January 2021 Chamber News

Chamber News Vol. 56, No. 4

January 2021

A PUBLICATION OF THE GREATER SIOUX FALLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Celebrating Agriculture

Stensland family named Farm Family of the Year Lynn Boadwine named Agribusiness Citizen of the Year

In this issue Feature

Celebrating agriculture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-25 Stensland family named Farm Family of the Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-21 Lynn Boadwine named Agribusiness Citizen of the Year . . . . . . . . 22-23

Top stories Sioux Empire Livestock Show Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 A new digital front door for Sioux Falls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 In this issue Message from the Chair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Event Calendars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9 Economic Indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Noteworthy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Faces & Places. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-16 Community Appeals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Business Advocacy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-27 Headlines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-29 Using Your Membership. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Member Voice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Business Sense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32-33 New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34-35 Member Anniversaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Five Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 From the Archive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 ON THE COVER

The 2021 Sioux Empire Livestock Show will be held Jan. 25-31 at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds

Chamber News Publisher

Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Chamber News Ad Sales

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

Chamber News Layout/Design Jill Blom Branch Creative Co.

Chamber News Editor Jennie Doyen

For editorial information, call: (605) 336-1620 Chamber News is published by the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 Postmaster please send address changes to: Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 Phone: (605) 336-1620 • Email: gsfcc@siouxfalls.com

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

FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA OR VISIT siouxfallschamber.com /siouxfallschamber Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce @GreaterSFCC @SF_Advocate siouxfallschamber

Read online or find archived issues: issuu.com/siouxfallschamber

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

chambernews.com | Chamber News 3

YOU DON’T NEED AN ILLNESS TO NEED A DOCTOR. Regular wellness visits with a primary care physician or provider at Sanford Health can lead to better overall health. Better health care starts with a provider who’s a familiar face. Someone who actually knows you and understands your concerns and your goals.

We’re here before you need us. We’re here when you need us. We’re here after you need us. sanfordhealth.org

019024-01171 11/20

Message from the Chair

Message from the Chair “Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you’re a thousand miles from the corn field.” — President Dwight D. Eisenhower This statement from President Eisenhower is a good anecdotal reminder for me, as a pencil pushing attorney that grew up in the “big city” of Sioux Falls. As our great community continues to grow and become more urbanized, we would be wise to remember both our rural roots as well as the fact that the agricultural industry continues to be one of the largest drivers of our city and state economies.

Dan Doyle

2020-21 Chair of the Board

It’s not surprising then that agribusiness has always been a pillar of the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce. We have a highly engaged group of volunteers serving on our Agribusiness Division Advisory Council, and it is this group that annually selects a Farm Family of the Year and Agribusiness Citizen of the Year. For 2021, the Stensland family has been named Farm Family of the Year. These days, you cannot miss their impact with ice cream at the Sanford International, retail stores around town and quality dairy products in several aisles of your local grocery store. In keeping with a similar theme, Lynn Boadwine has been named Agribusiness Citizen of the Year. His impact in the dairy industry has been significant and we thoroughly appreciate his support of the Chamber.

...we would be wise to I would be remiss if I didn’t remind you all that the 68th Annual Sioux Empire Livestock Show is coming up remember at the end of January. This event attracts folks from all over the county to visit Sioux Falls, and is an opportunity our rural roots... for agriculturalists to buy, sell and showcase their livelihood. As with all things happening during this pandemic year, however, some things will be a little different. We are fortunate that the large size of the Expo Building on the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds allows show activities to go on with plenty of space to maintain social distance among all participants.

January also brings the beginning of a new legislative season. Your Chamber has been preparing for it and monitoring activities on your behalf for quite some time. Our policy team will be ready to work for you in Pierre.

Consistent with this and the agricultural topics above, two of the Chamber’s largest committees—the Issues Management Committee and the Agribusiness Division—recently held a joint virtual meeting to hear from Hunter Roberts, South Dakota’s current Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources and interim Secretary of Agriculture. Roberts discussed the plans to merge the two departments into a single Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. In this role, he believes the synergy of a combined department can both benefit producers as well as the environment, specifically highlighting goals for water protection.

With the rollout of a COVID vaccine and other developments on the horizon, I want to wish you all a happy new year with high hopes and prayers for a strong 2021!

2020-21 GREATER SIOUX FALLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LEADERSHIP AND STAFF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chair Dan Doyle, Cutler Law Firm, LLP Chair-Elect Alex Ramirez, USA Media TV Vice Chair Paul Hanson, Sanford Health Treasurer Scott Lawrence, Lawrence & Schiller, Inc. Immediate Past Chair Bobbi Thury, Legacy Law Firm, P.C. Chamber President & CEO Jeff Griffin BOARD OF DIRECTORS Miles Beacom, PREMIER Bankcard Kim Burma, Midco Martin DesLauriers, UBS Financial Services, Inc. Tamien Dysart, Think 3D Solutions Natalie Eisenberg, Click Rain, Inc. Kayla Eitreim, Junior Achievement of South Dakota David Flicek, Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center Pam Homan, Augustana University Chris Houwman, Malloy Angela Lammers, Cetera Services Valerie Loudenback, Grand Prairie Foods Tolcha Mesele, Smithfield Foods Nathan Stallinga, DakotAbilities Tony Venhuizen, Office of Governor Kristi Noem

EX-OFFICIO Jean Bender, Minnehaha County Commission Kyle Groos, Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools Derrick Karsky, Farmers Insurance Group - Karsky Agency Cynthia Mickelson, Sioux Falls School Board Jay Rasmussen, Journey Group Companies Jim Schmidt, Lincoln County Commission Dr. Jane Stavem, Sioux Falls Public School System Mayor Paul TenHaken, City of Sioux Falls CHAMBER & ESF STAFF Jeff Griffin, President & CEO Diane Balk, Accounting Manager Matt Barthel, ESF Communications Manager Joan Bartling, Finance & Accounting Director Justin Bentaas, Public Affairs & Research Manager Jill Blom, Graphics & Communications Manager Casey Boerger, Events Coordinator Patrick Daschel, ESF Sales Manager Anna Derry, ESF Sales Manager Erin DeWitt, ESF Sales Manager Jennie Doyen, Marketing & Communications Director

Jami Gates, Membership Director Becky Griebel, First Impressions/Administrative Assistant Melea Harris, ESF Host City Manager Elizabeth Heidinger, Membership Services Specialist Steven Herman, Membership Development Manager Mary Hublou, ESF First Impressions Manager/Project Assistant Kayla Huizing, Young Professionals Network Manager Jay Kaltenbach, ESF Services/Resale Manager Pat Lund, Membership Engagement Manager Mike Lynch, Forward Sioux Falls Director of Investor Relations Jill Niedringhaus, ESF Sales Manager Krista Orsack, ESF Director of Marketing Debra Owen, Public Policy Director Kathie Puthoff, ESF Administrative Assistant Holly Rader, Agribusiness & Professional Development Director Emily Schaffer, ESF Creative Development Manager Teri Schmidt, ESF Executive Director Teresa Schreier, Public Affairs & Communications Assistant Susan Seachris, Administrative/Accounting Assistant Jackie Wentworth, ESF Sales Manager

chambernews.com | Chamber News 5

Calendars

CHAMBER and YPN

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.

For a current listing of all YPN events, visit siouxfallsypn.com.

YPN Focus Workshop: Grow your emotional intelligence through self-awareness Tuesday, Jan. 12 Noon-1 p.m.

Zoom

DETAILS: This workshop leverages the results of the Culture index Personality Assessment to help you identify and embrace your strengths and weaknesses in your personal and professional lives. You will learn how to effectively communicate with others that do not share your same traits by growing your emotional intelligence and leadership skills. Presented by Kristin Hoefert-Redlinger, Northwestern Mutual. Advance registration is required.

COST: Free RSVP: siouxfallsypn.com

A virtual networking event Tuesday, Jan 12

4-5 p.m.

DETAILS: Join us online for a virtual mixer. Participants will break out into small groups for conversation, so your “mute” button won’t be needed at this event. It is free to attend, but you must register in advance to receive the link to join.

REGISTER: siouxfallschamber.com

Good Morning Sioux Falls Thursday, January 7 7:30 a.m.

Facebook Live

DETAILS: The annual Good Morning Sioux Falls Legislative Breakfast is going virtual. Join us online for a conversation with local state legislators about their goals and expectations for the upcoming session.

YPN Reservations for Six Thursday, Jan. 7 Noon-1 p.m.

Chef Lance’s on Phillips 431 N. Phillips Ave.

DETAILS: Get to know other young professionals in the community in a small setting when you join Reservations for Six networking lunch. No agenda, just a meal out with your peers. Limited to the first six people to register!

COST: Food & drink on your own.

RSVP: siouxfallsypn.com

Business Sense Workshop: A remarkable customer experience doesn’t happen by accident Tuesday, Jan. 19 11 a.m. – noon

DETAILS: Presented by Nathan Schock, co-founder and president of FiveFour COST: $10 RSVP: siouxfallschamber.com

YPN A Seat at the Table with Chef Dominique Thursday, January 21 Noon - 1 p.m.

Hybrid: Zoom and Chamber of Commerce

DETAILS: Get to know Chef Dom from Chef Dominique’s Catering & Banquet Facility at this hybrid A Seat at the Table event. You can choose to attend in-person at the Chamber or join online via Zoom. Advance registration required.

COST: Free

Sioux Empire Livestock Show Tuesday, Jan. 26 – Saturday, Jan. 30 W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds Expo Building 100 N. Lyon Blvd.

DETAILS: Celebrate the impact of agriculture on the Sioux Empire! Livestock shows and sales take place throughout the week and commercial exhibits are open on Wednesday and Thursday the week of the Show. Volunteer your time or come out to see the region’s best market and purebred livestock.

For more information, visit siouxempirelivestockshow.com.

Mayor’s Round-Up and Sale of Champions Friday, Jan. 29, 2021

W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds Expo Building (north side) 100 N. Lyon Blvd.

DETAILS: Join area business leaders in supporting agriculture by participating in this auction of the best market livestock from the Sioux Empire Livestock Show. The evening includes a dinner and a silent auction to fund scholarships for students. Social distancing and other safety precautions will be in place.

RSVP: cboerger@siouxfalls.com

6 Chamber News | JANUARY 2021

2021 Legislative Calendar Legislative Coffees Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021 (Districts 6, 9 and 13) Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021 (Districts 10, 12 and 14) Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021 (Districts 11, 15 and 25)

Sioux Falls Day at the Legislature Wednesday, February 17, 2021 All day Pierre, SD

10—11:45 a.m.

Southeast Technical College

DETAILS: Legislative Coffees are an opportunity to interact with your local legislators by asking them questions regarding current legislation. Legislators from each district representing the Sioux Falls area are invited.

COST: Free

Key Legislative Session Dates Tuesday, January 12, 2021—Session Begins Thursday, February 25, 2021—Crossover Day Thursday, March 11, 2021—Session Ends Monday, March 29, 2021—Veto Day

DETAILS: Join fellow Chamber members in Pierre to show support for issues affecting the Sioux Falls area business community. Take advantage of direct access to your elected officials and make a difference on key legislation.

RSVP: tschreier@siouxfalls.com

Business Day at the Legislature Wednesday, February 17, 2021 DETAILS: Sponsored by the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce & Industry

The Coverage You Want.

The Commitment You Need.

Business | Home | Health | Life We all need insurance to protect our homes and businesses. You also need the support of professionals who stand by your side— sweating the small stuff so you don’t have to.

Fischer, Rounds & Associates combines the coverage you want with the commitment you need. That’s at Your Service. At Your Side.

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

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

Offices also in Mitchell, Pierre, Watertown and Rapid City

Offices also in Mitchell, Pierre, Watertown and Rapid City chambernews.com | Chamber News 7

Collaboration

you can bank on.

JANUARY

This calendar is a sampling of local events, concerts, fundraisers, seminars and more compiled from siouxfallsevents.com and experiencesiouxfalls.com/events. Visit these websites for a complete listing of events happening in the Sioux Falls area, or for more details on the events listed here.

1

First Friday in downtown Sioux Falls

1-10

Winter Wonderland at Falls Park

2-3

Benson’s Flea Market

2-31

8th Annual Downtown Burger Battle

7

Gonna Get Wed Bridal Show at Sioux Falls Convention Center

8

Deuces Wild Dueling Pianos at Orpheum Theater

8-9

Sioux Falls Stampede vs. Waterloo Black Hawks

8-10

Frosty Frolics

9

Levitt in Your Living Room: Terrance Simien

Show at The Atrium at Blue Haven Barn Raise Your Bridal Expectations 10

All events are subject to change.

15 Sioux Falls Stampede vs. Sioux City Musketeers Please check the online events 16 Balleraena Dance Studio presents:

calendars for the most recent updates.

Jennifer JohnsonSnow White and the 7 Dancing Dwarfs 20-21

Vice President

21-22 Branch Manager NMLS 470758 22

(605) 444-4058

8 Chamber News | JANUARY 2021

2021 South Dakota Governor’s Conference on Tourism (in-person or virtual) The Good Night Theatre Collective presents: A Royal Cabaret Wine tasting and food pairing at The Atrium at Blue Haven Barn ID 405612

23

SD Symphony Orchestra: Glorious Mendelssohn and Strauss

13

SD Symphony Orchestra: Valentine Romance

26-27

SD Youth Symphony Orchestra Camerata Winter Recital

13

Levitt in Your Living Room: Taylor Scott

26-30

Sioux Empire Livestock Show

25

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live: Neighbor Day

27-29

Sioux Falls Farm Show

26-28

Sioux Empire Home Show

30

Ice Fish Fest at Catfish Bay

27

SD Symphony Orchestra: Bridging Cultures

30

RESGEN Men’s Summit 2021 at Central Church

27-28

Sioux Falls Stampede vs. Omaha Lancers

FEBRUARY 5

First Friday in downtown Sioux Falls

5-6

Sioux Falls Stampede vs. Tri-City Storm

6

Frost: A Silver Key Gala for the Boys & Girls Club

6-14

Sioux Falls Winter Carnival

11

America: 50th Anniversary Tour at the Washington Pavilion

11-13

The Good Night Theatre Collective presents: Reality Wives

12

Sioux Falls Stampede vs. Lincoln Stars

12-13

DAPA presents: Wright! Celebrate the Beginning of Flight

12-14

Dakota Territory Gun Show

MARCH 2-14

SECT presents: The Music Man

11-12

Sportsman’s Show at Sioux Falls Convention Center

12-13

Sioux Falls Stampede vs. Des Moines Buccaneers

13

Levitt in Your Living Room: V the Noble One

16

Sioux Falls Stampede vs. Lincoln Stars

19-21

Menopause The Musical at the Orpheum Theater

21

Sioux Empire Wedding Network Bridal Show

26

Sioux Falls Stampede vs. Sioux City Musketeers

27

Sioux Falls Stampede vs. Fargo Force

27

SD Symphony Orchestra: Seven Last Words of Christ

6 new leaders 3 generations 1 unified goal In a year defined by change, L&S is changing, too. And we’re real excited about this one. We’re transitioning to a third generation of leadership, and we can’t wait to see where they take us.

Join us for the ride. Sign up for our monthly emails at L-S.com to follow along on our new journey.

L-S.com // 605.338.8000

chambernews.com | Chamber News 9

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

Promote your business in Chamber News.

Contact Steven Herman at (605) 373-2013 or chambernews@siouxfalls.com.

Economic Indicators

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

City of Sioux Falls Building Permit Data

Regional Unemployment Rates

November 2020

October 2020

CUMULATIVE YEAR TO DATE

6,608 permits

2018

7,079 permits

2019

BISMARCK

3.2%

6,811 permits

2020 0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

FARGO

2.9%

8000

MINNEAPOLIS/ ST. PAUL

Source: City of Sioux Falls

4.2%

RAPID CITY

3.7%

City of Sioux Falls Total Construction Value November 2020

SIOUX FALLS

ROCHESTER

3.5%

3.0%

CEDAR RAPIDS

CUMULATIVE YEAR TO DATE

3.7%

800 OMAHA

DES MOINES

3.0%

700

3.3%

LINCOLN

2.7%

600

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

500

Agriculture Trends October 2020

400

10

$9.63

$729.8 million $314.4 million

300

$9.24 $669.9 million $267.1 million

$734.9 million $266.5 million

$8.60

200

0

(IN MILLIONS)

100

8

$9.31 $8.99

$8.31

Soybeans 2019

2018

Source: City of Sioux Falls

Total Construction Value

2020

(per bushel) U.S. South Dakota

6

New Non-Residential Construction Value

Corn

(per bushel) U.S. South Dakota

Sioux Falls Region Housing Overview November 2020

$3.85

4

$3.40

$3.61

$3.75

New Listings: 327 Days on the Market Until Sale: 76 Median Sales Price: $232,000 Inventory of Homes for Sale: 976 Source: RASE (Realtor Association of the Sioux Empire)

$3.37 $3.03

2

October September

2019

2020

October

2020

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

chambernews.com | Chamber News 11

Noteworthy

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

2020 Accolades Sioux Falls consistently attracts national recognition for its favorable economy, business climate, cost of living and outstanding community amenities. Each accolade is well deserved! Here is a snapshot of some of the accolades Sioux Falls received in 2020.

#5 Hottest Job Market

Sioux Falls ranks 9th

for cities under 1 million people

– The Wall Street Journal

out of 384 metro areas for economic strength – POLICOM

One of the Best Places to Retire

#2 on the list

of Best Cities to Start a Career – Zippia

– Forbes

#4 Best City for Young Professionals – SmartAsset

South Dakota was 2nd

TOP TEN

on the Tax Foundation’s Index of Best States – Tax Foundation

A top ten best place to live in America – Livability.com

Sioux Falls ranks 11th out of 227 cities on the list of Most Livable Mid-Sized Cities in America – SmartAsset chambernews.com | Chamber News 13

Faces & Places

Faces & Places Our members do more than follow the news. They make the news. Job promotions and hirings. New projects. New partnerships.

Awards. Every day we hear about exciting accomplishments, historic milestones and other positive aspects of our member businesses that deserve to be shared. Submit news to jdoyen@siouxfalls.com.

Nathan Stallinga

April Meyerink

DakotAbilities

Black Hills Federal Credit Union

Christy Menning

Julie Nelson

McCrossan Boys Ranch

American Bank & Trust

Anna Heeney

David Johnson

Lynda Billars

Andrea Carstensen

CellOnly

The Lynda B. Advantage Corp - Lynda Billars KW

DAKOTACARE

Volunteers of Americas, Dakotas

Recognition of Chamber Volunteers The Ambassador Committee promotes the Chamber and assists in bringing new members into the organization. The Diplomat Committee works to maintain membership strength in the Chamber and provide outstanding customer service to members.

Their volunteer service helps to keep the Chamber strong.

Featured ambassadors and diplomats this month are: Nathan Stallinga, DakotAbilities, eight years as an ambassador; April Meyerink, Black Hills Federal Credit Union, five years

as an ambassador; Anna Heeney, CellOnly, two years as a diplomat; David Johnson, DAKOTACARE, 14 years as a diplomat; Christy Menning, McCrossan Boys Ranch, two years as a diplomat; and Julie Nelson, American Bank & Trust, 29 years as a diplomat.

Lynda Billars, The Lynda B. Advantage Corp – Lynda Billars KW, was the top-selling ambassador for the Fall 2020 Membership Drive and Andrea Carstensen, Volunteers of America, Dakotas, was the top Chamber Builder volunteer.

The Ace Award is given monthly to one ambassador in recognition of their sales efforts.

Lynda Billars, The Lynda B. Advantage Corp – Lynda Billars KW, was the November Ace Award winner.

Professional portraits of Chamber volunteers are courtesy Chad Phillips Photography, chadphillipsphotography.com.

14 Chamber News | JANUARY 2021

Ambassadors and volunteer Chamber Builders held a Membership Drive during November. Teams competed to recruit the most new members to join the Chamber. The first-place team for the Fall 2020 Membership Drive was Karlie Solum, Sanford Health; Tom Hackl, Colliers International; Bernie DeWald; Debra Peterson, CorTrust Bank; and Lynda Billars, The Lynda B. Advantage Corp – Lynda Billars KW (pictured above left to right). Team members not pictured: Cindy Johnson, Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort; Julie Nelson, American Bank & Trust; Derrick Karsky, Farmers Insurance Group/Karsky Agency; Dino DePerno, Crew Construction and Restoration; and Lexi Hossle, Central Plains Bat Removal.

New Faces & Promotions

Honors & Awards

Joe Bunkers has been named the new president and chairman of the board at Gage Brothers Concrete Products. Bunkers, a graduate of the University of South Dakota, has been with Gage for 21 years, holding positions in drafting, quality control, sales and operations.

He succeeds Tom Kelley, who passed away in October and had held the position since 2001.

University of South Dakota. Most recently, he was senior associate athletic director and assistant vice president of development at Miami University since 2017. He is also a consultant with College Sports Solutions. Schemmel grew up in Eden Prairie, Minnesota but has family ties to the Madison community. He will begin his duties on January 22, 2021.

The First National Bank in Sioux Falls has promoted four team members. Jeremy Menning was promoted from retail team lead to retail banking manager; Sabrina Degen was promoted from internal auditor to internal audit manager and vice president; Sam Minor, ag banker, promoted to officer; and Thomas Newman, ag banker, promoted to assistant vice president.

Black Hills Federal Credit Union has named Jerry Schmidt as their new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 4, 2021. Schmidt, who previously held the position of senior vice president, succeeds longtime CEO Roger Heacock upon his retirement.

Schmidt has served BHFCU for over 13 years and has demonstrated his ability to strategically manage and lead a diverse group of business divisions, including: Operations, Facilities, Risk Management, Insurance, Investments, and other ancillary business services. A Rapid City native, Schmidt’s extensive knowledge of the organization and region, paired with his passion for the credit union’s mission, will bring consistent and innovative leadership to BHFCU.

Adam Cox, The First National Bank in Sioux Falls, has been recognized by the American Bankers Association (ABA) as a member of their inaugural 40 Under 40 in wealth management. Cox has led the bank’s 43-person wealth management division as chief wealth management officer since 2016, administering more than $5.3 billion in assets.

He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of South Dakota, J.D. from the University of St. Thomas School of Law, and M.B.A. from the University of Notre Dame.

Jon Schemmel has been hired as the new vice president for advancement at Dakota State University. Schemmel is experienced with strategic planning, collaboration, and revenue generation, skills which he will be able to leverage as he leads the Foundation staff in support of the academic mission of Dakota State. He served for six years as senior associate athletic director for development at the

April Meyerink, Black Hills Federal Credit Union, received the SIOUXPERHERO Citizen Recognition Award from the City of Sioux Falls. The program recognizes positive stories, people and developments in our community.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 15

Faces & Places

Transitions Spherion Staffing & Recruitment Services has expanded its ownership team in Sioux Falls.

Long term Spherion employees John Funk and Karen Witzel join Jill Berg as business partners. Funk has been with the company for almost 25 years. He serves as vice president and chief operating officer across the three states that Spherion in Sioux Falls operates. Witzel began as an account executive in 2002, and worked her way up through the organization to the role of vice president of sales and marketing. She will continue leading by enhancing customer partnerships with quality talent selection and service excellence.

Lawrence & Schiller, Inc. announced a transition in leadership and plans for ownership transition in the coming years. Current owners Scott Lawrence, John Pohlman,

Leadership Mark Glissendorf and Dan Edmonds have stepped back from day-to-day operations and will serve as the agency’s Board of Directors.

Scott Lawrence will remain as president and CEO and John Pohlman will serve as chairman of the Board of Directors. The following new leadership team will take over daily management and operations: Ryan Gardner, vice president of finance; Tracy Saathoff, vice president of strategy; Laura Mitchell, vice president of marketing; Kristy Laue, vice president of creative; Jamie Hegge, vice president of client service; and Ryan Budmayr, vice president of PR & business development. The new leadership team will also transition from managing roles to full ownership over the next five years.

Good Deeds Smithfield Foods gifted $400,000 to the construction and operation of The Link, the community triage center. The facility, which will be located in downtown Sioux Falls, will offer assistance and serve as a first point of contact for individuals seeking mental health care or addiction counseling. The Link is a partnership of the City of Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County, Avera Health and Sanford Health.

KELOLAND Media Group announced the recipients of The Avera Tradition of Caring in KELOLAND grant program for 2021.

Fifteen nonprofit organizations will receive a grant for a television advertising campaign for education and awareness of their organization. The organizations receiving grants are: Active Generations, Boys and Girls Club of the Northern Plains, Center for Prevention of Child Maltreatment, EMBE, Helpline Center, Mitchell Safehouse, One Heart A Place of Hope, Pathfinder, River City

16 Chamber News | JANUARY 2021

Domestic Violence, River City Public Transit, Safe Harbor, St. Francis House, Volunteers of America Dakotas, Washington Pavilion and White Buffalo Calf Women’s Shelter.

The state Board of Regents on Dec. 10 approved the name for a new program unit at Dakota State University. The Paulson Cyber Incubator and Entrepreneurial Center (PCIEC) is named after Matt Paulson, a DSU alumnus, entrepreneur, private equity investor, and author. Paulson and his wife, Karine, have signed a sponsorship gift agreement for $300,000 to the Dakota State University Foundation. The gift will be used to directly fund the PCIEC, which will provide a tech-transfer, entrepreneurship, and business start-up center to work with both intellectual property from the Madison Cyber Labs and the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO) student club on campus. The center will be based in a facility on the north edge of campus.

Patricia Herman, Center for Disabilities, has been appointed to the Rocky Mountain ADA Center (RMADAC) advisory board for a 2 year term. RMADAC covers six states. It is a member of the ADA National Network and is actively involved with national projects.

Center for Disabilities staff members Patricia Herman, Wayne Weston and Jill Baker have been appointed as state ambassadors for the President’s Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide (PREVENTS) initiative. The goal of PREVENTS is to change the culture around mental health and prevent suicide, not just among veterans but for all Americans.

Mergers & Acquisitions ELO CPAs & Advisors (ELO), an eastern South Dakota CPA and Advisory firm, has acquired Brandt, Solomon & Anderson LLP (BSA), a Sioux Falls-based CPA and payroll management firm. ELO has offices in six South Dakota communities (Sioux Falls, Mitchell, Yankton, Huron, Chamberlain & Miller), and now has over 70 experienced professionals with decades of trusted professional and industry knowledge and the technical resources to better serve clients throughout the region. In addition, ELO has recently moved to a new Sioux Falls office located in Heather Ridge Village at 69th & Western.

Community Appeals

GREATER SIOUX FALLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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

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

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

to provide our members with assurance that a Community Appeals campaign is worthy of investment.

The Chamber will continue to closely monitor the economic environment and how it may further impact the viability of future campaigns; therefore, modifications to the Community Appeals campaign calendar may occur.

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

FORWARD SIOUX FALLS FEB. 1, 2021–JUNE 30, 2021

To provide programs that result in an improved economy and quality of life for those in our region.

SIOUX FALLS SKATEPARK ASSOCIATION NOV. 1, 2021–MARCH 31, 2022

To create a high-quality, multi-purpose, concrete skatepark/plaza in the core of Sioux Falls at Nelson Park. Once built, the skatepark will become part of the Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation Department.

THE FURNITURE MISSION OF SOUTH DAKOTA APRIL 1, 2022-JULY 31, 2022

To build a new and larger Furniture Mission facility on the Empower Sioux Falls Campus (previously the School for the Deaf Campus).

chambernews.com | Chamber News 17

Celebrating

Agriculture Each year the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Division recognizes a Farm Family of the Year and an Agribusiness Citizen(s) of the Year.

The 2021 Farm Family of the Year is the Stensland Family of Larchwood, Iowa. Lynn Boadwine is the Agribusiness Citizen of the Year. Both the Stenslands and Boadwine will be recognized at the Mayor’s Round-Up & Sale of Champions at the Sioux Empire Livestock Show and at the Agribusiness Division Awards Banquet in the spring. The Farm Family also shares their expertise by sitting on the Chamber’s Agribusiness Division Council for the year.

The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Sioux Empire Livestock Show is an annual celebration of the importance of agriculture in the region. Beginning in 1954, each January, agricultural producers and members of the Sioux Falls area business community gather to participate in a variety of events, from livestock shows and sales, to junior judging competitions and a trade show.

As a $25.6 billion industry in South Dakota, agriculture directly impacts the Sioux Falls area economy. The success of the Livestock Show is directly related to the efforts of several area businesses, individuals and producers who devote their time and talents to the event. In a typical year, the Sioux Empire Livestock Show has an estimated economic impact of $3 million.

The Sioux Empire Livestock Show is hailed as one of the largest prospect calf shows in the region. The show also features some of the best market livestock in the nation. In 2021, eight breeds of cattle will compete for the $12,000 Supreme Row purse.

The $12,000 Supreme Row competition is sponsored by the Tri-State Neighbor (gold), The First National Bank in Sioux Falls (silver) and Runnings (bronze). This competition is for

18 Chamber News | JANUARY 2021

purebred cattle. The purse is split between the buyer and the consignor of the animal that places at the top in this best of all breeds award of both the bulls and heifers.

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

Cover Story

STENSLAND FAMILY HONORED AS THE 2021 FARM FAMILY OF THE YEAR

By Wendy Sweeter For the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Four generations of Stenslands work together on the family farm near Larchwood, Iowa, that has been in the family for more than 100 years.

Stensland Family Farms has been selected as the 2021 Farm Family of the Year by the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Division.

Many in the Sioux Falls area are familiar with Stensland Family Farms because of the milk, cheese, pizza and ice cream products they offer in their own stores, as well as restaurants and grocery stores.

Doug Stensland’s parents, Arthur, 90, and Rosie, 87, continue to live on the farm. Doug and his wife, Mona, moved into Larchwood to make room for their three sons, Justin, Jason and Kyle, to live on the farm.

In the 1990s, Arthur retired from dairy farming. Doug and Mona decided at the time they were not ready to be tied down to the farm and worked off the farm for a few years. When

twins Justin and Jason were in their teens, they approached Arthur about renting his barn to start their own dairy herd.

Arthur asked Doug what he thought.

“I said we should just let them do it because if we didn’t let them do it then they’d blame us for not letting them. Then they can get it out of their system and go to college and do whatever. Well, that didn’t happen,” Doug said.

The boys got to start their own dairy herd with 40 cows, decided not to go to college and grew their herd to almost 200.

In 2010, they decided to put in three Lely robotic milkers and today they milk about 170 head of Holstein-cross cows.

With the time and labor saved by using robots, the family decided they had more time on their hands. They decided to start a creamery on the farm. Doug said the seed for a creamery had been planted years ago when the family would go on vacation and check out dairy farms that had the creamery on site.

(Above) The Stensland family. Members of the Stensland family include: Arthur and Rosie Stensland; Mark Stensland; Doug and Mona Stensland; Leah and Abe, Lilly and Sophia Moller; Jason and Paige, Jovie, Miles, Saylor and Logan Stensland; Justin and Chelsea, Kelton, Keira, Zylex, Rainalynn and Huxley Stensland; and Kyle Stensland

chambernews.com | Chamber News 19

Cover Story

The idea to start an on-farm creamery resurfaced about four years after the robots were installed. Justin and Jason asked Kyle and their older sister, Leah, to join them in the venture, along with Doug and Mona.

“It’s been quite a ride. It’s the most interesting thing we could’ve ever done, probably the hardest thing we could’ve ever done,” Doug said.

Between raising crops, milking cows, running a creamery and retail locations, nine Stensland family members work in the operation. In addition to the family, they also have 15 employees on the farm or in the creamery, along with around 40 employees at the retail stores in Sioux Falls. Doug’s brother, Mark, helps run the retail stores.

Now Doug and Mona’s grandchildren are beginning to work on the farm. They are seeing and experiencing all aspects of the crop farming, milking cows and making dairy products.

“Even if they don’t stick around and go on to other things, it’s a building block for when they get out into the real world.

It’s a way to carry on the family. Our goal is to find ways to keep the family around,” Doug said.

Doug enjoys the uniqueness of their operation, the ability to have so many family members working together and the challenges having everything on site brings.

2021 Farm Family of the Year The Stensland Family Arthur and Rosie Stensland

“This operation is unique in that we raise the crop, feed the cows, milk the cows, get the milk, process the milk, then run through and retail everything out. We’re basically vertically integrated all the way through,” Doug said.

Besides doing all the steps from farm to table, the Stenslands also offer farm tours. However, the pandemic has halted those for now.

Mark Stensland Doug and Mona Stensland Leah and Abe, Lilly and Sophia Moller Jason and Paige, Jovie, Miles, Saylor and Logan Stensland

“People like to see it from the beginning to the end,” he said.

Twin Bing ice cream is currently their best-selling ice cream. (Left) Stensland Eggnog. (Right.)

20 Chamber News | JANUARY 2021

Justin and Chelsea, Kelton, Keira, Zylex, Rainalynn and Huxley Stensland Kyle Stensland

The Lely Juno feed robot pushes the feed back up to the cows.

(Above) Calves relax in the original milking barn at Stensland Family Farm. (Left) The Stenslands installed three Lely robotic milkers in 2010. Cows on the Stensland farm wear collars that collect data and are scanned when entering the robot to be milked. (Bottom left) Stensland employees work on packaging cheese. (Bottom right)

chambernews.com | Chamber News 21

Cover Story

Riley and Lynn Boadwine work on the family dairy farm near Baltic.

LYNN BOADWINE

IS 2021 THE AGRIBUSINESS CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

By Wendy Sweeter For the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce There was a time when Baltic, South Dakota, dairyman Lynn Boadwine liked working with hogs more than dairy cattle.

Boadwine has been selected as the 2021 Agribusiness Citizen of the Year by the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Division.

Growing up on the family farm that was homesteaded west of Baltic in 1874, Boadwine went to South Dakota State University for a degree in general ag. When he returned to the family farm in 1986, he was an adult farming in the high interest rates of the 1980s. His dad was wrestling with whether or not to keep the cows. He kept them and Boadwine started milking them.

“He made me a deal to milk his cows and said if you want to add some you can and have income over feed costs. So that’s how it started,” he said. “I bought 13 cows from a guy and milked his three rows of cows and milked my row. I found out maybe Dad made a bad deal, but he probably figured out that’s what got me to go.”

Since those first 13 cows, Boadwine got out of the hog business in the early 1990s and has expanded the dairy herd exponentially. He is a managing partner in four dairy 22 Chamber News | JANUARY 2021

operations located near Baltic, Milbank and Sherman. Between the different locations, Boadwine’s group manages thousands of Holstein cows.

With the growth in cow numbers came the addition of employees. He says the dairy supports many families.

“You don’t do this all alone. You’ve got to have good people that are driven,” he said. “We have a lot of dedicated employees. There’s a lot of other businesses in our community that benefit from the business relationships. Good people is what makes it happen.”

While he notes some do not like large scale operations, Boadwine says every farmer counts and rural America keeps losing people. A large operation like Boadwine’s uses many resources locally to keep costs down and stay competitive.

“I think of all the wheat straw we buy. We’re using semi loads of soybean meal. In our operations, in corn silage and corn equivalents we probably use 2 million bushels,” he said.

To make the farm more efficient, they are working with a company from California to construct methane digesters to capture the methane from the manure. Boadwine sees a tremendous opportunity for agriculture to show how producers are battling climate change. While those not in agriculture can do things like buy energy efficient light bulbs or an electric car, producers can work on preserving and protecting resources.

One way they do that is to reuse water. They use a lot of water on the dairy to cool milk, clean equipment and separate sand out of the waste system. The water used on one part of the farm gets reused again on another part.

The cows themselves have also gotten more efficient from when he was growing up. When he was growing up, the cows would produce about 40 pounds of milk per cow. Now they are up around 90 pounds of milk per cow. Boadwine says that increase in productivity comes from rapidly changing genetics and cow comfort and makes a smaller environmental footprint because of her efficiency.

“It’s just better animal care, better genetics, better feed strategies,” he said.

While it’s not the most attractive thing to talk about, manure makes a difference for the climate too. The use of organic fertilizer through manure means less use of commercial fertilizer.

He and other producers are also using precision technologies to place the correct amount of manure needed on fields.

Boadwine also planted about 2,500 acres of cover crops this year in an effort to hold soil and fertilizer in place.

The Boadwine farm won a Beef Quality Assurance - Farmers Assuring Responsible Management Dairy Award in 2020. They have implemented the use of artificial insemination with the use of beef sires on their mature cows. All of those calves go into the feedlot sector. They implement genomics and sexed semen and use sexed semen on their heifers to get replacement heifers.

“We don’t have the answers and we don’t always get it right, but we’re always working on improving,” Boadwine said.

2021 Agribusiness Citizen of the Year Lynn Boadwine Family: Wife, Trish, and children, Riley and Patrick Hometown: Baltic, South Dakota Education: Bachelor of science degree in general agriculture from South Dakota State University

Lynn Boadwine is the 2021 Agribusiness Citizen of the Year. (Above) All of the cows on Boadwine Farms are Holsteins. (Below)

chambernews.com | Chamber News 23

Cover Story

Mayor’s Round-Up & Sale of Champions The Mayor’s Round-Up & Sale of Champions is the culmination of the Sioux Empire Livestock Show. Business leaders from across the community gather to show their support for the ag industry by participating in a dinner, livestock auction and silent auction.

The program features a presentation of the Supreme Champion bull and heifer from the week’s purebred shows, an auction of the best market livestock and recognition of the 2021 Farm Family of the Year and Agribusiness Citizen of the Year.

Past attendees of the Mayor’s Round-Up & Sale of Champions will see a number of changes to the event this year. First, the dinner has moved to a new location at the north end of the Expo Center on the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds. The large venue has ample space for tables to be spread out. Seating will be limited to six people per table. Attendees are expected to wear face coverings when not seated at their table.

Second, the silent auction is moving to a virtual format this year.

Items donated by local businesses will be posted online a week prior to the Mayor’s Round-Up & Sale of Champions. Buyers can bid on the items online throughout the week, up until the silent auction closes during the evening’s program. All proceeds from the silent auction go to fund scholarships for youth exhibitors.

The Sale of Champions is a big incentive for youth producers to attend the Sioux Empire Livestock Show. In 2020, more than $80,000 in premiums was paid out to 25 market livestock producers. A successful Sale of Champions encourages these youth livestock exhibitors to return to the Sioux Empire Livestock Show, as well as pursue a career in the agricultural industry.

Mayor’s Round-Up & Sale of Champions Friday, Jan. 29 Expo Center (north side), W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds 5 p.m. Social, 6 p.m. Dinner, 7 p.m. Program/Auction Cost: $300 for a table of six, individual tickets are $50, includes dinner RSVP: Casey Boerger at cboerger@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2010.

As a business, when you participate in the Sale of Champions, you demonstrate your support for agriculture. Buyers who participate in the Mayor's Round-Up & Sale of Champions are paying a premium to the market livestock producer. This means you are not purchasing the animal on which you are bidding, rather the dollar amount is in addition to the market price they receive for their animal.

Livestock premiums can be purchased by cooperative bidders to increase buying power. Partnering with another business is a great way to bump up the premiums for the young producers. Contact a member of the Chamber’s Agribusiness Division if you would like more information on how to partner.

24 Chamber News | JANUARY 2021

The Sioux Empire Livestock Show The Agribusiness Division of the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce organizes and hosts the Sioux Empire Livestock Show each January at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds.

Now in its 68th year, the show features more than 1,000 agricultural exhibits throughout the week of the annual event. People travel from around the country to buy and sell purebred cattle, watch the market livestock shows and visit the trade show.

The size of the Expo Center on the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds and the nature of a livestock show made it possible for event organizers to implement the necessary safety measures to allow the show to take place this year. Agribusiness Division leadership opted to extend the run dates of the show from the standard five days to a seven day show in 2021. The extra days allow for additional time between the various livestock shows, which ensure participants have plenty of time to transition and keeps the number of people in the building at any one time limited. In addition, participants are expected to wear face coverings, per the ordinance passed by the Sioux Falls City Council.

The trade show is set up on the north side of the Expo Building and runs Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 27-28. The event features exhibits ranging from agricultural products, animal supplies and agricultural services to western clothing boutiques, colleges/ universities and home goods essentials. Attendees can visit with

industry experts from across the nation.

All events associated with the Sioux Empire Livestock Show are free to attend. Whether you are returning to your agricultural roots or getting your first introduction to South Dakota’s largest industry, the Livestock Show is a fun way to support ag in our area.

Schedule of Events TUESDAY, JAN. 26

THURSDAY, JAN. 28

8 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Market Lamb Show 1 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Market Goat Show 4:30 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Welcome to Sioux Falls!

Ribbon Cutting 5 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4H/FFA Invitational Calf Show

Trade Show, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

8 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Market Swine Show 12 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pork Plate Lunch Sponsored by Midwest Communications 3 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Market Beef Show 7 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Supreme Row Judging 8 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Supreme Row Social

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 27 Trade Show, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

8 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Angus Show 8 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Limousin Show 8:30 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charolais Show 9 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Simmental Show 9 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hereford Show 10 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AOB Show 12 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cattlemen’s Lunch Sponsored by Midwest Communications 1 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Angus Sale 2 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Simmental Sale 3 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Limousin Sale 3:30 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charolais Sale 4 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hereford Sale 4:30 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AOB Sale

FRIDAY, JAN. 29 8 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prospect Calf Show 5 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Social 6 p.m. . . . . Mayor’s Round-Up & Sale of Champions $12,000 Supreme Row Cash Awards Presentation, Sponsored by Tri-State Neighbor, The First National Bank in Sioux Falls and Runnings SATURDAY, JAN. 30 12 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Breeding Heifer Show SUNDAY, JAN. 31 8 a.m. . . . . . . . . Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest 1 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Youth Judging Contest

Schedule subject to change chambernews.com | Chamber News 25

Business Advocacy

A new legislative session begins The day we have long awaited is nearly here. South Dakota’s 96th Legislative Session will start on January 12 at noon with Governor Kristi Noem’s State of the State address. People looking to secure a sense of serenity should leave the Capitol right after the speech and never look back. Staying to watch what happens over the next 36 days can be confusing, disorienting and occasionally infuriating. Fortunately for Chamber members, there is a team of two skilled lobbyists in Pierre, plus support staff in Sioux Falls, to make sense of the action and work to make sure the outcomes enhance doing business in South Dakota rather than obstruct it.

The 2020 November election has brought back familiar legislators along with a few new individuals. The 105 legislators include 35 Senators and 70 Representatives, who will be Debra Owen sworn in on the first day and will begin the work of considering legislation, including the state Greater Sioux Falls budget. The old adage from Otto von Bismarck is often invoked about the process of making Chamber of Commerce law. “If you like laws and sausages, you should never watch either one being made.” In other words, the legislative process, though messy and sometimes unappetizing, can produce healthy, “If you like laws wholesome results.

and sausages, you should never watch either one being made.”

– Otto von Bismark

The composite of those making laws in January 2021 will be: Senate:

• 32 Republicans and 3 Democrats. (The previous count in 2020 was 30 Rs and 5 Ds) • 21 Senators were re-elected.

• 8 Senators were Representatives in the previous election. Sometimes these elected officials can be identified as “crossovers” because they crossed over the Rotunda to now serve in the Senate.

• 6 newly elected Senators who have not served in the legislature before.

26 Chamber News | JANUARY 2021

House:

• 62 Republicans and 3 Democrats. (The previous count in 2020 was 59 Rs and 11 Ds) • 46 Representatives were re-elected.

• 3 Representatives were Senators in the previous election. Again, you may hear these referred to as “crossovers” because they crossed over the Rotunda to now serve in the House.

• 7 return legislators who have served in the legislature before but have not served in the last legislative term.

• 14 newly elected Representatives who have not served in the legislature before.

The South Dakota legislature has been governed by the Republican party for most of our state’s history. This election increased the number of Republican legislators to 32-3 in the Senate and 62-8 in the House of Representative. The previous highwater mark was in 1953, when the numbers were 35-0 in the Senate and House of Representatives 73-2.

Saving the best for last, the voters have set a new record of women legislators in our state. South Dakota voters have sent 30 women legislators to Pierre to represent them. The previous high-water mark for women legislators was 26 women in the early nineties. Nine of these women legislators will be serving their first term.

Congratulations to all of our legislators and thank you for serving. We look forward to working with you over the next three months.

The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce’s advocacy efforts are closely aligned with our membership and approved by our Board of Directors. As a Chamber member, you can track our work through our weekly newsletter the Advocate, our Bill Tracker, Twitter, Facebook and our weekly podcast. We are looking forward to representing the interests of our members in Pierre.

Accessible Business Expertise No matter your business. No matter your balance.

www.cornerstonebanks.net | 605-305-3400 chambernews.com | Chamber News 27

Headlines

A new digital front door for Sioux Falls A newly redesigned siouxfalls.com launched in late 2020. The website features fresh content and offers easy connections to the resources people need related to living and working in Sioux Falls.

The new siouxfalls.com serves as a digital “front door” to Sioux Falls. Whether it is a family considering relocating to the city, a college student exploring options for where they will live and work after graduation, or a professional considering a job offer here, siouxfalls.com will provide an overview of our community and connect users to more information.

The website’s simplified layout reflects the new Sioux Falls community brand, which is bright and welcoming. It has a responsive design that seamlessly displays the site on a mobile device, desktop or tablet. It features easy to use navigation, a robust search function, links to all major partners, beautiful imagery and more.

“We wanted to make the website more robust and less redundant,” said Mike Lynch, director of investor relations for Forward Sioux Falls.

business, careers, networking and business development, along with creating more links and pathways for next steps once someone is interested in learning more.”

“Our previous version of the site was largely anecdotal, with people writing primarily in a blog format about life in Sioux Falls. We’ve still kept some of that feel, but we wanted to broaden that to accentuate

The new siouxfalls.com blog will highlight stories from area community members and businesses. A plan is in place to keep the website fresh with new content, stories and video through 2021 and beyond.

28 Chamber News | JANUARY 2021

Siouxfalls.com is a product of the Forward Sioux Falls initiative, a partnership between the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation and public and private sector investors. It was designed and developed by Lawrence & Schiller, Inc. in partnership with Electric Pulp.

Dirt work is underway at the site of a new Amazon facility in Foundation Park.

Amazon joins Foundation Park Amazon will soon be part of the Sioux Falls business community.

Amazon closed on 80 acres along Marion Road on Oct. 15, 2020 and immediately began developing the site for a large-scale fulfillment center.

The Amazon site is located within Foundation Park, the 820+ acre industrial park marketed by the Sioux Falls Development Foundation.

Foundation Park was established in 2015 because community leaders recognized the potential for large companies needing land for growth and development in the region. Amazon fits that description.

Created in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, the City of Sioux Falls and Forward Sioux Falls, Foundation Park lies at the northwest quadrant of the intersection of Interstates 90 and 29. It offers contiguous sites ranging from five acres to 390 acres. Within minutes of the Sioux Falls Regional Airport and with full service by the BNSF railroad, the development park is located at a regional transportation crossroad.

As of the end of 2020, 177 acres had been sold with 577 acres available for purchase. The Park’s current tenants include Win Chill, Dakota Carriers, Nordica Warehouse Inc., New Century and Amazon.

Last January, staff of the Development Foundation began working with Brad Gullickson of Harr & Lemme Commercial Real Estate, who had a contact with Minneapolis-based Ryan Companies regarding a client interested in a large development site in eastern South Dakota. After submission of several sites in the region, Ryan Companies contacted the Development Foundation regarding the proposed Foundation Park location.

Needing a bit more land than was available, the Development Foundation reached out to McCrossan Boys Ranch to inquire about additional acres to satisfy Amazon’s need for an 80+ acre site. An agreement was reached, and Ryan Companies completed their due diligence to secure the site for development.

The new Amazon facility will have a 640,000 square foot footprint and will rise five stories. The total finished space will be approximately 3 million square feet, making it the largest building in Sioux Falls.

Amazon has said they will employ approximately 1,000 people in the operation of the facility. It is scheduled for completion in early 2022.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 29

Using Your Membership

Manage your profile in the new Member Portal As a membership-based organization, the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce strives to be responsive to what you – our members – tell us you want and need. You have been telling us that you would like more options for managing your accounts online.

We are excited to share that the Chamber has been adding features to our data management system and we now have more robust tools available for members.

Jami Gates

Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce

You will find these tools on our website siouxfallschamber.com in the top right corner of the page under the “Member Portal Login” link. There is a lot of functionality in these tools, exclusively available to members.

Once logged in, you will see options to update your individual profile, set your personal communication preferences, pay invoices and change your username or password.

The Member Portal homepage also displays at a glance any upcoming Chamber events that you are registered to attend. If you are in doubt about whether or not you registered for an event you want to attend, the “My Events” section is a quick and easy way to confirm registration.

If you are the editor of your business account, you will be able to update your business listing, change or add directory category listings, pay company invoices, add a discount coupon and add a business logo or photo. As the editor, you will also be able to update profiles of other individual employees. For example, you may wish to add a new employee to email distribution list or change the status of an individual who has left your company to “former employee.”

Once you have updated your personal information and communication preferences, please make sure to save your changes. Your request will be submitted for approval.

If you would like more information or assistance in logging into your record, please call our office at (605) 336-1620. We will be happy to help you navigate the process.

30 Chamber News | JANUARY 2021

Member Voice

A new green revolution creates opportunities for South Dakota If you have ever considered starting a new business or expanding an existing one, be prepared! Business, government and academia in South Dakota are teaming up to create a business climate second to none.

Our state is being catapulted onto the trade world stage.

The catalyst: agriculture. But not the agriculture of past generations. Today’s agriculture is about much more than food and fiber. It is about technology creation that will rival the development of microprocessors and computers. Technology advancements will change the composition of nearly everything we touch in our homes, businesses, medicine, transportation and infrastructure.

Jerry Schmitz

South Dakota Soybean Research & Promotion Council

Agriculture is going through a renaissance… and South Dakota is perfectly positioned to lead

Agriculture is going through a renaissance—a new green revolution and South Dakota is perfectly positioned to lead that revolution. The green revolution of the 1950s and ’60s focused on producing enough food to meet the demands of the world population explosion after World War II. The new green revolution has two components that open the door to tremendous business opportunities across our state.

The first component is protecting soil, water and the environment in the quest to provide food, feed, fiber and fuel for the world. Utilizing GPS, onboard computers, equipment sensors and drone and satellite imagery, farmers insert seeds into the soil with near surgical accuracy while using reduced or no tillage.

Desiccated crop material remains on top of the soil to protect it from wind and water erosion and help control weeds. Beneficial soil organisms slowly break down the crop material into nutrients for future plants, reducing fertilizer usage. New technologies are not only assisting farmers in reducing their carbon footprint, but the growing plants are actually capturing carbon dioxide from the air during photosynthesis and sequestering the carbon back into the earth—a win-win for climate change and the environment.

The second component of the new green revolution is the development of renewable, environmentallyfriendly consumer and industrial products from crops and livestock. Can you imagine a future where manufactured goods and consumables in your home or business include eco-friendly bio-based derivatives grown and processed by companies in South Dakota? Paint, carpet, furniture, cleaning supplies, lubricants, adhesives, flooring, insulation, shoes and car tires made of South Dakota crops instead of petroleum and toxic chemicals.

We no longer have to imagine because all of these products exist today. Goodyear is using soyoil to replace petroleum in car tires. Sketchers has done the same with shoes, and Ford began using soy-based foam in car seats over ten years ago. But these uses are just the tip of the iceberg because crop oils, which are often a by-product, can replace petroleum in just about any application.

SDSU is fostering growth of the new green revolution first component by establishing a major and minor in Precision Agriculture. They are constructing the state-of-the-art Raven Precision Ag Center which will house agronomy, engineering and computer science specialties under one roof, where students, faculty and industry will collaborate, conduct research and innovate. This initiative is drawing worldwide attention to South Dakota.

SDSU and School of Mines hope to advance the second component of the new green revolution by creating a public-private partnership designed to bring together faculty and research staff from both colleges and engage with private industry. The goal is to develop new uses and new co-products from crops and timber through biopolymers and biotransformation. The possibilities for business enterprise are unlimited.

There is no better place for new business to take root than where cutting-edge technology and raw materials are available. Still, there is another element that makes South Dakota attractive to the world. In recent years, trade representatives from several countries have expressed to me that they prefer doing business in South Dakota, even if at a higher cost, because they find us to be trustworthy, hard-working, compassionate people who value personal relationships.

South Dakota is open for business. Are you ready?

Jerry Schmitz is Executive Director of the South Dakota Soybean Research & Promotion Council and South Dakota Soybean Association. His duties include assisting these farmer Boards in establishing and overseeing soybean research and promoting domestic and international soybean usage. He is also responsible for assisting the development state and national soybean policy.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 31

Business Sense

Give your team every advantage It takes a lot of energy to keep up these days, both personally and professionally.

We are living and leading in what some call a “VUCA world.” The United States Army was one of the first organizations to use the VUCA acronym, which stands for: • Volatile – fast, unpredictable changes without clear patterns or trends.

• Uncertain – frequent disruptive changes where the past is not a very good predictor of the future.

Rana DeBoer City of Sioux Falls

• Complex – many different, interconnected factors come into play, with the potential to cause chaos and confusion.

• Ambiguous – there is a lack of clarity or awareness about situations which causes frustration.

To combat the challenges and fatigue that come with VUCA we must learn to manage our energy – it is the advantage we all need.

Because let’s face it: the energy of your people drives the energy of your business.

Let’s look at a few forms of energy that are important for business and teams right now.

32 Chamber News | JANUARY 2021

Purpose Energy. Building teams where employees have a shared purpose and vision is key. Leaders need to help their people to understand the bigger picture and how they personally fit into it.

Consistently communicate the heart-set purpose of your business through storytelling. Ask employees to share their customer and team experiences that amplify the vision and values of your organization.

Take advantage of employee one-on-one time to connect their daily work to the execution of your purpose. Go a step further by holding personal values workshops where employees can find and align their own purpose to that of your organization.

Physical Energy. Create the conditions where people can literally be active. This physical dimension enhances stamina, agility, vitality, alertness and recovery by helping maximize an individual’s capacity for energy. Short bouts of movement (even just 60 seconds) provide a micro-recovery to the moments of the day to reduce stress and replenish drive. Give your people permission and opportunity to be active: exercise corners, walking meetings, flextime for fitness, gym memberships or group yoga for lunch. And who doesn’t love a set of air-squats and arm-circles at midpoint during a meeting? Not to mention the laughter and social bonding that comes with these blood pumping, brain boosting movements.

Mental Energy. Work to enhance mindfulness and judgement;

this helps people focus on what matters most. Shift your team away from the “vacuum of uncertainty” where fear and frustration can ruminate, zapping mental energy. During change people want to know: • Purpose – Why are we making this change? What is the rationale behind it?

• Picture – What is the end state we are trying to get to?

• Plan – What are the steps we need to take to get there?

• Part – What is my role in the change? How do I help?

While you won’t always have all the answers, you do have the ability to keep communication lines open. Communicate clearly and consistently to manage mental energy. Schedule weekly town halls or provide a summary email of the week with consistent themes and topics including the reality of today and the hope of tomorrow. Keep your Slack status active, hold “open door” hours or virtual morning coffees to stay connected and provide reminders on purpose and today’s direction.

Emotional Energy. Increase human connection and confidence by being an empathetic leader. The emotional dimension addresses attributes that can help build constructive, healthy relationships which

foster trust and belonging. You can practice being more empathetic by spending time and actually getting to know your employees better.

Schedule individual time with members and create frequent check-ins with the team to actively listen. Try asking the question “What can I do to help? How can I (or the organization) support you?” Asking the right questions and sincerely listening will help you see things from others’ points of view. Consciously expressing your care can help people understand their own emotions better and make relationships more meaningful. Needless to say, all of this results in better engagement and higher productivity at work.

The best business strategy is powerless without people. Give your team every advantage to be successful today by investing in their energy through inspiration to a great purpose, active recovery and social time, certainty through quality communications and sense of belonging through authentic relationships.

Rana DeBoer serves as the Chief Culture Officer for the City of Sioux Falls where she helps develop a workplace experience that authentically reflects the mission, vision and values of the City. She works to create meaningful and purposeful connections while building a team of serviceminded leaders for extraordinary employee performance. Rana is a strong facilitator and coach with expertise in purpose-driven strategy to align business and people to their best potential.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 33

Membership

New Members AT&T Business

Telecommunications Brooke Berger, (605) 679-8947 3709 W. 41st St., Suite 1, 57106 att.com

ACE Academy of Sioux Falls

Associate Member Koul Malou, (605) 306-8006 2701 S. Minnesota Ave., Suite 10, 57105 aceacademysf.org

Arthur B. deWit Associate Member

Automatic Security Company, Inc. Fire Protection Darcy Evenson, (605) 336-3241 3011 S. Phillips Ave., 57105 automaticsecuritysd.com

Betz Blinds, Inc.

Home Furnishings Jim Nielson & Kristy Aeilts, (605) 357-0057 1111 W. 41st St., 57105 betzblinds.com

34 Chamber News | JANUARY 2021

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

Coast 2 Coast Fitness & Yoga Fitness, Health & Recreation Corey Vasquez, (760) 445-1923 coast2coast.shop

Comfort King Mattress Factory Home Furnishings Chris Larson, (605) 371-4540 4701 W. Empire Place, 57106 comfortking.net

Empower U

Rehabilitation & Physical Therapy Nathan LeMaster, (605) 212-6102 theempoweru.com

Falls Candle Co.

Specialty Retail Matt Leedom, (605) 370-9037 fallscandle.com

FiveFour

Business Consulting Nathan Schock, (605) 759-4802 412 S. First Ave., 57104-6058 devo.fivefourtraining.com

Jamison Company Real Estate – Anne Nelson Affiliate-Real Estate Anne Nelson, (605) 366-7729 6300 S. Grand Prairie Drive, 57108 jamisoncompanyrealestate.com

Jamison Company Real Estate – Chad Hetterman Affiliate-Real Estate Chad Hetterman, (605) 799-5035 6300 S. Grand Prairie Drive, 57108 jamisoncompanyrealestate.com

Jamison Company Real Estate – Greg Jamison Affiliate-Real Estate Greg Jamison, (605) 310-1930 6300 S. Grand Prairie Drive, 57108 jamisoncompanyrealestate.com

Jamison Company Real Estate – Jessica Baltazar Affiliate-Real Estate Jessica Baltazar, (605) 261-8351 6300 S. Grand Prairie Drive, 57108 jamisoncompanyrealestate.com

Lindberg’s Transmission

Northwestern Mutual – Trevon Moody

Mathnasium of Sioux Falls

Puls Inc.

Auto Repair & Service Jared Jansen, (605) 336-3538 6001 N. Cliff Ave., 57104

Tutoring Matthew & Susan Manes, (605) 334-6284 5009 S. Western Ave., Suite #230, 57108 mathnasium.com/siouxfalls

McGough Construction

Construction Management Clark Hagen, (605) 924-7150 630 First Ave. N., Suite 4, Fargo, ND 58102 mcgough.com

Nexus Venture Group LLC

Affiliate-Financial Services Trevon Moody, (605) 361-9788 2307 W. 57th St., 57108

Restaurants Greg & Jean Puls, (605) 361-6042 3500 S. Minnesota Ave., Suite 106, 57105

Punch’n

Home Furnishings Penny Kleindinst, (605) 338-3599 401 E. 8th St., Suite 108, 57103 simplyperfectshop.com

Sioux Equipment

Industrial Equipment & Supply Laurie Peltier, (605) 334-1653 1310 E. 39th St. N, 57104-0834 siouxequipment.com

Technology Services Patrick McGowan, (605) 413-3325 4316 E. 37th St., 57103 punchn.io

Ransom Church

Real Estate-Developer Rich Nasser, (605) 221-8370 P.O. Box 796, 57101

Associate Member Cody Tupps, (605) 339-3733 100 N. Ebenezer Ave., 57107 ransom.church

Northland Vapor

Rhonda Ribstein-Newman, Realtor

Specialty Retail Andrew Richards, (612) 743-8432 3800 W. 41st St., 57106 northlandvapor.com

Simply Perfect

Real Estate-Residential Rhonda “Red” Ribstein-Newman, (605) 728-5050 6300 S. Connie Ave., 57108

chambernews.com | Chamber News 35

Membership

Member Anniversaries Founding Members Argus Leader | LOCALiQ Publications argusleader.com Member since 1907

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

First PREMIER Bank

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

25 Years

Len’s Awning and Canvas

Banks firstpremier.com Member since 1914

Signs & Banners lensawningcanvas.com

Henry Carlson Co.

Employee Discount Services

Contractors henrycarlson.com Member since 1919

MidAmerican Energy Company Energy midamerican.com Member since 1907

Xcel Energy

Utilities xcelenergy.com Member since 1916

YMCA

Fitness Health & Recreation siouxfallsymca.org Member since 1919

45 Years

South Dakota Air National Guard/ 114 Fighter Wing

Associate Member employeediscountservices.com

New York Life - Brian Spader

Range Printing

First Year Reinvestors

Spring Hill Press

Education-Specialized Learning codeninjas.com/sd-sioux-falls

Associate Member wspringhillpress.com

Code Ninjas

Downtown Sioux Falls Rotary Club

10 Years

Associate Member downtownsiouxfallsrotaryclub.com

Trucking & Transit midstatestrans.com

Bill Earley

5 Years

FranklinCovey

Mid States Transport, Inc.

Anesthesia Physicians, Ltd. Physicians & Surgeons

John Paulson

Banks abt.bank

Associate Member bgcsiouxempire.org

Dakota Resources

36 Chamber News | JANUARY 2021

Affiliate-Insurance facebook.com/brianspaderNYL

Marketing & Design Services rangeprinting.com

35 Years

Associate Member sdsymphony.org

Think 3D Solutions Business Consulting letsthink3d.com

Associate Member 114fw.ang.af.mil/

South Dakota Symphony

Associate Member granitespringssd.com

15 Years

Associate Member

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire

Granite Springs Lodge

American Bank & Trust

Associate Member dakotaresources.org

Associate Member

Business Consulting franklincovey.com

South Dakota Historical Society Foundation Associate Member sdhsf.org

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 Timothy Meagher Timothy Meagher is the Chief Operating Officer of Vanguard Hospitality, which includes Minervas downtown, Grille 26, Morries Steakhouse and Turks & Caicos Cabana Grille. He has 24 years of experience in the food and beverage industry. Tim started his career at age 16 making pizzas and claims to have once made the perfect pizza, though he has never been able to recreate it so nobody knows for sure. Tim and his wife Megan have three children: Maxwell (5), Elizabeth (2) and Matayah (born July 2020).

Why does your company choose to be a Chamber member?

Well, first and foremost, it is wonderful to be part of a business community. I appreciate the support in marketing, thoughtful connections with other business members and attending well organized events to celebrate the good things that are happening in our city. I feel the support from the Chamber is unmatched.

What is your favorite dish on the menu at any of your restaurants?

Timothy Meagher Vanguard Hospitality

I’ll answer this in two ways. First, if you were following me throughout my day, you'd see me eat kids pizza at Morrie's with a side of mini corn dogs. Yep, that is it. Second, if I’m sitting down with someone to eat dinner or lunch intentionally, I’m hooked on the steak tacos at Turks & Caicos Cabana Grille. I add the Birria hot sauce for the perfect taco. My side dish would be Minerva’s spinach and artichoke dip, probably the most intensely cheesed up dish in my life.

What is one community or non-profit organization that you support? Tell us about it and why it is important to you.

Five Questions Retail & Restaurant Series

Chamber News has decided to shine a spotlight on a couple industries that have been hard hit by the pandemic – the retail and restaurant industries.

In the next several issues, our Five Questions segment will feature the owner of a local restaurant or retail store. With each personal profile, you’ll also find information about their business and products. Plus each Five Questions subject will be asked to ‘share the love’ by telling us about their favorite small businesses to support!.

The South Dakota Symphony Orchestra's Music Composition Academy, which is part of the organization’s effort to advance cultural understanding with the Native American people in our state. The academy is for middle school and high school students. The idea is that we as South Dakotans can focus on what we have in common: music. Our music is wildly different, but the love of music and the art of telling a story remains the same regardless of the style. The stories that have come out of it are amazing; from watching kids’ confidence improve year after year, to the personal stories they share through the composition.

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

"Learn what to say. Then learn how to say it well." This phrase changed my life. There are so many errors in communication with the search for understanding. For me, taking the time to work on and focus with this simple phrase has changed my approach to speaking with people. Considering my words “from my shoes” and then "from your shoes" before I speak helps create a bridge for the best possible outcome in understanding each other. If you care whether or not you are understood that is!

What is your favorite cold-weather activity?

If you ask my son, he will say something like "my dad makes probably the best snow angels ever seen in the history of snow." Doing cookies in an empty department store parking lot might be something I also enjoy, hypothetically.

Restaurant/Retail Series Question: What are some of your favorite local shops or restaurants?

Some of my go-to spots are Barrel House for burgers and kicked-up side dishes, 22TEN Kitchen and Cocktails, Coffea, Flyboy Donuts, or for macarons always CH Patisserie. As for shopping, Childs Play Toys since I am with my kids most of the time outside of work.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 37

From the Archive

Mid 1960s 1974

1983

1977

2004

Celebrating agriculture for 68 years The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce hosted the first Sioux Empire Livestock Show (originally called the Sioux Empire Farm Show) in 1954. Approximately 18,000 people attended the five-day show the first year.

They were drawn to Sioux Falls by the opportunity to buy and sell livestock and to visit the trade show and see commercial exhibits.

Now in its 68th year, the Sioux Empire Livestock Show is consistently one of the largest annual events in the city. People travel from across the U.S. and Canada to participate or watch the market livestock and purebred cattle shows and sales.

The Sioux Empire Livestock Show has evolved and grown over the years, but its core purpose remains the same as it was the first year – to promote and celebrate agriculture in our community.

38 Chamber News | JANUARY 2021

Your networking needs are one of a kind, not one of exactly the same.

Midco.com/Enterprise

Internet. Networking. Data Center. Phone.