 W. Russell St., 57104 ghdistributing.com

The Global Voice, Inc.

Associate Member Sarah Vander Pol, (712) 470-3638 beautycounter.com/sarahvanderpol

Melanie A. Brown

Golf Addiction

50 Chamber News | JANUARY 2016

Affiliate-Real Estate Shelley Ewoldt, (605) 201-1825 5915 S. Remington Pl., 57108

Affiliate-Insurance Rex Buettgenbach, (605) 271-6300 4804 S. Minnesota Ave., Ste. 101, 57108

Associate Member Daniel N. Obaka, (605) 261-8939 1000 N. West Ave., 57104 globalvoice.org

Speaker Melanie Brown, (605) 338-9029 melanieabrown.com

Keller Williams Realty Sioux FallsShelley Ewoldt

Golf John Miller & Adam Scott, (605) 360-8196 5301 W. 57th St., 57106 golfaddiction.biz

Murphy Business

The New Colossus Associate Member Polly Dean, (605) 321-6321 315 N. Main Ave. #211, 57104 thenewcolossus.org

Organizing by Lisa Associate Member Lisa Soma, (605) 366-7988 PO Box 577, Tea, SD 57064 letlisaorganize.com

Perfect Practice Sport Academy

Sprik Financial Group

Wings Gymnastics Academy

Sports Complex Katie Sperber, (605) 213-3300 300 W. Industrial Dr., Harrisburg, SD 57032 perfectpracticesd.com

Financial Services Darwyn Sprik, (605) 332-9079 7521 S. Louise Ave., Ste. 100, 57108 sprikfinancial.com

Gymnastics Instruction Alicia Reiners, (605) 789-9981 5208 S. Westwind Ave., 57108 wingsgym.com

Precision Mechanical, LLP

Tea Steak House/O’ Tooles Bar/ Tea Events Hall

WoodGrain Brewing Company

Contractors Janet Reider, (605) 274-6199 530 E. Amidon St., 57104

RE/MAX Professionals, Inc.Julie Johnson Affiliate-Real Estate Julie Johnson, (605) 366-1363 606 W. 33rd St., 57105

S.H.U.E.S by Chelsea’s Boutique Shoes-Retail Chelsea Tracy, (605) 334-3983 333 S. Phillips Ave., 57104 shuesbycb.com

Samaritan’s Feet International Associate Member Denise Blomberg, (605) 310-3948 PO Box 702, 57101-0702 samaritansfeet.org

Security Card Services Associate Member Amy Kozak, (605) 499-9903 securitycardservices.com

Sioux Falls Connections Associate Member Jake Peterson, (605) 359-1952 625 S. Minnesota Ave., 57104 siouxfallsconnections.com

Split Rock Industries Monuments Todd Rohr, (605) 759-0561

Restaurants Jim Ihnen, (605) 368-9667 PO Box 415, Tea, SD 57064 teasteakhouse.webs.com

Toppers Pizza Restaurants Shane Quail, (612) 298-2596 817 S. Minnesota Ave., 57104 toppers.com

University of South Dakota (USD) Discovery District Associate Member Rich Naser, (605) 275-8010 4800 N. Career Ave., Ste. 100, 57107 usddiscovery.com

Brewers Steve Hartman, (605) 310-5316 101 S. Phillips Ave., Ste. 100, 57104 woodgrainbrew.com

Woofs & Waves Pet Shops & Supplies Justin Shatto, (605) 274-9663 5426 E. Arrowhead Pkwy., 57110 woofsandwaves.com

z*stonish Magician & Hypnotist Entertainment Zac Tenneboe, (888) 993-2771 PO Box 91734, 57109 zstonish.com

The Weston Group Consulting-Management & Business Development Patricia Dougherty, (605) 275-4747 ext. 6220 101 S. Reid St. #307, 57103 thewestongroup.com

Wheeler Tank Manufacturing, Inc. Tanks-Manufacturers Tom Wheeler, (605) 332-2012 4001 N. 4th Ave., 57104 wheelertank.com

Windwalker Transportation & Warehousing Transportation Jason Marquardt, (605) 332-1411 3516 W. Hovland Dr., 57107

chambernews.com | Chamber News 51

MEMBERSHIP

Member Anniversaries FOUNDING MEMBERS

Argus Leader Media/ Sioux Falls Business Journal Newspapers 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

Congratulations to the following members who are celebrating their milestone membership anniversaries this month. They are part of a continued commitment to our community through their investment in the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. To learn more about Chamber membership, contact (605) 336-1620 or sfacc@siouxfalls.com. Find a complete Membership Directory online at siouxfallschamber.com or on your smartphone using the Chamber’s app — search “Sioux Falls Chamber” in the Google Play or iTunes stores.

10 YEARS Bracco

Restaurants braccorestaurant.com

Bruning Marketing & Promotions Advertising/Marketing/Design bruningmp.com

Employee Discount Services Associate Member employeediscountservices.com

Jones Eye Clinic Physicians & Surgeons-M.D.-Ophthalmology joneseye.com

Spectrum Marketing Services Marketing/Advertising spectrummrks.com

Spring Hill Press Associate Member springhillpressmaps.com

5 YEARS

Richard Ambrosius Associate Member positiveaging.com

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire Associate Member bgcsiouxempire.org

Burnside Game Place

40 YEARS

Associate Member burnsidegameplace.com

Optometrists, O.D. murscheloptometry.com

Dairy Queen Grill and Chill of Sioux Falls

Dr. Dennis Murschel

30 YEARS

South Dakota Symphony Associate Member sdsymphony.org

20 YEARS

Len’s Awning and Canvas Awnings lensawningcanvas.com

Empire Transmission & Brake Transmissions-Automobile kennedytransmission.com

52 Chamber News | JANUARY 2016

Restaurants dairyqueen.com

Mid States Transport, Inc. Transportation midstatestrans.com

Web Concentrate Web Development/Internet Services webconcentrate.com

FIRST-YEAR MEMBERS WHO REINVESTED DURING THEIR OCTOBER ANNIVERSARY MONTH

605 Running Company Sporting Goods-Retail run605.com

AFLAC-Carla R. Lynn Affiliate-Insurance aflac.com

All American Towing Towing-Automotive siouxfallstowing.net

Bagel Boy Restaurants bagelboysf.com

The Bakery LLC Consultants thebakerysf.com

The Bluffs at Willow Run Apartments lloydcompanies.com

Carlson & Stewart Refrigeration, Inc. Refrigeration-Commercial carlsonstewart.com

Don Dunham III Real EstateAnita Wetsch Affiliate-Real Estate dondunham.com

Hills of Rest Memorial Park Cemetery & Mausoleum Associate Member hillsofrest.com

Kelly Inns, Ltd. Hotel/Motel Management kellyinns.com

Madison Lawn Care, Inc. Associate Member madison-lawns.com

Precision Leadership Group Associate Member precisionleadershipgroup.com

Prosperity Wealth Management, LLC Financial Planning prosperityconsulting.net

Riffey & Associates LLC Consultant-Management

River Ridge Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Center Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon riverridgeoralsurgery.com

South Dakota Department of TransportationSioux Falls Area Office Associate Member sddot.com

South Dakota Lions Foundation Associate Member sdlions.org

Trident Trust Company (South Dakota) Inc. Trust Company tridenttrustsd.com

Valvoline Instant Oil Change

ICAN, Inc.

Automobile-Oil Changes vioc.com

Marketing/Advertising icanadvertising.com

The Wrap Agency

Interstates Control Systems Software Development interstates.com

Joe Pillar Insurance, Inc. Insurance pillarins.com

Keller Williams Realty Sioux Falls-Todd Headrick Affiliate-Real Estate ToddHeadrick.com

Graphics thewrapagency.com

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 Tate Thorstenson Tate Thorstenson is a Vice-President Ag/Business Banker at First Bank & Trust. He grew up on a farm and ranch near Selby, S.D., and graduated from Dakota State University and the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin. He has been in the banking industry for more than 12 years. He and his wife Michaela, a third grade teacher in the Tea Area School District, have two children. Thorstenson is the 2016 Chair of the Sioux Empire Farm Show, which is sponsored by the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.

WHAT IS THE BEST THING THE CHAMBER DOES FOR THE SIOUX FALLS AREA? The Chamber promotes multiple areas of Sioux Falls through YPN, Forward Sioux Falls, Diplomat Committee, Sports & Recreation, etc. The best part of the Chamber is how they promote multiple areas of the Sioux Falls business and other areas that will result in growth for the city and surrounding area.

WHAT IS ONE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT YOU SUPPORT AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO YOU? TATE THORSTENSON First Bank & Trust

The Sioux Empire United Way because it helps the lives of children and families within the Sioux Falls area. Each year it is great to see the campaigns and the community effort to support United Way.

DESCRIBE SIOUX FALLS IN THREE WORDS. Progressive, creative and loyal.

WHAT IS ONE OF SIOUX FALLS’ BEST-KEPT SECRETS? The Sioux Empire Farm Show! It is a great show and promotes agriculture within our surrounding area of Sioux Falls. The Sioux Empire Farm Show draws in a lot of visitors and exhibitors for the week, which is great for Sioux Falls. I always look forward to the Mayor’s Round-Up & Sale of Champions, which is a fun event to attend.

WHAT HAVE YOUR OR YOUR EMPLOYER GAINED FROM BEING A CHAMBER MEMBER? Being a Chamber member is a great way to serve in Sioux Falls. I have been part of the Chamber’s Agri-Business Division and it has provided me an opportunity to serve our agriculture community! It is a great division of the Chamber and I have enjoyed serving on this committee.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 53

FROM THE ARCHIVES

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

Sioux Empire Farm Show logos over the years

Since 1954, the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce has sponsored the Sioux Empire Farm Show. Over the years the look of the Farm Show logo has changed but South Dakota’s largest city’s commitment to honoring ag has not wavered. In 2003, the Farm Show celebrated its 50th anniversary. The Diamond Jubilee was held in 2013. As the markets have evolved, some of the breeds have changed over the years. This year six cattle breeds hold shows and sales. Market livestock include steers, swine, lambs and goats. In addition, a rabbit show, breeding heifer show and college judging contest take place. It’s a weeklong celebration of agriculture and the Chamber is proud to promote this industry.

54 Chamber News | JANUARY 2016