July/August 2023 Chamber News

Publisher Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce

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

Chamber News Layout/Design Jill Blom

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 @GreaterSFCC

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Read online or find archived issues: issuu com/siouxfallschamber

Message from the Chair

You may have heard the phrase ‘the past informs the present.’ It captures the idea that our history is part of who we are and influences our perspective and actions. The concept is as true for whole communities as it is for individuals.

Those of you who attended the Chamber’s Annual Meeting last fall heard me talk about the vision and dedication of past leaders in our community. Where our city is today has everything to do with the decisions, actions and investments of those who came before us. Our predecessors modeled a spirit of collaboration, innovation and resourcefulness – an approach that remains a defining trait of our community today.

Paul Hanson 2022-23 Chair of the Board

The story of how EROS came to Sioux Falls, which you can read about in this issue, is a great example of the visionary leadership modeled by past business leaders. In the early 1970s, they saw an opportunity and pulled together to make it a reality. Today, our region is home to an image archive that serves scientists and land managers around the world – not to mention EROS employs hundreds of people and has a significant impact on our local economy.

I’m grateful for the investment made 50 years ago that resulted in EROS making its home here. Stories like this serve as a challenge for us. What can we do today that will positively impact those who come after us? How can we instill in the next generation the spirit of collaboration and vision that we’ve inherited?

In your business, I’m sure you spend time thinking about ways you can improve. You look for growth opportunities and consider how to leverage your resources for the best outcomes. Developing and training your employees is one approach that is sure to pay off. In August, the Chamber’s Young Professionals Network will host its biennial Crossroads Summit. I encourage you to send your employees, or perhaps attend yourself. This one-day conference will educate and inspire attendees, and it includes sessions on community leadership!

Let’s keep working together to create a better Sioux Falls.

2022-23 GREATER SIOUX FALLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LEADERSHIP

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Chair Paul Hanson, Sanford Health

Chair-Elect Scott Lawrence, Lawrence & Schiller, Inc.

Vice Chair Miles Beacom, PREMIER Bankcard

Treasurer Tamien Dysart, Think 3D Solutions

Immediate Past Chair Alex Ramirez, USA Media TV

Chamber President & CEO Jeff Griffin

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Joe Bunkers, Gage Brothers

Kim Burma, Midco

Kayla Eitreim, Junior Achievement of South Dakota

Dr. José-Marie Griffiths, Dakota State University

Jason Herrboldt, First Bank & Trust

Derrick Larson, Eide Bailly LLP

Jeff Lautt, POET

Tolcha Mesele, Smithfield Foods

Jacob Quasney, Lloyd Companies

Nancy Savage, Child’s Play Toys

Nathan Stallinga, DakotAbilities

Amy Stockberger, Amy Stockberger Real Estate

Vicki Stewart, Business Resource Network

Bob Sutton, Avera Health

EX-OFFICIO

Jean Bender, Minnehaha County Commission

Kyle Groos, Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools

Jim Schmidt, Lincoln County Commission

Kate Serenbetz, Sioux Falls School Board

Dr. Jane Stavem, Sioux Falls Public School System

Mayor Paul TenHaken, City of Sioux Falls

CHAMBER STAFF

Jeff Griffin, President & CEO

Joan Bartling, Vice President of Finance & Accounting

Jill Blom, Graphics & Communications Manager

Casey Boerger, Young Professionals Network Manager

Kyle Davis, Member Services Specialist

Jennie Doyen, Vice President of Member Services

Becky Griebel, Administrative Assistant

Brooke Hendrickx, Agribusiness Manager

Pat Lund, Member Relations Manager

Mike Lynch, Executive Director of Investor Relations, Forward Sioux Falls

Holly Rader, Vice President of Member Relations

Mitch Rave, Vice President of Public Policy

Teresa Schreier, Events Coordinator

Susan Seachris, Administrative/Accounting Assistant

What can we do today that will positively impact those who come after us?

Events Calendar CHAMBER

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

MEMBERSHIP

MIXERS

Tuesday, July 11 4:30–6:30 p m

Blue Rock Bar & Grill

4021 Bobhalla Drive

Tuesday, Aug. 8 4:30–6:30 p m

Bank Midwest

225 S Minnesota Ave

SPONSORED BY:

Morning Mingle

Thursday, July 27

7:30–9 a m

Bluepeak 5009 S Western Ave

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

COST: Free

Ag Appreciation Day

Wednesday, Aug. 9 11 a .m .–1 p m .

W .H . Lyon Fairgrounds

100 N Lyon Blvd

DETAILS: Celebrate the agriculture industry and enjoy lunch with the farmers and ranchers who feed the world

COST: Free

Business Sense Workshop

Practical email marketing tips for 2023

Tuesday, Aug. 15

11:00 a m –Noon

Zoom

SPONSORED BY:

Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar

$5 admission or use your Mixer Pass

ChamberHood–Downtown

Thursday, July 20

11:30 a m –1 p m

PAve, LLC

130 S Phillips Ave

DETAILS: Join us for an informative luncheon and a chance to meet some people from your neighborhood If you live, work or do business in downtown Sioux Falls, this event is for you!

COST: $30

REGISTER: siouxfallschamber com/events

DETAILS: Looking to start using email more for your business? Do you use it already and want to learn how to use it more efficiently and effectively? In this workshop, you’ll hear about best practices, actionable ideas and more for your business email strategy from the email marketing experts at 9 Clouds .

COST: $10

REGISTER: siouxfallschamber .com/events

Inside Washington with Congressman Dusty Johnson

Thursday, Aug. 24

Noon–1 p .m . Location to be announced

DETAILS: U .S . Rep Dusty Johnson will share an update on what’s taking place in Washington D C and will take questions from the audience

COST: $35

REGISTER: siouxfallschamber com/events

Morning Mingle

Thursday, Aug. 31

7:30–9 a m .

Hot Spring Spas of Sioux Falls

1605 W 41st St

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

COST: Free

UPCOMING EVENTS

GREATER SIOUX FALLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

To RSVP to any of these events, visit siouxfallsypn .com or call (605) 373-2002 . Visit siouxfallsypn com for a full list of events

Morning Buzz

Thursday, July 13

7:30–9 a m

Startup Sioux Falls, 100 E 6th St

DETAILS: Join other YPN members at Startup Sioux Falls for networking while getting your morning buzz (coffee)

Morning-minded young professionals are invited to enjoy coffee and conversation at the July Morning Buzz

COST: Free

Power Lunch

Wednesday, July 19

Noon–1 p m

Bagel Boy, 2505 S Minnesota Ave

DETAILS: Research says one of the best ways to improve your productivity at work is to take a lunch break So check out of the office (or your home office) for the noon hour and enjoy lunch with us! Please RSVP so we can monitor space requirements

COST: Free, food & drink on your own

Off the Clock

Thursday, July 20

4:30–6:30 p m

Crave, 201 E 8th St

DETAILS: Join us for July’s Off the Clock! In true YPN fashion, you will have a chance to make new friends and business connections by networking in a relaxed setting No registration required –just show up and encourage other young professionals or colleagues to join you

COST: Free

YPN Night at Catfish Bay

Wednesday, July 26

6:30–9 p m

Catfish Bay, 4805 E Tiger Lily St

DETAILS: Join us for “The Greatest Show On H2O!” This water-skiing comedy adventure for the whole family includes acting, singing, dancing, and more all choreographed to amazing stunts on the water Catfish Bay has trained skiers that have traveled the world and performed for Sea World, Universal Studios and Legoland!

COST: $15 00 cash, includes ticket entry and small concession item

Morning Buzz

Thursday, Aug. 3

7:30–9 a m

Phillips Avenue Diner, 121 S Phillips Ave

DETAILS: Get your morning buzz (coffee) with other YPN members Morningminded young professionals are invited Phillips Avenue Diner to enjoy coffee and conversation to start the day

COST: Free

A Seat at the Table with Karla Santi

Tuesday, Aug. 8 Noon–1 p m

Chamber of Commerce, 200 N Phillips Ave

DETAILS: Get to know Karla Santi, CEO and founder of Blend Interactive, at this Seat at the Table event Advanced registration is required

COST: Free

YPN Night: A Wellness and Food Truck Experience

Thursday, Aug. 10 5:15–7 p m

Anytime Fitness, 1401 N Marion Road

DETAILS: Get ready to both break a sweat and indulge in mouthwatering treats at this one-of-a-kind wellness and food truck experience, hosted by Anytime Fitness Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or simply love great food, this event has something for everyone

COST: Free, food and drink on your own

Find us on social media or visit siouxfallsypn com

Crossroads Summit

Thursday, Aug. 17

7:30 a m –5:30 p m

Sioux Falls Convention Center, 1201 N West Ave

DETAILS: The Crossroads Summit is one of the largest young professionals’ conferences in the region This year’s in-person conference will bring professionals from all industries together for a full day of inspiration, learning and building relationships

COST: $130 - Advance registration is required

2023 YPN Golf Tournament

Wednesday, Aug. 23

10 a m Registration

11 a m Shotgun start

Prairie Green Golf Course, 600 E 69th St

DETAILS: Event is sold out.

Action Team Meetings

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

Personal & Professional Development/Civic Engagement Action Team

Wednesday, July 26

Noon–1 p m

Chamber of Commerce

Social Action Team

Tuesday, Aug . 1 4–5 p .m .

Discovery Real Estate Co

7 Summer Concert Series at Old Courthouse Museum (every Friday)

7

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Events listed on these pages are curated from entries submitted to siouxfallsevents com and experiencesiouxfalls .com/events . Visit these websites for details on the events listed here and more events happening in the Sioux Falls area

All events are subject to change. Please check the online events calendars for the most recent updates.

JULY

1 Falls Park Farmer’s Market (every Saturday)

2 Sioux Falls American Legion Post 15 All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast

2 Sioux Falls Municipal Band at Terrace Park (Sundays in July)

4 Sioux Falls Independence Day Celebration

6 Lake Lorraine Farmers Market (every Thursday)

7 Greatest Show on H2O at Catfish Bay (every Friday)

7 Fridays on The Plaza (every Friday)

at

&

end events

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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

New Listings: 652

on the Market Until Sale: 73 Median Sales Price: $310,350 Inventory of Homes for Sale: 1,285

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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

Agriculture Trends

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

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.

The ACE Award is presented monthly to one ambassador in recognition of their efforts to bring new members into the Chamber. Lucas Fiegen, Fiegen Construction, received the ACE Award for May.

The featured diplomat for the month of June is Mychelle Garrigan, Firelink Digital Marketing LLC. Mychelle is new to the Diplomat Committee—she started serving in May.

Diplomat of the Month honors for June went to Bethany Buitenbos, Chick-fil-A Empire Place. The Event Champion award for consistent participation at Chamber events went to Andrea Carstensen, Minnwest Bank.

The diplomat team of the month for June was team Team Solum: Captain Karlie Solum, Marsh McLennan Agency; Tyler Schulte, Plains Commerce Bank; Nicole Garber, PREMIER Bankcard; Cindi Johnson, Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort; and Tyrel Kool, Levo Credit Union.

The Chamber’s Agribusiness Division recognized several volunteers with awards during the annual Ag Awards Banquet, held at Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort in June. Volunteer of the Year Awards, recognizing individuals who dedicate numerous

hours and ideas throughout the year, were presented to Wendy Sweeter, Lincoln County Extension; Cagney Effling, South Dakota Pork Producers Council; and Matt & Melissa Johnson, MPJ Cattle Co. The Rookie of the Year Award was presented to Maggie Vander Lann, South Dakota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, for excelling in her first-year volunteering with the Sioux Empire Livestock Show. The Above & Beyond Award was given to Julie Hammer, Sioux Empire Fair Association Jim Woster, Stockyards Ag Experience, received the Old Timer Award for his support, guidance, and mentorship to others, and his promotion of agriculture across the Sioux Empire. The Honorary Service Award was given to Joan Bartling, Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, for a lifetime of service to the overall success of the Sioux Empire Livestock Show.

Bethany Buistenbos Chick-fil-A Empire Place

Julie Hammer Sioux Empire Fair Association

Maggie Vander Lann South Dakota Soybean Research & Promotion Council

Lucas Fiegen Fiegen Construction

Jim Woster Stockyards Ag Experience

Cagney Effling

South Dakota Pork Producers Council

Joan Bartling Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce

Mychelle Garrigan Firelink Digital Marketing LLC

Ambassadors and Chamber builders held a spring membership drive in April and May Volunteers formed teams and engaged in friendly competition to recruit new members to join the Chamber The Top Selling Team is pictured at right: Brooke White, Sioux Falls VA Health Care System; Deb Peterson, community volunteer; Lynda Billars, The Lynda B. Advantage–Berkshire Hathaway; Monica Huether, Peska Construction; Cindi Johnson, Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort; and Kayla Jarchow, Book

Your Billboard Billars claimed Top Ambassador honors and White was the Top Chamber Builder

Honors & Awards

Jeana Goosmann, Goosmann Law Firm, completed the Leading Business and Personal Transitions program at Harvard University. The competitive-entry program is for business owners and leaders who are thinking about or are in-process of leading a transition within their own company. This program provides participants with sessions that allow them to examine and resolve issues through debate and building on ideas in small group discussions with peers from different experiences and viewpoints.

Four attorneys at Goosmann Law Firm were selected to the 2023 Great Plains Super Lawyers. This honor is limited to no more than five percent of the lawyers in the Great Plains. Jeana Goosmann, CEO & managing partner, was named to the Super Lawyers list for the ninth time. Joel Carney, chief people officer and partner, was named to the list for the third year. Barry Sackett, Sioux Falls managing partner and a trust law counsel practice area leader, is on the list for the fifth year. Daniel Epstein, partner and the

Acquisitions & Expansions

Weller Brothers Landscape Professionals will expand to Des Moines, Iowa in early Fall 2023. The expansion aligns with the company’s strategic growth plan to enter more Midwest markets over the next five years. Weller Brothers Landscaping is in its 22nd year of business in the Sioux Falls area; they expanded to Rochester, Minnesota, five years ago.

KLJ Engineering LLC has added the Lone Tree Engineering Services team to their company, specifically to their oil and gas practice. The partnership will provide increased capability and capacity to upstream and midstream clients throughout the Rocky Mountain region, Midwest, and Southwestern United States.

litigation practice area leader, was selected for the third year to the list.

Goosmann Law Firm also has eight attorneys selected to the Great Plains Rising Stars list. They are William J. Hale, Warren J. Ford III, Hilary N. Fisher, Janell K. Broekemier, Andrea E. Hinz, Rush Storz, Andrew J. McElmeel and Channing M. Burd. While up to five percent of the lawyers in the state are named to Super Lawyers, no more than 2.5 percent are named to the Rising Stars list.

New Faces & Promotions

Architecture Incorporated announced new leadership for its firm. Andrew Eitreim has been named as its new President. Jordan Burbach has been appointed Vice President. Mitchell Aldinger has been appointed as a Director on the Board, and Patti Monson and Lisa VandeVoort will continue as their roles Corporate Secretary and Treasurer, respectively. Former president of the firm, Steve Jastram, will continue in his role as Project Architect and mentor to the team.

Dakota State University has named three faculty members to new leadership positions. Dr. Mark Spanier has been named the interim dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. Spanier is Co-director of DSU’s Artificial Intelligence Lab and faculty coadvisor with the Edge Learning Consortium between AI Sweden and DSU’s Industrial Emersion Exchange Program. He has a Ph.D. in mathematics from North Dakota State University. Dr. Stacey Berry will serve as a grant-funded associate dean in Arts & Sciences for a period of two years. Berry is a Professor of English, chair of the Institutional Research Board, and the coordinator of Undergraduate Research. Dr. Mary Bell has been named the new dean of The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences. Bell brings 34 years of leadership experience and 13 years of teaching experience to DSU. She also has 20 years of service in the U.S. Army, with expertise in aviation and intelligence. Bell has a Ph.D. in International Studies from Old Dominion University, a master’s degree in International Relations from St. Mary’s University (Texas), and a Bachelor’s degree in International Business from New Mexico State University. She will begin her duties on July 31.

The Sioux Falls City Council appointed Jermery Washington as the next City Clerk. Washington is currently City Clerk in Box Elder, South Dakota. He has a bachelor of science degree in management information

systems from Midwestern State University (Wichita Falls, TX) and a bachelor of science degree in information technology from National American University. Washington served in the U.S. Air Force for 13 years. He is a member of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks and the National Association of Parliamentarians.

Caliber Creative hired Julia Smith as account coordinator. Smith will assist both the account services and leadership teams for the agency. She will coordinate a variety of projects for clients and monitor day-to-day needs, progress and timelines.

The First National Bank in Sioux Falls has promoted four staff members. Joe Miller is promoted to senior vice president and chief credit officer. He has more than 15 years of banking experience and has worked as an ag banker and ag credit administration manager. Stacie Swanstrom is promoted to assistant vice president. She is a personal trust officer on the wealth management team, with nearly 20 years of banking experience. Josh Kayser is promoted to ag banking team lead. Kayser has been with the bank for seven years at the Louise Avenue location. Amy DeYonge is promoted to retirement plans lead. She previously served as retirement plans specialist and has been with the bank for six years.

Interior Designer McKenna Shallberg has joined the multidisciplinary design firm TSP, Inc. Shallberg earned a bachelor’s degree in interior design from South Dakota State University and has experience collaborating with clients from design development through construction administration. Emma Anderson has also joined TSP, Inc. and is providing company-wide talent, branding, and recruiting expertise. Anderson earned a bachelor’s degree in advertising and marketing from South Dakota State University. She also completed an interior design certificate and a public relations emphasis.

American Bank & Trust has added four new team members. Tom Shields is senior vice president and business banking manager. Elizabeth Carlson is vice president of private banking. April Meyerink is vice president of business development. Ryan Krome is vice president and trust officer.

Nancy Vollertsen has joined Goosmann Law Firm as Of Counsel. With an impressive career spanning more than four decades, Vollertsen brings unparalleled capability in assisting employers with complex employee matters and defending them in legal and administrative claims. Vollertsen spent most of her legal career in Minnesota. She relocated to South Dakota in 2018, where she joined the South Dakota Bar and established a solo practice. Vollertsen earned her Juris Doctor degree from University of Iowa College of Law.

Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP welcomed four law students to its 2023 summer associate class. Trevor D. Case attends the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law and just completed his 2L year. Anthony O. Metzgar attends the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law and just completed his 2L year. Preston J. Tetzlaff attends the University of Nebraska College of Law where he is completing the business transactions program of concentrated study and just completed his 2L year. Nicholas R. Walter attends the University of Baylor School of Law and just completed his 2L year. Each summer associate works with supervising attorneys from the law firm’s litigation and business sections They will conduct research, draft substantive legal documents and accompany attorneys on a variety of legal matters.

Good Deeds

The Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) is sponsoring the new immersive water experience opening soon in the Kirby Science Discovery Center at the Washington Pavilion. The exhibit sponsorship includes a partnership between the two organizations to support science programming for youth. The sponsorship is valued at $80,000 over five years.

In celebration of their new eastside location, Black Hills Federal Credit Union gave individuals who visited the new location the chance to win $500 cash plus the opportunity to select a charity to receive a $5,000 donation. The $500 winner selected The Banquet to receive the $5,000 donation. The Banquet serves over 200,000 meals annually, with at least 25,000 going to children under 12. All meals are paid for and prepared and served by volunteers.

Employees of Black Hills Federal Credit Union raised more than $3,100 to support organizations that help kids and families. Staff members raised money for and volunteered time with four organizations: Special Olympics of South Dakota, Youth and Family Services, EmBe’s Dress for Success Sioux Falls, and Make-A-Wish South Dakota & Montana.

Levo Credit Union awarded $500 each to six area teachers as part of their AdoptA-Classroom program. Parents, students or community members nominated 73 educators for having made a huge impact on kids. The six awards were given to: Lindsey Irvine, Washington High School; Cait Haug, Discovery Elementary; Jenny Joffer, All City Elementary; Kelli Fantroy, Lowell Elementary; Emily Tompkins, Harvey Dunn

Elementary, and Jennifer Jensen, Valley Springs Elementary, Valley Springs.

Through the Levo Scholarship Program, five local students were selected to receive $1,000 each to continue their education. The 2023 Levo Scholarship Winners are Mia Bannwarth, Brandon Valley High School; Kelsie Gehrels, Roosevelt High School; Samantha Miller, South Dakota State University; Carter Richardson, Roosevelt High School; and Allie Weber, Roosevelt High School. Scholarship recipients were selected based on submitted essays or videos, recommendation letters, academic excellence and financial need. Levo has awarded more than $34,000 in scholarships to area students since 2010.

Be Seen

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1-7 The Chamber’s annual Business Fair & Mixer was hosted by the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center More than 40 Chamber member businesses showcased their products and services at exhibitor booths Guests were able to network, visit booths and register for prize drawings

8-12 The Young Professionals Network hosted Intro Sioux Falls at Great Shots in June The event is designed to welcome newcomers to the city and connect them to businesses, activities and attractions that will help them settle into their new home

13-14 The monthly Morning Mingle event is an opportunity for Chamber members to start their day with coffee and networking Puetz Design + Build, Inc hosted guests at their office on the northwest side of Sioux Falls

Be Seen

15 The YPN Golf League is a popular summer activity for young professionals seeking to blend recreation and networking The sold-out league kicked off in June and runs through the summer 16 New members of the YPN learned how to maximize their membership at a New Member Coffee . 17 Leaders of the Forward Sioux Falls 2026 Campaign briefed investors on the program’s initiatives and impact

A BOLD LAUNCH: AUGUSTANA FINTECH

augie.edu/fintech

First of its kind in the region.

Courses available in Fall 2023.

Internships with Sioux Falls companies.

The Augustana University Fintech Program by PathwardTM is a groundbreaking program for business students in the region.

The program, with the support of Augustana’s key strategic partner, PathwardTM, N.A., (formerly MetaBank, N.A.), offers accounting, finance, computer science, statistics and economics courses. Students will learn how to use technology to make financial services better, faster and more convenient.

18-21 The annual Agribusiness Awards Banquet was held in June at Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort Guests enjoyed a round-up themed dinner and social hour Awards were presented to volunteers and businesses for their contributions to the Agribusiness Division in the past year

22 Participants of a recent Business Sense Workshop learned from Bob McNaney, The McNaney Group, strategies for communicating during a crisis

Be Seen

23-24 Young professionals gathered at McDonalds for coffee and networking at the June Morning Buzz event 25-26 The Chamber’s Business Leadership Council hosted executives who are new to Sioux Falls for breakfast and a briefing on the community .

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.

ACTIVE GENERATIONS

APRIL 1, 2023–JULY 31, 2023

To add a second Active Generations location on the east side of Sioux Falls.

VETERANS COMMUNITY PROJECT

NOV. 1, 2023-MARCH 31, 2024

To build a village of 25 tiny homes for homeless veterans in the Sioux Falls area. A Village Center will also be constructed to facilitate behavioral/physical wellness, serving to link to other services.

LIFESCAPE HOSPITAL & SCHOOL

APRIL 1, 2024-JULY 31, 2024

To construct a new campus to increase residential service capacity, specialty school capacity and outpatient services.

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Crossroads Summit Summit Grow together. Lead together.

More than 400 people are expected to gather at the Sioux Falls Convention Center on Thursday, August 17 for a day of learning, networking and professional growth. The 2023 Crossroads Summit will bring together people of all ages, from all industries and from across the region.

The Crossroads Summit is a one-day, biennial conference hosted by the Young Professionals Network of the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce. This year’s agenda features two keynote speakers, multiple breakout sessions, opportunities to network and the announcement of the 4 under 40 Award winners.

James Gaspar, Interstate Office Products, and Nichelle Lund, Holiday Inn City Centre, are co-chairs for the Crossroads Summit. They selected the theme “Grow together. Lead together.” for this year’s event with a goal of digging in on what young professionals are seeing and experiencing right now.

Lund stated, “We are living through our whole community growing up and out. At the same time, we are seeing ourselves and our peers growing into leadership roles within our organizations. It makes sense to ensure we are providing

August 17

Sioux Falls Convention Center

opportunities to utilize these whole-life qualities that can help YPs and the community through this exciting journey. YPs are constantly on the look-out for opportunities to learn and grow, and in our experience, we can do this much better when we do it together.”

Author and business leader Alyson Van Hooser will give the featured keynote presentation, sharing lessons learned through struggles and providing practical strategies to create and sustain success. The morning will feature Matt Paulson, CEO of MarketBeat, speaking on the topic of the business culture of Sioux Falls.

In between attendees will choose from a variety of breakout sessions, all led by local industry experts. The breakout sessions are grouped into one of four tracks: The State of our City; Personal Development; Professional Development; and

Technology & Innovation. Attendees can pick a track and follow it throughout the day or jump from one to the next to customize their experience.

“The YPN Crossroads Summit has earned its reputation as the premiere event for young professionals in the Sioux Falls area by consistently raising the bar for what YPs can expect from a professional development conference,” said co-chair Gaspar. “This year, we are bringing two YPs to the main stage to share how young people can elevate their personal profile within their organizations and within the community. The lessons learned at the Crossroads Summit are essential to the continued development of Sioux Falls’ next generation of leaders.”

The YPN 4 under 40 award winners will be announced during the luncheon. The awards seek to recognize and celebrate the achievements of young leaders in the Sioux Falls area. Four individuals who have demonstrated commitment to their industry, successful collaboration, leadership by example and/or a willingness to mentor and motivate others will be honored. The nomination period for 4 under 40 awards closed at the end of June, and all nominees will be announced in July.

Tickets are $130 per person and can be reserved at siouxfallsypn.com/crossroads-summit.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS Alyson

Van Hooser

Leadership podcaster, author, consultant, and keynote speaker. Alyson works to inspire leadership, communication and connection.

Matt Paulson

Founder and CEO of MarketBeat, an Inc. 5000 financial media company that empowers equity investors to make better trading decisions with real-time financial data, in-depth analysis, and best-in-class stock research tools.

Journey

Amy

Real

The

University

South

Eide Bailly

Crossroads Summit Crossroads Summit

Thursday, August 17 • 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Sioux Falls Convention Center, 1201 N. West Ave.

SCHEDULE

7:30–8:30 a.m. Registration, Networking & Engagement Spaces

8:30– 9:45 a.m. Opening Session

10–10:45 a.m.

Breakout Session 1

10:45–11 a.m. Morning Pick-Me-Up & Engagement Spaces

11–11:45 a.m.

Breakout Session 2

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT TRACK

Becoming a Leader People Want to Follow Mayor Paul TenHaken, City of Sioux Falls

Thriving in Change

Dr. Wallace J. Jackmon, Avera

Creating Financial Resilience: Responding to the Macro World’s Impact on Your Finances

Adam Cox, The First National Bank in Sioux Falls

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRACK

The Journey of Failing Forward: Unleashing Your Superpowers to Embrace Success

Amy Stockberger, Amy Stockberger Real Estate

Owning Your Growth Panel Discussion

Moderated by Sadie Swier, SD CEO East Women’s Business Center

Dzenan Berberovic, Avera Health

Addie Graham-Kramer, The Event Company

April Meyerink, American Bank & Trust

Stepping Into Leadership

Jeff Griffin, Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce

Noon–1:15 p.m.

Lunch and 4 Under 40 Awards

1:30–2:15 p.m.

Breakout Session 3

2:15–2:30 p.m.

Afternoon Pick-Me-Up & Engagement Spaces

2:45–4 p.m. Closing Session

4:15–5:30 p.m. Post Party

TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION TRACK

Improving Healthcare through A.I. and Machine Learning

Bobby Menzie and Doug Nowak, Sanford Health

Additional sessions to be announced

THE STATE OF OUR CITY TRACK

Leadership: Don’t Leave it to Chance

Bob Mundt, Sioux Falls Development Foundation, and Mike Lynch, Forward Sioux Falls

Next Generation in the Statehouse Panel

Moderated by Andrew Curley, Midco

SD Rep. Kameron Nelson

SD Rep. Taylor Rehfedlt

SD Rep. Tyler Tordsen

SD Rep. Kadyn Wittman

Real Estate Rockstars: Commercial Brokers

Helping Shape Sioux Falls Panel

Moderated by Jodi Schwan, SiouxFalls.Business

Gregg Brown, NAI Sioux Falls

Nick Gustafson, Bender Commercial Real Estate

Alexis Mahlen, Lloyd Companies

Mike Van Buskirk, Van Buskirk Companies

VOICES OF YPN

Why did you choose to build your career in Sioux Falls?

My family, who encourages me, is close but also the community here is top-notch . As I attended college at the University of Sioux Falls, my eyes were opened to the endless opportunities in Sioux Falls It wasn’t until my career led me to the community in downtown Sioux Falls, though, that I realized how much the surrounding business leaders want to help people succeed .

What is one area in which you plan to pursue personal or professional growth in the next year? (i.e. a new skill to learn, milestone to achieve, etc.)

Since I just graduated college, my main focus is building up my portfolio and learning new aspects of the marketing field .

What is your go-to way to encourage others in their personal/professional growth?

By pushing them outside of their comfort zone and supporting them even when they fail

My husband and I chose to live here over Rapid City and Minnesota because Sioux Falls is a great town . There are always growth opportunities and options in tons of fields . I started in the medical field and have now pursued finance, all in Sioux Falls

First Interstate Bank

The city is growing like crazy . To me, there’s no better place to build a career where I am still close to all my friends and family, but still have the career opportunities that other larger metros offer

–

I would like to be more involved in decision making in YPN and perhaps join a committee .

Acknowledge the hard work they do even if it is something they think is small, and be supportive of staff wanting to attend training to increase their knowledge .

– Laycee Kluin, MarketBeat

– Sydney Becker, Fit My Feet Orthotics & Shoes

– Antonio Casiello, Interstate Office Products

– Lindsey Mossman, Sioux Falls Police Department

– April Schulte, Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired

Blake Chesley, The First National Bank in Sioux Falls

Fifty years of partnership How business leaders brought EROS to Sioux Falls

By Sheri Levisay, KBR Communications, contractor to USGS EROS Center

“We’ll give the land.”

When Al Schock blurted out that promise during a trip to Washington, D.C., in early 1970, it tipped the scales in the city’s favor: Sioux Falls would be the future home of the U.S. Geological Survey’s Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center.

Schock and his fellow Sioux Falls boosters were lobbying for a program that was full of promise but largely untested. They couldn’t have anticipated that 50 years, nine satellites and hundreds of employees later, the EROS Center would host one of the largest image archives in the world, with a staggering 73 petabytes of data. Or that the Landsat program and EROS science products, ranging from fire and forest monitoring to urban heat mapping to agriculture and vegetation analysis, would have an annual economic impact of $3.45 billion worldwide, with $2.06 billion in the United States alone.

It’s no stretch to say that these remarkable accomplishments would not have come to pass without the hard work, creativity and determined attitude of a group of Sioux Falls business leaders. EROS—with its educated workforce, scientific prestige and economic contributions to the community—became

the first gem in a long string of successes for economic development in Sioux Falls.

A satellite trained on Earth

In the post-Sputnik mad dash to explore space, NASA was focused on the moon. But the U.S. Geological Survey saw equal promise in the early Earth images taken by U.S. astronauts. Scientists William Fischer and Charles Robinove pitched the idea of a fixed-orbit satellite trained on Earth’s landscapes, collecting consistent images around the entire planet to observe change.

USGS chief William Pecora sold the idea to Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall, who essentially created the EROS program via press release in 1966. NASA agreed, in 1968, to build the Earth Resources Technology Satellite (ERTS-1) satellite and launch it in 1971 or 1972. (In 1975, the ERTS missions were renamed Landsat, just in time for the launch of Landsat 2.)

Once the Department of the Interior determined the center of the 48 contiguous states would be the best place for satellite reception, cities from Topeka, Kansas, to Sioux Falls started competing to host a space-age, high-tech data center

Top left: An aerial image of the EROS Center campus in 1973 Top right: A map of the area the Department of Interior considered the “sweet spot” for a potential EROS location that would be the best site for satellite data reception

to develop, catalog and interpret what was estimated to be 25,000 images in the first year.

The Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce and Sioux Falls Development Foundation led lobbying efforts. South Dakota had an edge with its high-powered congressional delegation. Senate Minority Leader Karl Mundt, a personal friend of then-President Richard Nixon, and Rep. Ben Reifel both were the ranking members of their respective Interior Appropriations Committees. They worked to secure funding for the project.

On March 30, 1970, another preemptive press release, this one from Mundt’s office, proclaimed that Sioux Falls had been chosen—somewhat before it was 100% official. Now the hard work of making the center a reality began.

Operation Ground Shot

In addition to lobbying for the EROS Center, the Chamber and Development Foundation had long wanted to build an industrial park to attract more businesses, so they tied the two projects together, launching Industrial Development Week on April 23, 1970. Pecora spoke at the kickoff event, and a traveling display was created with exhibits about EROS, other local industries, samples of moon dust and a South Dakota flag that had been carried to the moon by Apollo 11 astronauts. For a $2 donation, people received a button proclaiming them as “Sioux Empire Builders.”

Next came Operation Ground Shot. On May 21, 1970, dozens of members started a fund-raising drive in the business

community, with a goal of raising $390,000 to buy the land for EROS and the industrial park. By the end of July, $480,000 had been raised—and now a site needed to be found for the data center.

From Pecora, organizers had learned the specifics. The EROS center would have to be within 10 miles of the airport and meet soil stability and water requirements. It would also have to ensure low electronic interference. And instead of the 10 acres Schock had envisioned when he made the offer of land, the site itself would require 100 acres, plus a 200-acre buffer zone! His response exemplified the attitude of the coalition working on the project: “Whatever is required, we will do it.”

And that’s just what they did. After 318 acres were purchased from the Froseth and Hegge farms, federal funding to build the center stalled in Washington. Sioux Falls devised an innovative solution: the Development Foundation would secure the $5.5 million loan, build the center, then lease it back to the federal government for 20 years until it was paid off.

Breaking new ground

There was no template for how to build a photo processing and interpretation facility on this scale. Local architectural and engineering firms Spitznagel Partners Inc. (now TSP, Inc.) and Fritzel, Kroeger, Griffin and Berg designed the building and infrastructure, including five processing pools to ensure that photochemicals didn’t enter the groundwater system.

Left: Undersecretary of the Interior William Pecora arrives for Industrial Development Week in Sioux Falls, an event to raise funds for EROS Front, left to right: Al Schock, Sioux Falls Mayor Mike Schirmer, Congressman Ben Reifel, William Pecora Back, left to right: Bob Elmen, Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce President Louis Warren, Dave Stenseth, Merlyn Veren Right: The Sioux Falls delegation on the bus headed for the launch of ERTS-1 (Landsat 1) in 1972

That “from scratch” quality permeated much of the activity required to make EROS a reality:

• When farmers were worried about potential electrical effects and land price issues, business leaders helped county commissioners and EROS chief Glenn Landis communicate about rezoning—which eventually passed with no protest.

• The new building would not be ready in time to begin processing Landsat 1 photos, so the Soo Hudson building at 10th Street and Dakota Avenue became the Downtown Office. No telephones or typewriters were present for the office’s opening September 28, 1971, but it eventually housed the film, photo processing equipment and the IBM 360-30 computer—with a memory capacity of 64,000 bytes.

• A federal hiring freeze posed problems for hiring the workers needed, but the Job Service of South Dakota coordinated training programs for unemployed people using the Work Incentive Program. Fifteen new employees learned the complexities of photo processing in an intensive six-week program.

Schock staged the actual groundbreaking ceremony with characteristic panache. Pecora, now Undersecretary of the Interior, Merlyn Veren (who lobbied for the project in Washington, D.C.) and EROS director Glenn Landis helped guide a mule-drawn plow to turn earth at the EROS site on a cool morning, April 14, 1972.

During the ceremonies, Fischer, one of the scientists who conceived of EROS, summed up the massive scale of the project: “It is the largest Earth scientific experiment ever undertaken by man, and possibly the most significant.”

Landsat 1 launched on July 23, 1972, from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. A delegation from South Dakota included Governor Dick Kneip and many of the local supporters who had worked to make EROS a reality.

The world comes to Sioux Falls

Every 18 days, Landsat 1 recorded a complete scan of the entire Earth, and that ability to consistently detect land change over time across the globe was unprecedented in human history. Scientists immediately saw the possibilities for mapping, agriculture, disaster relief, locating minerals, forestry and dozens of other applications.

Even before the EROS Center opened its doors, 33 researchers from around the world came to Sioux Falls for the first international training course in June 1973, learning how to read satellite imagery. These workshops continued to bring in visitors from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe twice a year through the late 1980s, offering not only training but also imagery useful in their home countries.

Top: Undersecretary of the Interior William Pecora, Merlyn Veren and EROS director Glenn Landis guide a mule-drawn plow to turn earth at the EROS ground-breaking on April 14, 1972 Center: Al Schock (left), President Richard Nixon, South Dakota Governor Frank Farrar and Bob McCaughey, aide to Senator Karl Mundt, present the EROS deed to Nixon Bottom: An ad for Industrial Development Week

Along with international visitors, officials and scientists from state and federal agencies also flocked to EROS in those early years, all hungry for training and data. By April 1975, for example, projects included the South Dakota Land Use Project; flood and flood-plain analyses; an inventory of shelterbelts in the Plains states; an environmental evaluation of strip mines; and assistance for the Algerian Ministry of Hydraulics to establish remote sensing planning.

Scientists and engineers recruited from Berkeley and across the country raised their families in Sioux Falls and contributed to dozens of monitoring, mapping and archiving programs housed at EROS. Today, the more than 600 EROS employees contribute to the Sioux Falls and South Dakota economy in their own right but also via the value of the unparalleled archive and its scientific products they maintain and study.

• The archive contains millions of images of aerial photography, both before and during the satellite era; EROS is the federal repository for those resources.

• Space photography, from Apollo to Skylab, also is housed at EROS.

• In 1996, EROS received 800,000 declassified spy photoreconnaissance satellite images collected from 1960 to 1972.

To offer just one example, it allows EROS-based programs like LANDFIRE or Monitoring Trends in Burn Severity to trace the fire history in a particular spot—the Black Hills or the Great Smoky Mountains or the Sierra Nevada—and interpret where fires are likely to happen and preemptively set prescribed burns.

Next for EROS and Sioux Falls

Today, Landsats 8 and 9 work in tandem to give a complete picture of the world every eight days. With the anticipated launch of Landsat Next in 2030, a trio of satellites with enhanced spectral imaging will narrow that window to map Earth every six days, creating even more societal benefits.

The unparalleled archive data, along with EROS scientists’ industry-defining satellite imagery calibration and validation techniques, also help ensure the longevity of the center’s contributions to the world in general and Sioux Falls in particular.

In the 50 years since the EROS center opened its doors, Sioux Falls has tripled in population, while the workforce at EROS has doubled. Time and again, the business community has supported the center, hosting anniversary celebrations over the decades and even participating in a ceremonial burning of the original 20-year lease in 1994. In turn, EROS’ scientific cachet is tapped by economic developers to attract businesses and people to the metro area.

dedication and innovation of visionary local leaders—and one

of Earth faithfully recorded for the past 50 years by Landsat. This valuable satellite data, now accessible at no cost to scientists and land managers across the globe, acts like a time

Left: The growth of Sioux Falls is depicted in images from Landsat 1 (1972); Landsat 5 (1984) and Landsat 9 (2022) Below: An aerial image of the EROS Center today

DE&I Activator Series concludes

In 2021, the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce launched the DE&I Activator Series to support businesses pursuing diversity, equity and inclusion goals. The program was established in response to a desire expressed by Chamber members as well as Forward Sioux Falls investors. The Chamber partnered with Pathways to Inclusive and Equitable Workplaces to build a comprehensive curriculum and attract high-quality presenters.

Through the DE&I Activator Series, participants have had the opportunity to explore key concepts, strategies, mindsets and skill sets that boost their knowledge of how to activate a diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) culture shift in their workplace and to best serve their customers. The curriculum offered concrete application strategies to help a workplace envision its DE&I goals and identify steps for implementation. The topics were structured to build on the content of the previous session.

Participation in the series was strong – employees from over 300 businesses participated in at least one session over the past two years. The series delivered 18 virtual and in-person sessions and the total

number of attendees was 2,333. Twentyfour individuals completed all seven sessions offered in the second year and were recognized as being a DE&I Activator.

The Chamber strives to serve its members’ most pressing challenges and based on participant feedback this goal was reached. Chamber President & CEO Jeff Griffin said, “The Chamber’s most powerful resource is our membership. The DE&I Activator Series established valuable connections among our members while pushing them to have sometimes uncomfortable conversations. As Sioux Falls continues to grow in population and diversity, we must be committed to creating an environment where everyone has a pathway to success.”

Funding for the DE&I Activator Series was provided by Forward Sioux Falls, whose 2026 initiative includes a portion designated for innovative programming that focuses on diversity, equity and inclusion. The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce partnered with Pathways to Inclusive & Equitable Workplaces to develop and deliver the curriculum.

Sioux Falls Mitchell Yankton Huron Elk Point Chamberlain Miller Vermillion Alcester

2023 DE&I ACTIVATORS

These individuals completed all 7 sessions of the second year of the DE&I Activator series

Mekonnen Afa, University of Sioux Falls

Samantha Brinker, Plains Commerce Bank

Rebecca Davis, RAS

Kyle Davis, Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce

Doria Drost, ASM Global/Denny Sanford PREMIER Center

Courtney Earll, Siouxland Libraries

Darla Erb, Epicosity

Michelle Erickson, RAS

Jason Freeman, Jason W Freeman, LLC

Nicole Garber, PREMIER Bankcard

Stacy Hackett, Sanford Health Foundation

Monique Vanden Heuvel, TranSource Truck & Equipment

James Payer II, The Empire Mall

Julie Jansa, South Dakota Golf Association

Reid Johnson, Reliabank

Lyndsey Meier, City of Sioux Falls

Molly O’Connor, Lemonly

Julie Ohlsen, First Bank & Trust

Mandi Redman, RAS

Jami Scoggins, First PREMIER Bank

Jennifer Andrisen Selzler, Claims Associates Inc.

Vikki Stingley, Volunteers of America, Dakotas

Nancy Walker, Southwest Health and Human Services

Wendy White, Face It TOGETHER, Inc.

Ag Appreciation Day to be held August 9

The 40th annual Ag Appreciation Day will be held in conjunction with the Sioux Empire Fair on Wednesday, August 9, 2023. Farmers and ranchers from around the region are invited to visit the fair and enjoy a free lunch. The event is organized by the Agribusiness Division of the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce.

Event chair Jay Buchholz, Sioux Valley Energy, describes the day as a chance to recognize the role area farmers and ranchers play in our daily life and the opportunity to showcase an industry that plays a vital role in the local, state and national economies.

“Ag Appreciation Day reminds me both personally and professionally how Agriculture impacts my life. Whether it’s working with farmers or value-added agricultural businesses at Sioux Valley Energy, or when I’m looking for the “perfect” meat selection for my grill, Ag Appreciation is a day when we can serve our farmers and ranchers and showcase their industry. As a Chamber, we offer this event to bring producers and non-producers together over a meal, to continue to tell the story of agriculture,” said Buchholz.

Lunch will consist of pork sandwiches, chips and drinks. The pork is sponsored by Smithfield Foods and will be smoked onsite by the Minnehaha County Pork Producers. Organizers expect to serve lunch

Ag Appreciation Day

Wednesday, August 9

11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds

to more than 2,500 local farmers. More than 125 area businesses support the event financially and more than 300 volunteers participate in serving the meal.

In addition to the meal, there will be live entertainment from Mogen’s Heroes, plus special guest appearances by Mayor Paul TenHaken, South Dakota Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources Secretary Hunter Roberts, and other dignitaries.

Free gate admission from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 9 is made possible by Touchstone Energy Cooperatives.

Save the date for Chamber Annual Meeting

The Greater Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its 117th Annual Meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.

The Chamber’s Annual Meeting launches the one-year term of the incoming chair, Scott Lawrence, Lawrence & Schiller, Inc. Lawrence will take over the Chamber’s top volunteer position Oct. 1, following 2022-23 Chair of the Board Paul Hanson, Sanford Health. Also at the meeting, the Chamber will share the priorities for the upcoming year and acknowledge the contributions of retiring directors.

The featured guest for the Annual Meeting will be announced in mid-August. Laura Mitchell, Lawrence & Schiller, Inc., is chairing the event and Dana Dykhouse, First PREMIER Bank, and Alexis Konstant Mahlen, Lloyd Companies, are co-chairing the ticket sales team.

Invitations will be mailed to Chamber members and ticket sales will begin in early September. All seats are general admission and the cost is $100 per Chamber member.

Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce 117th Annual Meeting

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

The Chamber’s 116th Annual Meeting in 2022

Marathon draws runners to Sioux Falls

Runners from nearly every state in the nation, as well as various parts of the world, will travel to Sioux Falls later this summer to participate in the city’s annual marathon. The 2023 Sioux Falls Marathon, which includes both a full and half marathon and a 5K, will take place on Sunday, August 27.

The event is organized by the Sioux Falls Sports Authority and sponsored by Sanford Health. The route for both the full and half marathons will start and finish at Howard Wood Field. In between, runners will see some of the best Sioux Falls has to offer – including the Cathedral District, the downtown business district, Falls Park and the Arc of Dreams.

“We’re committed to providing a great route and memorable experience to the runners,” said Jerry Palleschi of the Sioux Falls Sports Authority. “With the help of the City of Sioux Falls, the Sioux Falls Police Department and Sioux Falls Parks & Recreation Department, we have established a route that seamlessly circumvents the 6th street bridge construction. We have also taken away a turn later in the

course resulting in a more streamlined back half for both the full and half marathons. We’re excited for everyone to experience it!”

The event also features the Miracle 5K, a family-friendly walk/ run which also starts and finishes at Howard Wood Field. Each year the Sioux Falls Sports Authority donates a portion of net proceeds to Sanford Children’s Miracle Network. Last year’s Sioux Falls Marathon raised more than $21,000 for this amazing cause.

Registration is open for all races. To register as a runner or for volunteer opportunities, visit siouxfallsmarathon.com.

Best practices for building a good email relationship

Today, marketing emails are an essential tool for any business’s marketing strategy.

Email is the most private and personable medium for businesses to connect with customers or potential customers. Unlike social media or paid advertising, the inbox remains a comfort zone of tailored information. It’s the original source of permission-based marketing, where businesses can talk to contacts and learn from them in real time.

The world sends billions of emails every day. Although this might seem like a firehose of communication, it’s still easy for businesses to stand out and provide value in the inbox.

There’s a reason every form you fill out online requires an email address. Email acts as the intermediary between your online experience and your house. As leads and customers interact with your business in real life, your business needs to build an online relationship with them, with a clear and understandable email marketing strategy.

So how do you build an online relationship between your business and those leads and customers? It begins very simply: your team should be gathering email addresses from all customers and leads.

It takes time to build your lists, but it’s important to do it right and that means building it organically. Having a good email list protects you from being blacklisted, from being sent right to SPAM, and from being negatively impacted by new tech changes. Never purchase lists from a third party.

You should also remove email addresses that have hard bounced or unsubscribed. Sending emails to people who don’t want them is a waste of your time. Keeping your list clean in this way actually will increase your engagement with recipients overall, since you’ll be sending emails to those people who want to hear from you.

After you’ve started building the contacts in your database, the next step is to segment them into lists. You can segment them by store location, the products they’re interested in, when they visited, or a number of other criteria based on the data you have. The key to building a list is to first determine the goal of your email campaign and, from there, decide what criteria are relevant to that message.

If your business isn’t sending a specific message to qualified people, the only thing you’re doing is cluttering people’s inboxes. Email

marketing is the best way to send relevant offers to people at the right time — not just blasting out your best offer to everyone.

Need ideas for emails to send? Many businesses are sending:

• Personal, one-to-one emails to active leads

• Lists of regular monthly incentives, sales, or offers

• Product overviews

• Blog post notifications (for subscribers)

• Reminders for appointments or events

Here are two ideas for emails to get the right message in front of the right people:

• Welcome emails, which orient newly converted contacts with the offerings and values of your business. This is often the most commonly missing piece of a business’s email marketing strategy.

• Segmentation emails, which qualify contacts based on what they click. For example, an auto dealership could send out emails to contacts who haven’t indicated an interest in a specific vehicle or service. This allows the dealership to gauge their interest and learn from their browsing behaviors, and they can follow up with more relevant emails specific to their needs. Here at 9 Clouds, we send emails to contacts asking about their top priorities for marketing in the next year to learn what they most want to hear about.

With the right data and the tools, the process for contacting customers and leads is simplified and affordable, letting you automate more and customize your messages more easily.

Doing the work behind the scenes in your email database tool — like HubSpot, MailChimp, SharpSpring, or your own customer relationship management (CRM) tool — to get the emails and the information you need to segment them appropriately is important if you want to send the right emails to the right people.

When done right, email is a cost-effective, fast, and simple way to keep customers informed and excited about what your company has to offer.

Catherine Nasers is a senior account coordinator and digital strategist at 9 Clouds. She is experienced in healthcare marketing and specialty marketing and focuses on inbound strategy and project management.

Want to learn more?

The digital experts are 9 Clouds will offer more in-depth tactics and strategies for improving your email marketing at a Business Sense Workshop on Aug. 15. Find more information and register at siouxfallschamber.com/events

Catherine Nasers 9 Clouds

TOGETHER, WE PUT GOOD ENERGY INTO THE COMMUNITY.

For us, serving this community doesn’t stop at supplying energy. It’s so much bigger. That’s why we buy locally. That’s why we invest here. That’s why we put in the work to make your energy safer, more reliable and affordable. Energy you can trust to keep your home warm all winter and bright all summer long. We give back to this community like we live here. Because we do. Visit xcelenergy.com to learn more.

Why every company needs a first time right approach

When someone is running a business, they need their services to work – and a team ready to work for them the moment a problem pops up. That’s where my department comes in.

The Midco Business® Client Care team helps our clients get back up and running. Whether it’s a quick fix over the phone, something we can resolve remotely or a more in-depth problem that requires a visit from one of our field technicians, we see it through to resolution.

First time right.

Time is money, and the Midco Business Client Care team strives for what we call “first time right.” This means we want to get the right answer or solution to our clients the first time – so they don’t have to continue to call back and troubleshoot the issue. It’s simple to define, but not always simple to do.

There are a lot of probing questions that need to be asked so we don’t just treat the symptoms. With first time right, it’s a matter of finding the root cause.

For a business just starting to implement a first time right approach, I recommend an effective case management system or process for tracking client interactions. Document every contact and every engagement you have with a client so you fully understand all the reasons they call.

In the case of Midco®, are they calling about a phone or internet problem, to pay a bill or to add services? By documenting these interactions, we have metrics to train our agents and to strengthen our relationship with our clients.

More than anything, invest in the people in your company who are in contact with your clients. Explain why first time right is important. The more we explain the benefits, the more buy-in and effort we get from our team members.

For example, first time right does not mean keeping the client on the line. There are instances where a problem is going to take some time to fix.

Midco is very sensitive to the fact that our clients run a business, and they can’t afford to be on the phone waiting for our response. We don’t want to put them on hold for an extended period, so we explain what we need to do and ask if we can give them a call back.

In this instance, no, it isn’t going to be a first time right scenario. However, it is an immediate follow up. Now, if my team doesn’t resolve the issue on that follow-up call, there is an opportunity for us to do better.

We have processes in place to get information from these more challenging calls to all our agents. That way when a different client calls in with a similar scenario, the next agent can resolve it at first contact. It’s a partnership.

Because we have such a diverse group of clients with unique service setups, it’s essential we meet them where they’re at and talk their language. If there is a more complex issue where we’re pulling in one of our technology groups, we’re there to facilitate those conversations and keep the client’s immediate and long-term goals at the forefront.

Our team is not going to consider an issue resolved until the client tells us it is. When we transfer them to another department, we always contact the client afterward.

Midco genuinely cares about our clients, and the Business Client Care team is just one department making sure they have exactly what they need to perform and grow.

With the first time right approach, our clients and team members both walk away satisfied. Our business clients trust Midco to have their back and my team members know they are supporting our clients’ success.

Jeremy McGregor is the Director of Business Client Care at Midco. He leads strategic initiatives for engaging with and advocating for business clients.

Jeremy McGregor Midco

Ribbon Cuttings

The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce offers a ribbon cutting ceremony or member spotlight video for members to celebrate joining the Chamber, milestone anniversaries, expansions or remodels 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

Babe Hair Solutions

2111 W. 49th St.

babehairsolutions.com

Babe Hair Solutions helps restore confidence for women with hair loss. They offer a variety hair solutions including wigs, hair extensions, salon services, eyelash extensions, brows and microblading. L to R: Cindi Johnson, Zoe Hill, Jennifer Hoesing, Autum Entenman (owner), Lonnie Entenman and Megan Jansick.

Black Hills Federal Credit Union

3710 E. 10th St.

bhfcu.com

Black Hills Federal Credit Union celebrated the grand opening of their fourth location in Sioux Falls. L to R: Chrystal Menholt, Tammy Beintema, Kim Burma, Adam Burkman, Jason Greene, Jerry Schmidt (CEO), Holly Jones (CAO), Jennifer Hoesing, Kameron Nelson and Camille Tollefson.

BritZa Performing Arts Studio 1500 E. 77th St.

britzaperformingarts.com.

BritZa Performing Arts provides quality education in the performing arts: singing, acting and dancing. L to R: Thane Paulsen, Alex Ramirez, Austin Hahn, Amanda Hahn (owner), Carol Woltjer, Jennifer Hoesing and Brenda Paulsen.

Casetta

201 W. 37th St.

thecasetta.com

Casetta is a small-scale event space designed for events, meetings and conferences. L to R: Charles Berry, Carol Berry, Megan Kjose, Amy Boes (co-owner), Nichelle Lund, Angela Merritt (co-owner), Ally Brandner and Grant Boes.

NEW LOCATION

NEW MEMBER

NEW MEMBER

NEW MEMBER

Ribbon Cuttings

Electronic Systems Inc.

600 E. 50th St. N. electronicsi.com

Electronic Systems Inc. broke ground on a 18,500 square foot structure that will join their two existing buildings together. The expansion will more than double their manufacturing space. L to R: Kurt Loudenback, Jeff Tornow, Jeff Eckhoff, Gary Larson (president) and Scott Lawrence.

Goodwill of the Great Plains

4701 E. 41st St. goodwillgreatplains.org

Goodwill of the Great Plains celebrated 100 years of dignity and compassion through work. L to R: Haley Isburg, Mike Nastase, Cindi Johnson, Vicki Stewart, David Barranco, Carissa Sudenga, Jay Soukup, Briget Solomon (CEO), Jacob Heller, Megan Jansick and Steph Dohrman.

MILESTONE ANNIVERSARY

GROUNDBREAKING

StretchLab

2213 W. 57th St. stretchlab.com

StretchLab is a unique wellness concept, offering customized assisted stretch sessions.

L to R: Kylan Malloy, Jay Soukup, Nate Tibbetts (owner), Brandy Sivesind, Kaeden Malloy, Jill Malloy, Sheila Hoff, Lyndsey Tibbetts, Nate White (owner), Megan Jansick, Nate Malloy (owner) and Kennedy Malloy.

TSS-An Access Systems Company

1208 W. 51st St., Units 1-2 accesssystems.com • tssphones.com

TSS, a Chamber member since 1989, and Access Systems, a member since 2022, have merged and are now operating as a single company.

L to R: Rita Renner, Mallory Kloucek, Jay Soukup, Tammy Beintema, Mike Staudenmier, JJ Kippes, Matt Sewell, Brett Buchheim, and Donna Jensen.

MERGER

NEW MEMBER

Ribbon Cuttings

Veterans Community Project of Sioux Falls

367 N. Willow Ave.

veteranscommunityproject.org/siouxfalls

Veterans Community Project of Sioux Falls completed the first five tiny homes for homeless veterans in the area. L to R: Alisha Grove, April Meyerink, April Schulte, Bryan Meyer (CEO), Neil Hlebichuk, David Rieger, Jason Herrbolt, Eric Gage (executive director), Laura Nostvick, Mayor Paul TenHaken and Kaelyn Giefer.

Wade C. Thomas Agency

27153 SD Hwy 115, Suite 102, Harrisburg agents.farmers.com/sd/harrisburg/ wade-thomas

Wade C. Thomas Agency relocated to Harrisburg to be closer to home and support their community. L to R: Veronica Thomas, Jennifer Hoesing, Adam Buss, Beth Thomas, Wade C Thomas (owner/agent), Tammy Beintema and Mikala Krcil.

NEW MEMBER

NEW LOCATION

New Members

Babe Hair Solutions

Salons & Spas

Autum Entenman, (605) 413-9205

2111 W. 49th St., 57105 babehairsolutions.com

Boho Bougie Style Co.

Clothing & Shoes

Heather Lowry, (605) 774-1945

5017 S. Louise Ave., 57106 bohobougiestyleco.com

BritZa Performing Arts Studio

Dance, Music & Theater

Amanda Hahn, (605) 413-9205 britzasstudios.com

Cell Phone Repair

Technology Retailer

Jill Solberg, (605) 274-6700

1604 W. 41st St., 57105 cellphonerepair.com

Cooks & Bakers Kitchen

Specialty Retail

Joanne Bogus, (605) 705-6770

5906 E. 18th St., 57110 cooksbakers.com

EFS Recovery

Massage Therapy

Mike Schmidtman, (605) 271-7676

620 N. Cliff Ave., Harrisburg, 57032 escapefloatspa.com

Elite Aircraft Services LLC

Air Transportation & Services

Justin Kuipers, (605) 809-5304 501 W. Hangar St., 57104

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

Keystone Treatment Center

Mental Health & Counseling

Matt Walz, (605) 335-1820 3800 S. Kiwanis Ave., 57105 keystonetreatment.com

Klipper Ky Barbershop

Salons & Spas

Kya Kleinwolterink, (605) 777-3414 4610 S. Technopolis Drive, Suite 29, 57106 klipperkybarbershop.glossgenius.com

Poo Burglars

Pets

Dustin Jones, (605) 214-2163 pooburglars.com

RLA Midwest, LLC Health & Wellness

Travis O’Connor, (605) 670-8993 redlineathletics.com

Riverside Payments

Payment Processing Services

Tyler Patch, (605) 480-1496 814 N. Western Ave., 57104 riversidepayments.com

Seykora Remodeling

Building & Remodeling

Jason Seykora, (605) 351-1898 seykoraremodeling.com

Sioux Empire TNR Coalition

Associate Member

Mychelle Garrigan, (605) 679-8406 siouxempiretnr.org

Smartt Interior Construction, LLC

Contractors

Paula Klein, (800) 231-2669

802 1st Ave. N., Fargo, ND 58107 smartt-ic.net

TeamMates Mentoring of Sioux Falls

Associate Member

Brianna Venekamp, (605) 310-5437 2205 N. Career Ave., 57107 siouxfallsteammates.org

The Bancorp, Inc.

Financial Services

Rachel Ehlers, (605) 988-3088 6100 S. Old Village Place, 57108 thebancorp.com

The Flower Shop

Medical Services & Supplies

Peter Dikun, (605) 271-0787 flowershopdispensary.com

The Sampson House Marketing/Advertising Agencies

Valerie Sampson, (605) 215-0701 522 N. Main Ave., Suite 100, 57104 thesampsonhouse.com

Xyngular Health & Wellness

Danelle Rentschler, (605) 201-0180 myxyngular.com/danellerentschler

10 Years

Minnehaha County Historical Society

Associate Member minnehahahistory.org

Five Guys Burgers & Fries Restaurants facebook.com/FiveGuysSD

SEAM (Secure Enterprise Asset Management) Technology Services seamservices.com

5 Years Baker Audiology & Hearing Aids Hearing siouxfallshearing.com

Best Western Glo of Sioux Falls (Dawley Farm Hospitality LLC) Hotels & Motels glo.bestwestern.com

Cufflinks, Inc. Jewelry cufflinks.com

Discovery Real Estate Co. Real Estate-Residential discoveryrealtygroup.com

North Central International of Sioux Falls Trucking & Transit northcentralintl.com

Reliabank Banks reliabank.com

South Dakota Development Corporation Associate Member thinksddc.com

First year Reinvestors

Avalon Manufacturing Manufacturing & Production avalonmfg.com

CarSwap Auto Sales carswapusa.com

Central States Insurance Insurance & Benefits centralstatesins.com

Charis Ministry Partners Associate Member charissf.org

Comfort Inn & Suites Sanford Sports Complex Hotels & Motels choicehotels.com/south-dakota/siouxfalls/comfort-inn-hotels/sd099

En Place Catering Catering enplacecatering.com

Firelink Digital Marketing LLC Marketing & Design Services firelinkdigital.com

FRESH IMPACT

Marketing/Advertising Agencies freshimpact4biz.com

Lawn Doctor of Sioux Falls Lawn & Snow lawndoctor.com/siouxfalls-sd

Molten Audio Entertainment moltenaudio.com

NuMotion Medical Services & Supplies numotion.com

Pestmaster Services of Sioux Falls Pest Control sioux-falls.pestmaster.com

Plumbing & Heating Wholesale Inc. Wholesale pandhwholesale.com

Sioux Falls Curling Associate Member sfcurling.com St. Mary Catholic Church Associate Member stmarysf.org

Veza Clothing & Shoes vezastyle.com

Zooks Coffee Bar Coffee Shops zookscoffeebar.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 Mitch Rave

Mitch Rave is the Vice President of Public Policy for the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, a position he began in June. In his role, Mitch represents the interests of the business community at all levels of government. Mitch was raised in South Dakota and earned his bachelor’s degree in government affairs from the University of South Dakota. In his free time, you can find Mitch golfing at one of the many great courses in the area, relaxing on a patio with friends, or planning his next snowmobiling trip to the Rocky Mountains.

How did you choose your career path?

I grew up around South Dakota state politics and always had a passion for the process and the people. This led me to the University of South Dakota to pursue political science and opened the opportunities that led me to end up working at the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce today!

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

“If you do something you love you will never work a day in your life.” As cliche as this answer can be, I do truly love the work I get to do. Even on some of the longest days, I still look forward to coming back and doing it again day after day!

What is a skill that you’d like to learn and why?

I would love to reacclimate myself with woodworking. It was something I enjoyed in high school and would love to take up again at some point.

What do you think is one of the biggest challenges facing our community today? And how should we tackle it?

Workforce housing in Sioux Falls is an issue that needs to be addressed. With the large influx of people wanting to live and work in the area there is definitely a supply shortage for a number of people that live in the community. One of the ways we could potentially address this issue is to encourage building more starter price homes and community living units for single income families.

If you could witness any event of the past, present, or future, what would it be and why?

A future event I would love to witness is the Minnesota Vikings winning a (or multiple) Super Bowls. One of these years has to be our year, right?!

BONUS QUESTION

What are a couple of your favorite local restaurants or retailers?

I love grabbing a bite to eat at MacKenzie River, Mama’s Ladas or Tinners Public House, to name a few. I also enjoy spending time at Bakker Crossing Golf Course in the evenings and on weekends.

Mitch Rave Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce

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