June 2015 Chamber News magazine

Chamber News June 2015

Vol. 50, No. 9

A PUBLICATION OF THE SIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

IN THIS ISSUE COVER STORY

Boom Town: Sioux Falls continues to build on success............................... 24-29 FEATURES

Workforce Task Force nears the end of research. . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Breakout sessions announced for Crossroads Summit. . . . . . . . . 35 IN EVERY ISSUE: Message from the Chair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Events Calendars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11 Economic Indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Noteworthy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Faces & Places. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-22 Community Appeals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Business Advocacy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30-31 Headlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33-35

Chamber News PUBLISHER

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce CHAMBER NEWS AD SALES

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

CHAMBER NEWS LAYOUT/DESIGN JILL BLOM

CHAMBER NEWS EDITOR

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

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

Convention & Visitors Bureau. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

CHAMBER MISSION

Chamber Partner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

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

Mind Your Small Business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Chamber Partner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Business News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41-43 Ribbon Cuttings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45-49 New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50-51 Membership Anniversaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50-51 Five Questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 From the Archives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Communicate WITH THE

CHAMBER .com/siouxfallschamber @SFAreaChamber @SFAreaAdvocate Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

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

chambernews.com | Chamber News 3

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Chamber serves as watchdog Economic growth is positive. It means more customers. More customers means more sales, which means more profit for businesses. More sales means more revenue for cities and counties to use to build and maintain infrastructure and invest in quality of life projects.

DANA DYKHOUSE 2014-15 Chair of the Board

This is a reminder that using the Chamber as a resource is one of the top values of your membership.

With growth can come challenges, however. And that’s one of the reasons why the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce advocates on behalf of business — our job is to be the voice for business so you can continue to succeed in your business or profession.

We want to ensure that our local governments are good stewards of our taxpayer dollars.

We want our members to be assured that our community’s vision is in line with what will benefit our economy and our excellent quality of life for all citizens.

Because you’re a Chamber member, you get an inside look at issues affecting your business and the community through our many communication vehicles like this magazine, our weekly Chamber Advocate email and regular updates at our @SFAreaAdvocate Twitter handle. Each month in Chamber News, we talk about our advocacy efforts. We hold events, like our recent Higher Education: Your Business Partner breakfast, to share information about some of the challenges and opportunities faced by the business community and higher education with our future workforce.

Looking ahead, there are a number of issues that legislative task forces will be studying this summer and we’ll be paying attention and sharing that information with you so you know how this might affect your business. In addition to attending meetings and reporting information, we also study and research issues with the help of our volunteer members and committees. Several of the issues the legislature is looking at will be also be researched by us in-depth. We know not everyone can attend our events — and that’s why we share information in a number of ways. There are so many benefits to belonging to the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce — this is a reminder that using the Chamber as a resource is one of the top values of your membership.

As South Dakota’s largest city, Sioux Falls is blessed with a diverse, growing economy.

We know you’re busy growing Sioux Falls and by all accounts, you’re doing a great job.

Thanks for your continued investment in Sioux Falls and be sure to enjoy our community this summer.

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

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

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

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

chambernews.com | Chamber News 5

CALENDARS

CHAMBER

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

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

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

FEATURED EVENT

MIXER THURSDAY, JUNE 11

“Motivating the Workforce” 8-9:30 a.m.

Chamber of Commerce, Betty J. Ordal Conference Center DETAILS: Sponsored by the Small Business Council, this session will ad-

dress a key business issue — motivating your workforce. Based on Robin Byrne’s Measurable Management Program, learn to identify the good leaders and the “not so good” leaders in your organization and how perceptions, attitudes and behavior impact the business team. This interactive session will provide participants with some practical questions that they might ask their employees to help put the learning opportunity into practice. Presenter is Robin Byrne, Director of Measurable Management.

COST: $10, includes breakfast RSVP: kfoley@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2002

JULY MEMBERSHIP MIXER WEDNESDAY, JULY 8

JUNE MEMBERSHIP

4:30-7 p.m.

Sioux Falls Convention Center, 1201 N. West Ave.

JUNE CHAMBER CAFE WEDNESDAY JUNE 17

Sponsored by

Join us for the 15th Annual Business Fair, being held in conjunction with the Membership Mixer. Thirty-five Chamber members will be displaying their products and services at the Fair and giving away door prizes. Booth space is sold out.

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

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

4:30-6:30 p.m.

Avera Prairie Center, 1000 E. 23rd St. DETAILS: Sponsored by Avera COST: $5 or use your Mixer Pass RSVP: vwillson@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2010

AUGUST MEMBERSHIP MIXER TUESDAY, AUG. 11

4:30-6:30 p.m.

Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort, 1415 Grand Falls Blvd., Larchwood, IA DETAILS: Sponsored by Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort COST: $5 or use your Mixer Pass RSVP: vwillson@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2010 YPN CROSSROADS SUMMIT

THURSDAY, AUG. 20

All Day Event Sioux Falls Convention Center, 1201 N. West Ave. DETAILS: Sponsored by the Young Professionals Network; see more information on page 35.

COST: $99/all day, $25/breakfast only, $35/lunch only RSVP: lfosheim@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2009 or siouxfallsypn.com/summit2015

SEPTEMBER MEMBERSHIP MIXER TUESDAY, SEPT. 15

4:30-6:30 p.m.

Kilian Community College, 300 E. 6th St. DETAILS: Co-sponsored by Kilian Community College & Lutheran Social Services

COST: $5 or use your Mixer Pass RSVP: vwillson@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2010

OCTOBER MEMBERSHIP MIXER TUESDAY, OCT. 13

4:30-6:30 p.m.

Argus Leader Media, 200 S. Minnesota Ave. DETAILS: Sponsored by Argus Leader Media COST: $5 or use your Mixer Pass RSVP: vwillson@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2010 chambernews.com | Chamber News 7

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

Young Professionals Network

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

OUR SIOUX FALLS: WHEN CITIBANK CAME TO SOUTH DAKOTA TUESDAY, JUNE 2

Noon-1 p.m.

Chamber of Commerce, 200 N. Phillips Ave. Suite 200 DETAILS: It is often said that South Dakota changed its usury law to lure

Citibank to our State. That perception — created by the national media — is demonstrably untrue. Citibank had no part in changing South Dakota’s usury statutes. This presentation will retrace the events of 1979-80 that led to Citibank’s move here and later events that caused South Dakota to rank No. 1 among all states in banking assets. Those events — the drama, humor, politics, personalities of people involved and economic facts — are all part of the story. It is hoped that everyone attending will have a more complete understanding of one of the most important events in South Dakota history and the enormous impact it continues to have on the state. Presented by Douglas J. Hajek, Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith.

COST: Free to attend, bring your own lunch.

YPN MORNING BUZZ WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3

7:30-8:30 a.m.

Panera Bread, 5117 S. Louise Ave. DETAILS: Network with other YPN members over a cup of coffee. Feel free to bring a friend or co-worker and don’t forget your business cards.

Come for the coffee, stay for the conversation!

COST: Free to attend, coffee/breakfast on your own.

JUNE OFF THE CLOCK/NEW MEMBER EVENT THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

4-7 p.m.

Bracco, 5001 S. Western Ave. DETAILS: Bring a friend and join us for the June Off The Clock at Bracco.

COST: Free to attend, drinks/food are on your own.

Connect WITH THE

YPN

.com/siouxfallsypn

2015

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

Craig Lloyd, CEO of Lloyd Companies, visits with YPN members at a recent A Seat at the Table luncheon.

A SEAT AT THE TABLE WITH MARTY JACKLEY TUESDAY, JUNE 30

Noon-1 p.m.

Chamber of Commerce, 200 N. Phillips Ave. Suite 200 DETAILS: Join us for A Seat at the Table with South Dakota Attorney

General Marty Jackley. Jackley was sworn in as the 30th Attorney General for South Dakota, serving as the chief law enforcement officer and legal advisor for the state. Jackley was raised in Sturgis and graduated from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering with Honors. He received his law degree from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 1995. Jackley clerked for the Chief Federal Judge of South Dakota and then became a partner in the Rapid City law firm of Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson and Ashmore, where he specialized in criminal, civil and business litigation. In 2006, he was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate as U.S. Attorney for South Dakota. Jackley was named the South Dakota Prosecutor of the Year in 2008. He currently serves as the President-Elect of the National Association of Attorneys General and is the former Chair of the Conference of Western Attorneys General. Jackley and his wife, Angela, live in Pierre with their two children, Michael and Isabella. A Seat at the Table allows YPN members the insights, wisdom and lessons only experienced leaders can provide. It is limited to the first 20 people to RSVP and is open to YPN members only.

COST: $8, includes lunch.

Sioux Falls Young Professionals Network

Register today for the 2015 Crossroads Summit!

Visit siouxfallsypn.com/summit2015 chambernews.com | Chamber News 9

JUNE 4 Eagles

Events listed are compiled from siouxfallsevents.com and visitsiouxfallsevents.com.

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

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

By combining the calendars, you can see when there’s going to be a large number of visitors in the community and learn about events and activities you want to attend.

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

10 Chamber News | JUNE 2015

5

Pavilion Free First Fridays

5

Downtown Block Party on the Eastbank

6-7

Siouxland Renaissance Festival

10

Ed Sheeran

11

DAYTA University

12-14

International Senior Softball Assoc. Tournament

13

Festival of Cultures

13

It’s All About Science Festival

14

Honor Flight Reunion and Flag Day Celebration

18

Kenny Chesney with Chase Rice

19

Bike Night

20

Zippity Zoo Day

20

Step Forward to Prevent Suicide Walk/Run

20-21

Special Olympics Unified Relay Across America

27

Tour Sioux Falls

27

South Dakota Cattleman’s Foundation Prime Time Gala featuring Billy Currington

27

Women’s Try-It Day

JULY

25

Dakota Irish Fair

3

Pavilion Free First Fridays

25

Rod Stewart

3

Downtown Block Party on the Eastbank

25-26

South Dakota Peach Festival

4

Mayor’s 4th of July Parade & Picnic

27

Mondays at McKennan

8

Jason Isbell

31-Aug. 9

76th Annual Sioux Empire Fair

9-12

20th Annual Hot Harley Nights

11

Hy-Vee Day at the Zoo

AUGUST

11

Tour de Cure

1

Bike MS: Sanford Health Sioux Falls Ride

13

Mondays at McKennan

1

Outdoor University 2015

13

The Melvins

5-9

AVTT Traveling Vietnam Wall

15 Dawes

7

Pavilion Free First Fridays

15

Hot Summer Nites

7

Downtown Block Party on the Eastbank

16

All American Car Show

8

Def Leppard with Styx and TESLA

16-18

JazzFest, Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Festival

8

SODAK Attack! Fighting Game Tournament

17-18

Downtown Crazy Days

14-15

Great Plains Balloon Race

20

Mondays at McKennan

14-16 Legacy

23

Dancing with the Stars

15

Downtown Riverfest

23

Jungle Jubilee

21

Bike Night

24

Bike Night

22

Animal Enrichment Day

24

Lady Antebellum with Hunter Hays & Sam Hunt

22

McCrossan Xtreme Event Rodeo

25

The Local Folk Off & Rib Challenge

30

Ride Pink Poker Run

chambernews.com | Chamber News 11

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

City of Sioux Falls Building Permit Data

Regional Unemployment Rates

JANUARY-APRIL 2015 2013

1,963 PERMITS

2014

1,960 PERMITS

2015

MARCH 2015

3,849 PERMITS Fargo 3.4%

Source: City of Sioux Falls

City of Sioux Falls Total Construction Value JANUARY-APRIL 2015

Rapid City 4.5%

Total Construction Value New Non-Residential Construction Value

Minneapolis/ St. Paul 4.0% Rochester 4.21%

Sioux Falls 3.7%

Des Moines 4.0%

Omaha Lincoln 3.1% 2.3%

$275 $250

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

$225

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

$200 $175

Agriculture Trends

$150

MARCH 2015

$125

$16

$100 $75

$25

$232.8 million $52.7 million

$238.8 million $49.5 million

(IN MILLIONS)

$50

SOYBEANS (PER BUSHEL) U.S.

$15

$184.3 million $26.5 million

2013

2014

$14

$13.70

$13

SOUTH DAKOTA

$13.10

$12 2015

Source: City of Sioux Falls

$11

$9.92 $9.84

$10 $9.30

$9

$9.22

$8

CORN

(PER BUSHEL) U.S.

$7

Sioux Falls Region Housing Overview APRIL 2015

$6

SOUTH DAKOTA

$5

New Listings: 640 Days on the Market Until Sale: 98 Median Sales Price: $159,950 Inventory of Homes for Sale: 1,515 Source: RASE (Realtor Association of the Sioux Empire)

$4.52

$4

$4.10

$3 $2

$3.81

$3.79

$3.44

$3.43

March 2014

February March

2015

2015

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

chambernews.com | Chamber News 13

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

Where metro areas lead and lag According to an analysis by the Pew Charitable Trusts, post-Great Recession, the nation’s metropolitan areas have not achieved economic recovery at a uniform rate. The study evaluated 377 metropolitan areas in the U.S. and assigned each an average rank based on four variables intended to provide a glimpse of which metro areas are thriving and which are lagging. The indicators show the top 10 metro areas for economic vitality are in Texas, South Dakota, Colorado, Iowa, North Dakota and North Carolina.

Regional Cities:

Source: Pew Charitable Trusts; The most recent jobless rates, housing permits averaged over three years to 2015, 2013 gross domestic product and the number of incoming residents in 2014 provide a glimpse of which U.S. metropolitan areas are thriving and which ones lag as the country recovers from the Great Recession. See the interactive map at pewtrusts.org and search under Stateline for the top metro area economies mapped.

» Sioux Falls: 3.5 percent unemployment (16th); incoming residents (64th); GDP of $72,001 (15th); housing permits (53rd) » Rapid City: 4.2 percent unemployment (45th); incoming residents (52nd); GDP of $42,833 (182nd); housing permits (47th) » Omaha: 3.2 percent unemployment (8th); incoming residents (176th); GDP of $61,229 (38th); housing permits (100th) » Lincoln: 2.4 percent unemployment (1st); incoming residents (90th); GDP of $52,928 (87th); housing permits (148th) » Des Moines: 4.4 percent unemployment (55th); incoming residents (45th); GDP of $71,080 (17th); housing permits (39th)

chambernews.com | Chamber News 15

FACES & PLACES

Faces & Places

AMY O’CONNOR HOBACK Kleenrite Company

LYLE DABBERT Brown & Saenger

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

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

DAREN ANDERSON Big D Technology Solutions, Inc.

Pictured are members of the Chamber’s Ag Division Council who were recognized for their service, from L to R: Past Chair Brian Gilbert, The First National Bank in Sioux Falls; Larry Healy, Campbell Supply Co.; Cynthia Knudsen, Dean Foods/Land O’Lakes; Dave Knudsen, First Dakota National Bank.

JACK DYVIG

Sioux Falls Morning Optimists Club

JULIE NELSON Home Federal Bank

JANEL COLE Cole Notary

Pictured are Sioux Empire Farm Show volunteers who were recognized, from L to R: Volunteer of the Year Jon Miller, The First National Bank in Sioux Falls; Rookie of the Year Grant Olson, The First National Bank in Sioux Falls; Farm Show Chair Phil DeGroot, Home Federal Bank; and Volunteer of the Year Tim Sturdevant, Sturdevant’s Auto Parts.

Recognition of Chamber Volunteers Because of the Spring Membership Drive, there was no Ambassador Team of the Month for April. Amy O’Connor Hoback, Kleenrite Company, was the Ribbon Cutting Attendance Winner for April. Lyle Dabbert, Brown & Saenger, received the Top Sales Award for April.

Daren Anderson, Big D Technology Solutions, Inc., was the Diplomat of the Month for April. Second place honors went to Julie Nelson, Home Federal Bank, and third place honors went to Jack Dyvig, Sioux Falls Morning Optimists Club. Julie Nelson was also the recipient of the Ribbon Cutting

16 Chamber News | JUNE 2015

Attendance award, and Janel Cole, Cole Notary, won the Reinvestment Award.

The Diplomat Team of the Month for April was: Captain Daren Anderson, Big D Technology Solutions, Inc.; David Johnson, DAKOTACARE; Jim Slater, ServiceMaster of Sioux Falls; Kelly Grovijahn, Yoli The Better Body Company; and Jessica Nelson, gpac.

Members of the Chamber’s Ag Council were recognized for their service at the Ag Division Annual Meeting: Past Chair Brian Gilbert, The First National Bank in Sioux Falls; Larry Healy, Campbell Supply Co.; Cynthia

Knudsen, Dean Foods/Land O’Lakes; Dave Knudsen, First Dakota National Bank, Mike Siemonsma, First Bank &Trust and David O’Hara, U.S. Bank. Several volunteers were also recognized for their efforts during the 62nd Annual Sioux Empire Farm Show: Volunteer of the Year Jon Miller, The First National Bank in Sioux Falls; Rookie of the Year Grant Olson, The First National Bank in Sioux Falls; Farm Show Chair Phil DeGroot, Home Federal Bank; Volunteer of the Year Tim Sturdevant, Sturdevant’s Auto Parts; Volunteer of the Year Christy Streff, Great Western Bank; and Old Timer Award Len Dankey, retired.

FACES & PLACES

New Faces & Promotions Michael Benton is the new Personal Banking Supervisor at the Brandon Home Federal Bank branch. Benton has previous sales and banking experience and earned his bachelor’s degree of Business Administration in Marketing Management from Colorado Technical University. Stefanie Engebretson is the new Branch Manager at Home Federal Bank’s North Cliff branch. She comes to Home Federal Bank with previous financial and banking experience. Engebretson earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the South Dakota State University.

Ulteig named Doug Jaeger to the position of CEO. Jaeger will assume his full-time role as CEO June 15. Jaeger earned his undergraduate degree from St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minn., and his MBA from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul.

Robyn Haggin joined the Perspective design studio as an Architectural Drafter/BIM Manager. Haggin will be involved in all phases of a wide range of projects including health care, hospitality, corporate and higher education. Haggin has experience in K-12 education, commercial, housing and government projects.

Haggin is a Western Iowa Tech graduate with a degree in architectural construction.

HenkinSchultz Creative Services had several new staff join its production team.

Melissa Doyle is a web designer and has been writing computer code for 15 years and designed websites for five years. Born in Spain, print designer Patricia Solis began her marketing career in 2008 on the warm coast of her home country. With a master’s degree in design and a love for photography, Solis brings her visual flair, media production skills and global sensibility to HenkinSchultz. Graphic designer Alex Sutton worked at Geffdog Design & Apparel in Aberdeen after graduating from South Dakota State University in 2014.

Leadership Sioux Empire United Way officers elected for 2015 include: Chair Paul Sova, Showplace Wood Products; First Vice Chair Julie Norton, Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center; Second Vice Chair W. Tom Simmons, Midcontinent Communications; Secretary/Treasurer Bill O’Connor, First PREMIER Bank/ PREMIER Bankcard; Past Chair Bob Thimjon, The Ramkota Companies, Inc. Division chairs include: Campaign Division Chair Pam Hanneman, First PREMIER Bank/PREMIER Bankcard; Community Impact Division Chair Monie Siemonsma, Citi; and Marketing Division Chair Stacy

Jones, Sanford Health. Newly elected board members include: Pastor Jeff Eisele, Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church; Chris Kray, Scheels of Sioux Falls; Tom McAdaragh, SONIFI Solutions; Eric McDonald, DocuTAP; and Dr. Fernando Soares, Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center. Other board members for 2015 include: Ken Baptist, John Morrell & Co.; Paul Bruflat, CNA Surety; Randy Bury, Sanford Health; Tracy Dahl-Webb, Howalt+McDowell Insurance; Ryan Dulaney, First Dakota National Bank; Marie Fredrickson, U.S. Bank; Dr. Dan Heinemann, Sanford Health; Lisa Hicks, Communication Workers of America; Jay

Huizenga, KELOLAND TV; Jim Jarding, Eide Bailly LLP; David Long, Capital One Financial Corporation; Dean Mertz, The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society; Scott Petersen, Washington Pavilion; Dan Rykhus, Raven Industries; and Sue Simons, Sioux Falls School District.

awarded the CenturyLink Clarke M. Williams Foundation’s Teachers and Technology grant program to St. Michael School. The program awards grants to schools in CenturyLink’s local service areas on behalf of teachers who have developed specific plans to innovatively

implement technology in their classrooms.

St. Michael’s School was awarded $5,000 to purchase 14 ASUS Transformer book units for a The Colonial Chronicles project that will impact 30 students.

Lyle Dabbert, Brown & Saenger, was elected as the Chair of TriMega Purchasing Association. Dedicated to the business of office products, computer supplies, and office furniture TriMega’s approximately 590 member companies each range in annual sales from $1million to more than $100 million.

Good Deeds Downtown Kiwanis Club granted $2,000 to Family Visitation Center (FVC) to assist with the costs of safely transporting children to and from FVC for visits with their parents.

CenturyLink, in partnership with the South Dakota Department of Education (DOE),

Faces & Places is great way to use your membership to be seen. This column appears each month in Chamber News and features information about Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce members and volunteers. Submissions may include grand openings, changes in management, moves, expansions, major developments and award recognition. Submit news using the Faces & Places form at chambernews.com or email asmolik@siouxfalls.com. chambernews.com | Chamber News 17

FACES & PLACES

Honors & Awards The Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) hosted the 2015 Annual Visitor Industry Luncheon on May 12. The annual luncheon is a celebration of the Sioux Falls visitor industry. Each year the CVB recognizes people and businesses who show consistent support to the industry by presenting awards in four categories; the 2015 winners were: Business: Sioux Falls People for Youth; Media: Cory Myers, Argus Leader Media; First Impressions: Brenda Dinsmore, Bagel Boy; and Heart of the City: Terry Torkildson, Denny Sanford PREMIER Center.

Mud Mile Communications received four Telly Awards for video animation, television promotion and copywriting. Mud Mile also received two gold and one silver ADDY awards from the South Dakota Advertising Federation.

DataSync received a SugarCRM Global Partner Award for Most Accelerated Growth in North America. This award is given based on outstanding regional year-over-year growth and commitment to SugarCRM. DataSync was one of two North American Elite partners to be honored.

Several local U.S. Bank employees earned the company’s top quarterly awards, which recognizes the top 20 percent of performing employees nationwide: Pinnacle: Samantha Hopf (Hartford), Trisha Moe (12th & West), Jenne VanWesten (41st & Marion), David O’Hara (N. Minnesota), and Scott Grunewaldt & Lecia Kruse (8th & Main).

The South Dakota District Small Business Administration honored the following as part of their 2015 Small Business Week Award Winners during a special reception in May: Family-Owned Small Business of the Year: Montgomery’s, Madison, Sioux Falls and Watertown; Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year: Sky Zone; Women-Owned Small Business of the Year: Behavior Care Specialists, Inc.; SBA Champion of the Year: Evan Nolte, Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce; and SCORE Partner of the Year: G. Richard Ambrosius, Positive Aging. All award recipients are members of the Sioux Falls

18 Chamber News | JUNE 2015

Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Sioux Falls VA (Department of Veterans Affairs) Health Care System recognized several nurses with the Secretary of VA’s Nursing Excellence Awards. These nurses were nominated by their peers and recently recognized for their compassion and dedication to the nursing profession: Darlene Poppenga, LPN; Dereck Schrader, RN; and Jodi Lounsbery, RN in an expanded role.

Steelcase named Interstate Office Products a 2015 Platinum Partner. Only 25 of the 270 North America dealers earned this prestigious distinction in 2015, and Interstate Office Products is one of only five North American dealers who have earned this distinction every year since the award’s inception.

BEI Services and ENX Magazine selected Marco as an Office Technology Service Excellence Award recipient. This honor is given to dealerships that have proven to meet or exceed national performance standards in areas relating to customer satisfaction as defined by BEI Services. Thirty-nine Marco technicians were recognized for their outstanding service and Marco also received the dealer award.

Marco, Inc. CEO Jeff Gau is a finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2015 in the Upper Midwest. The EY awards program recognizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. The winners will be announced in June.

The Sales and Marketing Executives, Inc of Sioux Falls (SME) honored three women of excellence at the annual SME Women in Business event. The Young Women of Excellence was awarded to Bobbi Thury, a partner and lawyer at Cutler Law Firm. Lori Popkes, the Associate Chief Nursing Officer and the Assistant Vice President of Women and Children’s Services at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Care, received the Women Mentoring Women award. The

Women Working Through the Decades Award went to Mary Jo Leedom, Assistant Vice President of Perioperative Services at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Care.

5 Point Enterprises, an ownership group of 20 New Horizons Computer Learning Centers, joined EC-Council’s nationally-recognized accredited training centers. Nationally recognized ATCs are an elite group that offer EC-Council training across multiple locations in the U.S., which will help New Horizons continue to grow as a leader in cybersecurity education.

Several women and one business were recognized at EmBe’s annual Tribute to Women: Banking & Finance: Brandi Kowalczyk, Lifescape; Healthcare & S.T.E.M.: Megan Landsverk, PHD, Sanford Health; Government & Law: Barbara Everist, retired; Nonprofit & Human Services: Brooke Nicholson Grote, Presentation Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary; Young Woman of Achievement Erin Srstka, Minnehaha County; Business Achievement: Erin Hayes, Midcontinent Communications; Sylvia Henkin Mentoring Award: Julie Norton, Avera; and EmBeliever Award: Click Rain.

FACES & PLACES

The Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau recognized several people at the annual Visitor Industry Luncheon. The 2015 winners were: Business: Sioux Falls People for Youth; Media: Cory Myers, Argus Leader Media; First Impressions: Brenda Dinsmore, Bagel Boy; and Heart of the City: Terry Torkildson, Denny Sanford PREMIER Center. Pictured from L to R: Jim Hagen, South Dakota Tourism; Roger Dow, U.S. Travel Association; CVB Advisory Council Chair Char Roth, J&L Harley-Davidson; Cory Myers, Argus Leader Media; Brenda Dinsmore, Bagel Boy; Teri Schmidt, Sioux Falls CVB; Terry Torkildson, Denny Sanford PREMIER Center; Kim Vennard, Sioux Falls People for Youth; LJ Pipgras, Sioux Falls People for Youth; Dave Nielsen, Sioux Falls People for Youth; Tanya Lipetsky, Sioux Falls People for Youth; Dean Lipetsky, Sioux Falls People for Youth; Tim Koob, Sioux Falls People for Youth; Dan Roskup, Sioux Falls People for Youth; and Larry Masterson, Sioux Falls People for Youth.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 19

FACES & PLACES

Be Seen

1 1, 2 Carnaval Brazilian Grill hosted the May Membership Mixer. More than 325 people attended.

2

20 Chamber News | JUNE 2015

FACES & PLACES

3 3 Scott Leuning, Goosmann Law Firm, presents on Social Media in the Workplace as part of the monthly Chamber Cafe series. This morning meeting features Chamber members sharing information about their areas of expertise. The program runs through April-September each year.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 21

FACES & PLACES

4

5

6 4 Representatives from Sioux Falls area post-secondary institutions spoke at the Higher Education: Your Business Partner breakfast, sponsored by the Chamber’s Education & Workforce Development Committee. 5 The Diplomat Committee hosted a new event called ChamberHood, which brought members and volunteers together to network and talk about happenings taking place in the northwest part of the city. 6 Retired Maj. Gen. Robert T. Bray, former Adjutant General for Rhode Island, was the keynote speaker at the Chamber-sponsored Armed Forces Day ceremonies. 7 Roger Dow, President & CEO of U.S. Travel Association, was the keynote speaker at the Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Annual Luncheon. Dow spoke on The Impact of Travel: How it Bolsters the U.S. Economy.

22 Chamber News | JUNE 2015

7

COMMUNITY APPEALS SIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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

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

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

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

CURRENT CAMPAIGN

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

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

LEVITT AT THE FALLS NOV. 1, 2016-MARCH 31, 2017 $840,000 Create an outdoor concert venue in Sioux Falls, partnering with non-profit Levitt Pavilions

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

chambernews.com | Chamber News 23

BY AMY SMOLIK

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

Sioux Falls has quietly and steadily grown by several thousand new people per year — adding an additional 45,000 residents since 2000.

Planning and Building Services for the City of Sioux Falls.

Those may not sound like “boom town” definition numbers, however continued growth and development across the community say otherwise. In 2014, building permits issued broke three records. Numbers for the first third of 2015 are also indicating another strong construction year.

It’s not original to say Sioux Falls is a boom town — as part of 2013 series of stories about Sioux Falls, The National Journal asked the question: “Is Sioux Falls, S.D. the Next Boom Town?” The story cited the city’s thriving industry, consistently low unemployment (which was then 3.3 percent) and “few of the woes that plague larger urban areas” as key indicators for the Boom Town moniker.

“Employment numbers are up from last year, which means population is up, which means there is an increased demand for housing and retail,” said Mike Cooper, Director of

Two years later, the story remains the same. In 2015, building permits are again at a record-setting pace. From JanuaryApril of this year, 3,849 permits were issued — nearly 2,000

24 Chamber News | JUNE 2015

COVER STORY Development has started along the Lake Lorraine development located west of Interstate 29. Several businesses in the first strip mall have opened.

permits more than in 2014 for the same time. The projects are varied, from additions at medical centers to new single and multi-family dwellings across the community. Schools are expanding on campus and building at the K-12 level as well. Non-residential construction numbers and residential construction numbers are well above the 20-year averages. See the lists on pages 28-29 for details on some of the recently-permitted projects.

“It’s a welcome surge in construction. We’re seeing industrial growth that is long overdue,” said Jeff Fiegen, President of Fiegen Construction. “Currently we’re working for three healthcare organizations and they continue to expand, which is good for the local economy. Private industry is growing, as well. If you look at all four corners of Sioux Falls there’s growth in every direction and that’s also good for the local economy.”

COMMERCIAL BOOM

Keeping up with the demand for infrastructure to support new development opportunities is by far the greatest challenge, said Darrin Smith, Director of Community Development for the City of Sioux Falls.

As of May, Cooper said he anticipates a number of development projects still in early stages that will go through the approval process yet this year but that 2015 is on track to do better than 2014’s numbers or at least as strong.

Many contractors go where the work is and Fiegen Construction is keeping busy in Sioux Falls as well as along the Interstate 29 corridor and the southeastern corner of the state.

“We always need to strive to maintain balance between investing to capture new opportunities with maintaining the more than 3,000 lane miles of streets and more than 1,000 miles of water and sewer lines in our city,” Smith said.

Both Cooper and Smith said Sioux Falls does very well with growth management practices compared to cities of

chambernews.com | Chamber News 25

COVER STORY

AeroStay will be the first hotel located at the Sioux Falls Regional Airport when it opens later this month. It is attached to the airport.

the same size and even larger. Smith cited the Shape Places ordinance, which will provide for a more efficient use of land with respect to development and redevelopment. He said this should also improve traffic flow efficiency and help make the community much more pedestrian and bicycle friendly.

POPULATION: 250,000 Population estimates and projections are used in planning the city’s growth management strategies, which relates to housing units needed and the amount of land area and infrastructure required for those housing units. Population is more than just rooftops, however. For many developers, hitting the magic number of 250,000 people in the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) means the city enters a new category of competition; the City of Sioux Falls anticipates that the MSA will reach that number in 2015.

Whether it is site selectors looking for new locations or to expand or relocate a business, being included in the next tier of cities should have positive benefits for the Sioux Falls area. “It is a game-changer,” said Sioux Falls Development Foundation President Slater Barr. “Being at that 250,000 mark opens up a number of doors for our community.

Businesses and industries who weren’t paying attention to us before may start to take a look now.”

26 Chamber News | JUNE 2015

For the past few years the Sioux Falls Development Foundation has actively built relationships with site selectors across the country. This has included bringing site selectors to Sioux Falls for familiarization tours as well as visits to their cities and continued communication with them about positive growth and development taking place in Sioux Falls. In addition, the Development Foundation and Chamber, through Forward Sioux Falls, have actively marketed the community at the national level through media stories. Barr has seen these relationships with site selectors grow because of these efforts.

“When we first started, there was still some educating we needed to do about who we are and where we are,” Barr said. “Now, word is getting around about Sioux Falls and the positive things happening here so they know about our community. They are interested in coming to South Dakota to learn more.”

Cooper echoes Barr’s sentiments.

“Reaching the quarter of a million people mark puts us at a different level,” Cooper said. “It increases our visibility for businesses and employers. It strengthens our market for more economic development projects.”

In addition to new industries considering Sioux Falls,

COVER STORY

national retail franchises will also take a closer look at the market and eventually move into the Sioux Falls area because of the increased population, Smith said.

HOUSING The housing market is also seeing a boom. Numbers from the Realtors Association of the Sioux Empire show that new listings for the region increased 7.6 percent in April and pending sales were up as well. So far 2015 shows an even split between single family and multi-family housing permits. Cooper said that is typical as the market tends to go in cycles and 2014 was a robust year for multi-family housing projects.

“In talking with our members this spring, they seem very optimistic about the housing industry this year,” said Julie Terrell, Executive Vice President of the Homebuilders Association. “Many have even said that they’ve been booked solid since this time last year.”

“The largest area of concern we’ve heard from our builders is the labor shortage,” Terrell said. “This extends into the areas of service and product suppliers, too. It’s challenging to find skilled labor in this industry and because of that some builders are encountering delays in building homes.”

People are still investing in additions and remodels, both on the housing and commercial side, Cooper said. While there is still substantial land available for new construction, he said the demand for particular parts of the city means some older businesses will be removed and replaced with new construction.

“We have an amazing community that just has so many things going for it. It’s easy to call Sioux Falls home when

you have friendly people, great businesses and affordable housing,” Terrell said. “Combine great community with low interest rates and it makes for more people choosing to either put down permanent roots in Sioux Falls or upsize to their larger dream home.”

LOOKING AHEAD Keeping the booming economy going is high on the city’s priority list, Smith said.

“We encourage and support responsible development that provides quality job opportunities for our residents and helps grow our tax base so that we can expand city services to citizens and support our educational system at the highest level possible,” he said.

For companies like Fiegen Construction, addressing workforce challenges and finding additional workers will be key for the building industry — and many other industries. Contractors need people, Fiegen said, but workers are needed with building materials, truck deliveries, operators, subcontractors with finishers and more. Everyone is in the same situation, he said.

“There are multiple things happening at national, state and local levels to address our workforce issues. It’s fantastic and it’s time that it’s done,” Fiegen said. “There are some great plans that have been put forth. I love the collaborative efforts. We’ve been in dire need for skilled craftsman for many years.”

Sioux Falls Fire Rescue opened Fire Station #11 to serve the northwest part of the city. Continual growth in the community means more investments must be made in infrastructure, too.

Construction continues at Susan B. Anthony Elementary School in the city’s core. It is located on the site of Mark Twain Elementary School, which closed at the end of the 2014-15 school year.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 27

COVER STORY

BOOM TOWN: 2015 PERMITS* Following are the 10 highest-value business-related projects permitted as of April 30, 2015. The 19 projects represent a value of $85.5 million.

Project Owner Augustana College The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society Sanford Medical Center The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society Sanford Health & USD Medical Center Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Care Zuercher Technologies Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Care Sunset Villas LLC Sunset Villas LLC The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society Amerco Real Estate Comp.

Midwest Bank J & J Land Co LLC Volunteers of America, Dakotas Diamond Field Commons LLC Diamond Field Commons LLC Interstate Crossing Dev Corp Midwest Motor Express Sioux Falls Regional Airport

Project Froiland Science Complex Ryan Building Addition

Builder Henry Carlson Co. Gil Haugan Construction

Permit Value $20.4 million $15.3 million

Addition Edith Sanford Cancer Center Hoeger Building Addition

Henry Carlson Co. Gil Haugan Construction

$8.5 million $7.3 million

Edith Sanford Cancer Center

Henry Carlson Co.

Remodel 4th Floor NICU

Journey Group

$3.7 million

Zuercher Technologies Office Building Patient Room Upgrade 1 West

Gil Haugan Construction Avera Hospital

$3.2 million $2.2 million

26 Unit Apartment 26 Unit Apartment Jerstad Building Addition

Paradigm Construction Paradigm Construction Gil Haugan Construction

$2.2 million $2.2 million $2 million

Remodel for U-Haul Bank Branch Interior & Exterior Remodel Office Building Addition & Remodel 14 Unit Apartment & Garages 14 Unit Apartment & Garages New Day Care Midwest Motors Check Point Redevelopment

Mark Luke Construction Lloyd Companies

$2 million $1.6 million

Jans Corporation Gil Haugan Construction Signature Homes Signature Homes Van Buskirk Construction Peska Construction Inc. Beckman Construction

$1.5 $1.4 $1.4 $1.4 $1.2 $1.1 $1

$6 million

million million million million million million million

Source: City of Sioux Falls Planning & Building Services; *as of April 30, 2015

BOOM TOWN: 2014 NUMBERS RETAIL/OFFICE Following are the 10 highest value retail and office commercial projects permitted in 2014: Project Plaza LLC/DocuTAP Burlington Coat Factory The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society Montgomery Furniture Kum & Go Get-n-Go Primary Holdings First Savings Bank Plains Commerce Bank The Foundry

28 Chamber News | JUNE 2015

Address 101 S. Phillips Ave. 701 S. Highline Ave. 4800 W. 57th St.

Description Office Remodel Retail Store Office Remodel

1725 W. 41st St. 1400 N. Minnesota Ave. 4915 N. Cliff Ave. 4910 S. Isabel St. 5800 S. Western Ave. 3905 S. Western Ave. 320 S. Phillips Ave.

Retail Addition Convenience Store Convenience Store Medical Office Office/Bank Bank/Office Addition MultiUse/Remodel

Valuation $6.7 million $3.44 million $3.44 million $3.08 $2.19 $2.14 $2 $2 $1.96 $1.62

million million million million million million million

COVER STORY BUSINESS Following are the 10 highest-value business-related projects permitted in 2014 relating to both the public and private sectors: Project Hi Roller Conveyor TJN Enterprises Senproco Sanford Cancer Center Sanford/Home 2 Suites ADP Sioux Falls Fire Rescue Galvanized Properties A-Ox Welding Sioux Falls Public Works

Address 4501 N. Northview Dr. 6511 E. Rice St. 4401 N. Northview Dr. 1309 W. 17th St. 1305 W. 18th St. 4915 N. Marion Rd. 2333 N. Valley View Rd. 3900 N. Potsdam Ave. 101 N. Harlem Ave. 668 W. Algonquin St.

Description Manufacturing Warehouse and Office Warehouse and Office Addition Foundations Skywalk Remodel Fire Station Shop/Warehouse Manufacturing Shop Addition and Remodel

Valuation $7 million $5 million $2.84 million $2 million $1.9 million $1.8 million $1.68 million $1.6 million $1.5 million $1.25 million

EDUCATION A significant number of projects relating to education facilities were permitted in 2014: Project Susan B. Anthony Elementary Tea Area School Elementary R. F. Pettigrew Elementary Axtell Middle School Robert Frost Elementary Discovery Elementary Froiland Science Center

Address 2000 S. Dakota Ave. 2700 S. Lancaster Dr. 7900 W. 53rd St. 201 N. West Ave. 3101 N. 4th Ave. 1506 S. Discovery Ave. 2407 S. Summit Ave.

Description Elementary School Elementary School Additions and Remodel Addition and Remodel Additions Addition and Remodel Augustana Science Addition

Valuation $8.03 million $3.98 million $3.1 million $2.88 million $2.8 million $2.13 million $1.73 million

ASSEMBLY/ENTERTAINMENT/RECREATION Following are the 10 highest value projects related to entertainment, recreation or assembly occupancies for 2014: Project Sioux Falls Regional Airport The Country Club of Sioux Falls SCHEELS IcePlex Sioux Falls YMCA

Address 2801 N. Jaycee Ln. 3400 W. 22nd St. 4300 N. Bobhalla Ave. 220 S. Minnesota Ave.

Description Checkpoint Renovations Clubhouse Ice Arena Gym/Fitness Renovations

Great Life/Woodlake Huether Family MatchPointe All In Clubhouse Ransom Church Shenanigans Pub Westside Lutheran Church

4600 S. Tennis Ln. 4210 N Bobhalla Ave. 8000 E. Hwy. 42 700 N. Main Ave. 1903 S. Ellis Rd. 3901 N. Oklahoma Ave.

Athletic Club Addition Indoor Tennis Facility Clubhouse/Fitness Center Church Remodel and Addition Restaurant/Lounge Church

Valuation $10.5 million $8 million $8 million $5 million $5 $3.48 $2.02 $1.19 $1.14 $1

million million million million million million

OTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN 2014 The cumulative number of dwelling units (single-family dwellings, duplexes, non-transient apartments, independent and assisted living, and nursing dwelling units) permitted in 2014 set a new record for the second year in a row: there were 2,056 total dwelling units permitted, a 1.2 percent increase, as compared to 2,039 in 2013. The next highest number of total was 1,909 in 2001 and 1,825 in 2000. There were 1,069 new multifamily dwelling unit projects permitted in 2014, an increase of 5.2 percent compared to the 1,016 in 2013. The 2014 number is the second highest number of multifamily dwelling units issued, compared to the 1,086 issued in 1977.

The number of temporary or transient residential projects continued from the strong pace of hotel construction in 2013.

Projects from 2014 included two hotels: Aerostay and Town Place Suites. In addition, the Carroll Institute and Bishop Dudley Hospitality House were also permitted in 2014.

The Avera Prince of Peace Retirement Community additions and renovations consisted of 110 assisted, rehabilitation and skilled care dwelling units. The Trail Ridge Retirement Community facility added an assisted living and memory care addition with 40 new dwelling units along with a supporting commons area addition.

Source: City of Sioux Falls Planning & Building Services chambernews.com | Chamber News 29

BUSINESS ADVOCACY

Summer studies, task forces will provide opportunities to study issues

BY MARK LEE

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

As one legislative session ends, planning for the next begins.

Typically, the Legislature’s Executive Board picks a couple ad hoc issues for study in the interim between sessions. This will be an unusually busy summer, however, for interim studies and task forces.

K-12 BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE This task force was created by the governor and not the legislature, but it may well be the most important interim activity on the docket.

No one knows at this early juncture what recommendations will emanate from their work, but legislators involved have consistently said that this is intended to be much more than a tinkering effort.

From a lawmaker perspective, the Sioux Falls area is well represented on the task force with Sen. Deb Soholt acting as co-chair with Reps. Mark Mickelson and Steve Westra from Sioux Falls joined by Rep. Paula Hawks from Hartford. Rapid City has two lawmakers serving and they include Rep. Jacqueline Sly (also a co-chair) and Sen. Craig Tieszen. The balance of the lawmakers on the task force includes Sen. Corey Brown and Rep. Justin Cronin from Gettysburg, Sen. Troy Heinert from Mission and Sen. Billie Sutton from Burke.

They are joined by three individuals from the governor’s staff.

The month of June will be filled with public input sessions throughout the state including Sioux Falls on June 16. Distinct sessions for teachers, the business community and the general public will be held. The teacher and business community sessions will be by invitation and the Chamber is coordinating that with the task force.

Beginning in early July and running through August, the task force will be expanded to include representatives from other constituent groups, who will take a deep dive into South Dakota K-12 data as compared to the region and country. September and October are reserved for task force meetings and developing legislative recommendations.

The Chamber is actively engaged in this effort and has formed a research team to work in parallel to the task force as things unfold.

The Chamber will work to keep members and volunteer leaders well informed and to prepare for what could be a substantial lobbying effort during the 2016 session.

30 Chamber News | JUNE 2015

MINOR BOUNDARY CHANGE TASK FORCE This task force has not yet been named, but was actually created by the passage of SB 134 which put a moratorium on minor school district boundary changes for one year and created a nine-person task force to study the issue. There will be three representatives, three senators and three people appointed by the governor serving on the task force.

This issue technically affects all of South Dakota, but its epicenter is the Sioux Falls area. As the city of Sioux Falls continues to grow, developers find themselves wanting to create new developments that are in a neighboring school district. The Cherry Lake Reserve development in west Sioux Falls is a prime example. If a developer or a landowner petitions a district for a minor boundary change, raw land is rarely valuable enough to cause a problem. However, the eventual value of fully developed land is what districts are concerned with. In the Cherry Lake case, the petition for change is from the West Central district to the Sioux Falls district.

Arguments on both sides are easy to understand. Sticking with the Cherry Lake example, this development is just across the border from the Sioux Falls School District and a little over three miles from Roosevelt High School and about three miles from McGovern Middle School. Though in the West Central District, it is about 9.3 miles to West Central High School. Developers and current and prospective property owners may well prefer the proximity of Sioux Falls schools. There are also some property tax implications to the issue, but that does not seem to be the driver by any means.

As a gravel pit, this land had a modest valuation, but as a fully developed neighborhood with nice homes, retail and restaurants, the development has significant value. West Central does not want to lose that fully developed value to the Sioux Falls district. The issue also is very similar with the Tea Area School District and the Sioux Falls School District.

To date, no task force members have been named and, thus, no meeting dates set. The Chamber will also be monitoring this activity closely as it takes shape.

BUSINESS ADVOCACY

COUNTY FUNDING The Legislative Executive Board chose two issues for interim study.

The first is “A review of the functions of county government, laws and regulations regarding counties, county revenues and expenditures, alternative funding solutions, organization of the counties and cooperation between the counties and other local governments.” This study was unanimously supported by the Executive Board. To date, no appointments have been made and, thus, no meeting schedule established.

It was clear last session that there is increasing sympathy to the funding challenges facing counties. A couple pieces of legislation made it out of committee — to many people’s surprise — but died on the floor. The Chamber agrees that this is an important issue to study and will actively monitor and participate in the proceedings.

The Chamber also views this issue with the K-12 Task Force as a backdrop. Both are big issues and both could have tax implications and far-reaching organizational changes as part of the recommendations. If these two issues are presented to the legislature with

impactful and transformational proposals, it will be more than interesting to see how they play-out together and what sort of deals are negotiated. The Chamber will attend to represent members and advocate for the community.

SOUTH DAKOTA HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION The Executive Board also chose to study the “history, authority, make-up and oversight of the SDHSAA.” This issue passed on a 10-4 vote of the Executive Board. To date, no appointments have been made and, thus, no meeting schedule established.

Each session it seems there is some tension and feuding between the legislature and the SDHSAA as the legislature seeks to impose itself when the association makes decisions that they some do not like. There are questions about transparency, process, funding, specific decisions, etc. with respect to the work of the SDHSAA. The Chamber is less likely to engage in this issue in a significant way, but, will definitely watch to see what emerges.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 31

HEADLINES

Workforce Task Force nears the end of research gathering

BY CAROLYN WINCHELL Forward Sioux Falls

Recent efforts at the state level have begun to look more closely at workforce opportunities and challenges and have provided a strong foundation of knowledge that can inform the strategic efforts of regional leaders in the Sioux Falls area.

Forward Sioux Falls leadership has engaged Market Street Services to facilitate a six-month process that is led by a task force made up of business, government and education leaders, as well as investors and leaders from the Sioux Falls Development Foundation and the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. The co-chairs are Greg Carmon, Midwest Railcar Repair, Inc., and Rob Oliver, Augustana College. Market Street Services was last in Sioux Falls as part of the 2010 Future Sioux Falls community and economic development strategic plan, which has led to a number of accomplishments throughout the community.

In mid-January, Market Street conducted a series of public input sessions. There were eight focus groups comprised of employers of varied size and industry, young professionals and higher education partners among others.

Additionally, 15 interviews were held with local leaders from the public and private sectors, and 165 individuals participated in an online survey that was aimed at targeted stakeholders. The public input enabled key stakeholders to provide feedback about the competitive issues and short- and long-term workforce needs and opportunities.

A Competitive Assessment provided a comprehensive analysis of the Sioux Falls area’s competitive dynamics and assessed how well the region has performed in the past five years compared to nine peer and aspirational communities, as well as an evaluation of the region’s performance compared to its assessment during the Future Sioux Falls strategic process in 2009 (see the comparison cities in the box).

Five scorecards were developed to rank the region against its comparison communities using a wide range of indicators and data sources: economic performance, workforce capacity, innovation and entrepreneurship, business environment and quality of place.

The Sioux Falls MSA aggregate ranking placed it second among the comparison regions in economic performance. The region continued to post low unemployment rates and high job growth rates. Economic output per worker was comparatively high, highlighting the area’s productive workforce. Average annual wages were lower in the Sioux Falls region than seven of the comparison regions, but the area had comparatively high per capita incomes and low poverty rates.

The region ranked second overall among the comparison metros in the indicators that pertained to workforce sustainability issues.

The area had a slower population growth rate than seven of the comparison regions, but the labor force posted strong growth rates and inmigrants attracted to the region had relatively higher levels of educational attainment.

Although the region had a comparatively lower educational attainment level, there have been improvements with strong, positive growth rates in the number of residents attaining associates and bachelor’s degrees.

The Sioux Falls area ranked seventh out of the 10 communities in the aggregate rankings for indicators within innovation and entrepreneurship. Comparatively lower research and development activity and the lack of a major public four-year research university dragged down the region’s aggregate rankings. Among rankings related to the region’s small businesses, startups, and capital environment, the Sioux Falls MSA placed within the top half of the comparison metros.

The Sioux Falls area placed third in the aggregate rankings among infrastructure, business costs and business climate indicators.

Low business costs, from labor to taxes, are a key strength in the area. The Sioux Falls Regional Airport reported record-setting months in boardings in 2014, with FSD’s physical and performance improvements some of the most significant advances from the 2009 Future Sioux Falls process.

Indicators within recreation, health, commuting time and charitable giving placed the region in the top half of the comparison communities. However, the Sioux Falls MSA placed seventh in the overall aggregate ranking. The region had crime rates that were

COMPARISON REGIONS Boise City-Nampa Cedar Rapids Des Moines-West Des Moines Fort Collins-Loveland Lincoln Madison Omaha-Council Bluffs Rochester Sioux Falls higher than the majority of the comparison metros, though still remained below the national average and totals in most U.S. regions of size.

The next step will be a detailed analysis of how well the region is positioned to take advantage of future economic opportunities while also filling immediate workforce needs.

The analysis will be conducted through the lens of the region’s existing target sectors and will incorporate 10-year projection-based data. Feedback received from employers will be reviewed and incorporated alongside quantitative data.

The research will culminate with a Strategic Workforce Action Agenda and Implementation Guidelines. The Action Agenda will build on the findings from the Competitive Assessment, the Workforce Sustainability Analysis, public input, existing studies, and ongoing initiatives. The purposeful, collaborative and targeted strategies will address the immediate, mid-term and long-term needs and opportunities in order to retain current talent, attract skilled workers from outside the region, develop a pipeline of qualified workers and support sustainable growth at local businesses. Once the Action Agenda has outlined the strategic items that will need to be implemented, Guidelines will be developed that address how the Action Agenda can proceed.

More information will be provided as the process concludes in July 2015. Watch Chamber News for complete coverage.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 33

HEADLINES

New visitsiouxfalls.com launches for peak tourism season The Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) launched its completely new website, visitsiouxfalls.com, with a number of upgrades and new technology. A few highlights of the new site include: mobilefirst responsive web design, booking engine, real-time Instagram integration, Google Street View, dynamic and related content strategy, custom itineraries, video integration and international visitor landing pages.

“We are very excited that our new website has already shown results in only one month,” said CVB Executive Director Teri Schmidt.

“The new features allow us to execute new sales and marketing initiatives and even better tracking, measurement, return on investment and actual bookings.”

Visitors guides will continue to be one of the most measurable goals on the new site.

34 Chamber News | JUNE 2015

In addition to allowing the ability to request a printed version of the guide, the new site gives users the option to view or download the guide in the format of their choice: PDF for download or in-browser viewing; MOBI for download on Amazon Kindle; and EPUB for download on iBooks and Google Android.

Within each format, the table of contents will be interactively linked to the appropriate page, and any ads within the guide can link to its directory listing visitsiouxfalls.com or any approved external advertiser website.

“Today’s traveler explores, plans and ultimately books online,” said Eric Ellefson, Partner and Vice President of Innovation at Click Rain. Click Rain is the digital agency of record for the Sioux Falls CVB and completed the new website. “Over 50 percent use more than one device and demand access to quality content on their terms, when and where they

seek it. This user-centric focus — combined with Google’s latest algorithm change — moves a mobile-first approach from nice to must-have to be considered as a travel destination. Built upon a backbone of data, this new site incorporates the latest in both design and development trends to offer users a wonderful balance between aesthetics, usability and function.”

In only one month, the new visitsiouxfalls.com is already making milestones. Page views show an increase of 22.3 percent and a 53.7 percent increase in visitors guide engagement. Sessions are up 57.9 percent and new users are up 72.7 percent. The new booking engine has produced 36 room nights, which equates to more than $3,300 in leisure hotel revenue.

HEADLINES

Breakout sessions announced for 2015 Crossroads Summit

BY LAUREN FOSHEIM

BREAKOUT SESSION TOPICS

Sioux Falls Young Professionals Network

The Crossroads Summit, sponsored by the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Network (YPN), will be held Thursday, Aug. 20 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. The Summit is sponsored by the YPN but all members of the community are invited and encouraged to attend.

2015

In addition to the breakfast and lunch keynote speakers, the all-day Summit features breakout sessions on a number of topics to aid in personal and professional development. The breakfast keynote is Jason Schechterle, retired Phoenix Police Officer. Schechterle, through a series of miraculous and fateful circumstances, survived a serious car crash and ensuing physical and emotional catastrophe. He suffered severe burns to more than 40 percent of his body, which drastically altered his appearance. Schechterle’s journey chronicles his fight for life, his triumph over tragedy and the inspiration that enables him to continue to overcome unimaginable adversity. His personal narrative exemplifies that the power of the human spirit can never be underestimated or extinguished.

The luncheon keynote is Ken Schmidt, former Director of Communications Strategy for Harley-Davidson Motor Company.

Schmidt, a longtime motorcycle enthusiast, began his formal association with Harley-Davidson began in 1985. As a specialist in corporate positioning and media relations, Schmidt was asked to work with the then-struggling Harley-Davidson to help restore the company’s image and create demand for its motorcycles. Within a few short years, Harley-Davidson became one of the most visible and frequently reported-on companies in the world, while sales of its motorcycles rocketed upward. Schmidt became director of Harley-Davidson’s corporate and financial communications and served as its primary spokesperson to the media and the financial communities.

Argus Leader Media is sponsoring the 2015 Crossroads Summit Kick-off Party on Wednesday, Aug. 19, complete with live music, complimentary beverages and food, along with great door prizes.

Watch for more details about this party and the complete schedule for the Aug. 20 Summit as the date gets closer.

To learn more about the Summit and to register, visit siouxfallsypn.com/summit2015 or contact YPN Manager Lauren Fosheim: lfosheim@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2009.

• Financial Planning • Estate Planning • Taking the Right Steps to Home Ownership • Attractability, Workability, Livability and Our Local Community Development • Raise Your Hand — Community Volunteering • Take This Job and Love It! • Project Management • Quit Wasting My Time — Effective & Efficient Meetings • Leadership & Managing Change • Scratch the Dirt. Turn Over the Rocks. And Other Networking Techniques.

• Building Your Own Personal Brand, Plus What NOT to Wear • Giving A+ Presentations • Negotiations & Other Tough Conversations • Tech Trends • Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle • Prioritizing Your Life • Workplace Blunders That Can Sink Your Career • Leadership Development & Personal Growth The Crossroads Summit including the keynote speakers and the breakout sessions are made possible thanks to sponsorships from the following members: GOLD LEVEL Argus Leader Media CorTrust Bank Northwestern Mutual BRONZE LEVEL Beck & Hofer Construction CenturyLink Citi CNA Surety Cutler Law Firm Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP DocuTAP Dorsey & Whitney Trust Company LLC Eide Bailly, LLP Great Western Bank

SILVER LEVEL Avera Health The First National Bank in Sioux Falls First PREMIER Bank KELO TV Sanford Health SDN Communications Home Federal Bank Journey Group Meta Payment Systems Midcontinent Communications Novak Sanitary Service Pride Neon Raven Industries U.S. Bank Woods, Fuller, Shultz & Smith P.C.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 35

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

Take time to enjoy Sioux Falls this summer Sioux Falls is fast becoming a vacation destination for visitors from around the globe. Visitors to our community, better known as “The Heart of America,” come to enjoy the fresh air and safe city, as well as the wide variety of things to see and do.

It’s normal for people to think they have to travel to another location to enjoy a day away from the stresses of the world. Instead of spending time on the road, why not enjoy Sioux Falls this summer? There are so many fun places to experience right here in our own city. Here are just a few ideas:

TERI SCHMIDT

Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau

SculptureWalk. The Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum. Wild Water West. The Outdoor Campus.

Prairie Star Gallery. Japanese Gardens. The Sertoma Butterfly House & Marine Cove. Strawbale Winery.

The Old Courthouse Museum. The Pettigrew Home and Museum. The bike trails and river greenway.

Good Earth State Park at Blood Run. Prairie Berry Eastbank. Falls Park. Washington Pavilion. The USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial. Catfish Bay. Raceway Indoor Sports Entertainment. Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum & East Sioux Falls Historic Site. EROS Data Center. The Center for Western Studies. Museum of Visual Materials. Fernson Brewing Company. Sioux Falls Canaries Baseball. Veteran’s Memorial Park. Great Bear Recreation Park. All Sioux Falls parks.

So grab the family and friends and be a tourist right here in Sioux Falls! Take time to enjoy the beauty, history and culture of the city! And check the Convention & Visitors Bureau calendar of events, visitsiouxfallsevents.com, to check out all the events happening this summer, along with a complete listing of attractions and activities! Don’t miss out on all the fun!

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

The Sioux Falls Promise The CVB stands committed to exceeding visitor’s expectations. We will provide superior visitor hospitality in the city best recognized as “The Heart of America.”For all your convention, meeting and event needs, contact the Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau: (605) 275-6060, email sfcvb@siouxfalls.com or visit visitsiouxfalls.com; for more updates about the visitor industry, go to pg. 42.

36 Chamber News | JUNE 2015

Share your

favorite places in Sioux Falls

#weareheresf

Falls Park Visitor Information Center open daily 9am-9pm 605.367.7430

CHAMBER PARTNER

Sioux Falls leads the way with business/ education partnership successes My professional network has proven it. My colleagues dream of it. Motivational speakers attest to it and authors write of it. What is “it?” “It” is the unstoppable momentum that occurs when public-private partnerships flourish to create the future. In Sioux Falls, we model the way!

From the Finance Action Network to the multitudes of business partners in our schools, the Sioux Falls community is a model to which other school districts aspire.

DR. PAM HOMAN

Sioux Falls School District

For the past 11 years...I have been blessed to engage with the community to make this vision come alive.

As we approach the end of another amazing year in the Sioux Falls School District it is worth looking back on all that has been accomplished. This year alone we have given new energy to central Sioux Falls by constructing Susan B. Anthony Elementary, expanded Spanish Immersion and the Honors Program into middle school, completed the next phase of 1:1 student technology, strengthened programs for diverse learners, received grants to bolster workforce development opportunities, and grown the sponsorships at the Career & Technical Education (CTE) Academy to support new programs such as aviation and computer networking. All of these initiatives have been put into motion to continue the District’s quest to develop world-ready students.

The entire community can be proud of the exceptional education offered in their public schools. However, as I’ve expressed many times before, these accomplishments do not happen without a team of very dedicated and hardworking professionals and community partners walking side by side to guide students on their journey. For the past 11 years as Superintendent of the Sioux Falls Public Schools, I have been blessed to engage with the community to make this vision come alive.

As most of you already know, I am retiring on June 30 after a total of 25 years in the district. The list of programs and opportunities we’ve created together is long and I am proud to have been involved in each one. Those I hold especially close to my heart are: creating multiple pathways to help students achieve success ranging from early childhood opportunities to specialized elementary schools to the CTE, New Tech High School and more. I am proud of the many strong community partnerships we’ve established such as the school-based health clinics and Learners to Leaders.

We’ve implemented and practiced security plans to keep our students safe. We’ve elevated exceptional teachers to instructional coaches so they can teach other teachers. Thanks to the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce we developed the Finance Action Network which became the cornerstone of earning taxpayers’ trust.

My time as your superintendent has been extremely fulfilling. I have been honored to serve the students, parents and community in this way and I thank each one of you for supporting public education in Sioux Falls.

My challenge to you is this: never accept the status quo. Always strive for something bigger and better. Set your expectations high and support your children and your community on their rise to meet those expectations. It has been my privilege to serve you.

Dr. Pam Homan served the Sioux Falls School District for 11 years as superintendent and 14 years an administrator in the district prior to serving as superintendent. She is retiring June 30.

38 Chamber News | JUNE 2015

MIND YOUR SMALL BUSINESS

Get your message to stick

BY KELLY WEAVER

Small Business Development Center Regional Director

One of the hardest things for a business to do, especially when starting up or launching a new product line, is finding a message that will capture the hearts of their customers and potential customers. Think about how much information bombards your customers everyday. If you don’t give them a strong and clear cut reason why to shop your business or choose your product, they are not going to take action.

The book entitled “Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die” by brothers Chip and Dan Heath outlines six principles that are important in creating a “sticky” idea. A sticky idea is one people can readily understand, that they will remember and that will change how they think and/or act. The attributes of a sticky idea include being simple, unexpected, concrete, credible, emotional and being tied to a story. The more of these principles that can be weaved into any idea or message, the stickier it becomes. If your message lacks these principles, people will not remember it or may misunderstand it and, worst of all, they won’t act on it.

First, the idea must be simple or at least communicated in a simple way. The challenge for most businesses is to carve away all the excess to get down to the very core of their idea or business, the most important facet (to the customer). The knowledge a business owner has about the idea becomes a trap. Business owners want to expound on all the

wonderful things about the business or all the great features of the product making it difficult to focus on the core concept most important to the customer. Focusing on the core may require you to take away the excess and you may also have to take away facets of the idea that just aren’t the most important.

Sticky ideas are unexpected. They surprise you and you are more likely to remember them. They should also be concrete, so clearly defined that everyone understands and the outcome or success of the idea is not debatable. The source of the idea or message must have credibility. Unexpected, yet believable.

Lastly, the idea or the message must strike a chord of emotion within your customer; it should make them feel something. Joy, anger, sadness, compassion, prestige — what emotion is going to catch your customers’ attention and move them toward action? It is very helpful to create a story around your idea that helps people remember and make that emotional tie to the idea or business.

So next time you want to capture your customers’ attention, think about these principles and see if you can’t make your idea stick.

Kelly Weaver is a Regional Director for the Small Business Development Center. For free business start-up assistance in the Sioux Falls area, contact the Small Business Development Center at (605) 367-5757 or visit sdbusinesshelp.com

chambernews.com | Chamber News 39

CHAMBER PARTNER

Envision 2035: Moving forward, planning ahead The purpose of the Envision 2035 Comprehensive Plan is to set the goals and priorities recommended by a multitude of stakeholders including county planning staff, task force members, advisory board, Planning Commission, County Commission and members of the general public. The plan will provide direction in making land use and development decisions throughout the rural area of Minnehaha County. It will communicate your collective values, goals and policies for current residents and future generations.

DAVID HEINOLD Minnehaha County

The future of Minnehaha County presents a unique challenge with the constantly changing complexity of the urban/rural dichotomy.

The future of Minnehaha County presents a unique challenge with the constantly changing complexity of the urban/rural dichotomy. The county must support growth management techniques that preserve the foundation of the local economy in order to maintain a high level of efficiency as the state’s leading agricultural producer. The county will be expected to address issues relating to the economic growth potential of the Sioux Falls’ Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) and effectively managing this outward pressure, rural character and housing density, natural resource conservation and open space planning, transportation, public safety and intergovernmental cooperation. Envision 2035 represents an opportunity to engage the stakeholders involved in the planning process and allow for improved communication across forms of government. The process identified a general consensus among members of the public and plan committee members that there should be a strong focus on supporting agricultural production and local farms. The plan is neither a beginning nor ending point, but a continual process for engaging the public in all land use and development decisions.

Envision 2035 is a tool to assist community leaders in the better representation of the needs of a growing total population while managing the often contentious issues among the vast differences in types of landowners. The chapters throughout this document describe planning elements in greater detail, and outline the goals and action steps critical to effectively managing the issues presented in this plan.

Envision 2035 is a long-range planning document that offers a vision for the preservation and development of Minnehaha County for the next 20 years. This plan details policies and strategies including, but not limited to, elements for guiding the county on land use, parks, agriculture, environment, transportation and intergovernmental support to enrich the lives of its citizens while maintaining and preserving its rural character. As the landscape continues to change, planning in Minnehaha County must evolve to continually provide responsible service for members of the general public. For more information, visit envision2035.minnehahacounty.org David Heinold is a planner with Minnehaha County Planning & Zoning.

40 Chamber News | JUNE 2015

BUSINESS NEWS

Development Park VIII now “Certified Ready” by GOED Sioux Empire Development Park VIII in northeast Sioux Falls was approved by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) as the newest South Dakota Certified Ready Site, the 25th site in South Dakota to be approved.

“As economic development professionals, it is up to us to provide site selectors and potential business prospects with 100 percent complete and accurate information when it comes time to decide where to set up shop,” said GOED Commissioner Pat Costello.

“The Certified Ready Sites program expedites that process, often saving everyone a lot of time, money and energy. Thank you to the Sioux Falls Development Foundation for its continued dedication to economic development in South Dakota and its leadership

in investing in our economic development programs.”

The South Dakota Certified Ready Sites program is an economic development tool available to all counties, cities, townships, planning districts, business improvement districts and developers.

“Having Sioux Empire Development Park VIII designated as a Certified Ready Site adds a critical component to our business attraction strategy,” said Dean Dziedzic, Sioux Falls Development Foundation Vice President. “As site selection professionals view the competitive national landscape of modern economic

development, the presence of a pre-qualified site is enormously beneficial. Our thanks to the GOED for a program that gives us a competitive edge.”

The South Dakota Certified Ready Sites program is operated under the supervision of GOED for the purpose of providing consistent information on sites available throughout the state. For more information on the South Dakota Certified Ready Sites program, visit sdreadytopartner.com/CRS.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 41

Visitor Industry Updates 1,500-MILE BIKE RIDE TO END IN SIOUX FALLS

The Andean Health 1500, a 1,500 mile cycling event to raise awareness of rural health, will begin on June 13 and concludes in Sioux Falls on July 4. Andean Health & Development (AHD) has a goal to raise $500,000 to improve health delivery in rural communities throughout the Americas, with a main focus on Santo Domingo, Ecuador, where one-third of the population lives in extreme poverty.

The ride will involve 25 dedicated cyclists trekking 1,500 miles and climbing 50,000 ft. during the five-state, 20-day ride. It departs from Skykomish, Wash. A closing ceremony in Sioux Falls will take place on July 4. The ride is being led by Michael Heisler, MD, MPH and chair of AHD’s advisory board, and a professor of medicine at The Sanford School of Medicine at The University of South Dakota.

AHD is changing the health and well-being of the poor in rural Ecuador by providing quality medical care based on an innovative and proven model of local self-sustainability that can be replicated throughout Latin America. AHD trains rural family physicians — where local faculty train Ecuadorian physicians to work in their own communities. AHD’s unique model for financial sustainability is based on strong local partnerships and keeping costs low.

42 Chamber News | JUNE 2015

During the ride, AHD will deliver small grants to four rural community clinics and/or community health programs in Montana and South Dakota. Selections will be based on innovative approaches to rural health care.

“These small grants demonstrate AHD’s commitment to assisting rural health care delivery in the Americas,” Heisler said. “We know that there are many differences between Latin America and the rural communities of the northwestern U.S. and the Northern Plains, but we also know that many of the challenges are the same. We hope that our small contributions will help ‘shine the light’ on creative efforts to provide quality rural health care in communities along our route.”

SIOUX FALLS REPRESENTED AT INTERNATIONAL POWWOW SHOW

The Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) traveled to IPW, the International PowWow powered by the U.S. Travel Association, in Orlando, which runs through June 3. Sales Manager Alexa Steiner is representing Sioux Falls with the South Dakota Department of Tourism. IPW is the largest domestic travel show in the U.S., bringing together more than 1,000 U.S. travel organizations and more than 1,300 international and domestic buyers from

more than 70 countries. The appointment-based show gives Sioux Falls the opportunity to meet with tour/travel operators from all over the world, with key markets in China, Japan and Germany.

South Dakota has 90 meetings scheduled for the show.

CVB PROMOTES SIOUX FALLS IN “BEAUTY OF THE RIDE” CAMPAIGN

The Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) advertises on sturgismotorcyclerally.com year-round and has received increased traffic so far this year. 2015 marks the 20th anniversary of Hot Harley Nights in Sioux Falls and the biggest year yet for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally’s 75th anniversary.

The CVB’s marketing strategy continues messaging from last year’s “Beauty of the Ride” campaign, which allowed travelers to redeem a free gift valued at $10 at the Falls Park Visitor Information Center with a valid out of state ID. The campaign began in May and includes digital advertising targeting motorcycle enthusiasts in Texas, Ohio, Florida, Illinois, Wisconsin and Kansas.

CVB TO BLITZ WASHINGTON, D.C.

The Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is preparing for the annual Washington, D.C. Sales Blitz. The staff will conduct meetings June 15-19 in the D.C. area, the No. 1 location for national organization and association offices. The blitz generates new sales opportunities for the CVB sales team by allowing them to meet one-on-one to discuss future meetings, events and how Sioux Falls could become a future host city. The CVB sales team will be contacting meeting professionals in the D.C. area to set up appointments for the week long blitz.

The CVB is conducting a pre-mailer to D.C. planners inviting them to have coffee with the CVB and learn more about Sioux Falls. With the mailer, ads on Pandora will run in the D.C. area to encourage planners to consider Sioux Falls for their next business meeting.

A great deal of the success in securing a national piece of business is due to the local involvement and support with the organization or association. If you have a local connection to any national organizations or associations, contact a member of the CVB sales team.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 43

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Ribbon Cuttings

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

Groundbreaking ceremonies are coordinated by the Sioux Falls Development Foundation. Call (605) 339-0103 for more information or to schedule your event.

Arrive

2arrivesf.com Arrive is a luxury transportation service catering to a variety of people — the new “elite taxi” for the city of Sioux Falls. L to R: Dennis Wallinga, Corey Weide, Kelly Grovijahn, Gary Gaspar, Sara Wallinga (owner/operator), Liz Lloyd, Judy Wallinga, Dan Doyle and Carrie Poncelet.

NEW MEMBER

Austin Nielsen Real Estate

5915 S. REMINGTON PL. nielsensold.com Austin Nielsen Real Estate helps buyers and sellers fulfill their home ownership dreams by providing quality service, experience and a new approach to selling real estate. L to R: Matt Sage, Adam Cooper, Sandy Case, Shelby Nielsen, Austin Nielson (broker associate), Eric Anderson, Rob TeKolste and Tracy Skuza.

NEW MEMBER

Burlington

NEW MEMBER

701 S. HIGHLINE PL. burlingtoncoatfactory.com Burlington is thrilled to introduce their first store in South Dakota, their 45th state, to the community of Sioux Falls. L to R: Angel Fair, Jennifer Rothenbuehler, Corey Weide, Lynda Billars, Dr. Dave Kapaska, David Johnson, Amy Higgins (regional vice president), Adam Husband (store manager), Mayor Mike Huether and Thomas Moore.

Brady King-Farm Bureau Financial Services

4804 S. Minnesota Ave. #101 Brady King-Farm Bureau Financial Services is a multi-line organization offering all lines of insurance. L to R: David King, Bobbi Thury, Brady King (agent), Erin Voss, Amy O’Connor Hoback, Stefanie Engebretson and Eric Anderson.

NEW MEMBER

chambernews.com | Chamber News 45

RIBBON CUTTINGS Institute of Design & Technology of SD

NEW LOCATION

525 W. 22nd St. Institute of Design & Technology of SD is dedicated to advancing creative and workforce development through design exploration and creative entrepreneurship with their technical education and summer project-based exploration programs. L to R: Calla Knoblock, Lynda Billars, Corey Weide, Anna Svavarsdottir, Anita Kealey (creative director), Anita Wetsch, Lexie Jacobsen, Sheila Hoff and Liz Hage.

KeyMedia Solutions

5032 S. BUR OAK PL., SUITE 121 keymediasolutions.com KeyMedia Solutions connects businesses with their customers using the latest online marketing strategies and digital formats. L to R: Mike Hauck, Lexie Jacobsen, Paul Cesar, Korena Keys (CEO), Jay Huizenga, Duane Noerenberg, Joey Rotert and Marsha Anderson.

NEW LOCATION

46 Chamber News | JUNE 2015

RIBBON CUTTINGS Leading Edge Solutions of South Dakota

NEW MEMBER

3101 W. 41ST ST. #207 leadingedgesolutionsofsouthdakota.com Leading Edge Solutions of South Dakota provides training, consultation and strategic planning for both for profit and non-profit companies. They are celebrating one year in operation. L to R: Gita Hendricks, Corey Weide, Carol Knudtson, Pat Stewart (managing member), Dr. Dave Kapaska, Pam Bollinger (member) and Larry Ayres.

Lock It and Leave It Moving and Storage 3612 W. TEEM DR. lockitandleaveitstorage.com

EXPANSION/REMODEL

Lock It and Leave It Moving and Storage offers residential and commercial moving services in the Sioux Falls area. L to R: Emily Marsh, Corey Weide, Wendy Bergan, Bill Pederson (co-owner), John Henkhaus, Megan Pederson, Chris Filsinger, Raena Rasmussen, Paris Rasmussen, Joey Rotert and Jeff Marsh (co-owner).

chambernews.com | Chamber News 47

RIBBON CUTTINGS Property Solutions of America, LLC

NEW MEMBER

1800 S. ALPINE AVE. #1 propertysolutionsofamerica.com Property Solutions of America, LLC improves communities and provides solutions for people with property issues. They can close in as few as five days and are known as the “Fastest Closer in Town.” L to R: Renae Robbins, Ron Roelandt, Lois Roelandt, Corey Weide, Dr. Dave Kapaska, Ken Frear (member), Nathan Stallinga, Peyton Frear, Daren Anderson, Nancy Frear, Josh Sutton and Bill Sutton.

Riddle’s Jewelry

EXPANSION/REMODEL

3609 W. 41ST ST. riddlesjewelry.com Riddle’s Jewelry is celebrating their expansion and 25th Anniversary as a Chamber member.

They are a leading family-owned jewelry store with more than 60 locations in nine states, all in the upper Midwest. L to R: Corey Weide, Stefanie Engebretson, Ryan McConnell, David Stensrud (general manager), Randy Hoffman, Julie Darrington and Dean Karsky.

Shenanigans Sports Bar-Grill

1903 ELLIS RD. shenanigans.bar Shenanigans Sports Bar-Grill is alive and well and has recently relocated to Sioux Falls’ westside. L to R: Asia Visocisky, Tyler Haahr, Amy O’Connor Hoback, Don Rose, Alysha Rose, Braylen Rose, Andy Rose (general manager), Jessica Nelson, Debbie Yackley and Eric Anderson.

NEW MEMBER

Sioux Falls Fire Rescue Fire Station #11

NEW LOCATION

2333 N. VALLEY VIEW RD. siouxfalls.org Sioux Falls Fire Rescue Fire Station #11 serves the northwest part of Sioux Falls. L to R: Kyle Kolda, Dean Karsky, Corey Weide, Chief Jim Sideras (fire chief), Dan Johnson, Chief Jeff Helm (division chief), David Johnson, Captain Michael Koopman, Gary Gaspar and Ryan Rauk.

Sioux Falls Lighthouse

2320 S. MARION RD. STE. 140 siouxfallslighthouse.com Sioux Falls Lighthouse is a new lighting and accessories showroom in Sioux Falls. L to R: Cari Lindner, Tami Lillie, Emery Wagner, Fin Wagner, Jeff Wagner, Adelynn Wagner, Steve VanBuskirk, Kari Wagner (owner), Chris Filsinger, Amy O’Connor Hoback, Duane Noerenberg, Lynda Billars and Amy Wollman.

NEW MEMBER

48 Chamber News | JUNE 2015

RIBBON CUTTINGS Steel Toe Systems

steeltoesystems.com Steel Toe Systems offers personalized IT business and vehicle tracking/fleet management solutions. L to R: Charlotte Harding, Dan Doyle, Corey Weide, Suzie Folkerts, Rick Harding (CEO/President), Matthew Walters, Liz Lloyd, John Henkhaus and Nash Walters.

NEW MEMBER

The Rush

2701 W. 41ST ST., STE. B attherush.com The Rush is a local, family-owned business that strives to provide the small town, neighborhood feel in a fast-growing city. Celebrate the new ownership by stopping by. L to R: Ritch Noble, Corey Weide, Shelia Hoff, Dr. Dave Kapaska, Alan Grey, Stephanie Grey and Liz Lloyd.

NEW MEMBER

chambernews.com | Chamber News 49

MEMBERSHIP

Member Anniversaries FOUNDING MEMBERS AAA South Dakota Member Since 1933 AAA.com

Augustana College

Congratulations to the following members who are celebrating their milestone membership anniversaries this month and the new members who joined the Chamber in the last month.

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

Gage Brothers Concrete Products, Inc.

TSP, Inc.

Girton Adams Company

University of Sioux Falls

Member Since 1918 gagebrothers.com Member Since 1909

Member Since 1930 teamtsp.com Member Since 1907 usiouxfalls.edu

Member Since 1918 augie.edu

John Morrell & Co.

Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center

Member Since 1909 johnmorrell.com

70 YEARS

Journey Group

hegg.com

Member Since 1911 avera.org

Boyce Law Firm, L.L.P. Member Since 1907 bgpw.com

Cadwell Sanford Deibert & Garry LLP Member Since 1907 cadlaw.com/

Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP Member Since 1939 dehs.com

Dean Foods/Land O’Lakes Member Since 1917 deanfoods.com

Electric Construction Company Member Since 1907 electricconstructionfsd.com

Member Since 1907 sfconst.com

L.G. Everist, Inc.

Member Since 1920 lgeverist.com

McKinneyOlson Insurance Member Since 1907 mckinneyolson.com

Results Radio/Townsquare MediaKSOO 1140/KMXC 97.3/KYBB 102.7/ KXRB 1000/KKLS 104.7/KIKN 100.5 Member Since 1926 results-radio.com

Sanford Health

Member Since 1907 sanfordhealth.org

Sioux Falls Seminary

Hegg Realtors

60 YEARS

Land Title Guaranty Co. landtitleguaranty.com

55 YEARS

Formatop Company, Inc. formatopcompany.com

KSFY Television ksfy.com

40 YEARS

Gil Haugan Construction gilhaugan.com

Lamar Outdoor Advertising lamar.com/siouxfalls

Member Since 1907 sfseminary.edu

May & Johnson, PC

Center for Immigrant and Refugee Families (CIRF)

First Dakota Horticulture

mayjohnson.com

New Members AH, LLC Construction Aaron Hultgren, (605) 940-4242 402 W. 9th St., 57104

Allstate Insurance Dennis Arp, (605) 361-5450 3801 S. Western Ave. #100, 57105

The Alpine Inn Restaurants-Bar Deanna Dorn, (605) 335-3972 212 S. Sneve Ave., 57105

Bank Midwest Banks Randy Snyders, (605) 275-9559 225 S. Minnesota Ave., 57104 bankmidwest.com

50 Chamber News | JUNE 2015

Associate Member Abdul Sidow, (605) 271-6118 301 S. Garfield Ave., Ste. 6, 57104

DAYTA Marketing Associate Member Andrew Leintz, (320) 345-7307 415 3rd St. N., Waite Park, MN 56387 daytamarketing.com

Detour Bar Bars & Lounges Paul Duimstra, (605) 271-0138 2501 W. 10th St., 57104 detourbarsf.com

DeVille Wegner Group Real Estate Corey DeVille, (605) 359-0171 5915 S. Remington Pl., 57108 devillewegner.com

Landscaping Steve Sheppard & Monty Misfeldt, (605) 526-4428 46551 264th St., 57107

Friendship Baptist Church Associate Member Pastor Tajuan Jackson, (605) 370-7022 821 S. Cloudas Ave., 57103

Giliberto’s Taco Shop Restaurants Ana L. Ramirez, (605) 271-2013 712 S. Minnesota Ave., 57104

GrandStay Hotel & Suites Hotels & Motels Angie Munce, (605) 213-1500 830 Gateway Ln., Tea, SD 57064 grandstayhospitality.com

Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant Restaurants Carlos Vega, (605) 361-3701 5309 W. 41st. St., 57106

MEMBERSHIP McGinnis and Company, PC mcginnisco.com

10 YEARS

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s beefobradys.com

RBC Wealth Management

A-1 Jet, LLC, Waterjet Cutting & Product Design

rbcwm-usa.com

a1jet.com

DataSync

Ronning Companies

Cole Notary, LLC

Dirt Road Diamond Boutique

ronningcompanies.com

30 YEARS

StoneyBrook Suites stoneybrooksuites.com

Ad-Star Sales, Inc.

The Local Best of Sioux Falls

adstarsales.com

thelocalbest.com

Avera Prince of Peace

5 YEARS

averaprinceofpeace.org

DakotAbilities dakotabilities.org

Taco John’s of Sioux Falls tacojohns.com

25 YEARS

Advana Mortgage advanamortgage.com

Advanced Dental siouxfallsdental.com

Advantage Communications advantage-communications.com

Cellular Only

proforceservices.com

cellonlylive.com

Management Service Partners, Inc.

Parker’s

wellmark.com

20 YEARS

RE/MAX Professionals, Inc.-Jay Zea jayzearealestate.com

parkersbistro.net

Real Property Management Express expressrpm.com

FIRST-YEAR MEMBERS WHO REINVESTED DURING THEIR APRIL ANNIVERSARY MONTH:

15 YEARS

212 The Boiling Point

fargoglass.com

American Technical Services, Inc.

Fargo Glass & Paint Co. Sister Cities Association of Sioux Falls sfsistercities.com

dirtroaddiamond.com

Fuji Sushi & Hibachi Grill fujisiouxfalls.com

IFAM Capital ifmcapital.com

ProForce Services

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Dakota

datasyncorp.com

kRav’N

kravn.com

Matz Painting and Wallcovering, Inc. matzpainting.com

Old English Building Maintenance oldenglishbuildingmaintenance.com

PAi (Plan Administrators, Inc.) & PAi Trust pai.com

Poo-Patrol Pet Waste Removal Service mypoopatrol.com

Poppadox Pub Shaw Industries, Inc. shawfloors.com

Sioux Falls Monument Co. siouxfallsmemorials.com

Zomer Automotive zomermotors.com

212boilingpoint.com ats-sd.com

B & G Milky Way bandgmilkyway.com

Herman Otten Construction Associate Member Herman Otten, (605) 941-1170 PO Box 325, Tea, SD 57064 ottenconstruction.com

Home Dynamics Flooring, LLC Carpet & Rug Cleaners Steve Wipf, (605) 366-8160 siouxfallscarpetclean.com

I-29 Antiques & Collectibles Mall Associate Member Randy Maas, (605) 368-5810 46990 271st St., Tea, SD 57064 i29antiquessd.com

J.Ella Boutique Women’s Apparel-Retail Jael E. Thorpe, (605) 271-6970 5015 S. Western Ave. #180, 57108 jellasd.com

Keller Williams Realty Sioux FallsCindy Wills Affiliate-Real Estate Cindy Wills, (605) 838-9164 6330 S. Western Ave., Ste. 150, 57108 bigsiouxhomes.com

Paramedics Plus-Sioux Falls Ambulance Service Michael G. Bureau, Jr., (605) 366-9656 4000 W. 57th St., 57106 paramedicsplus.com

Paulson Monuments Monuments Laura Woods, (605) 764-0001 PO Box 353, Canton, SD 57013 paulsonmonuments.com

Perfect Practice Hoops Group Sports Complex Reginald Burkett, (605) 213-3300 300 W. Industrial Dr., Harrisburg, SD 57032 perfectpracticesd.com

Sioux Empire Kennel Club Associate Member Mert Kramer, (605) 521-6238 100 N. Lyon Blvd., 57107 siouxempirekennelclub.org

South Dakota State Democratic Party Associate Member Zach Nistler, (605) 271-5405 PO Box 1485, 57101 sddp.org

Stan’s Clean-A-Can Cleaning Service Corey Stanley, (605) 251-5969 stanscleanacan.com

USA Media TV Media Production Alejandro Ramirez, (605) 360-3360 usamediatv.com

chambernews.com | Chamber News 51

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 Linda Beck Halliburton Linda Beck Halliburton is Vice President of Beck & Hofer Construction. She grew up in Sioux Falls, graduated from Augustana College with a business degree and is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Minnesota. Prior to returning from the Twin Cities to Sioux Falls two years ago, Beck Halliburton worked in marketing, sales and general business management in a variety of organizations. Beck Halliburton also serves on the Chamber’s Education & Workforce Development Committee.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT SIOUX FALLS? Sioux Falls is easy. After living in the Twin Cities for more than 15 years, it was refreshing to discover how easy it is to meet new people and to develop and renew personal and professional relationships in Sioux Falls. If there is someone I want to get to know, all I have to do is call them and they are willing to meet with me. It’s also a very easy place to get involved and attend whatever events you want to do without any of the “hassle factor” you often find in larger cities.

WHAT IS ONE OF SIOUX FALLS’ BEST-KEPT SECRETS? LINDA BECK HALLIBURTON Beck & Hofer Construction

Most people would be surprised to learn that there are nearly 500 South Dakota companies that have a global footprint and are actively engaged in international trade. It used to be that if a business professional wanted international experience or a business wanted to be a global player, they had to be in a major market. That’s not the case any longer.

WHAT IS THE BEST THING THE CHAMBER DOES FOR THE SIOUX FALLS AREA? There is no one best thing. The Chamber provides a myriad of ways for people to get involved, whether they want to shape the future or simply socialize with other business people. Of all the places I’ve lived, our Chamber is the most active one I’ve encountered. It is at the forefront of creating and building the very vibrant business community that is Sioux Falls. The Chamber is obviously doing a lot of things right because so many people are involved in so many different things.

WHAT HAVE YOU OR YOUR EMPLOYER GAINED FROM BEING A CHAMBER MEMBER? Our company has been a Chamber member since 1982. My father and our founder, Dick Beck, was an Ambassador for many years. Being involved helps us stay on top of what’s going on in Sioux Falls. Over the years, it has opened many doors for us and given us the opportunity to build for some of the best-known companies and businesses in our area.

WHAT IS ONE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT YOU SUPPORT AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO YOU? It’s not really a non-profit but an initiative. Skills Dakota is a cross-sector consortium of people and organizations dedicated to improving the visibility and attractiveness of skilled trade professions. This is a critical piece of our country’s mismatch between the skills needed and the skills that the workforce has. By giving all age groups an opportunity to learn about and try some of these skills, we can help build a pipeline of skilled trade professionals.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 53

FROM THE ARCHIVES

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

Orpheum evolves over past century The Orpheum is the oldest existing theater in Sioux Falls. It was built in 1913 for $63,200. The theater incorporates elements of the prairie style and neoclassical revival in its architecture.

It was designed to be a state-of-the-art theater for the staging of vaudeville and remained in use as a vaudeville house until 1927 when it was sold to Minnesota Amusement Co., who converted it into a B-movie and second run theater. The Orpheum Theater was listed on the national register of historic places in 1983. The City of Sioux Falls purchased the Orpheum, Link and Actor’s Studio in 2003 and contracted with SMG to manage the facility.

Frequent users of the building include the Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Society, dance studios, concerts, meetings, conferences, weddings and more. Pictured is the theatre under construction in 1913.

54 Chamber News | JUNE 2015