June 2017 Chamber News

Chamber News Vol. 52, No. 9

June 2017

A PUBLICATION OF THE SIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE

OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN SIOUX FALLS

“Put your trust in Sanford. You’ll find the journey won’t be so hard”

Breast TO-DO LIST

YOUR

-Janet Lindemann, Sanford Patient

1 Call (605) 328-4592 to schedule your mammogram

2 Download questions to ask your physician

3 Know your breast cancer risk

4 Access results quickly via My Sanford Chart

5 See if genetic testing is right for you

THIS IS DETERMINATION This is Edith Sanford Breast Center. We know this is only a part of your life, but we stand with you through all of it. #WeAreEdith See Janet’s story of determination at PinkMeansMore.org

011004-00450 3/17

To complete your to-do list, visit PinkMeansMore.org

IN THIS ISSUE COVER STORY

The changing landscape of higher education in Sioux Falls............................ 25-33 FEATURES

Levitt at the Falls celebrates successful Community Appeals campaign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Construction begins for first tenant in Foundation Park . . . . . . . . . . 37 IN THIS ISSUE: Message from the Chair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Events Calendars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11 Economic Indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Noteworthy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Faces & Places. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-23 Community Appeals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Chamber News PUBLISHER

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce CHAMBER NEWS AD SALES

ARGUS LEADER MEDIA For advertising information, call Nathan O’neal at (605) 331-2372 or email noneal@argusleader.com

CHAMBER NEWS LAYOUT/DESIGN JILL BLOM

CHAMBER NEWS EDITOR

JENNIE DOYEN 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 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

Business Advocacy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34-35

CHAMBER MISSION

Headlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36-37

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.

Business News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38-39, 42-44 Convention & Visitors Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40-41 Ribbon Cuttings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45-50 Member Anniversaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Five Questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 From the Archive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

ON THE COVER Local higher education institutions are adapting to a changing landscape in education and responding to the workforce development demands of the Sioux Falls community. Read interviews with local leaders on starting on page 26.

Communicate WITH THE

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

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

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

chambernews.com | Chamber News 3

HOW CAN THE WORKPLACE BE DESIGNED TO TRULY ENHANCE COLLABORATION?

Relevant Forms of Collaboration Wecreate spaces where you can SEE ANDBE SEEN; transparency builds trust and trust is at the heart of collaboration.

provide updates, share information review information to make decisions co-create new solutions

WE CAN HELP

605.339.0300 ~ i-o-p.com 228 S Main Ave, Sioux Falls, SD

SF-0000360440

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Message from the Chair We celebrated some major milestones for our city and region last month. First was the announcement that Foundation Park, the Forward Sioux Falls-funded development park in northwest Sioux Falls, had secured its first tenant. Construction has already begun on the warehouse and distribution center that will house Win Chill, LLC–bringing new business and jobs to Sioux Falls by next spring.

DAVE KAPASKA, D.O. 2016-17 Chair of the Board

When we come together to work toward a common goal, great things can happen!

Next, community leaders gathered for a ceremonial groundbreaking for the USD Discovery District–a project years in the making. The vision for this corporate and academic research park is one that embraces collaboration and innovation as a means to strengthen Sioux Falls’ economy.

We also celebrated a project not just years, but actually decades in the making–Good Earth State Park at Blood Run. With the grand opening of the park’s new first-class Visitor Center, our citizens and visitors alike can experience the rich history and culture of the Oneota people that inhabited our area hundreds of years ago.

A common thread of these projects is that all were the result of partnerships involving multiple public and private entities. When we come together to work toward a common goal, great things can happen!

In Sioux Falls, we are lucky to have several high-quality post-secondary institutions as part of our community. From private liberal arts, to public university programs, to top-notch technical training, each school has unique strengths. Let’s continue to look for ways we can partner with our academic institutions to create programs and initiatives that benefit our workforce and community as a whole.

On May 20, the Chamber hosted an Armed Forces Day ceremony bringing together active service members, veterans, families and an appreciative community. What a selfless gift all of our military members across the country have given through their service to the nation. It is a perfect example for all of us “giving it up” for our community.

You may have heard that I will be retiring from Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health System on June 30, 2017. My wife Mary Ann and I will remain in Sioux Falls and I will continue my commitment to the Chamber as Chair of the Board through September. Thank you all for your support and kind words!

2016-17 SIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LEADERSHIP AND STAFF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIR DAVE KAPASKA, D.O.

Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center CHAIR-ELECT STEVE VAN BUSKIRK Van Buskirk Companies VICE CHAIR TIM STURDEVANT Sturdevant’s Auto Parts TREASURER BOBBI THURY Legacy Law Firm, P.C. IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR PAUL BRUFLAT CNA Surety PRESIDENT/CEO JASON BALL Chamber of Commerce BOARD OF DIRECTORS WENDY BERGAN JDS Industries DAN DOYLE Cutler Law Firm GARY GASPAR Interstate Office Products SHARON HASELHOFF Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort MIKE HAUCK Accord Commercial Real Estate, LLC JOHN HENKHAUS The Everist Company JAY HUIZENGA KELOLAND-TV DEAN KARSKY Farmers Insurance Group/Karsky Agency LAURIE KNUTSON EmBe MARK MICKELSON Mickelson & Co. CHRISTY NICOLAISAN Multi-Cultural Center of Sioux Falls ALEX RAMIREZ USA Media TV CARL WYNJA U.S. Bank

EX-OFFICIO GERALD BENINGA Minnehaha County Commission MAYOR MIKE HUETHER City of Sioux Falls DR. BRIAN MAHER Superintendent, Sioux Falls Public School System JIM SCHMIDT Lincoln County Commission TODD THOELKE Sioux Falls School Board KYLE GROOS Sioux Falls Catholic Schools CHAMBER & CVB STAFF JASON BALL President/CEO THANE BARNIER Web Development & IT Manager MATT BARTHEL CVB Communications Manager JOAN BARTLING Finance & Accounting Director JUSTIN BENTAAS Public Affairs & Research Manager JILL BLOM Graphics & Communications Specialist SHIRLEY BUSEMAN Receptionist CINDY CHRISTENSEN Agri-Business Division Manager RACHEL CRANE CVB Host City Manager JENNIE DOYEN Marketing & Communications Manager ANNA ELIASON CVB Sales Manager AMY M. FARR Membership Sales & Retention Manager JEFF FEJFAR Web Designer LAUREN FOSHEIM Small Business & Leadership Development Manager

MARY HUBLOU CVB First Impressions Manager/Project Assistant JAY KALTENBACH CVB Services/Resale Manager MARK LEE Public Affairs & Communications Director PAT LUND Membership Development Director MIKE LYNCH Forward Sioux Falls Director of Investor Relations JILL NIEDRINGHAUS CVB Sales Manager WENDY NEUHARTH Membership Services Administrative Assistant KRISTA ORSACK CVB Director of Marketing KATHIE PUTHOFF CVB Administrative Assistant TAYLOR ROLLO CVB Sales Assistant TERI SCHMIDT CVB Executive Director KAYLA SCHOLTEN Young Professionals Network Manager TERESA SCHREIER Public Affairs & Communications Assistant SUSAN SEACHRIS Administrative/Accounting Assistant EMILY SPERRY CVB Creative Development Manager TATE STENSGAARD CVB Sales Manager JACKIE WENTWORTH CVB Sales Manager VALERIE WILLSON Membership Events Manager ERIN ZIMMERMAN CVB Sales Manager

chambernews.com | Chamber News 5

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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 JUNE MEMBERSHIP

MIXER

& BUSINESS FAIR SPONSORED BY: THURSDAY, JUNE 15

4:30-7 p.m.

Sioux Falls Convention Center, 1201 N. West Ave.

The business fair features more than 30 Chamber members promoting their goods & services.

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

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

SAVE THE DATE

Diplomat Committee 35 Anniversary & Reunion th

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2017 • 6-9 P.M.

BUSINESS SENSE WORKSHOP: GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR TIME & RESOURCES TUESDAY, JUNE 6

Noon-1 p.m.

Chamber of Commerce, 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200 DETAILS: Take one hour out of one day to save five hours a week for the

rest of your life! Learn how to get the most out of your resources through role definition, time blocking, prioritization, week-at-a-glance scheduling and personal accountability. Presented by Paul Ritter with Elev8 Coaching.

COST: $10, bring your own lunch RSVP: lfosheim@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2009

NEW MEMBER MIXER TUESDAY, JUNE 20

4:30-6 p.m.

Cherry Creek Grill, 3104 E. 26th St. DETAILS: New Chamber members (or new employees to the community or anyone who would like to learn about volunteer opportunities) are invited to this Mixer to learn more about the Chamber and visit with other new Chamber members.

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

CHAMBERHOOD – NORTHEAST DISTRICT TUESDAY, JUNE 27

11:30-1 p.m.

Republic National Distributing Company LLC, 1710 M. Ave. DETAILS: Join us for lunch and catch up on activity taking place in the

northeast part of the city. This is a great way to find out what is new in your area and to meet fellow Chamber members who live, work or do business in your neighborhood.

COST: $20, includes lunch RSVP: vwillson@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2010

BUSINESS SENSE WORKSHOP: INBOUND MARKETING TUESDAY, JUNE 27

Noon-1 p.m.

Chamber of Commerce, 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200 DETAILS: People today consume information and make purchasing

decisions much differently than they did just a few decades ago.

Traditional, or outbound marketing, has cluttered the landscape and consumers are tuning it out. Inbound marketing is the future of marketing.

Where outbound marketing was a megaphone, inbound marketing is a magnet. Learn how to stop shouting at your customer base and create a website that draws people in. Presented by Carrie Anderson with Five J Design, LLC.

COST: $10, bring your own lunch RSVP: lfosheim@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2009

chambernews.com | Chamber News 7

USA Today Network Local Digital Benchmarks The Proof You’ve Been Waiting For HIGH ENGAGEMENT Local interaction for standard display ads is

2.4x

HIGHER

than industry average

USA Today Network Local

.18%

Google Benchmark

.10%

Billboard Video Takeover

.23% .27%

Interactive Takeover

.31% .37%

Gravity Pushdown

(Compared to .11% CTR)

.53% 1.67%

Transitional

100% of local sites exceeded IAB ad viewability benchmarks across standard units

Mobile ads have a

42%

HIGHER

viewability than industry average

USA Today Network local high impact ad units average

30%

HIGHER

In view rate compared to industry average

Source: USA Today Network Local 2016 Digital Campaigns. DFP, 2016 Google display benchmarks.

WHY DO WE PERFORM BETTER?

Audience

CTR than Industry Average CTR Performance – STD AD Units

Our High Impact Ad Units Also Perform Significantly Above Google Benchmarks

.18%

Hero Flip

USA TODAY NETWORK LOCAL SITES AVERAGE 80% HIGHER

Brand

Content

USA Today Network Local Sites Provide A Brand Safe Environment.

1.

2.

3.

HIGH QUALITY JOURNALISM LESS CLUTTER (1 AD PER SCREEN) 3RD PARTY VERIFICATION (MOAT AND IAS)

In today’s digital media environment, clients demand transparency and validation that their ads are being seen. USA Today Network local sites provide a desirable audience, engaging content, proven performance and results from trusted local brands.

In 2016, USA Today Network’s local sites managed more than

82,500 DIGITAL CAMPAIGNS

In 2016, Netw managed

Local expertise & national scale = ROI for business.

Our network of 109 sites provide local digital and marketing expertise to drive results for your business. We have analyzed data from thousands of campaigns and can leverage insights and best practices data across the entire USA Today Network to help inform and develop customized digital marketing solutions for local businesses.

Contact us at 605.331.2341 or www.almediasolutions.com

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

SOCIAL ACTION TEAM MEETING TUESDAY, JUNE 6

AFTER HOURS AT THE PAVILION THURSDAY, JUNE 8

DETAILS: The YPN Social Team focuses on

DETAILS: Enjoy the Washington Pavilion’s

4-5 p.m.

Chamber of Commerce 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200

social events that showcase our community while providing a positive environment for networking, socializing and developing connections. The Social Team meets the first Tuesday of the month and is open to ANY member looking to get more involved. Join us!

COST: Free to attend, open to everyone!

MORNING BUZZ WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7 7:30-8:30 a.m.

All Day Cafe 2101 W. 41st. St.

DETAILS: Caffeine-loving, networking-minded young professionals are invited to get their “morning buzz” on with us. Join us for a cup of coffee before work to make new connections and re-connect with old ones. Come and go as you wish!

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

5-7:30 p.m.

Washington Pavilion Kirby Science Discovery Center

Kirby Science Discovery Center without having to dodge kids! After Hours at the Pavilion is your chance to explore all the exhibits in an adult-only environment. The Science Center will be reserved for YPN only and a cash bar will be available.

JUNE OFF THE CLOCK THURSDAY, JUNE 29

4-7 p.m.

Crawford’s, 214 S. Phillips Ave. Join us downtown for our June Off the Clock!

One of the goals of YPN is to connect leaders and what better way to do that than over drinks at Crawford’s! This is a come and go event. Feel free to bring a co-worker or friend!

COST: Free, food/drinks on your own

Admission includes one free drink ticket, access to the entire Science Center and a 7:30 movie showing at the Cinedome if you’d like to stick around!

COST: $12 in advance, $15 at the door

OUR SIOUX FALLS: SIOUX FALLS THRIVE TUESDAY, JUNE 13 Noon-1 p.m.

Chamber of Commerce 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200

DETAILS: It’s been said that all a child needs

to succeed is a little help, a little hope and someone who believes in them. When it comes to our kids, Sioux Falls does more than help, hope and believe. Sioux Falls Thrive’s mission is to make sure all children succeed, from cradle to career. Hear from Candy Hanson, Executive Director of Sioux Falls Thrive. Find more information at siouxfallsthrive.org

COST: Free, bring your lunch

Connect WITH THE

YPN

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

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.

JUNE 1-4 RibFest 2

Downtown Block Party on the Eastbank

2-4

Canaries Baseball vs. Kansas City T-Bones

3

Wilde Prairie Winery Spring Open House

5

Byrne and Kelly

6

Daniel O’Donnell “Back Home Again” tour

6

Annual Cancer Survivors Picnic

9

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill “Soul2Soul” tour

9-11

Canaries Baseball vs. Cleburn RailRoaders

10

Storm Football vs. Nebraska Danger

10

Super Second Saturday

10-11

Siouxland Renaissance Festival

12-15

Canaries Baseball vs. Gary-SouthShore RailCats

13-16

Boys Sing Camp 2017

16

Jesse James Days - Garretson

17

21st Annual Festival of Cultures

17

2017 Prime Time Gala featuring Martina McBride

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

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

At Your Service. At Your Side.

Fischer, Rounds & Associates, Inc. is an independent insurance agency with a broad range of personal, commercial, health and life insurance products.

SF-0000359140

Offices also in Mitchell, Pierre, Watertown and Rapid City

10 Chamber News | JUNE 2017

17

Sioux Falls Pride 2017

8

Super Second Saturday

17

Storm Football vs. Iowa Barnstormers

8

Family Fest

17

Zippity Zoo Day at the Great Plains Zoo

8

Loretta Lynn

17

Step Forward to Prevent Suicide Walk/Run

11

Jason Isbell

17

Celebrity Walleye Classic

12

Hot Summer Nites

17-18

South Dakota Peach Festival

13-15

26th Annual JazzFest

18

Paul Simon

14-15

Comedian Carlos Mencia

19-21

Canaries Baseball vs. St. Paul Saints

14-16

Downtown Crazy Days

22

Rooftop Cinema - Downtown Sioux Falls

15

Back to SoDak

22

Charity of Choice Gala

18-20

Canaries Baseball vs. Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks

22-28

US Youth Soccer Midwest Regional

21

Buffalo Wild Wings Club Classic golf tournament

23-25

Canaries Baseball vs. Laredo Lemurs

22

3rd Annual PVA Poker Run

24

Women’s Try It Day at Outdoor Campus

27

Rooftop Cinema - Downtown Sioux Falls

27-29

Canaries Baseball vs. Lincoln Saltdogs

29

Folk-Off & Rib Challenge

30

Canaries Baseball vs. Sioux City Explorers

JULY 6-9

22nd Annual Hot Harley Nights

7

Downtown Block Party on the Eastbank

7-9

Canaries Baseballs vs. Wichita Wingnuts

BANKERS WHO GO ABOVE AND BEYOND With CorTrust, it’s more than the numbers.

We do our part to understand your industry and help prepare for your future. When a business banker goes above and beyond for you, the sky’s the limit.

Chris Filsinger Business Banking Officer NMLS ID 1197598

Raise your expectations.

cortrustbank.com 300 Cherapa Pl STE 101 | 605.444.4000 Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender | ID 405612

chambernews.com | Chamber News 11

Easy starts here.

Instead of searching for an open spot, reserve a front-row space online through Parkmobile Reservations. It’s fast, easy, and only takes a few clicks to reserve and pay for your spot.

Details and links at SFAirport.com SUPPORTED BY:

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

APRIL 2017

MARCH 2017

CUMULATIVE YEAR TO DATE

3851 PERMITS

2015

2069 PERMITS

2016

BISMARCK

3.3%

1901 PERMITS

2017 0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

FARGO

3.1%

4000

MINNEAPOLIS/ ST. PAUL

Source: City of Sioux Falls

3.8%

RAPID CITY

City of Sioux Falls Total Construction Value

3.3%

APRIL 2017

SIOUX FALLS

CUMULATIVE YEAR TO DATE

2.7%

ROCHESTER

3.7%

CEDAR RAPIDS

3.5%

$300 OMAHA

3.2%

DES MOINES

3.1%

LINCOLN

$250

2.6%

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

$200

Agriculture Trends MARCH 2017

$150

$10

$255.4 million $129.4 million $209.2 million $97.4 million

$100

0

$8

$234.2 million $52.8 million

(IN MILLIONS)

$50

2015

2016

Source: City of Sioux Falls

$8.56

Total Construction Value

2017 New Non-Residential Construction Value

$9.86

$9.43

(PER BUSHEL) U.S. SOUTH DAKOTA

$6

CORN

(PER BUSHEL) U.S. SOUTH DAKOTA

$4

New Listings: 605 Days on the Market Until Sale: 89 Median Sales Price: $189,500 Inventory of Homes for Sale: 1,320 Source: RASE (Realtor Association of the Sioux Empire)

$9.17

SOYBEANS

$8.25

Sioux Falls Region Housing Overview APRIL 2017

$9.69

$3.56

$3.20

$2

March 2016

$3.44

$3.14

$3.49

$3.16

February March

2017

2017

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

IT DOESN’T MATTER

WHAT YOU

SAY...

IF YOU’RE NOT TALKING TO YOUR CUSTOMERS. BE WHERE YOUR CUSTOMERS ARE WHEN THEY’RE READY TO BUY. With our innovative mobile, video, and branded content solutions, we help target your customer and inspire them to action. It’s digital marketing that connects, with results only we can deliver.

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.

Colleges and Universities can serve as a talent attraction force for a region. That is clear in the Sioux Falls area where it is not uncommon to find coworkers or business colleagues enjoying a friendly rivalry over their alma mater.

Percentage of total living alumni residing in or near Sioux Falls

2,263 12,491 4,780 10,793 3,000

0

15.09%

6,000

36%

9,000

15.81%

12,000

18.9%

15,000

18%

5,809

Number of alumni living in or near Sioux Falls

5%

10%

20%

30%

40%

chambernews.com | Chamber News 15

FACES & PLACES

Faces & Places

AMY O’CONNOR HOBACK

Journey Group Companies

JULIE NELSON

SHARON HASELHOFF

Kleenrite Company

American Bank & Trust

JAY RASMUSSEN

Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort

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.

JAY SOUKUP

LYNDA BILLARS

Great Western Bank

The Lynda B. Advantage/ Team Billars & Associates KW

JACK DYVIG

JENNIFER TUTTLE

Sioux Falls Morning Optimists Club

Sioux Falls Development Foundation

CINDI JOHNSON Spectrum Marketing Services

DAREN ANDERSON Big D Technology Solutions, Inc.

MEGAN JANSICK

Sioux Falls Development Foundation

Recognition of Chamber Volunteers The Ambassador Team of the Month for April was Team Hoback: Amy O’Connor Hoback, Kleenrite Company; Jay Rasmussen, Journey Group Companies; and Jay Soukup, Great Western Bank.

The Ribbon Cutting Attendance Award went to Lynda Billars, The Lynda B. Advantage/Team Billars & Associates KW. Cindi Johnson, Spectrum Marketing Services, was awarded Diplomat of the Month

honors for April. Second place honors went to Daren Anderson, Big D Technology Solutions, Inc., and Julie Nelson, American Bank & Trust, was awarded third place honors.

Sharon Haselhoff, Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort, won the Reinvestment Award and Jack Dyvig, Sioux Falls Morning Optimists Club, won the Ribbon Cutting Attendance Award.

Diplomat Team of the Month for April went to Captain Cindi Johnson, Spectrum Marketing Services; James Payer II, Girl Scouts-Dakota Horizons; Dustin Brouwer, Sioux Falls Seminary; Tammy Beintema, JDRF; and Travis Dunn, Argus Leader Media/Sioux Falls Business Journal.

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 jdoyen@siouxfalls.com.

16 Chamber News | JUNE 2017

FACES & PLACES

New Faces & Promotions The Sioux Falls Development Foundation has added two new employees. Jennifer Tuttle is the Manager of Workforce Development.

She is responsible for working with business and industry to develop the current workforce, and with HR professionals and recruiters to promote Sioux Falls at trade shows, job fairs and workforce development seminars. Tuttle holds a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Webster University and is experienced in workforce development. Megan Jansick is the Digital Marketing Associate. She is responsible for social media, graphic design, photography and video production to support both business and workforce development efforts. Jansick holds a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from the University of South Dakota and has five years of experience in graphic design and social media.

Girl Scouts - Dakota Horizons has added two new employees. James Payer II is the Director of Development and Sara Weinreis is the Marketing and Resource Development Specialist.

Melissa Fossell has joined First Bank & Trust as a Business Banker at the downtown location. Fossell brings over a decade of business and financial experience to her new role with the First Bank & Trust team.

The Community Outreach has hired Peter Nord, CFRE, as the Development and Relationship Coordinator. Nord will share the mission and programs of The Community Outreach with local churches, businesses and the community. He will also be working to support the volunteers and mentors of the ministry.

Honors & Awards Insight Marketing Design received two 2017 Healthcare Advertising Awards for branding work. A gold was awarded for an informational video and a silver for identity package.

The 34th Annual Healthcare Advertising Awards, sponsored by Healthcare Marketing Report, is the oldest, largest and most widely respected healthcare advertising awards. The awards cover all aspects of healthcare marketing, advertising and strategic business development.

The Sioux Falls Business Resource Network recognized Avera Prince of Peace Retirement Community, Marlin’s Family Restaurant (Minnesota Avenue) and Stellar Limousine with a Disability Friendly Recognition Program award.

Interstate Office Products has been named a 2017 Steelcase Premier Partner. Premier Partners are Steelcase dealers who engage with Steelcase, customers and their community to deliver exceptional value to their area. The designation recognizes outstanding performance in the following categories: superior Steelcase market share in total sales, as well as in key vertical markets; superior customer satisfaction

MetaBank has hired four new employees: Nicholas Doherty as Business Intelligence Analyst II; Debra Schaefer as Senior Business Analyst; Renae Herrick as Test Analyst; and Christopher Eklund as Database Developer.

Two employees have been promoted: Camille Lewis to Business Analyst Manager and Jaris Fritz to Compliance Director.

Dan Hindbjorgen has joined Nelson Commercial Real Estate as a broker associate.

A lifelong resident of Sioux Falls, Hindbjorgen brings more than 20 years’ experience working in private business and with the Sioux Falls Development Foundation.

Leadership scores; investment in community; sustainable financial performance; and co-branding with Steelcase. Interstate Office Products is one of only four Steelcase dealers in North America to achieve this distinction for six straight years – each year since the award’s inception.

EmBe recognized 64 women, men and businesses at the annual Tribute to Women event that celebrates the rich history of recognizing achievements of exceptional women throughout the community. The following were honored for their achievements: Business Achievement: Mary Howard, The Howard Group - R.W. Baird; Banking and Finance: Suzy Collignon-Hodgen, Risk Administration Services; Government and Law: Taneeza Islam, Collaborative Legal Incubator Program; Healthcare and STEM: Amber Schwiesow, Midco; Humanities and Education: Carol Rogers, Avera Health; Nonprofit and Community Service: Laurie Fluit, Citi; Sylvia Henkin Mentoring Award: Cathy Kellogg, Avera Health; Young Woman of Achievement: Dr. Ashley Podhradsky, Dakota State University; and EmBeliever Award: Jim Woster, Avera Health.

Reece Almond has joined the Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation Board.

Almond is a lawyer at Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP specializing in commercial and complex civil litigation. He will serve a three-year term as a volunteer on the nonprofit Education Foundation Board. Other members of the Board are: Peggy Baney, Callie Beisch, Vernon Brown (vice chair), Catherine Dekkenga (secretary), Jackie Dumansky (treasurer), Nancy Duncan, Stephanie Gongopoulos (chair), Nancy Hagen, DeeAnn Konrad, Deb Koski, Kiki Nelsen and Carly Reiter.

Acquisitions Morton Buildings, Inc. is now 100 percent owned by its employees. Prior owners sold their shares to the employees’ Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Trust, giving current and future employees full ownership of the company. Morton Buildings employs 1,700 people nationwide, including 27 employees in Sioux Falls.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 17

FACES & PLACES

Be Seen

1

2

3 1-4 The May Membership Mixer was hosted by

A-Ox Welding Supply Co., Inc. at their new facility in northwest Sioux Falls. More than 200 people enjoyed networking with other Chamber members and had the opportunity to try out some of the technology A-Ox uses in their business.

4 18 Chamber News | JUNE 2017

FACES & PLACES

5

5-6 The Young Professionals Network celebrated eight years

at their annual Birthday Bash on April 20 at the Holiday Inn City Centre. Over 110 young professionals enjoyed a photo booth, door prizes and music from Whiskey Rich.

6

chambernews.com | Chamber News 19

FACES & PLACES

Be Seen

7 7-8 John Kirchner, Executive Director of Congres-

sional and Public Affairs for the Upper Midwest Region of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, was the featured speaker at Good Morning Sioux Falls on April 27. Members learned about the first 100 days of the Trump administration from a business perspective. The program also included introductions of new executives within the community. 9 City Councilor Christine Erickson, former Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin and Minnehaha County Commissioner Dean Karsky shared their experience and tips for how to run for an elected office with members of the Leadership Sioux Falls class.

8

9 20 Chamber News | JUNE 2017

FACES & PLACES

10

11

12 10 Jennifer Boomgaarden was the guest at YPN’s A Seat at the Table event in May. Members

enjoyed hearing about Boomgaarden’s experience with the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra and the opportunity to ask questions about her professional journey. 11 The new Coffea and First Bank & Trust location at Dawley Farms hosted 20 YPN members for Morning Buzz in May. This coffee networking opportunity happens the first Wednesday of every month at various locations.

12 Chamber members had the opportunity to ask questions of a panel of Human Resources experts including Julia Disburg, Lincoln & Minnehaha Counties; Rachelle Tieszen, Sammons Financial Group; and Traci Beeson, Avera EAP during a recent Business Sense Workshop.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 21

FACES & PLACES

Be Seen

13 13 Angela Lammers, Cetera Services, presented Strategies for Organizational Change to attendees at a Business Sense Workshop in early May.

Sign of the Times

snbsd.com

More and more of the region’s top business

people are talking to us.

Norm Drake, CEO and Senior Partner, and his associates at Legacy Development are involved in projects that are improving the look of the city. Bringing the DM&E building up to speed for its next life requires vision and an experienced banker.

Security National Bank is proud to be part of this exciting new project.

Call Mike Pekoske at 605-977-9000.

Better Banking Norm Drake, CEO Legacy Development 74TH & SOUTH LOUISE

22 Chamber News | JUNE 2017

26TH ST & I-29

Mike Pekoske, VP Commercial Lender

FACES & PLACES

14

15

14-15 The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

Military & Veterans Affairs Committee sponsored the annual Armed Forces Day program on May 20. Dr. Dave Kapaska, a graduate of the Air Force Academy, gave the keynote address. 16-17 The Chamber’s Ag Division held their annual meeting Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort with approximately 100 people in attendance. Ashlynne Beninga, Maggie Post, Kadon Leddy, Alexa Montange, and Hanna Jo Peterson were award scholarships through the Sioux Empire Farm Show Exhibitor Scholarship program.

16

17 chambernews.com | Chamber News 23

COMMUNITY APPEALS SIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Community Appeals applications now being accepted Aug. 1, 2017 is the deadline for Chamber Appeals scheduling consideration for the campaign cycle beginning November 2019. Organizations defined as non-profit and educational are encouraged to apply.

The basis for selection from the Chamber Community Appeals Committee will be those organizations that show there is an unmet need that exists within the Sioux Falls community and provide evidence that the solicitation plans have taken the private, public and business sectors of the community into consideration when targeting available dollars for the capital campaign drive.

Applicants will present to the committee early this fall, with a selection for those scheduled being made by February 2018.

The Community Appeals process is highly regarded as a way to help facilitate the

capital campaign process for both the organizations soliciting, as well as for the businesses contributing to these causes.

The committee has a responsibility to discourage unnecessary or overlapping drives and to provide input on realistic drive goals.

For more information and to download an application visit siouxfallschamber.com/ community-appeals.cfm or contact Mike Lynch at (605) 373-2008.

Community Appeals scheduled fund drives STOCKYARDS AG EXPERIENCE NOV. 1, 2017-MARCH 31, 2018 $1.19 MILLION Create a living heritage outdoor plaza on the site of the original Sioux Falls Stockyards.

GREAT PLAINS ZOO & DELBRIDGE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY APRIL 1-JULY 31, 2018 $1.41 MILLION Create a new “Big Cats of Africa” exhibit.

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY NOV. 1, 2018-MARCH 31, 2019 $1.2 MILLION

Construct a Hope Lodge for patients who live at least 40 miles or one hour from cancer treatment in Sioux Falls.

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

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

weighing you down,

If your financial plan is

loftadvisors.com | 605.333.8266 A Division of First Dakota National Bank | 101 N. Main Avenue Suite 201 | Sioux Falls, SD 57104 *Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, and are not insured by bank insurance, the FDIC or any other government agency, are not deposits or obligations of the bank, are not guaranteed by the bank, and are subject to risks, including the possible loss of principal Raymond James is not affiliated with the financial institution or the investment center.

SF-0000355112

24 Chamber News | JUNE 2017

COVER STORY

THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE

OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN SIOUX FALLS

New leaders share their visions for the future Higher education plays a vital role in workforce development efforts. The landscape of higher education across the nation has been rapidly changing in recent years, responding to the disruptive forces of online coursework, a changing economy and a public that is increasingly skeptical about the value of a traditional degree. In Sioux Falls, these same trends have put pressure on our local institutions to evaluate the way they serve the needs of students and the broader business community.

There are multiple options for post-secondary education and training in our region, but the number has decreased in the past few years. Three schools officially closed their doors in Sioux Falls in 2016. Other institutions are adapting their business models to the changing landscape, adding new delivery options, new programming and targeting new audiences. Many are looking for ways to better serve adult and non-traditional learners, in addition to the traditional student market.

The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, together with our Forward Sioux Falls joint venture partner the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, has identified economic expansion and workforce development as a key priority. The goal is to provide leadership in promoting business and economic expansion in the Sioux Falls region and in recruiting and developing human capital.

Each of the four largest institutions in Sioux Falls is embracing the challenge of the shifting higher education landscape and each of them has appointed a new person to their top leadership position within the past three years. We asked the leaders of Augustana University, Southeast Technical Institute, University Center and the University of Sioux Falls to share their perspective on the relationship between their school and the Sioux Falls community, and the ways that businesses and organizations can partner with our academic institutions to create programs that benefit our workforce and community as a whole.

Respondents’ answers were edited for length.

Complete responses can be read online at chambernews.com. chambernews.com | Chamber News 25

Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, J.D. will become President of Augustana University on August 1, 2017.

Tell us about the history/mission of Augustana University.

Augustana’s history is 157 years strong and is rich in tradition and meaning—a true testament to the power of determination, the belief in education, and the importance of serving others. Augustana was founded in 1860 in the basement of a Norwegian church in Chicago.

The school moved a few times over a period of years before settling in Dakota Territory, in the city of Canton, in 1884. Augustana moved to Sioux Falls in 1918.

Augustana’s mission is to provide an education of enduring worth that challenges the intellect, fosters integrity and integrates faith with learning and service in a diverse world. Central to our mission are five core values: Christian Faith, Liberal Arts, Excellence, Community and Service. Those values are infused in our academic and student life programs.

How does Augustana measure success?

Augustana measures success by the success of our students and graduates. Most families want to know that if they invest in higher education, their son or daughter will be able to get a good paying and rewarding job. We often say that Augustana graduates don’t just get jobs, they launch careers. They leave here equipped with valuable 21st century skills, a broad range of hands-on experiences, and a desire to make the world a better place. It’s why Augustana University is called ‘The Place for Possibilities’ and it’s why we’re proud to report that the job placement rate for the AU Class of 2016 is 98 percent.

We all know that today’s world is a connected one. That’s why Augustana works so hard to ensure our students make professional connections and acquire valuable insight and experience through internships, clinical work, undergraduate research, student teaching and study abroad during their undergraduate years. Among the AU Class of 2016, 99 percent of graduates participated in these kinds of engaged learning activities during their college careers.

indicates that the respondent’s answer was edited for length. Complete responses can be read online at chambernews.com

26 Chamber News | JUNE 2017

We also measure our success by the satisfaction of our students. It feels good to know that among the Augustana Class of 2016, 97 percent said they had at least one professor who made them excited about learning; 95 percent said there was a faculty or staff member at Augustana who cared about them as a person; and 96 percent said they will learn or do something interesting at their job or in their program of study after graduation.

Augustana is often called a net importer of intellectual capital to both the state of South Dakota and the city of Sioux Falls, contributing to its workforce development and labor market.

Another measure of success is the engagement and support of our alumni. Our graduates tell us that their Augustana education was a life-changing experience. Augie challenged them to explore and discover new ideas. Augie was the place where they developed life-long friendships. Augie is where the importance of building a life of meaning and purpose was strongly reinforced. Because of those experiences, Augustana holds a special place in the hearts of nearly 30,000 alumni around the world—so many of whom share their talents and treasures with us in support of the next generation of Vikings.

The landscape of higher education in Sioux Falls has gone through a lot of change within the past 5 years. How have these changes affected Augustana? Are there any current or future disrupting forces that you will be keeping your eye on?

Higher education is changing here, and everywhere, in response to a variety of factors—economic conditions, technological advances, new and emerging fields, breakthroughs in science and discovery, just to name a few. Augustana has and will continue to enhance and expand our academic offerings and our campus infrastructure in response to those factors and to meet the needs of today’s students and families.

COVER STORY

In the last five years alone, we’ve introduced new and exceptional graduate programs—most notably our master’s degree in genetic counseling developed in collaboration with Sanford Imagenetics, one of only 32 such programs in the U.S. We’ve launched a Student Success Center for the career and academic support of our students.

We introduced the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, designed to build partnerships with industry leaders, business heads and curators of creativity for the benefit of our students. And last fall, we dedicated the new Froiland Science Complex, a 125,000-squarefoot, state-of-the-art facility for science and discovery.

From your perspective, what does the relationship between Augustana and the Sioux Falls community look like?

I see Augustana and Sioux Falls as partners—working together to make a great city an even better city. Our campus is located in the center of Sioux Falls, which means our students are only minutes away from the cultural, dining and entertainment options of downtown and the natural beauty of the city’s bike trail and park systems.

At the same time, Sioux Falls residents can readily access and enjoy the contributions of AU students to the performing and visual arts and athletic excellence within the community.

Because of our location in Sioux Falls and the many partnerships we’ve been fortunate to make with businesses and organizations throughout the city, our students have access to choice internships, clinical work, scientific and medical research, and student teaching opportunities. In addition to offering invaluable experience, those positions often lead to full-time employment after graduation.

That’s why Augustana is often called a net importer of intellectual capital to both the state of South Dakota and the city of Sioux Falls, contributing to its workforce development and labor market. It’s certainly true for the AU Class of 2016—58 percent of employed ‘16 grads chose to begin their careers in Sioux Falls.

Talk about the role of post-secondary institutions when it comes to community and workforce development strategies. In a time of low unemployment and a competitive job market, what are some ways that Augustana can help in addressing workforce development issues in Sioux Falls and South Dakota?

We believe that muscle for the generation of new ideas and a belief in possibility are key to workforce development.

Outside the classroom, Augustana has done an exceptional job of developing and fostering strategic partnerships with businesses and organizations throughout Sioux Falls, the state and the region. The University’s intellectual capital, energy, focus and commitment to quality are central to these partnerships. Every day, our faculty and students are sharing ideas and acting on them to make the community better and stronger for everyone.

In the classroom, Augustana exceeds at challenging our students to think with an entrepreneurial mindset. Empowered with 21st century skills, such as the ability to think critically, communicate effectively, adapt to change and act with global perspective, our students are equipped to perform to high standards, solve problems, contribute to strategic development and to lead.

So in reality, that means our students are preparing for jobs and opportunities that may not even exist today—jobs and opportunities that will enable them to find solutions to problems we haven’t yet even identified. And that’s pretty great.

What are some ways to foster further collaboration between educators and employers?

If you’re an employer in Sioux Falls, odds are you could use an extra set of hands coupled with a sharp and curious mind. While we are blessed by low unemployment in this city, we also know the challenges a limited labor pool can create for growing businesses.

...our students are preparing for jobs and opportunities that may not even exist today— jobs and opportunities that will enable them to find solutions to problems we haven’t yet even identified.

And that’s pretty great.

Outreach and communication through and across the Augustana alumni network is an essential component to further collaboration. Graduates who maintain relationships with faculty can share ideas and needs based on strategic growth considerations for the companies and organizations in which they work, often leading to further exploration of experiential learning opportunities for students and potential development of research projects or new graduate programs. More internships offered within an organization can increase productivity and create a pipeline for talented future employees.

Do you see any weaknesses today in the structure of post-secondary education in the community of Sioux Falls or even in the state of South Dakota? What is missing? What can we do better?

All stakeholders will need to continue working on creative and sustainable ways to enhance students’ and families’ ability to access higher education. That means acknowledging the diversity of interests and motivations among high school graduates and the diversity of knowledge and skills prospective employers want and need. It is also important for stakeholders to recognize early how the community is changing and how the local, regional or national economy is evolving in order to embrace a broad set of options for adapting to and preparing for such change.

The cradle to career initiative sponsored by Forward Sioux Falls and other partners is an exciting development that can help bridge gaps and serve as a model for other communities in the state and region.

AU is proud to support the mission of Sioux Falls Thrive through the Augustana Research Institute, directed by Suzanne Smith, and the service and leadership of Dr. Pam Homan on the Strategy Council.

Please describe your vision for Augustana in its service to students, the community and the state. What will it look like in 10 years if you are successful in implementing your vision?

As a proud liberal arts and religiously affiliated university, Augustana will continue to empower our graduates to be servant leaders of tomorrow, who will navigate unprecedented change in our workplaces and invest their time and talents to community life. I look forward to working with faculty, administrators, staff and strategic partners to make the right investments at the right time for what is best for AU as we continue to embrace new and exciting technological transformations.

Augustana University will continue to grow, not for growth’s sake but rather to seize unique opportunities afforded by our valued traditions, our renowned and dedicated faculty, and our ability to attract the best minds to serve and help realize the visions of business and community leaders who have taken risks across generations in order to improve the quality of life for families who choose to live, work and raise families in South Dakota, in Sioux Falls and throughout the region. chambernews.com | Chamber News 27

Robert J. Griggs, J.D.

became President of Southeast Technical Institute on September 1, 2016.

Tell us about the history and mission of Southeast Tech.

Since 1968, Southeast Tech has been instrumental in the development of South Dakota’s workforce for the southeast region of the state.

Southeast started with just five programs and slightly over 100 students and today we are approaching our 50th anniversary in 2018 with over 50 different programs of study and approximately 2,800 students. The campus moved to its current location in 1989 and has been growing in the number of students, programs, faculty, and facilities ever since.

Southeast Tech’s mission is to provide an education for our students that lead to rewarding careers that meet the workforce needs of our region. We have outstanding career and technical education programs because our faculty not only have the necessary academic credentials to teach in their field of study, but also have significant industry experience that they can draw upon to help educate and instruct our students. As evidence of the quality of our programs, for 2017 Southeast Tech was ranked 7 out of 800 two-year institutions by a college review publication called niche.com that reviewed factors such as cost, educational quality, and student experience.

How does Southeast Tech measure success?

I think one of the best indicators of our success as an educational institution is the success of our graduates. In a recent survey of employers who have hired our graduates, Southeast Tech achieved a composite average score of an “A” (score of 90 percent or higher).

The survey asked for employer feedback on our students’ educational preparation, career readiness and job performance. Southeast Tech has enjoyed a 98 percent placement rate of our graduates and I think that is directly attributable to the excellent instruction students receive in their academic programs and great support from career services staff and our student success advisors.

Southeast Tech has also developed a number of Key Performance Indicators, which we use to help us assess and measure student learning and the effectiveness of our student support services. As part of our continuous quality improvement efforts, we regularly evaluate data related to student learning outcomes, enrollment rates, retention and indicates that the respondent’s answer was edited for length. Complete responses can be read online at chambernews.com

28 Chamber News | JUNE 2017

graduation rates, graduate placement rates, and student and employer satisfaction surveys. All of these evaluation instruments help us continually monitor and assess our performance as an institution as well as the performance of our graduates.

Once students make the decision to attend Southeast Tech, we do all we can to help them be successful. In fact, Southeast Tech was just named one of three national winners of the 2017 Lee NoelRandi Levitz Retention Excellence Award. The purpose of the Noel Levitz Award is to identify and recognize the most successful student success and retention programs in the country, and to share those programs nationally. The award demonstrates our strong commitment to our students and to the success of our campus-wide effort to connect students to the academic and student support resources they need to ensure their success and to help them graduate.

Which of your many responsibilities is your highest priority right now? Why? Reaching out and connecting with our business and The number industry partners and comone economic munity members is one of our development top priorities. In order to better tool in any community serve the region’s business and is an educated and industry workforce needs, we need to know what those needs trained workforce. are, how they are changing, and what opportunities exist for new partnerships and collaborations to address the skilled workforce shortage that so many companies and employers seem to be facing today.

The number one economic development tool in any community is an educated and trained workforce. We are committed to serving our students and our region by providing accessible and affordable high quality career and technical education training opportunities that are important to our region’s economy.

COVER STORY

The landscape of higher education in Sioux Falls has gone through a lot of change within the past 5 years. How have these changes affected Southeast Tech? Are there any current or future disrupting forces that you will be keeping your eye on?

The 2017 South Dakota Legislature created a new nine-member Board of Technical Education. Beginning July 1, this board will provide state-level oversight of South Dakota’s four technical institutes, taking on the functions currently served by the Board of Education.

I am excited to see how the new state structure will help Southeast Tech and the other technical institutes communicate the importance and vital role technical education plays in the workforce. The new Board is made up of dynamic leaders from across the state who can help advocate for technical education and the employers and communities we serve.

As far as disrupting forces, we continue to work to change the perception of technical education as a second tier option. South Dakota’s technical institutes provide incredible career-focused educational opportunities that lead to employment with some of South Dakota’s best employers. Many of our graduates this year reported having two or three different job offers, which also reflects how strong the demand is in the region for our graduates.

Locally, we are working hard to establish new partnerships and collaborations to expand access to career and technical education programs with the Sioux Falls School District and the Career & Technical Education Academy. We have been able to expand careerfocused dual and concurrent enrollment opportunities for high school students, increase scholarship opportunities that tie into the statewide Build Dakota initiative and launch a new apprenticeship program in partnership with the Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire.

We are also excited about emerging opportunities to partner and align programming with the University Center and to develop new 2 plus 2 degree pathways for our graduates that will make it easier to pursue baccalaureate options for career advancement.

From your perspective, what does the relationship between Southeast Tech and the Sioux Falls community look like?

I believe that Southeast Tech has enjoyed a very strong relationship with Sioux Falls and surrounding communities. However, one of the comments I have heard both on our campus and in the community since I arrived last fall is that Southeast Tech is too quiet about the success of our programs and graduates. Part of our push this past year to develop new collaborations and partnerships with the Sioux Falls Chamber, Forward Sioux Falls and the Sioux Falls School District is to build upon that foundation of success and expand awareness of the many outstanding career and technical education programs that Southeast Tech offers.

Talk about the role of post-secondary institutions when it comes to community and workforce development strategies. In a time of low unemployment and a competitive job market, what are some ways that Southeast Tech can help in addressing workforce development issues in Sioux Falls and South Dakota?

Workforce development is the core mission of our institution and the only way we are going to be successful in accomplishing that mission is if we are closely aligned and connected with our business and industry partners in the communities we serve. Southeast Tech certificate, diploma and two-year program offerings need to be focused on meeting the needs of our regional business and industry partners. Each of our academic programs have community advisory committees that provide direct industry input into our curriculum. In order to be effective, Southeast Tech needs to be on the cutting edge of job creation and job training.

What are some ways to foster further collaboration between educators and employers?

This past spring, we started a series of what we call “sector breakfast” meetings which provide an opportunity for community members and employers within an industry sector (healthcare, transportation, construction, information technology, business, manufacturing) to come to campus and provide direct input from their perspective on three main topics: what is Southeast Tech doing well; where are areas that we need to improve; and what ideas or opportunities for training or workforce development should we be developing to address area workforce needs. What’s exciting about these conversations is that they are being sponsored and promoted as a collaborative effort between the Southeast Tech Foundation, Forward Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and the Sioux Falls School District.

So far, we have held four sector breakfasts with representatives from healthcare, transportation, construction trades and information technology. Each of the conversations have been led by a panel of experts from the different industry sectors and facilitated by a panel moderator. The discussions have been extremely well attended and the ideas and suggestions that are emerging from these conversations will help guide and direct the development of future certificate, diploma, and two-year program offerings, as well as short-term custom training opportunities. We are very grateful to the many industry professionals that have attended these events and we are planning additional sector breakfast meetings for next fall in other industry sectors including manufacturing and business.

Please describe your vision for Southeast Tech in its service to students, the community and the state. What will it look like in 10 years if you are successful in implementing your vision?

Southeast Tech is an incredible resource for the By being directly Sioux Falls region. We have a responsive to wide-range of extremely high business and quality programs, outstandindustry needs, I believe ing faculty and staff, and Southeast Tech will see state-of-the-art facilities and we are committed to continued growth in the working collaboratively with number of students the Chamber, Forward Sioux served and in the variety Falls, Sioux Falls School of programs offered in District and our business and the coming years. industry partners to address the region’s skilled workforce needs. Several new certificate, apprenticeship and custom training offerings that we will be bringing forward next fall are in direct response to conversations and discussions that we have had over the past several months with regional employers on how to help address the shortage of skilled workers.

South Dakota’s skilled workforce shortage has impacted individual industries and the state economy as a whole. By being directly responsive to business and industry needs, I believe Southeast Tech will see continued growth in the number of students served and in the variety of programs offered in the coming years. Our goal is to continue to build upon a long and successful history of providing high quality career and technical education training opportunities for both traditional and non-traditional students across South Dakota. I look forward to the opportunity to meet and learn more from business and industry professionals throughout the Sioux Empire regarding how Southeast Tech can do an even better job of providing a skilled and highly trained workforce for the region.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 29

Brett Bradfield, Ed.D.

became President of the University of Sioux Falls in February of 2017. He has been serving the institution for 17 years.

Tell us about the history/mission of the University of Sioux Falls.

Founded in 1883, the University of Sioux Falls, located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is a Christian, Liberal Arts University and is an independent, not-for-profit institution. The traditional motto of the University is Culture for Service. That is, the University seeks to foster academic excellence and the development of mature Christian persons for service to God and humankind in the world.

How does USF measure success?

The University of Sioux Falls is committed to being a transformative university committed to academic excellence and celebration of the Christian faith. To this end, the institution uses various metrics to ascertain its success level and progression towards strategic goals such as graduation rates, graduate placement into gainful employment or professional schools, achievement of all accreditation standards for both the larger University and specified professional programs, and internal surveying instruments such as the Student Satisfaction Inventory. We also pay attention to many qualitative measures such as the institution’s position in the competitive marketplace, its stature in the community and region, relationships with the business and education community and the volume of partnerships that advance the University and the community in which it exists.

You’ve been in your position for only a few months. Which of your many responsibilities is your highest priority right now? Why? My highest priorities at the moment are focused on the continually shifting nature of higher education in recent years. The changing marketplace, public scrutiny regarding the relative value (or lack thereof) of higher education, demographic challenges affecting revenue streams and all that implies to appropriately funding institutional operations, and instructional delivery models are just a few of the demands currently facing leadership. We must be continually looking at the horizon to consider our business practices and how to remain competitive relative to the demands of students. The enterprise of higher education can no longer be resistant to change, indicates that the respondent’s answer was edited for length. Complete responses can be read online at chambernews.com

30 Chamber News | JUNE 2017

and even moreover must be willing to make necessary changes much more rapidly than in the past in order to remain viable. Given the limited demographic of traditional undergraduates in our particular region, and the fact that there are many choices for pursuing higher education within a compressed geographic area, each institution of higher learning is continually seeking to find their unique niche in the marketplace. For the University of Sioux Falls, all this must be done in the context of maintaining the distinct Christian identity which has been our trademark throughout 134 years of existence.

From your perspective, what does the relationship between USF and the Sioux Falls community look like?

The University of Sioux Falls feels blessed and fortunate the University to be part of the Sioux Falls takes pride in community. In the current being an active state of higher education participant in the growth around the nation, it is a real and development of plus to be physically located in a progressive and economiSioux Falls cally vibrant community that is a center of commerce for the region. Without question, the University takes pride in being an active participant in the growth and development of Sioux Falls. According to a survey of University of Sioux Falls 2016 graduates, 89 percent remained within a 30 mile radius of the city, thus contributing to workforce development for the greater Sioux Falls community and surrounding region. The University also takes pride in being approachable and accessible to community entities interested in mutually beneficial partnerships to improve the quality of life in our city and region. The University and its representatives are continually looking for opportunities to plug into the larger community and we are often requested to participate in numerous community events or initiatives.

COVER STORY

Talk about the role of post-secondary institutions when it comes to community and workforce development strategies. In a time of low unemployment and a competitive job market, what are some ways that USF can help in addressing workforce development issues in Sioux Falls and South Dakota?

My earlier responses get at this issue, but I would add that the University the University of Sioux Falls is in of Sioux Falls is a cycle of continuous improvein a cycle of ment of its programming at all continuous improvement levels—frequently considering of its programming the nature of degree programs relative to the community, at all levels regional and state needs. It has not been uncommon for the University to be approached for the purpose of offering new educational programming or creating specified educational opportunities in areas of needs. Again, the University exerts great effort in its external outreach and desires to be integrated into the community that supports its existence.

What are some ways to foster further collaboration between educators and employers?

The best ways we have found are the exposure to internship opportunities that provide real life experience for students to make sense of the theoretical constructs they have learned in their academic endeavors. These internship experiences also provide local businesses with the ability to “grow their own” workforce by investing in promising prospects.

In addition, the University continues to work diligently on providing non-degree professional development opportunities to various businesses in the community. To this end, and with appropriate collaboration, workforce training can be tailored to fit the specified needs of select industries. As an example, the University serves over 7,000 educators a year from the state and region with professional development opportunities that can simultaneously assist educators with ongoing licensure requirements. The University plans to continue expanding its footprint in this non-degree seeking area.

Finally, the University of Sioux Falls will be launching its Bridges program in the fall of 2017 after months of development. This program will serve to educate those with language barriers or training needs to enter the workforce in Sioux Falls and/or continue in their education as a gateway to future opportunity.

Do you see any weaknesses today in the structure of post-secondary education in the community of Sioux Falls or even in the state of South Dakota? What is missing? What can we do better?

While maintaining the distinct identity of each institution is important to its existence, I think it would be fair to say that higher education has been slow to consider ways to partner, or to ensure that scarce resources are devoted to delivering a few programs well versus maintaining a wide array of programming that is often challenging to cash-flow. It is often stated that we operate in silos, sometimes out of perceived necessity. For example, it is difficult for public and private institutions to discuss partnerships for a variety of political and economic reasons. Being more collaborative could actually allow many institutions to operate more efficiently, but it would require more time devoted to the nature of partnerships (e.g. sharing of faculty expenses across two or more institutions). Perhaps rightfully so, we hold many programs close to our hearts, even when enrollment would

not realistically indicate they can be viable either in the short or long run. Most of us in this industry acknowledge that offering quality programs cannot be about chasing the dollar, but we have to balance this consideration with overall viability. I speculate that this will continue to be a challenge for all of us in higher education, especially as changing student needs continue to demand instructional delivery systems that do not fit into the traditional model of patterned daytime courses offered through traditional classroom means. All of us have branched into more online and hybrid delivery of coursework, but again have done so in silos, often creating redundancy of programming in the region.

Please describe your vision for USF in its service to students, the community and the state. What will it look like in 10 years if you are successful in implementing your vision?

The University has remained committed to ongoing strategic planning efforts with its newest rendition close to completion. Because of the changing dynamics of the industry, the University of Sioux Falls has chosen to create three year strategic plans that are continually reviewed and vetted in alignment with changes in the marketplace.

USF has embarked on numerous studies regarding programming, student demographics, best industry standards for conducting elements of our business, etc. All of this information feeds into planning for optimal enrollment thresholds across traditional undergraduate, non-traditional and graduate programs. We have developed a strategic vision based on four pillars that takes into account our Christian identity, enrollment parameters that allow us to operate in the manner we choose, co-curricular programming and the residence life experience which is demonstrated through research to be a key indicator of student persistence. With these factors in mind, the University seeks to develop realistic strategies to achieve the outcomes we desire and to strike balance between financial efficiency, quality programming and maintaining the open Christian culture we embrace in alignment with our traditional motto of “Culture for Service” and our expressed mission.

Please share a few specific goals you have for yourself and/or for USF in the next 6-12 months.

In the short term, the University is committed to extensive analysis to complete the most recent rendition of the three year strategic plan, which should be finalized by September 2017. Embedded in this plan are various elements that include program evaluation, continuing attention to elements of professional accreditation, attention to the physical campus to ensure facilities meet the needs of students and programming, adequately funding the University’s core mission of education and retaining a highly qualified faculty and staff to fulfill the greater goals articulated in the strategic plan. Research continues to indicate that high quality instruction, attractive degree programs, and opportunity for student engagement with highly qualified faculty remain some of the most important factors in attracting and retaining students. Additionally, I will be devoting ongoing attention to expansion of critical external partnerships and philanthropic interest for investing in the University and its students.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 31

Craig Johnson, Ed.D.

became the Executive Director of University Center in April of 2014.

Tell us about the history and mission of University Center.

The original center started in 1992 at a downtown location in Sioux Falls and UC moved to its current site near I-29 and 60th Street North in 2009. The primary mission since its inception has been to deliver courses and programs from the state’s public universities to allow place-bound residents to complete a baccalaureate or graduate degree. UC enrollment increased significantly through 2010 but it has dropped considerably since that point, largely due to growth in online offerings and the low unemployment rate and strong job market in Sioux Falls. While UC continues to pursue its original mission, we are also developing an array of two-year degrees and certificates designed to meet local workforce needs.

How does University Center measure success?

I think there have been varying answers to that question over the years. UC success has often been measured by enrollment growth and degree completion by students at University Center. Another measure involves tuition revenue for the universities and the number of UC students that transfer to a main campus to complete a degree. Today, we are also focusing on the number of students enrolled at UC who did not plan to continue their education beyond high school, as we have a new Board of Regents system goal to reach a statewide target of 65 percent of South Dakota residents with at least one form of post-high school educational attainment. To do our part, UC is reaching out to individuals who may not presently see college in their future, but they will likely find out that they need education and training beyond high school for a successful long-term career and high quality of life. Our planning discussions with community leaders have also developed a shared view that the long-term prosperity of our communities is dependent on helping every individual achieve their full potential – which means that the number of lives improved by engagement with UC should also be a key measure of our success.

indicates that the respondent’s answer was edited for length. Complete responses can be read online at chambernews.com

32 Chamber News | JUNE 2017

Which of your many responsibilities is your highest priority right now? Why? The top priority right now is to do everything that I can The state of to ensure the completion of a South Dakota successful strategic planning and the regental and redesign effort for UC, and system owes it to the then develop an action plan to residents, employers create the necessary changes to position UC as a vital eleand communities in the ment in the long-term success Sioux Falls area to fulfill of the people, employers and our responsibilities as communities in the Sioux Falls the state’s public higher area. UC played a larger role education provider. in higher education in Sioux Falls in the past and we need to recapture that status—not for our own gain, but for the common good of our region and the entire state. The state of South Dakota and the regental system owes it to the residents, employers and communities in the Sioux Falls area to fulfill our responsibilities as the state’s public higher education provider. UC must become a key education resource for the long-term prosperity of our region.

The landscape of higher education in Sioux Falls has gone through a lot of change within the past 5 years. How have these changes affected University Center? Are there any current or future disrupting forces that you are keeping your eye on?

In response to that question, I would focus on two national trends that affect the local picture—the continuing growth of online education and growing skepticism about the value of a college degree.

While there is a valid role for online education, I fear a marked societal shift to a convenience-based delivery system risks losing the most critical aspects of a college education, such as learning through interactions and relationships with other students and faculty, especially with people from diverse backgrounds, and direct experience with conflict resolution and team-based projects.

COVER STORY

I also feel that skepticism about the value of a college education is driven in part by a focus on salary earnings immediately after college, which ignores data that clearly show long-term gains in income and quality of life for each level of college education. In addition, people seem to be losing sight that a college education is designed to do more than prepare an individual for the direct demands of a job; we also help students develop critical thinking skills and an ability to see issues from multiple perspectives and develop a range of creative solutions. UC can do its part to respond to these two national trends by serving as an active voice in the community for the value of a college education. We also need to develop more hybrid courses with face-to-face and online elements that give students the best of both worlds, and we need to make sure that all UC courses and programs include real world applications and consider workforce needs in the community.

From your perspective, what does the relationship between University Center and the Sioux Falls community look like?

I am increasingly optimistic about our relationship with the community and I believe it has been strengthened by our current strategic planning process. Our final planning document will be important, but the most significant aspect of our work over the past four months has been the process of bringing community stakeholders together at the planning table to talk through issues, needs, goals and dreams for the people in our communities. Community leaders are helping us redesign UC in a way that focuses on the needs of students and devises more effective ways to bring the resources of the state’s universities to Sioux Falls residents and employers.

Talk about the role of post-secondary institutions when it comes to community and workforce development strategies. In a time of low unemployment and a competitive job market, what are some ways that University Center can help in addressing workforce development issues in Sioux Falls and South Dakota?

Especially at a site like UC, we need to be particularly aware of and responsive to workforce issues in our area. We are different from a main campus—UC should be more of an applied professional education site as well as a place where students can begin and in some cases complete a traditional bachelor’s degree. We need to identify the needs of local employers today and in the future, and consider what economic and community development experts have in mind for the long-term prosperity of our region. Then we need to devise ways to build partnerships, program offerings and delivery systems that best serve people and employers and combine the university experience with the practicality of a career-driven education. I know these are achievable objectives and our current planning effort is the start of that change initiative for UC.

What are some ways to foster further collaboration between educators and employers?

I think relationships and communication are critical. We need to connect our faculty with employers and community organizations to improve their understanding of how UC courses and programs can better reflect and consider what students will be doing in their jobs and careers. We also need to work more directly with employers to develop and review our program and course offerings to ensure they meet expectations and provide students with an education that will be valued by employers.

Do you see any weaknesses today in the structure of post-secondary education in the community of Sioux Falls or even in the state of South Dakota? What is missing?

What can we do better?

If we all keep talking and listening to each other and working together to translate issues and needs into effective actions, we will be successful together.

I think one of the most pressing issues for higher education in South Dakota is the lack of a community college system and a degree of misalignment between the technical institutes and the state’s university system. UC must build a stronger partnership with Southeast Tech—we need to develop more programs like the new four-year degree proposed by USD that will allow Southeast Tech graduates to earn a four-year degree from USD without losing the majority of their tech institute credits. We also need to find ways for UC and Southeast Tech to work together as the two public higher education options in Sioux Falls. We have started exploring how we can collaborate in our community outreach activities and help high school students and adults in our community understand the differences in our respective missions and find the most effective way to reach their career and life goals.

Please describe your vision for University Center in its service to students, the community and the state. What will it look like in 10 years if you are successful in implementing your vision?

Ten years from now, UC will have developed a strong partnership with Southeast Tech to provide Sioux Falls with a community college function that delivers technical workforce training and university-level workforce education along with a strong transfer program for four-year degree completion. In addition, UC will have developed a strong working partnership with tenants in the USD Discovery District and with USD’s GEAR center to provide courses and programs that prepare students for work in biomedical and biotechnology related fields that will make up a new growing sector in the Sioux Falls economy. Last, but not least, UC will be the site for an array of undergraduate and graduate programs, especially key professional programs, that will take advantage of the UC location in one of the most dynamic and vibrant cities in the country.

Please share a few specific goals you have for yourself and/or for University Center in the next 6-12 months.

First, we will complete the current strategic planning process by the end of May 2017. Next, we will work with key internal and external stakeholders to convert the strategic plan into actions and outcomes that will redesign and position UC to better meet current and future student needs and community expectations, with a plan in place and steps taken by the end of this summer. In addition, by Fall 2017, we will begin to modify the delivery and design of our academic offerings to establish stronger connections to the community and workforce and develop the right combination of classroom and virtual education that prepares students for the workplace of today and tomorrow. As we accomplish these objectives, our enrollment will grow. We need to do the right things, in the right way, with the right partners.

If we all keep talking and listening to each other and working together to translate issues and needs into effective actions, we will be successful together.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 33

BUSINESS ADVOCACY

Two issues being studied by the city In addition to your Chamber’s advocacy efforts at the state and federal levels, we actively follow, analyze and report on the activities of local government. As summer nears, Sioux Falls city government is in the process of studying and preparing to act on two important issues.

CITY DISTRICTING COMMISSION

MARK LEE

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

None of the current district’s population estimates fall between the lower and upper parameters

On Monday, April 10, the City’s five-person Districting Commission met for the first time.

The City Charter requires the Commission to convene after each decennial census or upon reliable evidence that the city has grown by 15 percent since the last redistricting. In 2010, when the city was last redistricted, the population was 153,888. In 2017, it is estimated at 178,040 for growth of about 16%. Thus, the process begins.

CURRENT DISTRICT POPULATION ESTIMATES Northeast 30,066 Northwest 38,720 Southeast 37,396 Southwest 38,456 Central 33,400

Using a population estimate of 178,040, each of the five districts should have about 35,608 residents. However, a district can deviate plus or minus up to 5 percent from the target. Thus, the minimum size of a district could be about 33,828 and the maximum size could be about 37,388. Today, none of the current district’s population estimates fall between the lower and upper parameters (see chart).

The districting plan must keep precincts intact and keep districts contiguous. At first glance it would appear that only precincts that border another district or two other districts could be considered as candidates for moving. However, if you move a border precinct from one district to another, you also redefine “contiguous” precincts for the new district. Thus, more than just current border precincts could be moved.

Another factor to consider is the longevity of a districting plan. For example, does it make sense to shoot toward the lower end of the acceptable range for districts that are growing more quickly and the upper end for those not growing as quickly? In addition to simply moving precincts between districts to get within the acceptable limits, it may make sense to adjust based on predicted growth patterns as well.

At their second meeting the Commission looked at scenarios prepared by City Planning and they reviewed options “A-E”. They reconvened two weeks later and during that meeting settled on a new proposal “F.” As a high level summary, this proposal has a total of only six precincts moving and attempts to recognize growth patterns by increasing the population in the Central District the most.

There has been little public input or interest expressed in the Commission’s work so far.

However, the next meetings will be public hearings where Option F will be presented as a recommendation, but other options will also be presented for review. The first hearing is scheduled for Thursday, June 15 and the second for Saturday, June 17. Eventually, the City Council will have this item on their agenda permitting additional public testimony on the plan. The goal is to have a plan adopted by the Council with an effective date in the early fall to support the 2018 municipal election cycle.

One last reminder on districting is that the Charter requires the Districting Commission to meet after each decennial census. Thus, when results from the 2020 census are available the Commission will convene again. They are not, however, required to make changes so we will see how the new districting plan holds up to a few more years of population growth.

34 Chamber News | JUNE 2017

BUSINESS ADVOCACY

ANNEXATION TASK FORCE In the 56 years from 1960 to the end of 2016, Sioux Falls added just over one square mile per year to its city limits. What was a city of about 17 square miles in 1960 has blossomed into a city with over 80 square miles in its boundary. And, for the most part, that growth has been well-planned and well-managed. However, the city has identified some 62 parcels of land as potential candidates for annexation. Some of these parcels are as small as one or two houses and others include many acres.

Most of them are surrounded on all four sides or at least three sides by city boundary.

The purpose of the Task Force... is not to decide which property to annex, but rather to make recommendations for the full City Council to consider

So, how did we end up with so many of these “island” parcels of land? It often happened as such. At some point in history, a development was built outside city limits. These developments had rural roads, septic systems, rural water, no storm sewer, etc. As the city grew to and beyond the rural development, the new city boundary was drawn around and not including this development. In many instances the city kept growing and extended its boundary well beyond the formerly rural development.

As the city began to investigate how best to annex these land parcels into the city, homeowners and landowners became concerned mainly due to how their property would change and what it would potentially cost them. For example, property taxes alone would likely increase anywhere from 22-30 percent. In addition, installing urban section roads, sewer, sidewalks, lighting, etc. is a costly proposition.

The purpose of the Task Force, as explained by Councilor Rick Kiley and city employee Mike Cooper at the May Issues Management Council meeting, is not to decide which property to annex, but rather to make recommendations for the full City Council to consider. What sorts of policies, financing, cost sharing, etc. would help landowners make the decision to allow their property to be annexed? It truly is about working together to solve a problem.

If landowners want to voluntarily annex property, they can petition and need approval of 75 percent of the property owners in the affected area. The city can annex property against the will of property owners, but Councilor Kiley noted that this was not a likely possibility. And, maybe it should not be.

At the time of this writing, the Task Force has had three meetings with large audiences attending.

They have at least two more meetings scheduled. Councilor Kiley noted that they are not rushing to complete their work and will take the time needed to thoroughly study the issue and any proposed recommendations.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 35

HEADLINES

Levitt at the Falls celebrates successful Community Appeals campaign By 2019, Sioux Falls area residents and visitors will be treated with something few communities are able to experience—fifty free concerts each year performed by professional musicians from around the country.

Levitt at the Falls “Building Community Through Music,” a Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce-scheduled Community Appeals campaign held November 1, 2016- March 31, 2017, raised $1.138 million from the local business community. A pavilion will be constructed at Falls Park West along Phillips Avenue, which will be an ideal location as it provides a central gathering place for all residents.

The national Levitt Foundation requires that the site for each venue be “accessible to all and acceptable to all.”

Campaign volunteers held a celebration to mark this successful fundraising endeavor on May 1, 2017. Campaign Co-Chairs included John Henkhaus, Jennifer Kirby and Chris Thorkelson.

Kirby emphasized the value of the Chamber Community Appeals process and how it helped to produce a fund raising effort that exceeded goal.

“Levitt at the Falls would not be happening if we hadn’t obtained the status of a Community Appeals campaign. Gaining this designation showed our partners, the national Levitt Foundation and the City of Sioux Falls, that we had the confidence and interest of the business community behind us,” she said. “This designation also gave our effort legitimacy in the eyes of numerous individual donors. It helped us recruit volunteers, board members and committee members. It also showed our board, a group of committed volunteers, that it wasn’t just us that thought this was a good idea, but that the business community also believed it would be a valuable addition to Sioux Falls. Every step of the way, the Community Appeals campaign has been a critical, vital step in making Levitt at the Falls a reality.”

This endeavor adds yet another dimension to the increasingly desirable quality of life attributes of Sioux Falls.

“Levitt at the Falls will give families a place to gather and provide them with something to do all summer long. This venue also helps bring together our community. Both long-time and new Sioux Falls residents will see each other, enjoy the power of live, outdoor music and our kids can play together,” Henkhaus said. “We believe it will also increase the appetite for live music year-round. As more residents experience it, more will want to attend other events year-round at other venues.”

With an estimated 500-2,000 attendees expected for each concert, it will also provide a profound effect on the local economy by increasing restaurant, hotel and retail activity and attracting many out-oftown residents. And with Levitt at the Falls adding to an already thriving downtown, it will likely draw many other people who are considering a permanent move to Sioux Falls.

At the time that the Community Appeals Committee evaluated Levitt at the Falls and other worthy organizations for scheduling, one of the most appealing factors in the selection of Levitt was the dynamic partnerships with the City of Sioux Falls and the national Levitt Foundation, which Henkhaus said has been phenomenal.

36 Chamber News | JUNE 2017

An artist’s rendering of the future Levitt at the Falls, to be located at Falls Park West

BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH MUSIC Goal: $1.06 million • Raised: $1.138 million Levitt Shell Sioux Falls will provide 50 free concerts annually at Falls Park West

“Every step of the way, both partners have provided information, access, expertise and knowledge about what we’re trying to accomplish. Don Kearney, director of the Parks and Recreation Department, has been an advisor to our group for years, providing thoughtful planning and commitment to this project. Our Parks and Recreation staff are responsive and proactive – an ideal partner,” he said.

Henkhaus stated that the national Levitt organization has been deeply involved, providing valuable guidance to local Levitt volunteers, as well as providing significant financial support which includes $500,000 toward construction, operational support in the amount of $250,000 for year one which gradually decreases by year four to an annual level of $150,000. They have also provided valuable knowledge, standards and advice at each key juncture that will make the Levitt endeavor much stronger.

Thorkelson says organizers are deeply grateful for the volunteer leadership and campaigners for helping to surpass the Community Appeals goal.

“The business community’s interest, support and excitement has been motivating to all of us. This project is a perfect example of Sioux Falls pulling together and making this a better place to live,” he said.

“This is our Sioux Falls and nobody else can make it better but us.

This Chamber of Commerce Community Appeals campaign has shown that this community is committed to making the Sioux Falls the very best it can be.”

HEADLINES

A rendering depicts the 205,000 square foot Win Chill, LLC warehouse and distribution center. The facility is currently under construction at Foundation Park.

Construction begins for first tenant in Foundation Park Interest from clients is driving one of Sioux Falls’ newest companies to an aggressive construction schedule. Win Chill, LLC recently purchased a 54-acre site in Foundation Park in northwest Sioux Falls from the Sioux Falls Development Foundation. Dirt work is currently underway at the site.

The company announced its plan in early May to build a 205,000 square foot full-service refrigerated foods warehouse and distribution center in Foundation Park. The site offers plenty of room for future expansion. The new Win Chill building is being constructed by Gil Haugan Construction of Sioux Falls with freezer technology experts Tippmann Innovation providing technical support. The structure will be expandable to about 600,000 square feet.

Responding to a need in the marketplace, Win Chill was created by investments from Legacy Developments; RLM, LLC; Alyce-Gil, LLC; Strongbox, LLC; and Freeze One, LLC, which will provide management services for the $40 million distribution facility. Win Chill expects the building to be operational by early spring of 2018.

The company plans to employ 30 to 35 individuals in the first phase of operation.

“Win Chill connects the links in the refrigerated food supply chain for our region,” said company spokesman Norm Drake. “With 7.7 million cubic feet of freezer and refrigerated capacity, this full-service facility will offer blast freezing, tempering, material handling and complete inbound and export rail service at the site through BNSF Railway.”

The building will use state-of-the-art loading docks in conjunction with high-speed doors within the warehouse to accommodate large volumes of refrigerated truckloads to support food manufacturing customers in a four-state region. Important services of the Win Chill facility include the QF+ In-Rack Freezing system, a blast freezing technology created by Tippmann Innovations, which will freeze pallets up to four times faster than traditional blast freezers while reducing energy consumption up to 50 percent.

Win Chill’s decision to build at Foundation Park will launch the development park and initiate all aspects of necessary infrastructure construction. Marion Road will be extended and paved out to the park this fall, along with half of Foundation Court. All utilities, fiber optic cable, water and sanitary sewer will be extended within the next year. Win Chill’s operation will fully utilize the rail service provided by BNSF Railway, so the Development Foundation is moving forward with the master rail plan. That means streets, utilities and rail service not just for Win Chill, but also for several other companies actively interested in Foundation Park sites, according to Development Foundation Vice President of Economic Development Dean Dziedzic.

“Companies are really talking about Foundation Park,” he said.

“I’ve met with several business executives interested in the possibility of a Foundation Park site, but until the Win Chill project pushed forward the infrastructure improvements, we weren’t able to specify a timeline for build-ready site availability. Now we can plan ahead for other projects in Foundation Park.”

chambernews.com | Chamber News 37

BUSINESS NEWS

Jared Greenfield enjoys the view from the employee break area in the newly renovated offices of Equity Trust Company. The company has leased the second floor of the Equity Square building at the corner of 8th Street and Phillips Avenue.

Equity Trust Company finds a home in Sioux Falls

Company graduated from Zeal Center for Entrepreneurship Equity Trust Company has been quietly building its business in Sioux Falls for the past six years and their brand got a major boost this spring when they became the anchor tenant of the newly renovated and renamed Equity Square building on the southeast corner of 8th Street and Phillips Avenue.

A public trust company headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, Equity Trust is focused on enabling self-directed IRA investors to diversify their retirement plans through alternative asset classes. They serve more than 300,000 clients in 50 states. President Mike Dea said the company was attracted to South Dakota for its favorable business climate, economic stability and the availability of qualified talent in the Sioux Falls market.

The company has been located at the Zeal Center for Entrepreneurship since 2011 and has been searching for a more permanent space since 2014. Senior Manager Jared Greenfield leads the Sioux Falls operations. He said that Equity Trust has benefited from the resources provided and connections facilitated through Zeal. The company worked closely with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development while searching for a new facility. The proximity and direct access through Zeal simplified that process for them.

“Working at Zeal gave us the time to carefully select where we wanted to be, as opposed to being forced to move quickly and settle for something that wasn’t quite right,” Greenfield said.

Equity Trust leased the entire second floor of the four-story building that formerly housed DM&E. They have approximately 12,000

38 Chamber News | JUNE 2017

square feet of finished space, with another 10,000 square feet of unfinished space available for future growth.

The workspace includes an open concept floor plan, with ample windows that let in natural light and provide some stunning vistas.

The artwork filling the walls is part of the private collection of Equity Trust Company founder Richard Desich. Greenfield stated that the company was purposeful in trying to create an attractive and functional environment where employees want to work. “You can’t beat the view of the river from our café area or the view of the Cathedral from our board room,” said Greenfield. “Our employees definitely have a sense of pride about our new space.”

Equity Trust currently employs 15 people, with several more starting in the coming weeks. The employees focus on the areas of Audit, Compliance and Client Services and providing support for the company nationwide.

According to Greenfield, supporting the Sioux Falls community as a whole is an important priority for Equity Trust. “Giving is a big part of life in Sioux Falls and Equity Trust Company has embraced that culture,” he said. “We have been fortunate to partner with great organizations like Children’s Home Society, Make-A-Wish Foundation and Feeding South Dakota. Our employees really enjoy giving back to the community and I am so happy to be part of an organization that encourages and supports those efforts.”

BUSINESS NEWS

Individuals and businesses recognized during Small Business Week NEW FOUNDATION CREATED TO RECOGNIZE PHELAN Sioux Falls SCORE honored retired board member and volunteer Truman Phelan for his 23 years of dedicated leadership and service to the Sioux Falls chapter of SCORE. The recognition took place during the National Small Business Week event held at the Country Club of Sioux Falls on May 3.

Phelan, a retired bank executive from Norwest Bank/Wells Fargo, joined SCORE TRUMAN PHELAN in 1994 as a board member and mentor for future entrepreneurs and small business owners. Over his 23 years of service, he has provided free business counseling to countless individuals seeking advice on how to develop their small business ideas. Additionally, Phelan has planned, developed and launched numerous small business workshops offered to the public designed to help small business owners develop and grow their businesses.

Phelan is no stranger to community service. Over his professional and retired career he has devoted much of his free time to numerous community projects and promoting Sioux Falls. He was a founding member of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Council and recently retired from service to the group. He was instrumental in developing and guiding the program of work for the council, which has included countless workshops for small business owners and their employees throughout his 20 years of service to the council.

Kate Foley, former Chamber Small Business and Leadership Development Manager, spoke to Truman’s constant support of both the Chamber and the Small Business Council. “His volunteerism and willingness to share his time and expertise contributed in many ways to the Small Business Council’s program of work.”

In recognition of his service to Sioux Falls SCORE and in order to establish a lasting legacy, the board of directors established the Sioux Falls SCORE Truman Phelan Foundation. The Foundation is a nonprofit corporation managed by the SCORE FOUNDATION at its’ national headquarters in Herndon, VA. Funds donated to the Sioux Falls SCORE Truman Phelan Foundation are dedicated exclusively for the use of Sioux Falls SCORE for the purpose of funding its ongoing small business education and outreach programs.

SMALL BUSINESS WEEK AWARDS 2017 Family-Owned Small Business of the Year The Elliot Family, A-OX Welding Supply Co., Inc. 2017 Financial Services Advocate of the Year Jessica Evans, Senior Loan Officer with Dakota BUSINESS Finance 2017 Small Business Advocate of the Year Tim Loftesness, U.S. Bank & SCORE SCORE Resource Partner of the Year Lauren Fosheim, Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce SCORE Champion of the Year Lynne Keller-Forbes, Dakota BUSINESS Finance SCORE Volunteer of the Year Daren Anderson, Big D Technology Solutions, Inc.

A-OX WELDING SUPPLY IS FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR A-OX Welding Supply Co., Inc. and the Elliot family were honored as the 2017 Family-Owned Small Business of the Year by the South Dakota District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The family business is one of the largest, most complete distributors of industrial gas and welding supply in the upper Midwest. It began 73 years ago in Watertown and today has seven locations in South Dakota, North Dakota and Iowa, with headquarters and a central warehouse in Sioux Falls. The A-OX fleet of bulk tankers and delivery trucks serve customers across a 5-state region including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska.

In 2014, A-OX received an SBA 504 loan to combine four existing Sioux Falls operations and move to their current location on Harlem Avenue. The new 46,000 square foot facility features a state of the art ISO/IEC accredited specialty gas laboratory, an automated fill plant and facilities for advanced gas cylinder testing and reconditioning.

All of the major hospitals in Sioux Falls along with their affiliates across South Dakota and surrounding states are served by A-OX. Manufacturing customers include companies that make trailers, signs, paper products, windmills, fire trucks, aggregate processing equipment, livestock equipment and more.

Tom and Linda Elliot work side-by-side with their children Trenton Elliot, Tiffany Anderson, Terran Bergdale and Tisha Rodgers.

The children are the fourth generation of the Elliot family to run the business.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 39

Sioux Falls CVB Celebrates

The Sioux Falls CVB was honored to host Governor Dennis Daugaard and South Dakota Secretary of Tourism Jim Hagen for a press conference at Falls Park. They discussed the value of the travel and tourism industry to South Dakota and the entire nation.

South Dakota Tourism “On the Move” Secretary of Tourism Jim Hagen and his staff presented a seminar to area travel and tourism leaders covering the sales and marketing efforts of the tourism department.

The seminar was held at the Sioux Falls Convention Center as part of the CVB’s efforts to highlight the visitor industry.

National Travel & Tourism Week

2017 CVB Annual Visitor Industry Luncheon Nearly 900 people attended the CVB’s annual luncheon on May 9! Featured speaker Doug Lipp, formerly with Disney, kept the participants engaged in laughter while he shared his ideas on leadership and customer service. The CVB also presented their industry awards: Media Awards: Argus Leader Media, Sioux Falls Business Journal, KELOLAND-TV, KDLT, KSFY, KTTW, Life 96.5, Midco Sports Network, Midwest Communications, Results Radio, SiouxFalls.Business and South Dakota Public Broadcasting Business Award: Fernson Brewing Company Heart of the City Award: Thea Miller Ryan, The Outdoor Campus First Impressions Award: Butch Reinesch, Sanford Health Special Star Award: Evan Nolte, former President & CEO of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

BUSINESS NEWS

Visitor Industry Updates CVENT CONFERENCE CONNECTS MEETING PLANNERS AND EXHIBITORS

CVB PARTNERS WITH STATE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM TO MARKET THE REGION

The Sioux Falls Convention & Visitor’s Bureau (CVB) will attend the Cvent CONNECT Conference and Tradeshow on June 12-14, 2017 in Las Vegas, NV. This is the first time the CVB will have representation at this event. Anna Eliason and Erin Zimmerman will represent Sioux Falls as meeting destination sales managers at the show.

U.S. Travel Association’s IPW is the travel industry’s premier international marketplace and the largest generator of travel to the United States. It is not a typical trade show. In three days of intensive pre-scheduled business appointments, more than 1,000 U.S. travel organizations from every region of the U.S. (representing all industry category components), and more than 1,300 international and domestic buyers from more than 70 countries conduct business negotiations that result in the generation of more than $4.7 billion in future U.S. travel.

Cvent, Inc. is a company that specializes in meetings management technology and offers web-based software for meeting site selection, online event registration and event management. Cvent CONNECT brings together over 2,000 planners and 250 exhibitors representing hotel chains, resorts and destinations. The show will feature more than 100 educational sessions, networking opportunities and an exhibit hall over the three-day event. Eliason and Zimmerman will sell Sioux Falls at a turnkey booth where they will have an appointment schedule as well as the opportunity to meet face-to-face with qualified event professionals who book over $4 billion of group tour business every year.

SIOUX FALLS TO HOST NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF GRADUATE WOMEN IN SCIENCE For the first time, Sioux Falls will host the annual Graduate Women in Science (GWIS) National Conference. The event will take place June 15-17, 2017 at the Washington Pavilion. The Eastern South Dakota chapter of GWIS teamed with the South Dakota Biotechnology Association and South Dakota Small Business Innovation Research group to bring the event to Sioux Falls.

Not just for scientists, this conference is for anyone who wants to polish their networking skills, get advice on career development and learn effective communication techniques. The three-day event is open to the public and attendees are invited to meet the scientific community here in Sioux Falls as well as GWIS members from across the globe. Featured speakers include Becky Aistrup, BBC Entrepreneurial Training & Consulting; Isaiah Hankel, The Cheeky Scientist; Elizabeth Travis, FASTRO of the MD Anderson Cancer Center; and Amy Elliot, Director of Sanford Health’s Center for Health Outcomes and Population Research. Join in for a panel discussion with South Dakota scientists and finish the conference with keynote banquet speaker Rebecca Johnson, South Dakota’s own prolific and successful author of scientific books for children.

Graduate Women in Science is a national organization founded in 1921, in a time where women were specifically excluded from scientific societies. In the past 96 years, they have grown to 25 chapters from coast to coast and internationally. Since 2010, the Eastern South Dakota chapter has focused on science outreach to the public, including career talks and science camps. To learn more about the chapter and this event, visit gwiseastsodak.org.

42 Chamber News | JUNE 2017

This year, Sioux Falls is partnering with the South Dakota Department of Tourism and several other South Dakota communities to market the entire region to these international travel professionals. IPW will be held June 3-7 in Washington D.C. Collectively, the South Dakota delegation has secured more than 95 appointments over the three-day marketplace. Sales Manager Jackie Wentworth will represent the Sioux Falls CVB at the event.

INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS TARGETED THROUGH “THE REAL AMERICA” CAMPAIGN CVB Sales Manager Jackie Wentworth recently attended the annual marketplace of Rocky Mountain International in Bismarck, North Dakota. Rocky Mountain International (RMI) is the official regional destination marketing organization promoting Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming specifically to the international traveler. Through a cooperative arrangement, RMI collectively markets the four-state region as the Real America. Its mission is to attract more overseas visitors to the Midwest and Rocky Mountain region.

Wentworth secured appointments with 42 tour operators and travel agents representing the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Australia, Benelux, Italy and the Nordics. Citizens of these countries average between five and nine weeks of “holiday” (paid time off) with the United States ranking as one of their top three most popular long-haul vacation destinations. International travelers typically spend three times more than domestic travelers while on vacation; therefore Sioux Falls is actively connecting with these international tour operators and travel agents who then directly market a stay in Sioux Falls to the international consumer.

CVB WRAPS UP A SUCCESSFUL TOUR CONTEST The “Sioux Falls Tour Contest” concluded its six-week run on May 22. The contest challenged local frontline visitor industry employees to choose 10 of 16 Sioux Falls attractions to visit and become more familiar with each attraction. The goal is to be able to better inform tourists visiting our community this summer.

The Grand Prize winners of the $500 Sioux Falls Packages are: Cecily Fogarty, Best Western PLUS Ramkota Hotel and Allen Sunderland, TownePlace Suites.

Youth participate in the Midwest Region II soccer championships in 2009 – the last time the tournament was in Sioux Falls.

YOUTH SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIPS IN SIOUX FALLS THIS MONTH

Sioux Falls is set to host the 2017 U.S. Youth Midwest Region II Soccer Championships June 23-27 at Yankton Trail Park. This is the third time Sioux Falls will host the nationally recognized tournament. The event was hosted here in both 2005 and 2009.

The 2017 U.S. Youth Midwest Regional Championships draws athletes from 13 states: Minnesota, Kansas, Nebraska, Illinois, Kentucky, North Dakota, Ohio, Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Michigan and South Dakota. Both girls and boys teams, ranging in age from Under 13 to Under 19, will participate in the tournament.

Teams will compete for the right to advance to the 2017 US Youth National Championships.

U.S. Youth Soccer estimates that tournament will bring approximately 15,000 attendees to Sioux Falls, with an estimated 3,500 hotel rooms booked per night. Sioux Falls CVB Executive Director Teri Schmidt said, “We are excited to have the opportunity to host this event again. With the excellent facilities, committed local committee and warm hospitality the Sioux Falls community exudes, it is bound to be a win-win for everyone.”

As part of the hosting efforts, a special event in downtown Sioux Falls including music, games and more is being planned for tournament players, parents and fans.

Planning committee co-chairs Rex Rolfing and Mark Glissendorf are eager for the event to get started. “Sioux Falls has so much to offer and we hope to provide all participants with an experience they will treasure for years to come,” stated Rolfing.

The $25 Gift Card winners are: Kama Konda-Varilek, Strawbale Winery; Kia Gjoraas, Falls Overlook Café; Martha Archer, Falls Park Visitor Information Center; Amber Muehl, Oh My Cupcakes; Michelle Wigg, Child’s Play Toys; Anessa Voss, Falls Overlook Café; Bob Reid, Best Western PLUS Ramkota Hotel; Kelly Pruit, MacKenzie River Pizza Grill & Pub; Mike Gould, The Outdoor Campus; and Rae Anderson, TownePlace Suites.

The business winners of the Sweet Prizes are: Child’s Play Toys and Sheraton Hotel.

Thank you to the attractions that participated as stops on the tour: Butterfly House & Aquarium, Center for Western Studies/ Augustana University, Falls Park Visitor Information Center, Fernson Brewing Company, Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum, Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum, Museum of Visual Materials, Siouxland Heritage Museums, The Outdoor Campus, Prairie Berry East Bank, Stockyards Plaza Inc.–Stockyards Ag Experience, Strawbale Winery, Thunder Road, USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial and the Washington Pavilion.

Five hundred cards were handed out to businesses throughout the community. A special thank you goes to the more than 30 businesses that requested contest cards and encouraged their employees to participate in the tour contest.

PRSA CONFERENCE OFFERS BEST PRACTICES FOR TOURISM PUBLIC RELATIONS CVB Director of Marketing Krista Orsack and Communications Manager Matt Barthel traveled to Palm Springs, California May 21–24 for the annual Public Relations Society of America 2017 Travel & Tourism conference. This is the first time the CVB attended this conference. Topics ranged from how to handle negative PR, to social influencers, to emerging technology in the digital marketing space. Orsack and Barthel returned with several ideas to implement in future projects selling Sioux Falls.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 43

BUSINESS NEWS

USD Discovery District celebrates development milestone Construction has officially begun on the first stages of development for the USD Discovery District, an urban 80-acre contemporary corporate and academic research park. A ceremonial groundbreaking led by state and community leaders took place May 18 at the site near Marion Road and SD Highway 38 in northwest Sioux Falls.

Governor Dennis Daugaard praised the collaborative efforts of the partners involved in creating the District and called the groundbreaking the first of more to come. “I do think we’re going to be back here very soon, maybe this year, with one or maybe two more groundbreakings. It’s that close,” Daugaard said.

Led by Rich Naser of the Zeal Center for Entrepreneurship, the USD Discovery District is a public-private partnership effort between the University of South Dakota, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, the City of Sioux Falls, the Board of Regents and the business community through Forward Sioux Falls. The goal of creating the Discovery District is to strengthen the region’s capacity to support and grow innovation-based businesses resulting in new jobs, increased regional wealth and tax revenues.

The District will provide access to research facilities and infrastructure for research business development, which will create new jobs and foster collaboration for new technologies. At full build out, the direct economic impact is projected to include 26 privately developed

Community leaders break ground for the USD Discovery District on May 18.

buildings with facility construction value exceeding $314 million and nearly 2,800 people employed by companies located in the district.

This first stage of construction includes two roads–West Nobel Street and North Frances Avenue–and will open access to eight building sites. The initial 2,800 feet, of the anticipated 11,000 feet, of roads and public utilities is being built by Runge Enterprises, Inc. The Sioux Falls-based contractor was awarded the contract in March following a competitive selection process.

Tourism industry is strong and growing in the Sioux Falls area Governor Dennis Daugaard and Secretary of Tourism Jim Hagen gathered with dozens of industry professionals at Falls Park on May 8 for a news conference in honor of National Travel and Tourism Week, which was observed May 7-13, 2017. The theme of this year’s Travel and Tourism Week was “Faces of Travel,” which recognizes the millions of people who power the travel industry.

“This theme allows us to shine a light on the South Dakotans that have a real impact on keeping our tourism industry strong,” said Daugaard. “Our state is full of men and women who excel at making our visitors feel welcome and make our industry the best in the region.”

Nationwide, the tourism industry supports the livelihoods of more than 15 million Americans. Within South Dakota, the visitor economy sustained a total of 53,258 jobs, or 9.5 percent of all jobs in the state. In addition, the Southeast Region accounts for 38% of visitor spending in the state and had the highest visitor spending growth of all regions in 2016.

“This week is the week our industry officially kicks off the peak travel season, but it’s much more than that,” said Jim Hagen, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Tourism. “This week is about celebrating and recognizing the many faces in South Dakota who make the visitor experience unique and memorable. Time and time again, consumers are sending their praises to us for the outstanding customer service and hospitality that is displayed in our state. There is no one

44 Chamber News | JUNE 2017

Data courtesy South Dakota Department of Tourism.

more important to our tourism industry than those working one-onone with our visitors. This week, we celebrate these faces.”

The South Dakota Department of Tourism honored individuals across the state as the “Faces of Travel.” Those that were nominated and recognized in Sioux Falls are Thea Miller Ryan, Director of The Outdoor Campus and Brianna Schmidt, Marketing Coordinator at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center.

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.

Divine Nail Spa

6807 S. LOUISE AVE. divinenailsalons.com Divine Nail Spa offers all kinds of nail services, facials, waxing, eyelash and permanent makeup services. L to R: Nathan Stallinga, Nancy Weber-Sweere, Ava Nguyen, Fawn Dang (partner), Kristin Cooke, Bobbi Thury and Doug Nguyen.

NEW MEMBER

Eat Fit Go Healthy Foods

3509 W. 57TH ST., #3 eatfitgo.com Eat Fit Go Healthy Foods offers healthy, pre-prepped meals on the go. L to R: Paige Gorter, Daschle Larsen, Tim Sturdevant, Jess Kroger, Todd Uhlir (director of operations), Amy O’Connor Hoback, Stefanie Engebretson and Nathan Stallinga.

NEW MEMBER

Fit My Feet Orthotics & Shoes

2621 S. MINNESOTA AVE. fitmyfeet.biz Fit My Feet Orthotics & Shoes is more than just a shoe store. Their staff brings a vast knowledge to helping people with foot, ankle, knee, hip and back issues. L to R: Bob Jankas, Carrie Dragt, Amanda Kolterman (owner), Tim Sturdevant, Nick Kolterman (owner), Mark Luke, Nathan Stallinga and Kristin Jurdens.

NEW LOCATION

Forum Communications Printing

5208 N. ANIKA AVE. forumprinting.com Forum Communications Printing is proud to open their new commercial printing facility in Sioux Falls. L to R: Amy O’Connor Hoback, Mark Luke, Mark Mullin, Tim Sturdevant, Bill Marcil Jr. (president & CEO), Sandy Case and Dennis Hall.

NEW LOCATION

chambernews.com | Chamber News 45

RIBBON CUTTINGS Foster, Jacobs & Johnson

NEW MEMBER

4305 S. LOUISE AVE., SUITE 204 fjj.com Foster, Jacobs & Johnson (FJJ) is a full service facility planning and consulting firm whose mission is to enrich the lives of their employees and exceed the expectations of their customers. FJJ also has offices in Duluth, Fargo and Minneapolis. L to R: Nathan Stallinga, Roger Degroot, Lori Eckrich, Mike Hubbard (regional manager), Stefanie Engebretson, Eric Anderson and Mike Hauck.

Hot Spring Spas of Sioux Falls

3605 W. 57TH ST. hotspringspasofsiouxfalls.com Hot Spring Spas of Sioux Falls recently moved to a more convenient location to better serve their customers. L to R: Kyle Stauffer, Julie Nelson, Laurie Knutson, Kevin Yopp (general manager), Lynda Billars, Rachael Junck (president), Nathan Stallinga and Rebecca Hungerford.

NEW MEMBER

IMKO Workforce Solutions

NEW OWNER/NAME CHANGE

4309 S. RACKET DR. imko.com IMKO Workforce Solutions purchased AvailAbility in 2015, adding to their eight state footprint. IMKO provides quality staffing solutions (temp to hire and direct placement) for all your staffing needs. L to R: Priscilla Crandall, Nathan Stallinga, Julie Nelson, Dianna Rajski (branch manager), Mike Hauck, Keith Hawkins, Lynda Billars and Karis Thompson.

The Inn on Westport

EXPANSION

4000 S. WESTPORT AVE. innonwestport.org The Inn on Westport has expanded their facility and now offers Rock Steady Boxing, an exercise program for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. L to R: Laura Johnson, Dean Karsky, Bobbi Thury, Nathan Stallinga, Lisa Howard (Rock Steady Boxing director), Kyrsten Fokken (executive director), Brad Nelson, Melissa Morton and Michele Rasmussen.

LifeVantage

marilynkmoser.lifevantage.com LifeVantage is at the forefront of nutrigenomics in the health and wellness industry. L to R: Luke Myrabo, Dan Doyle, Mark Luke, Dean Karsky, Marilyn Moser (independent business owner), Cindi Johnson, Joel Moser, Chris Filsinger and Mariah Myrabo.

NEW MEMBER

46 Chamber News | JUNE 2017

RIBBON CUTTINGS Lutheran Social Services of SD

NEW LOCATION

300 E. 6TH ST. lsssd.org Lutheran Social Services completed the first phase of the remodeled Campus on East Bank, which will offer multiple LSS programs, beginning with the Center for New Americans. L to R: Laura Smith-Hill, Adane Redda, Nathan Stallinga, Stacy Wrightsman, Tom Hackl, Betty Oldenkamp (CEO), Tim Jurgens, Mark Mickelson, Mayor Mike Huether, Paige Pearson Meyer, Carol Hudson, Amy Vanderlugt and Lilly Jasarovic.

Noteboom RV

27316 SD HWY. 115, HARRISBURG, SD noteboomrv.com Noteboom RV is a family-owned RV dealership that sells and services fifth wheels, toy haulers, travel trailers, pre-owned and cargo trailers.

L to R: David Johnson, Adrienne McKeown, Shelby Carlson, Nathan Stallinga, Greg Noteboom (owner), Tim Sturdevant, Mary Noteboom and Jerry Johnson.

NEW MEMBER

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Enjoy the UPTIME. | sdncommunications.com chambernews.com | Chamber News 47

RIBBON CUTTINGS Praxair Distribution, Inc.

2020 E. 52ND ST. N. praxair.com Praxair has opened a new warehouse and distribution hub in Sioux Falls. L to R: Lawrence Van Hofwegen, Mike Bonneville, Nathan Stallinga, Jen Gruss, Bill Stoll (vice president of central region), Sharon Haselhoff, Carrie Dragt, April Meyerink, Jim Cherrier and Gina Dondlinger.

NEW MEMBER

Reliabank Dakota

GROUNDBREAKING

Call Travis Today!

48 Chamber News | JUNE 2017

LOCATED NEAR 86TH STREET AND DAKOTA HAWK AVENUE Reliabank is opening a new bank in southwest Sioux Falls. Services will include customer service and tellers, lending and investment, mortgage and insurance, drive though and ATM lanes. L to R: Dr. Dave Kapaska, Steve Statz, Mark Tetzlaff, David W. Johnson, Reid Johnson, Mayor Mike Huether, Jan Johnson, Ethan Johnson, David Elbers, Bob Smithback and Jeremy Keizer.

605-977-8301 SiouxFallsFCU.org

RIBBON CUTTINGS Riddle’s Jewelry

5000 W. EMPIRE PL., #602B riddlesjewelry.com Riddle’s Jewelry is a family owned and operated jeweler and now has a location in the Empire Mall. L to R: Ariel Tjaden, Derrick Karsky, Alex Ramirez, Kelsey McCartney (store manager), Mayor Mike Huether, Jesse Riddle, Nathan Stallinga, Mark Luke and Kami Deboer.

NEW MEMBER

Safety Solutions

100 S. FAIRFAX AVE. safety605.com Safety Solutions provides employee safety training and compliance services, and hazardous materials management. L to R: Ellie Drovdal, Larry Ayres, Chris Filsinger, Jessica Drovdal, Nathan Stallinga, Tony Drovdal (owner), Dan Doyle, Nancy Van Otterloo and Spencer Drovdal.

NEW MEMBER

REGISTER NOW! Thursday, Aug. 17, 2017

Sioux Falls Convention Center

2 01 7

Cross roads SUMMIT

Keynote Speakers:

LIVING YOUR MISSION

John T. Meyer, Co-Founder/CEO of Lemonly Bert Jacobs, Co-Founder/CEO of Life is Good

Register online at sfcrossroads.com Presented by the Sioux Falls Young Professionals Network, a program of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce chambernews.com | Chamber News 49

RIBBON CUTTINGS Sioux Falls Regional Airport Authority 2801 JAYCEE LN. sfairport.com Sioux Falls Regional Airport celebrates the completion of the security checkpoint expansion and lobby renovation project. L to R: Amy O’Connor Hoback, Lon Stroschein, Nathan Stallinga, Mayor Mike Huether, Dave Nelson (chairman), Dan Letellier (executive director), Gary Gaspar, Julie Schnaible and Julie Nelson.

EXPANSION/REMODEL

South Dakota Pork Producers Council

NEW LOCATION

4605 W. HOMEFIELD DR. sdpork.org South Dakota Pork Producers Council is a unified and engaged advocate that promotes, with integrity, the image and growth of the South Dakota pork industry through education, research, marketing and responsible policy.

L to R: Stephanie Fox, Bernie DeWald, Ferlyn Hofer (vice president), James Payer II, Glenn Muller (executive director), Tim Sturdevant, Mark Luke and Stacey Sorlien.

Swan Mechanical Inc

swanmechinc.com Swan Mechanical Inc. is a certified and licensed radon mitigation and testing company.

L to R: Mary Gearde, Sharon Haselhoff, Mark Luke, Joe Swan (owner), Nicki Swan, Darci Hustrulid, Harper Swan, Lynda Billars and Randy Swan.

NEW MEMBER

Union Gospel Mission

EXPANSION

50 Chamber News | JUNE 2017

220 N. WEBER AVE. ugmsf.org Union Gospel Mission recently built a new chapel facility so that the dining room could serve the maximum number of guests. L to R: Randy Hofer, Bernie DeWald, Julie Nelson, Nathan Stallinga, Mayor Mike Huether, Ken Peterson, Fran Stenberg (executive director), Rory Stenberg, Daschle Larsen, Gary Gaspar and Lee Butenschoen.

MEMBERSHIP

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

Augustana University

Schools, Colleges, Universities augie.edu Member Since 1918

Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center Hospitals avera.org Member Since 1911

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

Cadwell Sanford Deibert & Garry LLP

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

L.G. Everist, Inc.

Sand & Gravel lgeverist.com Member Since 1920

McKinneyOlson Insurance Insurance mckinneyolson.com Member Since 1907

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

Sanford Health

Hospitals sanfordhealth.org Member Since 1907

Sioux Falls Seminary

Attorneys cadlaw.com Member Since 1907

Schools, Colleges, Universities sfseminary.edu Member Since 1907

Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP

Smithfield Foods

Attorneys dehs.com Member Since 1939

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

Electric Construction Company

70 YEARS

Gage Brothers Concrete Products, Inc.

Associate Member lifescapesd.org

Girton Adams Company

Sioux Empire Society for Human Resource Management (SESHRM)

LeafGuard Gutters

Hotels & Motels hamptoninn.com

Hari Har Inc. dba/ Hampton Inn of Sioux Falls Microtel Inn & Suites

Printers foxprintsd.com

Associate Member seshrm.org

Gutters leafguard.com

South Dakota Biotech Associaton

My A Team

Associate Member sdbio.org

Tires, Tires, Tires, Inc. Tire Service tires3.com

Keller Williams Realty of Sioux Falls - Cortney Bierle

FIRST-YEAR MEMBERS WHO REINVESTED IN THEIR APRIL ANNIVERSARY MONTH 9 Clouds

Marketing/Advertising 9clouds.com

Black Hills State University

Journey Group Companies Contractors-General journeyconstruction.com Member Since 1907

FoxPrint Printing & Graphics

Pride Neon, Inc.

20 YEARS

Grocers-Retail farewaystores.com

Financial Services pinnaclewealthmanagement.com

Aerial Horizons UAS, LLC

Ice/Dry Ice Companies girtonadams.com Member Since 1909

Fareway Stores, Inc.

Pinnacle Wealth Management

LifeScape

Signs prideneon.com

Associate Member

Theaters sfarena.com

TSP, Inc.

Schools, Colleges, Universities usiouxfalls.edu Member Since 1907

Dean Buckneberg

Orpheum Theater Center

Affiliate-Real Estate

University of Sioux Falls

Recycling & Scrap Metal Processing dakotametals.com

Retail-Specialty heirloomcreations.net

5 YEARS

Electrical Contractors electricconstructionfsd.com Member Since 1907

Concrete Products gagebrothers.com Member Since 1918

Heirloom Creations, Inc.

Food Production smithfieldfoods.com Member Since 1909

Architects, Engineers, Planners teamtsp.com Member Since 1930

Dakota Metals

10 YEARS

Drones-Retail aerialhorizons.com

Business Service myateamsf.com

Popplers Music, Inc. Music Stores popplersmusic.com

Raeco Builders, LLC Construction raecobuilders.com

Sabers Insurance, LLC

Associate Member facebook.com/sabersinsurance

Spoke-N-Sport Bicycles spoke-n-sport.com

Stockyards Plaza Inc. Stockyards Ag Experience Associate Member stockyardsagexperience.org

Sunrise Banks N.A. Banks sunrisebanks.com

Schools, Colleges, Universities bhsu.edu

Boss’ Pizza and Chicken Restaurants bosspizzaandchicken.com

Credit Union Association of the Dakotas Associations cuad.coop

Hotels & Motels microtelinn.com

chambernews.com | Chamber News 51

MEMBERSHIP

New Members

New members are printed in each issue of Chamber News. Following is a list of businesses or individuals who have invested in the greater community by joining the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.

An online Membership Directory can be found at siouxfallschamber.com or by using the Chamber’s App, available in the iTunes and Google Play stores. Want to become a member? Call (605) 336-1620.

Accountable to You, Inc.

Festival of Bands

Sioux Falls Thrive, Inc.

Ad Taxi of Sioux Falls

Hegg Realtors - Jamie Smith

Truly Nolen Pest Control

Align Content

Keller Williams Realty Sioux Falls Sue Anderson

Zomes Construction, Inc.

Bookkeeping Service Molly Okerlund, (605) 323-8050 3101 W. 41st St., Suite 201A, 57105 accountabletoyouinc.com

Marketing/Advertising Thad Clabough, (605) 251-3562 829 N. Anthem Dr., 57110 adtaxi.com

News Media Jodi Schwan, (605) 201-3662 221 S. Phillips Ave., Suite 205, 57104 siouxfalls.business

BIN 201

Bars & Lounges Tim & Jamie Kant, (605) 271-6933 201 E. 11th St., 57104 dtsfwine.com

Davids Hydro Vac, Inc.

Associate Member Heather Morehouse, (651) 329-5555 2330 Leibel St., Suite 105, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 davidshydrovac.com

52 Chamber News | JUNE 2017

Associate Member Ali Hoffman PO Box 2105, 57101-2105 marching.com

Affiliate - Real Estate Jamie Smith, (605) 351-4733 2804 E. 26th St., 57103 soldsiouxfalls.com

Affiliate - Real Estate Sue Anderson, (605) 310-1020 5915 S. Remington Pl., 57108

Northwestern Mutual - Juanita Schmunk Affiliate - Insurance Juanita Schmunk, (605) 940-5620 2307 W. 57th St., Suite 200, 57108 juanitaschmunk.nm.com

Revolution Yoga and Cycle Fitness Centers Brooke Moeckly, (605) 271-5720 3824 S. Western Ave., 57105 revolutionsiouxfalls.com

Associate Member Candy Hanson, (605) 575-1825 200 N. Cherapa Pl., 57103 siouxfallsthrive.org

Pest Control Ryan Anderson, (605) 271-2269 PO Box 91216, 57109 trulynolensiouxfalls.com

Construction-Residential Kevin Zomermaand, (605) 231-0894 PO Box 89603, 57109 zomesconstruction.com

FIVE QUESTIONS

Five questions is a monthly feature on a Chamber volunteer, Chamber member or staff member. Want to be featured here? Call (605) 336-1620.

Five questions with Venky Venkatachalam Dr. Venky Venkatachalam is the Dean of the Beacom School of Business at the University of South Dakota. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Madras, India; a M.B.A. from the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta; and a Ph.D. in management science from the University of Alabama. He spent 22 years at the University of New Hampshire (UNH), most recently as the Associate Dean of the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, before joining USD in 2014. Venkatachalam has received numerous awards and distinctions, including a teaching excellence award, research excellence award and Distinguished Service award.

Venkatachalam’s wife Meera is the Associate Director of the Honors Program at USD. They have two sons, Arjun and Ananth.

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

VENKY VENKATACHALAM Beacom School of Business

Sioux Falls is the economic hub for the state of South Dakota and a fast-rising, high-tech city in the nation. Home to several industry leaders in the financial, manufacturing and healthcare sectors, Sioux Falls is also an emerging destination for high-tech research in biosciences and biomedical areas.

How did you choose your profession? And what advice might you give to someone just starting out in it?

I have a passion to learn, a desire to create knowledge (research) and a need to share knowledge through teaching with others.

Hard work and perseverance will always help you achieve success.

How do you approach challenges?

My philosophy is always “we all must win” in dealing with challenges or problems. My approach is to first try to find what the actual problem (challenge) is by identifying and understanding the symptoms of a problem. Then, develop possible solution scenarios, evaluate each, consult/collaborate with stakeholders and make decisions.

What are you reading right now?

The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton Christensen

What do you think is one of the biggest challenges facing our community today?

And how should we tackle it?

South Dakota has strong economic fundamentals, a great work ethic and offers high quality of life. South Dakota is second to none in terms of offering a supportive environment for attracting world-class talent, especially in high-tech areas. Yet, the challenge is relatively low brand awareness. In my personal experience, I find people, especially on the east or west coast, often show little knowledge of South Dakota. We should work towards showcasing the “South Dakota Advantage!”

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.

Pictured left are Augustana freshman students registering for classes, circa 1940s. Rev. Dr. Clemens Granskou, who served as Augustana’s 14th President from 1932-43, is shown seated in the center.

Pictured below is a women’s residence in Canton, South Dakota.

Augustana settled in Canton in 1884. Following its merger with the Lutheran Normal School, it moved to Sioux Falls in 1918. Augustana’s history dates back to 1860 in Chicago, when the first class of the then-Augustana Seminary was held. This founding date is also shared with Augustana’s sister-college, Augustana College, in Rock Island, Illinois. On Sept. 1, 2015, the school changed its name to Augustana University.

Jorden Hall (left) is the oldest building on the University of Sioux Falls campus. Joseph Schwarz, a prominent architect from Sioux Falls, was hired in 1907 to design the building.

Schwarz chose to design Jorden Hall in the Gothic Revival style—a style most typically used for churches but not commonly found in educational settings. Jorden Hall has been well-maintained and in consistent use since it was built in 1908. Its interior has been renovated several times over the years and currently houses administration offices.

54 Chamber News | JUNE 2017

Avera

WELCOMES

Avera Medical Group Orthopedics & Sports Medicine to Sioux Falls Avera Medical Group Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is dedicated to your care from prevention to diagnosis, treatment to recovery, so you can feel like yourself again. Avera offers South Dakota’s only emergency departments covered 24/7 by fellowship-trained orthopedic trauma surgeons.* When the unexpected happens, you can access this level of care at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center and Avera Medical Group Family Health Center.

Thomas Ambrose II, MD

Matthew Blake, MD

Michael Devish, DO*

Kathlyn Drexler, MD

Patrick O’Brien, MD

Special Interests: Total joints and revisions

Starting September 2017

Special Interests: Trauma/fractures

Starting September 2017

Special Interests: Sports medicine and arthroscopy

Special Interests: Sports medicine and arthroscopy

Aaron Pemberton, MD*

Brian Dix, DPM

Special Interests: Trauma/fractures

Special Interests: Foot and ankle

Special Interests: Hand and wrist

Gustavo Diaz, PA-C

Tyler Krome, PA-C

James Ramos, PA-C

Physician Assistant for Dr. Devish

Physician Assistant for Dr. Ambrose

Physician Assistant for Dr. Blake

Kerry Van Overbeke, PA-C Physician Assistant for Dr. O’Brien

911 E. 20th St., Suite 300 Sioux Falls, SD 57105 605-322-1300 Avera.org/sf-orthopedics 17-ORTH-6578

Orthopedic Surgery | Sports Medicine | SportsTraining | Therapy

Proud sponsor of possibility.

Our conversations don’t begin with “it can’t be done” or “that’s how it’s always been done.”

As a South Dakota based organization, we approach every challenge and opportunity with possibility in mind. Whether our customers are starting a family or starting a business.

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