June 2023 Chamber News

first

upgrade for first responders

Publisher

Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce

Chamber News Ad Sales

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

Chamber News Layout/Design Jill Blom

Chamber News Editor Jennie Doyen

For editorial information, call: (605) 336-1620

Chamber News is published by the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, 200 N Phillips Ave , Suite 200, Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Postmaster please send address changes to:

Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce 200 N Phillips Ave , Suite 200, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 Phone: (605) 336-1620 • Email: gsfcc@siouxfalls com

Chamber Mission

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

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Message from the Chair

If you had to identify Sioux Falls’ greatest asset, what would you say?

Some might suggest our robust economy, which attracts new businesses and workers to move here. Or maybe it is the high quality of life we enjoy, thanks in part to excellent schools and an extensive parks system. I might be showing my bias, but I think the access we have to world-class healthcare is a pretty strong asset.

Paul Hanson 2022-23

Chair of the Board

All these things and more are possible because of the people of Sioux Falls. People are our greatest asset. The people here are talented, hard-working, innovative, driven, welcoming…I’m sure there are more adjectives you could add to that list. Most valuably, our people believe in the Sioux Falls of tomorrow and they’re committed to making this the best place to live and work.

Evidence of this commitment can be found on multiple fronts.

Groundbreakings are always a celebration of what is to come. Among those held this spring was a groundbreaking for a new parking ramp at the Sioux Falls Regional Airport – our people are planning for a future of increased air travel. McCrossan Boys Ranch held a groundbreaking for the expansion of their school. It coincided with the completion of a Community Appeals campaign, in which our people gave generously to spur success for at-risk young men.

The Chamber recently concluded its second year of DE&I Activator workshops. Over the past 7 months, 173 people representing 93 unique businesses participated in one or more workshops on strategies to create more welcoming workplaces. This program was offered in partnership with Pathways to Inclusive & Equitable Workplaces and we are grateful for their willingness to help our people learn and grow.

Later this month, the Young Professionals Network is hosting the second annual Intro Sioux Falls. This unique event is aimed at residents who are new to Sioux Falls, sharing information and insights from longer-term residents on living and working here. We know that people who feel connected to their community are more likely to stay there. So, send your summer interns. Send your new hires. Send any employee who would like to become more familiar with all that Sioux Falls has to offer.

In this issue, you can read about the new public safety campus that will open later this year. Significant taxpayer dollars are invested in these facilities. The investment it represents in the people who serve and protect our community is harder to measure, but worth so much more.

2022-23 GREATER SIOUX FALLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LEADERSHIP

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Chair Paul Hanson, Sanford Health

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

Vice Chair Miles Beacom, PREMIER Bankcard

Treasurer Tamien Dysart, Think 3D Solutions

Immediate Past Chair Alex Ramirez, USA Media TV

Chamber President & CEO Jeff Griffin

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Joe Bunkers, Gage Brothers

Kim Burma, Midco

Kayla Eitreim, Junior Achievement of South Dakota

Dr. José-Marie Griffiths, Dakota State University

Jason Herrboldt, First Bank & Trust

Derrick Larson, Eide Bailly LLP

Jeff Lautt, POET

Tolcha Mesele, Smithfield Foods

Jacob Quasney, Lloyd Companies

Nancy Savage, Child’s Play Toys

Nathan Stallinga, DakotAbilities

Amy Stockberger, Amy Stockberger Real Estate

Vicki Stewart, Business Resource Network

Bob Sutton, Avera Health

EX-OFFICIO

Jean Bender, Minnehaha County Commission

Kyle Groos, Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools

Jim Schmidt, Lincoln County Commission

Kate Serenbetz, Sioux Falls School Board

Dr. Jane Stavem, Sioux Falls Public School System

Mayor Paul TenHaken, City of Sioux Falls

CHAMBER STAFF

Jeff Griffin, President & CEO

Joan Bartling, Vice President of Finance & Accounting

Jill Blom, Graphics & Communications Manager

Casey Boerger, Young Professionals Network Manager

Kyle Davis, Member Services Specialist

Jennie Doyen, Vice President of Member Services

Becky Griebel, Administrative Assistant

Elizabeth Heidinger, Member Services Specialist

Brooke Hendrickx, Agribusiness Manager

Steven Herman, Sales Manager

Pat Lund, Member Relations Manager

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

Holly Rader, Vice President of Member Relations

Teresa Schreier, Events Coordinator

Susan Seachris, Administrative/Accounting Assistant

Our people believe in the Sioux Falls of tomorrow .

Events Calendar CHAMBER

Dates, times and locations are subject to change . For a current listing of all Chamber events, visit siouxfallschamber com, read the weekly edition of Quickly, or call (605) 336-1620

You can register and pay for events online at siouxfallschamber com

FEATURED EVENT

BUSINESS FAIR & MEMBERSHIP

MIXER

Tuesday, June 20 4:30–7 p .m Sioux Falls Convention Center, 1201 West Ave

The annual Business Fair & Mixer combines our traditional networking event with the opportunity to view the products and services of other Chamber members Visit each of the exhibitor booths and bring plenty of business cards for door prizes

Business Sense Workshop: Handling crisis communication

Tuesday, June 6

Noon–1 p m

Chamber of Commerce, 200 N Phillips Ave , Suite 200

DETAILS: When your business gets an unexpected curve ball, do you know how to handle it? Strong communication can help you through a crisis or time of significant change Bob McNaney, The McNaney Group, will share the tools to set yourself up for success when faced with communicating tough messages

COST: $10, bring your own lunch

REGISTER: siouxfallschamber com/events

Agribusiness Awards Banquet

Thursday, June 8

5:30–9 p m

Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort, 1415 Grand Falls Blvd , Larchwood, IA

DETAILS: Celebrate the people and events that have powered the Agribusiness Division throughout the past year

RSVP: bhendrickx@siouxfalls com

Morning Mingle

Thursday, June 22

SPONSORED BY:

7:30–9 a m

Puetz Design + Build, Inc ., 5100 W . 63rd Circle N .

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

COST: Free

Business Sense Workshop: Capitalizing on emerging media trends

Tuesday, June 27 11 a m - Noon

Zoom

DETAILS: The media landscape, especially digital media, is constantly changing The moment you’re behind you could be out of contention altogether With new emerging trends we will showcase how you can reach more potential customers with innovative techniques that are far more effective, improve ROI and are sure to help propel your media for years to come This workshop will be presented by Tony Chance, Flynn Wright COST: $10

REGISTER: siouxfallschamber .com/events

Intro Sioux Falls

Thursday, June 15 4–7 p m

Great Shots, 2505 W Benson Road

DETAILS: New residents of Sioux Falls are invited to discover what our community has to offer Interns and new employees can gain information and connections that will help them feel at home in Sioux Falls for the long-term COST: Free

Membership Mixer

Tuesday, July 11 4:30–6:30 p m

Blue Rock Bar & Grill, 4021 Bobhalla Drive

DETAILS: Expand your professional network at the July Membership Mixer Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar COST: $5 or use your Mixer Pass

ChamberHood - Downtown

Thursday, July 20

11:30 a m –1 p m

PAve, 130 S Phillips Ave

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

COST: $30

REGISTER: siouxfallschamber com/events

MIXERS MEMBERSHIP

We invite you and your employees to attend these upcoming Membership Mixers:

TUESDAY July 11 4:30-6:30 p .m . Blue Rock Bar & Grill 4021 Bobhalla Drive

TUESDAY Aug. 8 4:30-6:30 p m . Bank Midwest 225 S Minnesota Ave

TUESDAY Sept. 12 4:30-6:30 p .m .

Washington Pavilion 301 S Main Ave

TUESDAY Oct. 10 4:30-6:30 p m Active Generations East 5500 E Active Generations Place

Host a Mixer!

TUESDAY Nov. 21 4:30-7 p m The DISTRICT 4521 W Empire Place

Enjoy refreshments and complimentary appetizers. Connect with other Chamber members and grow your network.

Admission is $5, or use your Mixer Pass.

The Chamber’s monthly Membership Mixers draw together professionals from across industries. As a mixer host, you have the opportunity to promote your business and products while sharing hospitality with the business community.

We are now booking Mixer Sponsors for 2024. Contact Teresa Schreier for details and availability: tschreier@siouxfalls.com or 605-373-2050.

UPCOMING EVENTS

GREATER SIOUX FALLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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

Morning Buzz

Thursday, June 1

7:30–9 a m .

McDonald’s 3101 E 26th St .

DETAILS: Join other YPN members for networking while getting your morning buzz (coffee) Morning-minded young professionals are invited to come to enjoy coffee and conversation with other YPN members at our Morning Buzz

COST: Free

YPs Read

Tuesday, June 6

5:15–6:15 p m

Holiday Inn City Centre

100 W 8th St

DETAILS: YPs Read is a book club for members of the Sioux Falls Young Professionals Network We focus on reading personal and professional development books

COST: Free

Community

Connections Tour:

The Scott Family Farm

Tuesday, June 13

4–5:30 p m

48606 26th St

Valley Springs, SD 57068

DETAILS: YPN Community Connections

Tours provide the opportunity to get an inside look at a local business The Scott Family is the 2023 Farm Family of the Year On this tour, you’ll learn about Hungry for Truth, a consumer education initiative of South Dakota Soybean Research & Promotion Council After the tour, we’ll head to a neighboring brewery, A Homestead Brew, to dive into your questions and continue conversations

This Community Connections Tour is co-hosted by South Dakota Soybean Research & Promotion Council

COST: Free, registration required

Intro Sioux Falls

Thursday, June 15

4–7 p .m .

Great Shots

2505 W . Benson Road

DETAILS: Learn about the various neighborhoods, activities and attractions, resources for residents, and more Interns, new residents and lifelong locals – all are welcome to come discover what Sioux Falls has to offer Enjoy complimentary drinks and appetizers while networking with other young professionals

COST: Free

Meet Me at the Mixer

Tuesday, June 20

4:30–7 p m

Sioux Falls Convention Center

1201 W Ave

DETAILS: Meet up with other YPN members to expand your network at the Chamber’s Business Fair & Mixer This event features Chamber member businesses showcasing their products and services . If you’ve never been to a Chamber Mixer before, just look for the YPN table and we’ll help you get connected!

COST: $5

YPN New Member Lunch

Thursday, June 22

Noon–1 p m

Chamber of Commerce

200 N Phillips Ave .

DETAILS: Are you new to YPN? Looking for your first event to attend? Join us for our New Member Lunch at the Chamber! This is a great opportunity to meet other new members and ask questions of experienced members Lunch will be provided Space is limited to the first 20 people to RSVP!

COST: $15, registration required

Find us on social media or visit siouxfallsypn com

Action Team Meetings

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

Social Action Team

Tuesday, June 6 4–5 p .m .

Discovery Real Estate Co .

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

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

JUNE

1-2 The Good Night Theatre Collective presents: A Road Trip Cabaret

2 2023 Season Opening Night at Levitt at the Falls

2 Fridays on The Plaza (every Friday)

2 Food Truck Friday at McCrossan Boys Ranch (every Friday)

2 Eastbank Block Party

2 Brooks & Dunn at Denny Sanford PREMIER Center 2 Shrek Rave at The District

TOGETHER, WE PUT GOOD ENERGY INTO THE COMMUNITY.

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

Visit xcelenergy.com to learn more.

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

City of Sioux Falls Building Permit Data

April 2023

City of Sioux Falls Total Construction Value April

2023

Sioux Falls Region Housing Overview

April 2023

New Listings: 606 Days on the Market Until Sale: 79

Median Sales Price: $319,900

Inventory of Homes for Sale: 1,165

Source: RASE (Realtor Association of the Sioux Empire)

Regional Unemployment Rates

March 2023

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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

Agriculture Trends

Faces & Places

Our members do more than follow the news. They make the news. Job promotions and hirings. New projects. New partnerships. Awards. Every day we hear about exciting accomplishments, historic milestones and other positive aspects of our member businesses that deserve to be shared. Submit news to jdoyen@siouxfalls.com.

Recognition of Chamber Volunteers

The Ambassador Committee promotes the Chamber and assists in bringing new members into the organization. The Diplomat Committee works to maintain membership strength in the Chamber and provide outstanding customer service to members. Their volunteer service helps to keep the Chamber strong.

The featured volunteers this month are Lucas Fiegen, Fiegen Construction, five years as an ambassador and current committee chair; and Curt Johnson, Showplace Cabinetry, one year as a diplomat.

The ACE Award is presented monthly to one ambassador in recognition of their efforts to bring new members into the Chamber. Lynda Billars, The Lynda B. Advantage-Berkshire Hathaway received the ACE award for the month of April.

Diplomat of the Month honors for May went to Cody Papke, City of Sioux Falls. The Event Champion award for consistent participation at Chamber events went to Tammy Beintema, American Heart Association.

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

Lynda Billars

The Lynda B. AdvantageBerkshire Hathaway

Tammy Beintema American Heart Association

Curt Johnson Showplace Cabinetry

Cody Papke City of Sioux Falls

The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce partners with business, community and government leaders to ensure our community continues to thrive. We are hiring for two key leadership positions: Vice President of Finance & Accounting Vice President

Lucas Fiegen Fiegen Construction

Karlie Solum Marsh McLennan Agency

New Faces & Promotions

Trent Sorbe has joined the executive team of First International Bank & Trust. Sorbe will serve as Chief Payments Officer, where he will lead the growth and expansion of the nearly $5 billion bank’s local and national digital payments initiatives.

The First National Bank in Sioux Falls has hired Logan Abrego as a personal banker at the downtown branch. Abrego has three years of previous banking experience.

Two employees of the wealth management team of The First National Bank in Sioux Falls have received new professional designations. Personal trust officer Stacie Swanstrom

Honors & Awards

Dr. Dave Kapaska has been selected to receive the Award of Meritorious Achievement from the American Heart Association. The national award is given to volunteers who make a significant impact for the organization. Kapaska is recognized for his work as the cochair of the Association’s South Dakota Cabinet for Medicaid Expansion and his assistance in the effort to pass Amendment D in the state. This is the first time a volunteer from South Dakota has won a national American Heart Association award.

Two Sioux Falls-area leaders are among the recipients of annual awards from the Governor’s Office of Economic Development Jesse Fonkert and Steve Watson received the Excellence in Economic Development Award, which recognizes individuals who have excelled in economic development over their careers. Fonkert is president and CEO

Good Deeds

Citi has awarded three $1,000 scholarships to local high school seniors. The Citi Youth Leadership Award recognizes young people for their outstanding leadership and service. A student must complete a minimum of 100 volunteer hours in order to be considered. Citi partners with The Helpline Center to select the award recipients. They are: Benjamin Daggett, Tea Area High School; Cambell Fischer, West Central High School; and Hunter Wilson, Tea Area High School.

has received her Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor™ designation. Trust professionals with a minimum of three years’ experience must complete the three-part Cannon Trust School with Cannon Financial Institute and pass a certification exam to become a CTFA™. Portfolio manager Erik Ustad has received his Chartered Financial Analyst designation. To become a CFA®, investment professionals must hold a bachelor’s degree, have at least four years of professional experience, and pass three extensive exams covering areas such as accounting, economics, ethics, money management, and security analysis.

Architecture Incorporated has added Holly Haberman as marketing coordinator. Haberman holds a bachelor’s degree in enterprise leadership and journalism and mass communication from the University of Iowa. She will be responsible for assisting with lead generation, business development, and marketing strategies. She also will help manage the project pursuit process from beginning to end, including content development, design, proofing and submitting proposals.

of Sioux Metro Growth Alliance. Watson is a development strategist with ISG and is leading the Infrastructure First Project for the state, developing a statewide infrastructure plan, identifying 18 high-impact economic development sites, along with completing a capital improvement plan for eight communities.

Blend Interactive has been named to a nationwide list of best workplaces by Inc. magazine. The web strategy, design and development firm was among 591 companies selected and was the only South Dakota company included in the annual list.

Experience Sioux Falls recognized ten individuals for their contributions to the visitor industry. Craig and Pat Lloyd, Lloyd Cos., and Jeff Scherschligt, Pendar Properties, received the Heart of the City Award for significant contribution to the visitor industry through

inspiration, spirit, and excellent leadership. Riccardo and Marybeth Tarabelsi, Maribella Ristorante, received the Business Award for exemplifying innovation, creating impact and causing the Sioux Falls region to shine as a visitor destination. First Impressions Awards were given to Dawn Wynthein, The Original Pancake House; Val Carman, ClubHouse Hotel & Suites; Greg Koch, 605 Running Co.; and Martin Dill and Dave Oswald, Downtown Sioux Falls Inc.

The Empire Mall was recognized by Simon Property Group for excellence among their staff and administration. General Manager Dan Gies was named Best of the Best General Manager; Director of Marketing and Business Development James Payer II was given the Rising Star Award; and the entire staff received the Best of the Best Mall Team award.

Mergers & Acquisitions

Plumbing and Heating Wholesale, Inc. has acquired Holmes Plumbing and Heating Supply, based in Kearney, Nebraska. Holmes Supply will continue to operate under its current name as a division of Plumbing & Heating Wholesale, Inc. The acquisition allows Plumbing and Heating Wholesale to strategically expand its footprint, adding Nebraska to its nine existing distribution locations in Iowa and South Dakota.

Avenue for the May Membership Mixer. Dr. Ronald Place, Regional President and CEO of Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center, welcomed the more than 200 guests.

5-6 The April Morning Mingle was co-hosted by Goodwill of the Great Plains and Quality Telecommunications. Chamber members started their day with coffee and networking, and had the chance to learn about the mobile Jobs Center.

Hosted

Be Seen

7-9 Coffee and networking paired with nature’s beauty for attendees of the May Morning Mingle. The event was hosted at the Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum and East Sioux Falls Historical Site.

10-11 The second year of the Chamber’s DE&I Activator Series concluded in May with an inperson workshop. Participants learned strategies for disrupting unconscious bias at work from Faith Minnich Kjesbo, Avera Health.

12-14 Chamber members who live or work on the southeast side of Sioux Falls gathered at the clubhouse of Prairie Green Golf Course for ChamberHood in May. The program included an update on Chamber advocacy and a presentation by Jeff Eckhoff and Mark Cotter from the City of Sioux Falls on major projects underway on that side of town.

15 The First National Bank in Sioux Falls hosted young professionals for coffee and networking at the Morning Buzz in May.

Be Seen

16-20 The Chamber’s Young Professionals Network held its annual Birthday Bash on the patio of PAve in late April. This year, the YPN celebrates 14 years of connecting and developing young professionals.

21 Jackie Payne, FranklinCovey, instructed attendees at a recent Business Sense Workshop on time-tested strategies for networking.

Be Seen

22-24 Thirty-seven members of Leadership Sioux Falls class 37 graduated from the program in early May. Keynote speaker Michael Wyland, Sumption & Wyland, addressed graduates and their guests.

GREATER

SIOUX FALLS CHAMBER

OF

COMMERCE Community Appeals Scheduled Fund Drives

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

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

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

ACTIVE GENERATIONS

APRIL 1, 2023–JULY 31, 2023

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

VETERANS COMMUNITY PROJECT

NOV. 1, 2023-MARCH 31, 2024

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

LIFESCAPE HOSPITAL & SCHOOL

APRIL 1, 2024-JULY 31, 2024

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

A first class upgrade for first responders

City’s new Public Safety Campus nears completion

By Megan Raposa for the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce

It wouldn’t take much to improve on the current facilities. For Sioux Falls Fire Rescue, all would take is a training facility that’s not either a condemned building or temporary structure.

For the Sioux Falls Police Department, a little more space would go a long way.

And a lot of Metro Communications workers would be happy just to have a building with a window.

But doing the bare minimum isn’t the Sioux Falls way.

That’s why the city is investing $55 million into a new, stateof-the-art public safety training center on a 42-acre campus. The facility will include multiple buildings, classrooms, training facilities and a new home for Metro Communications. It’s an investment in public safety that will both accommodate Sioux Falls’ continued growth and set the region apart as one committed to supporting first responders.

“I’m extremely proud to lock arms with our public safety teams as we open this facility and provide first-class training to the men and women that will keep this region safe for decades to come,” Mayor Paul TenHaken said.

Identifying the need

The current V.L. Crusinberry Regional Training Center opened in 1978 near the Sioux Falls airport. In the 45 years since, it’s reached the end of its useful life, Police Chief Jon Thum said.

Renderings depict rooms in the administration building currently under construction on the Public Safety campus. The largest of the building on the campus, the administration building will house classrooms, offices, the emergency operations center and more.

“It was made before most of us (in the police department) were born,” Thum added.

For years, firefighters have been using a temporary training prop to meet the minimum requirements for training because the existing tower out at the airport was pulled out of service because the building was deteriorated.

“We put a lot of heat and a lot of fire out there,” said City Councilor Curt Soehl, who worked as a training captain for two years at the facility.

In 2018, the city put together a master plan for public safety, including the need for a new training facility. By the fall of 2020, councilors approved a $50 million bond to fund the project, and a few months later, the city purchased land along East 60th Street and Sycamore Avenue. Construction began in November 2021, and now about 100,000 square feet of brand-new training facilities are slated to open this fall.

“Back in 2020 when public safety investments were rare, we bucked the trend and made a big commitment to the safety of our city by bringing forward an investment in this campus,” TenHaken said.

It’s not just an aging facility behind the need for a new public safety training center. There’s also a lot more people living here than there were in 1978, and the police, fire and 911 call center have all grown as well.

The population of Sioux Falls in 1980 was about 81,000. Today, it’s over 200,000. In the last decade alone, the Sioux Falls Police Department has added 57 full-time staff, a 21 percent increase. In the same time, Sioux Falls Fire Rescue saw a 17 percent increase, adding more than 30 full-time positions.

It’s also no coincidence that the Public Training Campus is being built at a time when across the country, some communities are seeing calls to defund police.

“Other parts of the country are removing resources for law enforcement,” Thum said. “We understand that the less training and the less resources you put into something, the less returns you get from them.” Thum added that the new campus shows the city’s commitment to maintaining excellence in its public safety training as the population continues to grow.

The Sioux Falls Fire Department currently utilizes the V.L. Crusinberry Regional Training Center. The facility has reached the end of its useful life.

A shared hub for public safety professionals

All of that growth also correlates with an increase in calls for service to police and fire. That’s where Metro Communications comes in.

“We’re really the lynchpin for that entire public safety team,” said Division Chief Mike Gramlick, interim director of Metro Communications. “As (our facilities) improve, so too does the service delivery across all our public safety team.”

The new Metro Communications facility will have stateof-the-art technology, Gramlick said. It will have $2 million worth of new equipment, designed for increased functionality and ergonomics. And, by sharing a campus with the police and fire training facilities, dispatchers will actually have a chance to build relationships with the people they’re sending off to calls day in and day out.

“I’m really excited to see how those teams come together more closely, communicate more effectively and problem-solve together,” Gramlick said.

The new facility will also have amenities for employees. They’ll have spaces to get together on breaks, eat lunch, go outside, and, yes – windows.

“It’s a fortified building, so it’s built to withstand really serious natural disasters,” said Erin Bofenkamp, project manager with the city’s public works department. “There’s thick walls,

Dispatchers with Metro Communications have operated in tight quarters for decades. At left, top to bottom: the call center in 1960, 1984, 2000 and present day. The rendering below shows the future home for Metro Communications. It is a fortified building with state-of-the-art technology.

very few openings, and even the windows have steel things that come over them on the outside in case of a natural disaster. It can really lock down.”

It also has got another very important feature: room to grow.

“This really is the facility for our next 50 years,” Gramlick said. “It’s extraordinary how we’re thinking ahead about how we’re going to stay ahead of the curve with this area’s growth.”

Expanded training potential

The new Public Safety Campus will have a total of six buildings, including a gun range and an emergency vehicle operation course that spans 13 acres. It’ll also include a streetscape designed to look like Phillips Avenue, that’ll allow police and fire to train in buildings that look a lot like what they already encounter in town on a daily basis.

The biggest building will be the administration building, which will house classrooms, administrative offices, the 9-1-1 call center and a brand-new emergency operations center. While there will be a number of police and fire employees housed in the new building, public safety will still rely on the existing law enforcement center downtown to be the public’s access point to police.

The new campus also includes a number of tactical buildings, each designed to mimic different types of spaces where police and fire would be interacting.

One building is six stories tall, and each floor has its own layout and design. One floor will look like an office, another like apartments, and so on. Another tactical building is two stories tall and designed more like a strip mall, and the third replicates a larger two-story home. The tactical buildings also have a new urban search and rescue feature.

“There’s actually a wall in there that they can collapse to simulate a building collapse,” Bofenkamp said.

It’s a total of 10 different training floors with 10 different layouts, and for firefighters in Sioux Falls, that’s a big deal, Fire Chief Matt McAreavey said. It’ll help avoid so-called “training scars” where officers get so used to their training setup that they act more out of habit than out of an actual in-the-moment assessment of a situation.

“We can keep people fresh if they don’t know what they’re walking into,” McAreavey said.

For police, there’s also a simulator that will put officers in real-world scenarios. It’s essentially a very large video screen that functions like virtual reality, and officers have equipment on their belts that interacts with the screen.

“We’re only limited by our imagination now,” Thum said. “We’re not limited by facilities.”

In addition to the new tactical buildings and administration building, the Public Safety Campus will also have a new

Workers smooth freshly poured concrete in front of a building that serve as a maintenance and storage facility for fire trucks, SWAT vehicles and other large equipment.

firearms training building. It’s a fully enclosed building with 15 lanes for training in real-world training conditions.

“For example, built into the ceiling they have the light bars that you find on police vehicles,” Bofenkamp said. “They’re going to have those going, sirens going – they try to duplicate that stressful situation, so people are prepared to work in the exact conditions they’re finding out in the field.”

The emergency vehicle operations course will allow public safety officials to work on their driving skills, practice vehicle safety and even simulate pursuits.

The final building on the campus is the storage and maintenance building. It will be large enough to hold fire trucks, SWAT vehicles and other large equipment. That building will also have outdoor classrooms that police and fire can use for training that involves working with dangerous materials or debris.

“They will do debriefs in outdoor training classrooms, then go in locker rooms, put clothes in a bag, go to a cleaning area and not get debris everywhere,” Bofenkamp said.

Collaborative design

There’s a sense of intentionality with every part of the new public safety campus, down to the names of the roads in the

streetscape. Streets are named after four police officers and firefighters who lost their life trying to keep Sioux Falls safe. Those four men are Fire Captain Charles E. Larson, Fire Apparatus Operator Thomas Masters, Police Captain George A. Saville and Police Night Captain Edward Pike.

The campus also includes an emergency operations center, which is a designated spot for city teams to gather and respond to Sioux Falls’ next big weather event or other emergency. It will streamline operations and lead to more collaboration.

With all the excitement for the tactical buildings and various bells and whistles, what police and fire officials stressed most was their excitement for that potential to work closer together.

“Just having that day-to-day awareness and relationships with each other just allows you to integrate seamlessly when it really matters,” McAreavey said.

The campus was designed with the help of the people working in public safety. During the master planning process, the city asked police officers and firefighters to go out and take pictures of some of the most common things in Sioux Falls. Then, designers replicated those scenarios in the training buildings.

Above, a birds eye rendering of the 42-acre Public Safety Campus under construction in northeast Sioux Falls. At right, the exterior front entrance to the administration building.

Designers – including WSKF Architects and Abercrombie Planning and Design – spent over a year and a half working on the campus’ final design. Both of these companies were chosen because they specialize in public safety facilities.

They also took inspiration from other regional training facilities like the one in Omaha, Bofenkamp said. Ultimately though, it’s a facility designed specifically for Sioux Falls and with tremendous collaboration among city departments.

“There’s no way we could’ve pulled off a project of this scale without the full support of the city team,” Thum said. “And that’s public works, finance, planning and development … it doesn’t just happen without everybody getting behind it.”

An investment for decades to come

The city is funding the project primarily through the $50 million bond approved in 2020. There’s also an additional $5 million coming out of the city’s capital fund. Taxpayers won’t notice a direct impact, though, because before financing this bond, the city paid off $25 million in other existing bonds, Finance Director Shawn Pritchett said. That was possible as a result of federal pandemic relief funds.

The city also agreed to fund the $2 million equipment purchase for Metro Communications. It’s a tab the county

was originally set to pay, but the city agreed to foot the bill in exchange for some county-owned land near the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center.

The $50 million bond is set to be paid off in 20 years, unless the city takes action to pay it off sooner.

The new facility will certainly serve current officers and firefighters, but both departments hope it will also help recruit people to those positions in the future.

“Nationally, it’s really hard to recruit officers,” Thum said. “And we’re not immune to that. They see a move like this (investing in the Public Safety Campus) as a commitment to our profession and a commitment to public safety.”

From an economic development perspective, the new campus also shows the broader business community that Sioux Falls is a place that invests in public safety, Pritchett said. Those investments can have a ripple effect in attracting more people and more businesses to the region.

“To have a regional training center like this that’s going to be a shining star … it’s going to be great for Sioux Falls,” Councilor Soehl said. “It just makes sense for us to do it, and it’s the right time.”

A six story tactical building will allow first responders to train in different spaces that mimic the various environments they may encounter on the job.

McCrossan Boys Ranch completes successful campaign

By Mike Lynch

For decades, McCrossan Boys Ranch has assisted boys who have grown up with poverty, abuse, addiction, disability and even convictions. Students arriving at McCrossan’s come facing real barriers and may not have the capacity to envision themselves as being successful adults or as part of our growing economy. With their limited awareness of work and positive role models, students often don’t realize the connection between high school completion, positive lifestyle choices and their future successes.

The recently completed “Spur Success” campaign will extend opportunities to help McCrossan’s students receive the education necessary to propel their future and help fill necessary workforce shortages in our community.

Nearly $1.56 million was raised through Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Community Appeals campaign, surpassing goal by over $300,000. Thirty-seven percent of Chamber Community Appeal gifts were from new donors to McCrossan Boys Ranch. Many boys served by McCrossan’s remain local once they graduate. This resonated with many Chamber member businesses, as they are already hiring current or former McCrossan residents.

McCrossan Director of Development Christy Menning Vastenhout said the key to campaign success was the passion of more than 70 volunteers. “Many of our volunteers came out and spent time touring the Ranch, meeting our boys, hearing the stories of success and they were truly touched by the mission,” she said. “They shared this with the businesses and the support of our campaign and the many other things that came out of this process was heartwarming.”

Menning Vastenhout said that beyond raising funds, the campaign inspired donations in other forms. The heightened awareness of McCrossan led to boys finding jobs and the formation of a new trades scholarship.

“Thanks to one local orthodontist some of our boys are even going to be getting braces and one local business is planning to purchase gifts for graduations for the boys. It takes a village to raise a child and we are so glad we belong to this one,” said Menning Vastenhout.

The McCrossan school project will provide local at-risk students with significant barriers the opportunity to access up-to-date, engaging curriculum that is aligned with some of our state’s most pressing workforce needs and offer opportunities for students who can’t be served in the traditional public school setting.

Campaign proceeds will be used for a school addition that will feature a new art room with sinks and space to create, a new science lab/CTE hub with hands-on learning experiences, a multi-purpose room for assemblies, more space for teachers and expanded classrooms

in all areas of learning. Recently, the junior class at McCrossan’s was so large, boys had to share the teacher’s desk because no desk space in the classroom remained.

“The biggest goal we have is to improve graduation rates throughout South Dakota, especially right here in Sioux Falls,” Menning Vastenhout said. “Our school is designed to help students who fall behind to catch up. Students benefit from small class sizes, individualized attention and well-qualified staff members working with them. Our teachers are caring and compassionate to each resident’s own special circumstances and needs.”

Also being constructed in an upcoming phase of the overall campaign will be a track/athletic field to offer student athletes the same resources and opportunities as those in other schools. McCrossan Boys Ranch is currently sanctioned by the South Dakota High School Activities Association.

Throughout the campaign, it became apparent that many residents in the Sioux Falls area did not realize that McCrossan Boys Ranch had its own school, which is fully accredited through the South Dakota Department of Education and capable of issuing high school diplomas. Former alumni have attended Harvard, completed dental school and earned the local Build Dakota Scholarship. One alumnus was even the longest serving employee in Raven Industries’ history.

Menning Vastenhout said the structure of the Chamber Community Appeals program and the pool of volunteers interested in helping make a difference in our community is invaluable. “The business community understands the process and is excited to hear about the projects and willing to share how they can support.”

Leaders from McCrossan Boys Ranch and the Sioux Falls community shovel ceremonial dirt at the groundbreaking for the addition to their school.

Ag scholarships awarded

The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce has awarded Sioux Empire Livestock Show Exhibitor Scholarships to five students pursuing post-secondary education.

The Sioux Empire Livestock Show Exhibitor Scholarship is given to students who are enrolled in a two- or four-year program for the next academic year, with plans to study in an agriculture-related field. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must have participated in the Chamber’s Sioux Empire Livestock Show as an exhibitor of either cattle, market lamb, market goat or market swine.

A committee of volunteers from the Chamber’s Agribusiness Division reviews applications and selects the scholarship recipients.

The 2023 Sioux Empire Livestock Show Exhibitor Scholars are:

• Ethan Lulich, Lyndon Station, WI – Kansas State University to study Agricultural Business

• Drew Pederson, Garretson, SD – Fort Scott Community College to study General Agriculture

• Claire Duch, New London, WI – University of Wisconsin–River Falls studying Agricultural Education

• Allison Wallace, Harris, IA – South Dakota State University to study Animal Science

• Harlee Heim, Wessington Springs, SD – University of Minnesota–Crookston to study Animal Science and Equine Science

Apply for Leadership Sioux Falls

The Evan C. Nolte Leadership Sioux Falls program will begin accepting applications for the 38th class on June 12, 2023. More than 1,000 people have gone through the signature leadership program of the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce since it launched in 1986.

Leadership Sioux Falls identifies current and future leaders of Sioux Falls and educates them on the different aspects that tie the community together, with the goal of inspiring program participants to take action to make a positive impact on the future of Sioux Falls. The program is built around providing educational experiences; thereby helping participants identify ways they can serve and engage in active citizenship of the community in alignment with their individual strengths, talents and purpose.

The Leadership Sioux Falls program runs October through April and concludes with a graduation in May. Each session of the program focuses on different facets of the Sioux Falls community and include topics such as education, local and state government, public safety, business and industry and service.

The program application, as well as a complete schedule for Class 38 is available at siouxfallschamber.com. Applications will be accepted until August 4, 2023. Tuition is $900 and is non-refundable. For more information, contact Casey Boerger at (605) 373-2002 or cboerger@siouxfalls.com

Harlee Heim shows her percent Simmental heifer at the 2023 Sioux Empire Livestock Show. Heim is one of five student exhibitors selected to receive a scholarship to continue their education at the post-secondary level.

South Dakota Trade association launches

Partners from across the state have joined to create a new association that will assist businesses as they navigate international trade. South Dakota Trade will serve as a resource for businesses that wish to expand their markets overseas.

An eight-person board of directors will provide oversight for the new association. Chamber President & CEO Jeff Griffin has been appointed as the board’s treasurer.

“South Dakota Trade is a great opportunity for businesses to expand current trade operations while creating a path for businesses to become first timers in the international trade environment. As our state’s economy continues to grow, it is important for us to explore emerging markets,” said Griffin.

President and CEO Luke J. Lindberg said, “South Dakota Trade will be a vital resource to our farmers, ranchers, manufacturers and small business owners as they navigate an increasingly complicated global economy.”

South Dakota Trade will offer four programs:

1. Free and confidential international trade consulting for small businesses looking to export their goods and services.

2. Trade missions and reverse trade missions on behalf of the state to develop important relationships with foreign buyers and those looking to do business in South Dakota.

3. State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), a U.S. Small Business Administration grant program that reimburses small businesses for eligible expenses related to export development.

4. Export education including seminars and courses that will enhance companies’ export-readiness. Classes range from beginner to advanced and can often be covered by STEP Grant funds.

South Dakota Trade, which is a 501(c)6, is a public-private partnership. Forward Sioux Falls, the joint venture partnership between the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce and the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, is proud to be a partner in creating South Dakota Trade. The association is also funded by local businesses, trade associations, economic development organizations, the University of South Dakota and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED).

South Dakota is one of just seven states in which trade promotion is overseen by a public-private-partnership and not a state government agency. One focus for the association is developing international trade talent in South Dakota.

“Workforce development continues to be critically important for our state,” said Sheila Gestring, president of the University of South Dakota and an ex-officio member of South Dakota Trade’s Board of Directors. “Our partnership with South Dakota Trade will ensure the next generation of international trade practitioners are trained right here in South Dakota and are ready to tackle the increasingly complex global economy.”

Strategic succession

Taking steps to secure your business’s future

Business succession plans are a necessary step to protect your family business. The most obvious benefits include avoiding potential family conflict and preserving the family business for future generations. However, less than a quarter of all family businesses have a formal succession plan. As a result, 70% of familyowned businesses do not survive into the second generation, and 85% do not survive into the third generation. Building a plan as early as possible is crucial, however it is never too late to begin planning.

A business succession plan is a plan used to determine how a business’s assets and management positions will be transitioned. A succession plan ensures the family business can continue without significant disruption in the event of a family member’s death or retirement.

Step 1: Selecting and preparing the successors

The first step in implementing a business succession plan is determining qualified successors, which can be a challenging process for family businesses where owners assume their children will take

children’s willingness and ability to lead the business. If necessary, owners should arrange management training for their children and supplement their skills with key employees. Hiring outside consultants or advisors can help avoid biases and provide objective evaluations. Key employees can be incentivized through compensation arrangements and restrictive covenants.

Step 2: Developing sound management structure and processes

Implementing processes and management structures is essential for a successful business succession plan. This includes developing an organizational chart and management structure, identifying an executive team and determining their authority. An outside board of directors or advisory council can also be helpful. Protecting the goodwill of the business through incentive compensation structures, evaluating and protecting intellectual property, reviewing important vendor and customer relationships, and formalizing processes are crucial steps to ensure a smooth transition.

Step 3: Structuring the transition

After completing the preparatory steps for the succession plan, the

Heath Oberloh Woods Fuller

real estate should be separated from the operating business so that the owner can transfer ownership while retaining the real estate for retirement income. The transition can then be structured as an equity sale of stock or membership interests in an LLC, financed by the owner or sold over time with the owner retaining voting control. The purchase price can be established by obtaining a valuation of the company and incorporating adjustments based on various factors.

Even if the owner is fully bought out, they often stay involved in the business through an employment or consulting agreement for a year or two. A buy-sell agreement should be implemented to restrict the transfer of equity, set out the details of when an owner can be bought out, and provide a mechanism for valuing the company if a triggering event occurs. The agreement should also provide payment terms for how the purchase price will be paid.

Step 4: Estate planning

Updating an estate plan is crucial for business owners. It ensures the proper allocation of assets, including business interests, in a tax-efficient manner. Even if the business ownership has been fully transitioned, addressing the allocation of non-business assets is essential.

In cases where the bulk of the estate consists of the family business, it’s crucial for business owners to consider the use of trusts in their estate planning to reduce estate taxes, protect assets from creditors and keep the inheritance in the family, while ensuring the child and future generations enjoy the benefits of those assets.

Incorporating a business succession plan into the owner’s estate plan will help ensure that the business can continue to thrive and that the family relationships remain strong. If you have questions regarding that process, the estate planning attorneys at Woods Fuller can help guide you to an answer.

Heath Oberloh is a shareholder with Woods Fuller. His practice focuses primarily on estate planning and business succession matters for owners of closely held businesses. Families seeking to take advantage of South Dakota’s favorable trust and asset protection laws also seek his advice. He enjoys explaining the many benefits of South Dakota’s laws and developing and implementing plans to accomplish the family’s goals.

Health Insurance for Small Employers: Group Plans vs. Stipends

In today’s competitive market, health insurance is no longer just a “nice to have” benefit. It’s a “musthave” for employers to be able to attract qualified and competent employees.

Yet offering health insurance is an investment – especially for small employers who must now offer higher wages to be competitive as well.

“Employers have options and all those options can be confusing. It’s important to look at all the angles, get firm numbers and understand tax implications,” said Jordan Anderson, Vice President of Sales for Avera Health Plans.

If you’re a small employer of less than 50 employees, your options fall into two general categories:

• Small employer group health insurance

• Providing a stipend or reimbursement for your employees to get their own individual or family coverage

Small Employer Health Plans

You may think that “group” coverage involves dozens of employees. In South Dakota, two employees – even the owner plus one employee – can be a group. For small group plans, typically employers cover at least 50% of the premium for their employees.

Small group insurance plans that are compliant with the Affordable Care Act cover 10 essential health benefits with no annual or lifetime coverage maximums. Differences in premium are based on the amount of the annual deductible, coinsurance and co-pays – basically the out-of-pocket costs that employees will experience. A plan that has a preferred or narrow network can have a reduced premium.

Employees pay their premium share with pre-tax dollars. As an employer, you can rest assured that your participating employees have good coverage if they or family members have a major health care event.

Small businesses can deduct premium costs from their business taxes and may be eligible for special small business health insurance tax credits. Businesses can set up a small group plan year around.

“The employer share of premiums can be considered as one aspect of your expense of having a qualified employee, in addition to wages, payroll taxes, retirement and other benefits,” Anderson said. “If it results in an employee who feels taken care of and develops loyalty to your company, it’s well worth the investment.”

Individual & Family Health Insurance Stipends and Reimbursements

Employees who do not have access to employer-sponsored health insurance coverage can go to healthcare.gov and purchase individual or family coverage.

Employers can offer a stipend to help cover premium costs. This is simply extra money in an employee’s pay, hopefully to cover health insurance premiums, however employees can spend it however they

choose. You can’t require employees to spend it on health insurance, or to provide proof that they purchased a health insurance policy.

A stipend is taxable income for the employee, and employers must also pay payroll taxes on the stipend.

Employers can also look into setting up a qualified small employer health reimbursement arrangement (QSEHRA). This IRS-approved benefit allows small employers to offer a tax-free reimbursement to employees for their health insurance premium and other qualifying health expenses.

There’s more administration and oversight for the employer. For example, employees pay their health insurance premium out of pocket, then submit proof of payment to be reimbursed.

One favorable aspect of the stipend option is that employees can go to the federal Marketplace at healthcare.gov and choose whatever plan suits their needs. Since the stipend is not tied directly to the payment of health insurance premiums, employees may be eligible for a premium tax subsidy that could significantly reduce the premiums for Marketplace plans.

Unless employees have a life-qualifying event like getting married, a change in employment or having a baby, they can only get coverage during annual open enrollment, which occurs at the end of the year though dates may vary.

Talk to the Experts

Along with an insurance agent, it is important to talk to legal and tax advisors for your company.

“Health insurance is a valuable investment for both employees and employers,” Anderson said. “A knowledgeable agent can sit down with you, help you weigh all the costs and benefits, and give you the information you need to make the best decision.”

Learn more about your options by talking with your agent or going to AveraHealthPlans.com.

Ribbon Cuttings

The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce offers a ribbon cutting ceremony or member spotlight video for members to celebrate joining the Chamber, milestone anniversaries, expansions or remodels. The public and all Chamber members are invited to share in the celebration. Call (605) 336-1620 for more information or to schedule your event.

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

Bluepeak

5009 S. Western Ave., Suite 200 mybluepeak.com

Bluepeak celebrated the grand opening of their new Tech Hub. L to R: Scott Kringstad, Jay Soukup, Cindi Johnson, Lucas Peterson, Stephanie Arrigo, Carly Weitzman and Jeremy Davison.

Catalyst Behavior Solutions

1105 W. Russell St. catalystbehavior.com

Catalyst Behavior Solutions offers ABA therapy programs to help children learn and grow in a fun and nurturing environment. L to R: Abigail Montgomery, Kim Burma, Yuria Paez, Kemari Blumhardt, Tyrel Kool, Megan Kjose and Michaela Rocheleau.

Employment Disability Resources

2900 W. 11th St., Suite 101 edrsd.org

Employment Disability Resources provides education, awareness and resources to promote the successful employment and inclusion of people with disabilities. L to R: Pat Herman, Cindi Johnson, Kayla Eitreim, Jennifer Hoesing, Nichelle Lund, Vicki Stewart (executive director), Bonnie Duffy, Joel Sylvester and Vicki Nelson.

NEW LOCATION

NEW MEMBER

NAME CHANGE

Impact Wealth Management

4301 W. 57th St., Suite 110

letsimpactwealth.com

Impact Wealth Management is a flat fee wealth management firm, offering comprehensive financial planning. L to R: Cindi Johnson, Heather Moore, Richelle Hofer (founder), Jennifer Hoesing and Paige Short.

Macurco Inc.

1504 W. 51st St.

macurco.com

Macurco Inc. has moved to a new facility, doubling its previous size. L to R: Aaron Sherman, Jason Herrboldt, Josh Muckenhirn, Lynda Billars, Nichelle Lund, Jeffrey Christiansen (president), Mayor Paul TenHaken, Michael Strandell (CEO) and Branden Dewing.

McCrossan Boys Ranch

47135 260th St. mccrossan.org

McCrossan Boys Ranch broke ground on a new addition and renovation to their school.

L to R: Jeff Griffin, Pam Hanneman, Jeff Pray, Alyssa Nix, Jim Wiederrich, Brent Olthoff, Brent Reilly, Brian Roegiers, Randy Fink, Jason Hubers, Mayor Paul TenHaken, Bryan Ingalls, Dr. Michael Elliott, Elizabeth Lewis, Christy Menning, Dan Newell, Jon Bour and Paul Heinert.

Sioux Falls Downtown Lions Club

sdlions.org

The Sioux Falls Downtown Lions Club celebrated a milestone anniversary and kicked off their annual Pancake Days event.

L to R: Jay Soukup, Jennifer Hoesing, Kim Burma, Todd Smith, April Schulte and Carol Woltjer.

MILESTONE ANNIVERSARY

GROUNDBREAKING

Ribbon Cuttings

Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium

805 S. Kiwanis Ave.

greatzoo.org

The Great Plains Zoo broke ground on a new African Lions exhibit that will bring lions back to the zoo for the first time in 30 years.

L to R: Margaret Carmody, Ryan Howlett, Alissa Bretsch, Ryan Tysdal, Molly Daniel Jeannie Iannello, Andrea Smith, Jeanelle Lust, George Mollner, De Knudson, Steve Kolbeck, Mayor Paul TenHaken, Kim Burma, Becky Dewitz (president/CEO) and Dave Knudson.

Voices Against Cancer

voicesagainstcancer.org

Voices Against Cancer raises funds and awareness for pediatrics, pediatric cancer and pediatric cancer research. L to R: Gina George, Jon Jespersen, Corey Bruning, Dr. Lou George (president), Rob Keisacker, April Meyerink, Josh Muckenhirn, Scott Hargens and Dan Steventon.

NEW MEMBER

GROUNDBREAKING

New Members

Aaron Swan & Associates, Inc.

Engineering

Pat Rattenborg, (605) 295-3263

207 E. Capitol Ave., Pierre, 57501 aaronswan.com

Dakota Drone Company

Photography, Sound & Video

Samuel Fettig, (605) 277-5550 dakotadronecompany.com

Eilers Furs, Est. 1927

Clothing & Shoes

Brandy Ann Fiala, (605) 335-6021 5005 S. Western Ave., 57108 eilersfurs.com

ERC Together

Business Consulting

Amy Hime, (605) 210-0371

Fresh Payments

Payment Processing Services

Ryan Boen, (605) 702-6971 freshpymnts.com

Herrmann Insurance Agency Inc.

Insurance & Benefits

Morgan Merwin-Picard, (605) 718-2200 821 Mt. Rushmore Road, Suite B, Rapid City 57701 herrmannagencies.com

Little Tykes University

Childcare

Corri Poore, (605) 906-0363 720 S. Sycamore Ave., 57110 littletykesuniversity.com

Meritus Group Business Brokerage

Business Consulting

Trevor Thielke, (605) 252-9520 7401 S. Bitterroot Place, Suite 206, 57108 meritusgroup.com

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

Mills Property Management

Property Management

Heidi Anschutz, (605) 697-3175 630 Western Ave., Brookings 57006 millsproperty.com

Mueller Pallets

Manufacturing & Production

Rebecca Jongeling, (605) 368-2440 27059 Mueller Place, 57108 mpallets.com

Ogborn, Mihm & Quaintance

Attorneys

Mike Hauck, (605) 339-1000 140 N. Phillips Ave., #203, 57104 oImqlegal.com

Pleasureland RV

Recreational Vehicles

Bob Deelstra, (605) 339-0436 4705 N. Northview Ave., 57107 pleasurelandrv.com

Sage Capital Advisors

Financial Services

Tanaya Renquist, (507) 822-7677 122 S. Phillips Ave., Suite 260, 57104 sage-cap.com

Sioux City InsulationThermal Solutions

Contractors

AJ Pendley, (605) 906-8678 1425 A Ave., 57104 siouxcityinsulation.com

StretchLab Sioux Falls

Fitness, Health & Recreation

Jill Malloy, (605) 305-9615

2313 W. 57th St., 57108 siouxfalls@stretchlab.com

The SGS Group, LLC

Business Consulting

Steve Schwartz, (605) 610-7464 thesgsgroup.com

Thorson Heating & Air Conditioning

Heating & Cooling

Jackie Sorensen, (605) 338-1941 636 E. 3rd St., 57103 thorsonheatinginc.com

Voices Against Cancer Associate Member Dr. Lou George, (605) 413-8860 voicesagainstcancer.org

Your Best Address Mail Services & Shipping

Bill Linsenmeyer, (605) 929-3729 401 E. 8th Street, 57103 yourbestaddress.com

Your CBD Store Specialty Retail

Ashley Liesinger, (605) 521-6313 1612 W. 41st St., Suite A, 57105 getsunmed.com

Member Anniversaries

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

Founding members

AAA South Dakota Insurance & Benefits

AAA.com

Member since 1933

Augustana University

Education-Post Secondary

augie.edu

Member since 1918

Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center Hospitals

avera.org

Member since 1911

Boyce Law Firm, L.L.P.

Attorneys boycelaw.com

Member since 1907

Cadwell Sanford Deibert & Garry LLP

Attorneys

cadlaw.com

Member since 1907

Electric Construction Company Electricians & Electrical Contractors eccsfsd.com

Member since 1907

Gage Brothers Concrete gagebrothers.com

Member since 1918

Girton Adams Company

Heating & Cooling girtonadams.com

Member since 1909

Journey Group Companies

Contractors

journeyconstruction.com

Member since 1907

Kairos University

Education-Post Secondary kairos.edu

Member since 1907

McKinneyOlson Insurance Insurance & Benefits

mckinneyolson.com

Member since 1907

Prairie Farms

Food Production/Distribution prairiefarms.com

Member since 1917

Results Townsquare MEDIA

Television, Radio & Outdoor townsquaresiouxfalls.com

Member since 1926

Sanford Health Hospitals

sanfordhealth.org

Member since 1907

Smithfield Foods

Food Production/Distribution

smithfieldfoods.com

Member since 1908

TSP, Inc.

Architecture teamtsp.com

Member since 1930

University of Sioux Falls

Education-Post Secondary usiouxfalls.edu

Member since 1907

70 years

KELOLAND Media Group

Television, Radio & Outdoor keloland.com

50 years

Knife River Concrete concretematerialscompany.com

45 years

Woods, Fuller, Shultz & Smith P.C. Attorneys woodsfuller.com

35 years

Muth Electric, Inc. Electricians & Electrical Contractors muthelectric.com

30 years

Aflac Regional Office Insurance & Benefits aflac.com

Best Western Empire Towers Hotels & Motels bestwestern.com/empiretowers

Catfish Bay The Greatest Show on H20 Associate Member catfishbay.com

25 years

Culver’s - Louise Ave. Restaurants culvers.com

First Bank & Trust Banks bankeasy.com

Interstate Power Systems Truck/Trailer Sales & Service istate.com

SCM Business Services LLC

Bookkeeping scmllc.com

20 years

A Taste of Country Catering/ Dakota Catering, Inc. Catering atasteofcountrycatering.com

15 years

Bishop Dudley Hospitality House Associate Member bdhh.org

10 years

Neighborhood Automotive Auto Repair & Services neighborhoodautoinc.com

5 years

Ameriprise Financial ServicesDagel, Jakober & Associates Financial Planning ameripriseadvisors.com/team/dageljakober-associates

Guaranteed Rate, Inc Mortgage Lending rate.com

Reliabank - Tea Branch Associate Member reliabank.com

Short Staffed, Inc. Employment Agency shortstaffedusa.com

Sprenger Midwest, Inc. Construction Equipment sprengermidwest.com

First Year Reinvestors

Anthem Title Escrow Services Financial Services anthemtitle.com

Hiatt Strategic Consulting Professional Development & Training hiattsc.com

SoDak Stays Lodging sodakstays.com

The McNaney Group Public Relations & Communications themcnaneygroup.com

Warriors Never Give Up Associate Member warriorsnevergiveup.org

White Space Studio Photography, Sound & Video whitespacesiouxfalls.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 Marissa Begley

Marissa Begley is the Marketing & Communications Consultant for SEAM and Millennium Recycling. She earned a degree in mass communications from USD, then launched a career in the recycling industry via an internship in Minneapolis. She now has more than a decade of experience in recycling and IT asset disposition. Marissa enjoys volunteering with BINfluencers and the South Dakota Rock & Roll Music Association. She lives with her husband and six-year-old twins in a Sioux Falls neighborhood that is just a short walk from her parents and sister.

Why does your company choose to invest in a Chamber membership?

In our niche market, it can be tough to promote our services to businesses who may not even realize they need us. The Chamber helps us get in front of the business community and showcase our expertise to educate them about what we do and how we can help. It’s also been great for developing our team through the workshops they offer, the leadership opportunities, and many other chances to connect and be involved.

What does a perfect summer day in Sioux Falls look like to you?

Marissa Begley SEAM and Millennium Recycling

I’d hit the bike trail loop with my family around the city, and make sure to attempt one of the Falls Area Singletrack (FAST) trails off the main bike path so I can impress my brother-inlaw, Adam, who helped build them. Then I’d end the day with friends on a patio downtown somewhere with a local band or musician playing. Bonus points if it happens to be my dad, the talented local guitarist, Geoff Gunderson!

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

One of the best pieces of advice I live by is from the Monty Python song “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.” I know, it’s silly, but I really do follow it and quote it many times as a reminder to stay positive and focus on the good, even in challenging situations. It changes your entire outlook for the better.

What is something you are optimistic about?

In recent years, I’ve come to realize the true impact we can make by focusing on local level issues rather than getting distracted by high-level hot button topics. Sioux Falls is a vibrant community with so many positive things happening that we can all contribute to. I love seeing the new local independent news sources starting up too. By following them, I’m constantly learning about new ideas or projects being worked on by people who genuinely care about our community’s future.

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

As someone who deals with it every day, I consider the declining recycling rate a significant challenge. Despite a booming population, our city’s recycling rate continues to decline each year. Our consumer culture has gotten us into the habit of buying and discarding cheaply made items without a second thought. If you ever make a trip out to the landfill and see the amount of wasted resources we’re burying, it stops you in your tracks. Land is valuable and using it as a landfill is not the best utilization. There are many communities around the country who are tackling waste diversion and finding success, so I’m hopeful we can reverse the trend here. We need to focus on making recycling more convenient for multi-housing and schools, and we have an incredible opportunity to raise awareness about waste diversion options available in our community. There are many organizations that are prioritizing quality and sustainability locally, and we should all be supporting them.

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