March 2015 Chamber News magazine

Chamber News Vol. 50, No. 66

March 2015

AREA CHAMBER CHAMBER OF OF COMMERCE COMMERCE A PUBLICATION OF THE SIOUX FALLS AREA

A CREATING A CREATING CULTURE CUL TURE OF OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce • www.siouxfallschamber.com

IN THIS ISSUE COVER STORY

Creating a culture of entrepreneurship...... 26-31

Chamber News PUBLISHER

FEATURES

USD Discovery District unveils master plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Betty Ordal named St. Patrick’s Day Grand Marshal. . . . . . . . . 34-35 IN EVERY ISSUE: Message from the Chair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Events Calendars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11 Economic Indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Noteworthy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Faces & Places. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-24 Community Appeals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Headlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33-35 Convention & Visitors Bureau. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Chamber Partner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Using Your Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Member’s Voice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Business News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41-43 Ribbon Cuttings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45-48 Membership Anniversaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50-51 New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Five Questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 From the Archives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce CHAMBER NEWS AD SALES

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

CHAMBER NEWS LAYOUT/DESIGN JILL BLOM

CHAMBER NEWS EDITOR

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

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

CHAMBER MISSION 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.

Communicate WITH THE

CHAMBER .com/siouxfallschamber @SFAreaChamber @SFAreaAdvocate

ON THE COVER A combination of concerted efforts by organizations and an organic movement by individuals and businesses is strengthening the entrepreneurial culture in the Sioux Falls area.

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

chambernews.com | Chamber News 3

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Planting a seed, growing a community The way business is conducted today is different than when I first started my career.

Technology enables us to do so much more. Devices allow us to work from nearly anywhere and everywhere. Our market isn’t just the people in our zip code — it’s across the globe.

Technology also provides people with choices. Many jobs can be done from anywhere in the world. What’s exciting about our growing entrepreneurial culture in Sioux Falls is the number of people who choose to do their business right here.

DANA DYKHOUSE 2014-15 Chair of the Board

It takes a number of things working together to create a culture that people want to be a part of and want to help grow.

Growing that culture doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a recipe for success that mixes the right ingredients of solid infrastructure and technological tools with a sound businessfriendly environment. It’s having a community where people gather together to plan and to vision for our future. I’m grateful to the leaders of the past who have planted seeds that are now blooming.

Things like that are where the Chamber of Commerce succeeds. We help build that culture. We ensure that our community is top-notch when it comes to creating a place where all have opportunities to succeed. We gather everyone to the table for community discussions, from business to government to education.

The idea-makers … the dreamers … the doers? We’ve got plenty of those people, too — people who believe that their dreams can become reality in Sioux Falls, that they can have an impact on the world from Sioux Falls. There are people in this community working on finding cures for diseases, researching and discovering new inventions to improve humanity and finding creative ways to solve problems.

It takes a number of things working together to create a culture that people want to be a part of and want to help grow. Sioux Falls is a community where the dreamers and the status quo can work side-by-side. We have focused efforts on providing resources for entrepreneurs and invested in research and commercial opportunities to help expand our economy. We are continuing to plant seeds for the future as we harvest today’s successes.

Congratulations and thank you to our members who make our business community a better place for all through the work they do every day and by their investment in the Chamber.

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

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

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

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

chambernews.com | Chamber News 5

CALENDARS

CHAMBER

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

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

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

6:30 p.m.

Instructional Planning Center (IPC), 201 E. 38th St. DETAILS: If there are enough candidates running for the two seats open

on the Sioux Falls Public School Board, the Chamber will co-host with the League of Women Voters a candidate forum to help members learn more about the candidates. The filing deadline was Feb. 27.

COST: Free MORE INFORMATION: mlynch@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2006

DAKOTABILITIES “OPENING DOORS” COMMUNITY APPEALS CAMPAIGN KICK-OFF FOR LONGFELLOW CENTER MONDAY, APRIL 6

FEATURED EVENTS

10 a.m.

Longfellow Elementary School, 1116 S. 4th Ave. DETAILS: Learn more about DakotAbilities’ Community Appeals cam-

MARCH MEMBERSHIP

MIXER

SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATE FORUM WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1

Sponsored by

paign for Longfellow Center, which runs April 1-July 31, 2015.

MORE INFORMATION: mlynch@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2006

GOOD MORNING SIOUX FALLS THURSDAY, APRIL 9

TUESDAY, MAR. 10, 2015

4:30-6:30 p.m.

El Riad Shrine 510 S. Phillips Ave.

7-8:30 a.m.

Holiday Inn City Centre, 100 W. 8th St. DETAILS: This morning networking breakfast will share more information

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

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

about issues that affect your business. Watch your mail for details. Sponsored by the Diplomat Committee.

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

APRIL MEMBERSHIP MIXER TUESDAY, APRIL 14

TUESDAYS IN JANUARY, FEBRUARY & MARCH

Betty J. Ordal Conference Center, Chamber of Commerce, 200 N. Phillips Ave. Suite 200 The Business Sense Workshops are sponsored by the Chamber’s Small Business Council. The workshops deliver ongoing business and management training led by talented and engaging Chamber member presenters.

TUESDAY, MARCH 3 The Longevity Revolution (Why Everything You Think About Older Workers and Customers May be Wrong) Don’t ignore the viability of older consumers and workers — learn more at this workshop.

TUESDAY, MARCH 10 Workplace Bullying & Mobbing (rescheduled from February) Bullying and mobbing are terms used to describe a variety of behaviors in the workplace that amount to emotional abuse by workers of a fellow employee or employees.

4:30-6:30 p.m.

A&B Business Solutions, 1600 N. A Ave. DETAILS: Sponsored by A&B Business Solutions COST: $5 (or use your Mixer Pass) RSVP: vwillson@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2010

MAY MEMBERSHIP MIXER TUESDAY, MAY 12

TUESDAY, MARCH 17 Networking on the Net: Getting LinkedIn Attend this session to find out what you need to know to maximize the power of LinkedIn for your business and career.

4:30-6:30 p.m.

Carnaval Brazilian Grill, 2401 S. Carolyn Ave. DETAILS: Sponsored by Carnaval Brazilian Grill COST: $5 (or use your Mixer Pass) RSVP: vwillson@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2010

TUESDAY, MARCH 24 Cyber Risks: The Growing Threat Information theft and data breaches are one of the highest costs for companies that experience a cyber attack. Learn what your liabilities are at this workshop.

JUNE MEMBERSHIP MIXER & ANNUAL BUSINESS FAIR THURSDAY, JUNE 11 (NOTE DATE CHANGE)

COST: $10 PER WORKSHOP; NEW MEMBERS CAN USE THE VIP PASS AND ATTEND FOR FREE.

4:30-7 p.m.

Sioux Falls Convention Center, 1201 N. West Ave. DETAILS: Sponsored by Denny Sanford PREMIER Center/Sioux Falls

Convention Center; please note the day/date has changed from what was originally published. Booth space is still available; contact Valerie Willson for more information: vwillson@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2010 COST: $5 (or use your Mixer Pass) RSVP: vwillson@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2010

RSVP to kfoley@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2002 chambernews.com | Chamber News 7

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

Young Professionals Network

UPCOMING EVENTS

To RSVP to any of these events, email lfosheim@siouxfalls.com or call (605) 373-2009.

Visit siouxfallsypn.com for a full list of events.

YPN COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS TOUR: HUETHER FAMILY MATCH POINTE TUESDAY, MARCH 3

4 p.m.

Huether Family Match Pointe, 4210 N. Bobhalla Dr. DETAILS: See this facility before it opens to

the public! Limited to the first 25 RSVPs and YPN members only.

COST: Free to attend, YPN members only

YPN MORNING BUZZ WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4

7:30 a.m.

Panera Bread, 5117 S. Louise Ave. DETAILS: Network with other YPN members

over a cup of coffee. Feel free to bring a friend or co-worker and don’t forget your business cards. Come for the coffee, stay for the conversation.

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

PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL ACTION TEAM MEETING THURSDAY, MARCH 5

4 p.m.

Chamber of Commerce, 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200 DETAILS: The YPN Personal & Professional

Development Action Team’s purpose is to foster professional relationships, career development, entrepreneurial endeavors, and civic involvement while gaining an insider’s view of our regional business scene and exposing members to a broad range of community issues. Bring your ideas for upcoming Community Connection Tours, Our Sioux Falls and A Seat At The Table events.

COST: Free to attend

Connect WITH THE

YPN

.com/siouxfallsypn

RESCHEDULED — A SEAT AT THE TABLE WITH DEB BOWMAN THURSDAY, MARCH 12

Noon Chamber of Commerce, Betty J. Ordal Conference Center, 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200 DETAILS: Join us for A Seat at the Table with

Deb Bowman. Until her retirement in April 2014, Bowman served in key leadership positions in South Dakota state government for 22 years under five different governors. Prior to joining state government. Bowman served for 14 years as the CEO of ECCO, Inc., a private non-profit organization serving individuals with developmental disabilities. She was also employed as a manager of government affairs for US West and started her career as a middle school English teacher. Throughout her career Bowman has received numerous awards and recognitions for her passionate leadership for some of society’s most vulnerable citizens including individuals with disabilities, the elderly, children and low-income families. In addition, Bowman is also a passionate advocate for organ donation. She received a kidney transplant in 2000; her youngest daughter was her donor.

A Seat at the Table allows YPN members the insights, wisdom and lessons only experienced leaders can provide. It is limited to the first 20 people to RSVP, and is only open to YPN members.

COST: $8, includes lunch

YPN OFF THE CLOCK/ NEW MEMBER EVENT THURSDAY, MARCH 19

4 p.m.

The District, 4521 W. Empire Pl. DETAILS: Bring a friend and join us for the March Off The Clock!

COST: Free to attend and free food, drinks are on your own

YPN NIGHT AT THE SIOUX FALLS STAMPEDE THURSDAY, MARCH 26

7 p.m.

Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, 1201 West Ave. DETAILS: Join YPN members for a night at the

Sioux Falls Stampede. The McNally’s Suite is reserved for YPN members, family, friends and guests. Network and have fun while watching a Sioux Falls Stampede hockey game. You must have a ticket to enter the suite area where you’ll have direct access to the bar, concessions and a great view of the game.

Tickets are limited and only available in advance. Order online at siouxfallsypn.com or by contacting YPN Manager Lauren Fosheim.

COST: $18 per ticket

YPN LEARN TO CURL TUESDAY, MARCH 31

6:30 p.m.

SCHEELS IcePlex, 4300 N. Bobhalla Dr. DETAILS: Bring your friends, family and co-

workers and join us for the first YPN Curling Night. We’re teaming up with the Sioux Falls Curling Club to teach us how to curl before we put our skills to the test and compete against other YPN members. Wear warm, flexible clothing and clean, rubber-soled shoes. Limited spots available.

COST: $12 per person

SAVE THE DATE YPN ANNIVERSARY PARTY THURSDAY, APRIL 23

4-7 p.m.

The District, 4521 W. Empire Pl. DETAILS: Free food and prizes! YPN members will get their 2015-16 Membership Card. See you there!

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

Sioux Falls Young Professionals Network chambernews.com | Chamber News 9

MARCH 3 Nickelback

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 calendar of events they may be interested in attending.

By combining the two calendars, you can see when there’s going to be a large number of visitors in the community and plan your weekend.

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

10 Chamber News | MARCH 2015

4

Let It Be: Celebration of the Music of The Beatles

5

Cakes & Grapes 2015

6

Downtown First Friday

6-8

Sioux Empire Home Show

6-8

Kitchen Witches

7

Jeans’n Classics: Shower the People, The Music of James Taylor

7-8

Benson’s Flea Market

7-10

Summit League Basketball Championship

8

An Orchestral Salute to Scandinavia

10-11

Mamma Mia!

12-15

Sioux Empire Sportsmen’s Show

13-15

Kitchen Witches

13

Nikki Hill

13

The Keystone Light Friends of The Bob & Tom Show Comedy Tour

13-14

Professional Bull Riders: Built Ford Tough Series

14

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

14

St. Paddy’s Day Party

17

Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band

19-21

State AA Boys Basketball Tournament

10

The Big Grape

19-22

SECT Presents “Treasure Island”

11

Dakota Chapter Breweriana Show

21

Ag Day at the Washington Pavilion

11

Jami Lynn Album Release with East of Westreville

21

Just Your Style Spring Event

11-12

Benson’s Flea Market

24

Division II Women’s Basketball Elite Eight

18

Party for the Planet

24

Thompson Square

19

Brian Regan Live Comedy Tour

24-25

Peter and the Starcatcher

21

Harlem Globetrotters

24-26

Central Plains Dairy Expo

22-25

37th Annual Kingswood Rummage

24-27

NCAA DII Women’s Basketball Tournament

23-26

El Riad Shrine Circus

26-29

SECT Presents “Treasure Island”

27-29

Sioux Falls Lawn & Garden Show

24-25

South Dakota Symphony Orchestra: Mendelssohn’s “Elijah”

28

South Dakota All-State Band Concert

25

Downtown Sioux Falls Jazz Crawl

28

South Dakota Symphony presents Holst’s “The Planets”

27

Arlo Guthrie: Alice’s Restaurant

29

Chris Tomlin

29-30

Now What? Conference

MAY

APRIL 3

Downtown First Friday

3-11

Restaurant Week

4

Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Feed

7

All-City Jazz Concert with Northlanders

8-9

Million Dollar Quartet

10

Kathy Kosins

1

Downtown First Friday Art & Wine Walk

1-3

SECT Presents Monty Python’s “Spamalot”

2

Arts Night Benefit Auction

2-3

Benson’s Flea Market

3

Ladies’ Ultimate Sample Tour

8-10

SECT Presents Monty Python’s “Spamalot”

9

Luke Bryan

chambernews.com | Chamber News 11

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

City of Sioux Falls Building Permit Data

Regional Unemployment Rates

JANUARY 2015 2013

330 PERMITS

2014

332 PERMITS

2015

366 PERMITS

JANUARY 2015

Fargo 2.9%

Source: City of Sioux Falls

City of Sioux Falls Total Construction Value JANUARY 2015

Rapid City 3.5%

Total Construction Value

Minneapolis/ St. Paul 3.3% Rochester 3.1%

Sioux Falls 3.1%

Des Moines 3.9%

Omaha Lincoln 3.2% 2.5%

Non-Residential Construction Value

$40 Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

$35

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

$30 $25

Agriculture Trends

$20

JANUARY 2015

$15

$16

$10 $22.9 million $5.5 million

$1 $.50

(IN MILLIONS)

$5

$23.1 million $3.4 million

$37.7 million $1.7 million

$14 $13 $12

2013

2014

SOYBEANS (PER BUSHEL) U.S.

$15

2015

Source: City of Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls Region Housing Overview JANUARY 2015

SOUTH DAKOTA

$13.00

$12.70

$11

$10.20

$10.30

$10 $9.87

$9.52

$9 $8

CORN

(PER BUSHEL) U.S.

$7

New Listings: 384 Days on the Market Until Sale: 222 Median Sales Price: $157,000 Inventory of Homes for Sale: 1,131 Source: RASE (Realtor Association of the Sioux Empire)

$6 $5

SOUTH DAKOTA $4.41

$4 $3 $2

$3.78

$3.58 $3.96

$3.43 $3.24

December 2013

November December

2014

2014

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

chambernews.com | Chamber News 13

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

Sioux Falls in the news ZipRecruiter analyzed data of the 100 largest job markets in the U.S. to determine the TOP JOB MARKETS FOR 2015 and SIOUX FALLS ranked . Rankings were determined by the cities’ applicants to employers ratio, applications to job posting ratio and Bureau of Labor Statistics unemployment scores. The Top 10 lineup points out the relative economic strength of smaller and mid-sized metro areas especially in the Midwest, which boasts six of the top cities.

February 2015

Sioux Falls is one of AMERICA’S

According to the Tax Foundation’s 2015

BEST PLACES IN THE MIDWEST TO CALL HOME. Ranking No. 9,

No. 4

STATE BUSINESS TAX CLIMATE INDEX South Dakota is among the

No. 2

top 10, coming in at behind Wyoming. Neighboring states Iowa ranked No. 41 and Minnesota ranked No. 47. The index compares the states on more than 100 different variables in five areas of taxation: corporate taxes, individual income taxes, sales taxes, unemployment insurance taxes and property taxes.

October 2014

MOST INNOVATIVE TECH HUBS,

according to nerdwallet.com. These cities also made the cut for America’s Most Innovative Cities, NerdWallet’s guide for understanding where the impact of tech funding, innovation and startup activity is the strongest.

The city ranked in a list dominated by university communities and Silicon Valley.

February 2015

No. 31

According to movoto.com, SIOUX FALLS is one of the

Sioux Falls has reasonable commute times, low unemployment and cost of living, affordable home and rent prices, in addition to the lowest taxes on the entire list of Midwest cities.

October 2014

WalletHub looked at the 150 most populous cities across the U.S., measuring 16 metrics falling under the headings “job market” and “socioeconomic environment” for each.

SIOUX FALLS came in at as one of the BEST CITIES FOR JOBS in 2015, ranking behind only Seattle, Des Moines, and Gilbert, Ariz. Sioux Falls was tied for fourth with the

No. 4

LOWEST UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES and was

No. 1for the

LOWEST UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR PEOPLE WITH BACHELOR’S DEGREES OR HIGHER. January 2015

SOUTH DAKOTA ranked No.

8

in Gallup’s annual ranking of STATE JOB MARKETS in 2014.

The state was ranked high among others that rely on the energy sector or farming commodities or both.

January 2015

chambernews.com | Chamber News 15

FACES & PLACES

Faces & Places

NATHAN STALLINGA DakotAbilities

JULIE NELSON Home Federal Bank

DEAN KARSKY

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.

JOEY ROTERT

Farmers Insurance Group/ Karsky Agency

Sioux Falls Federal Credit Union

JACK DYVIG

DAREN ANDERSON

Sioux Falls Morning Optimists Club

Big D Technology Solutions, Inc.

AMY O’CONNOR HOBACK

ADAM COOPER

JANEL COLE

TAMMY BEINTEMA

Kleenrite Company

Cole Notary

Dacotah Bank

JDRF

Recognition of Chamber Volunteers The Ambassador Team of the Month for January was Team Stallinga: Nathan Stallinga, DakotAbilities; Dean Karsky, Farmers Insurance Group/Karsky Agency; and Joey Rotert, Sioux Falls Federal Credit Union.

The Ambassador Ribbon Cutting Attendance Winner was Amy O’Connor Hoback, Kleenrite Company, and the Ambassador Top Sales Award went to Adam Cooper, Dacotah Bank.

Julie Nelson, Home Federal Bank, was awarded Diplomat of the Month honors for January. Second place honors went to Jack Dyvig, Sioux Falls Morning Optimists Club, and third place honors went to Daren Anderson, Big D Technology Solutions, Inc. Janel Cole, Cole Notary, was the recipient of the Ribbon Cutting Attendance award, and Tammy Beintema, JDRF, won the Reinvestment Award.

The Diplomat Team of the Month for January was Captain Janel Cole, Cole Notary; Jack Dyvig, Sioux Falls Morning Optimists Club; Tammy Beintema, JDRF; Wendy Bergan, YMCA; and James Payer II, Volunteers of America, Dakotas.

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

16 Chamber News | MARCH 2015

FACES & PLACES

New Faces & Promotions CenturyLink promoted Christopher Adamson to Engineer II. Adamson will be responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of network facility projects in North Dakota and South Dakota. He has 15 years of experience in the telecommunications industry where he has held a variety of network positions including technician, maintenance, and supervision in southwestern Iowa and the Minneapolis metropolitan area. Adamson will relocate from Minneapolis to Sioux Falls with his wife Beth.

Nicole Townswick joined ADwërks as Post Master, which means she’ll work as a social and digital media strategist for one of the agency’s largest accounts, McDonald’s.

In addition to managing and posting on the restaurants’ accounts, she’ll also be analyzing insights to help determine and refine content and strategy to get the most out of McDonald’s social media. Townswick is a graduate of South Dakota State University. Previously she worked as a Public Relations and Communications Manager at Volunteers of America, Dakotas.

Lori Intveld joined Insight Marketing Design as Business Development Director.

Intveld comes to Insight with more than 25 years of sales and marketing experience, most recently in a sales management role at Argus Leader Media. Joan Meyers is the new Office Manager and Account Coordinator for Insight Marketing Design. With more than a dozen years of experience in agency and marketing firms, Meyers provides support to Insight’s account service team, as well as managing the daily functions of the office.

Honors & Awards Mark Rosenberg, New Horizons Computer Learning Centers, was recognized as a Most Valuable Professional (MVP) by Microsoft for his eighth consecutive year. MVPs are exceptional community leaders who actively share their high-quality, real-world deep technical expertise with the community and with Microsoft. They are committed to helping others get the most out of their experience with Microsoft products and technologies.

The Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History was also recognized at the 2015 South Dakota Governor’s Conference on Tourism with the George S. Mickelson Great Service Award for their superior customer service and memorable visitor experiences.

Don and Susie South, Strawbale Winery, were awarded the Excellence in Tourism Innovation award at the 2015 South Dakota Governor’s Conference on Tourism. The award is given to a business that thinks outside of the box when it comes to promoting their business.

The 2015 Downtown Burger Battle winner is Skelly’s Pub & Grill. Skelly’s featured a Truffled Leek and Creamy Blue Cheese Burger.

Individual category winners included: Best Burger: Skelly’s Pub & Grill; Best Presentation: Skelly’s Pub & Grill; Best Toppings: Skelly’s Pub & Grill; Best Bun: JL Beers; and Best Value: Skelly’s Pub & Grill. More than 1,500 rating slips were submitted by the six participating restaurants during the promotion.

Leadership

Good Deeds

The Board of Trustees of Kilian Community College recently elected officers for 2015: Chair Dr. Brett Bradfield, University of Sioux Falls; Vice Chair Rod Carlson, Active Generations; Treasurer Julie Choudek, The First National Bank in Sioux Falls; Secretary Cindy Elifrits Peterson, Maximizing Excellence; Past Chair Dan LaRock, Silverstone Group. The Board also welcomed three new Trustees: Erin Doll, Wells Fargo; Ben Peterson, Citi; Brendan Reilly, Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith.

Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc. (DTSF) and several participating retailers presented a check for more than $4,700 to the 2014 Downtown Gives beneficiary, First Book-Sioux Falls.

Twenty-six downtown retailers sold more than 400 coupon books and participated in the first ever Downtown Gives Holiday Read event to promote children’s literacy. The First BookSioux Falls Advisory Board was formed in 2012 by members of The History Club of Sioux Falls, which has been an advocate for education

Kyle Ruhland, Century Business Products, Inc., achieved President’s Club status for 2014.

Ruhland, of the Sioux Falls corporate office, has been recognized for representing Century’s values, product knowledge and excellence in providing exceptional business solutions to both current and new customers in his territory. This is the ninth consecutive year to reach this achievement for Ruhland, who has been with Century Business Products for 12 years.

and literacy in Sioux Falls since its founding in 1879. First Book-Sioux Falls provides new books to children in need, addressing one of the most important factors affecting literacy — access to books. First Book-Sioux Falls will hold a grant cycle in March to award the funds to local organizations for the purchase of books for the children they serve.

Thank You Thank you to Hy-Vee and Taco Time for assisting with hospitality rooms for the State A Wrestling Tournament, held in Sioux Falls Feb. 27-28. The Chamber’s Sports & Recreation

Committee served as hosts in the hospitality room during the state tournament.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 17

Be Seen

1

2

3 1, 3 Part of the Sioux Falls Day at the Legislature activities included an ice cream social in the Capitol rotunda in the afternoon. Chamber members volunteered to make ice cream floats for legislators, staff and other visitors. 2 Pat Costello, Sioux Falls native and commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, spoke to approximately 160 people about economic development activities happening across the state as well as Sioux Falls. 4 Gov. Dennis Daugaard shared more details about the budget he proposed to the legislature during his remarks to Sioux Falls Day attendees.

4 18 Chamber News | MARCH 2015

31ST ANNUAL

SIOUX

FALLS Day at the

LEGISLATURE WEDNESDAY, FEB. 18, 2015 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: LUNCHEON:

ICE CREAM SOCIAL

BUS:

Avera Health Brandt, Solomon & Anderson LLP Citi CorTrust Bank Cutler Law Firm Express Employment Professionals The First National Bank in Sioux Falls HDR Engineering Inc. Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet Home Federal Bank Johnstone Supply Lawrence & Schiller Teleservices Limoges Construction Inc. Next2New Auto Sales Ramkota Companies RSA Architects Sammons Financial Group/ Midland National Life Insurance Sayre Associates Inc. Sioux Empire Housing Partnership Sioux Falls Catholic Schools Sioux Falls Development Foundation Sioux Falls Federal Credit Union Sioux Valley Energy Van Buskirk Companies Vern Eide Motorcars

FACES & PLACES

Be Seen

5 5 Michael Lynch, Lynchpin Communication Group, shared six persuasion techniques to boost sales and grow business as part of the Chamber’s Small Business Council Business Sense Workshops. The workshops continue through March; see the calendar on page 7. 6 U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem held a Town Hall meeting in Sioux Falls in February. 7 Mayor Mike Huether talked about Sioux Falls and answered questions from YPN members at the downtown library. 8 The Chamber’s Sports & Recreation Committee toured the new Huether Family Match Pointe indoor community tennis center, which is scheduled to open this spring.

6

7 20 Chamber News | MARCH 2015

8

FACES & PLACES

9 11 10

12 9, 10 Pictured are winners from the Governor’s Conference on Tourism, with Secretary Jim Hagen and Gov. Dennis Daugaard; 9 is Don South with Strawbale Winery and 10 is Kylee Breems with the Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum. 11 Chamber President/CEO Evan Nolte was honored by SME as the 2015 Sales & Marketing Executive of the Year; he’s pictured with emcee Tom Simmons, Midcontinent Communications, who interviewed Nolte as part of the honoring ceremony. 12, 13 The Inn on Westport hosted the February Membership Mixer, which was attended by more than 225 people.

13 chambernews.com | Chamber News 21

FACES & PLACES More than $80,000 in premiums was paid out to producers at the Mayor’s Round-up & Sale of Champions auction held Friday, Jan. 30, 2015. Thank you to the following area businesses for their support of agriculture:

GRAND CHAMPION MARKET STEER Producer: Shilo Schaake, Westmoreland, KS Buyers: Dacotah Bank, Grand Falls Casino Resort, South Dakota Corn Utilization Council

GRAND CHAMPION MARKET SWINE Producer: Lynsey Schmitz, Oakes, ND Buyers: Midwest Shows, Inc., Denny Sanford PREMIER Center

GRAND CHAMPION MARKET LAMB Producer: Hunter Gerths, Albia, IA Buyers: Grand Falls Casino Resort, South Dakota Corn Utilization Council, Superior Farms

RESERVE CHAMPION MARKET STEER Producer: Travis Hofer, Bridgewater, SD Buyers: First PREMIER Bank/PREMIER Bankcard, Sanford Health

RESERVE CHAMPION MARKET SWINE Producer: Jenna Belt, Orange City, IA Buyers: Kent Boadwine, CPA; East River Cattle Co.; The First National Bank in Sioux Falls; Howalt+McDowell Insurance, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC company; Schoeneman Brothers Company; Valley Springs Farmers Cooperative; Woods, Fuller, Shultz & Smith, P.C.

RESERVE CHAMPION MARKET LAMB Producer: Madison Rule, Hawarden, IA Buyers: Billion GMC, First PREMIER Bank/ PREMIER Bankcard, Murphy Brothers Expositions, Sanford Health, Superior Farms

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING AREA BUSINESSES WHO ALSO PAID PREMIUMS AT THE MAYOR’S ROUND-UP & SALE OF CHAMPIONS: A Bar K Trailer Sales Alliance Communications Baete-Forseth HVAC Balance Ag Beal Distributing Cadwell, Sanford, Deibert & Garry LLP Campbell Supply Co. Chamber Ambassadors & Diplomats Chuck Sutton Auctioneers and Land Broker, LLC Colton Farmers Elevator/U.S. Feeds Powered by Alltech

Component Manufacturing/ Reaves Building Systems CorTrust Bank Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP The DISTRICT Eide Bailly LLP Dean Foods/Land O’Lakes Milk Farm Credit Services of America Filly Flair First Bank & Trust First Dakota National Bank First Dakota Title

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Fresh Horses Saloon Friessen Construction Garry Private Wealth Getty Abstract & Title Company Hoffman Feedyard Home Federal Bank JD’s House of Trophies Jerry’s Chevrolet of Beresford Klein Custom Haying & Chopping Land Title Guaranty Co. Meat Lodge

Randy Bothwell-New York Life Insurance Nordstrom’s Automotive Pfeifer Implement Company Plains Commerce Bank Prostrollo’s Automall RDO Equipment Reliabank Dakota Results Radio/Townsquare Media Risty Benefits Roll ‘N Pin Restaurant Shop ‘N Cart Sioux Falls Regional Livestock

South Dakota Pork Producers South Dakota Soybean Association Research and Promotion Council Sturdevant’s Auto Parts Superliner of Harrisburg Swenson Investments and Commodities Tiger Corporation Western Meat & Locker Westra Atkins Land & Auction, LLC Wieman Land and Auction Co. Xcel Energy

Mayor Mike Huether, Honorary Chair of the Sale of Champions; 2015 Sioux Empire Farm Show Chair Phil DeGroot, Home Federal Bank; Jim Schmidt, Sioux Empire Housing Partnership/Lincoln County Commission & Mike Begeman, Sanford Health, Emcees; Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Agri-Business Division Chair Dave Knudsen, First Dakota National Bank; Auctioneers Pete Atkins and Joel Westra and Sale Emcee Jim Woster; High Plains; Block Productions; The Flower Mill; Wendy Sweeter; Best Western PLUS Ramkota Hotel & Convention Center; Sale of Champions Buyers Committee; Tri-State Neighbor, Wells Fargo Bank and Campbell Supply Co. for sponsoring the $12,000 Supreme Row purse; Iverson Trailer; Superior Farms; Sioux Falls Regional Livestock and Tyson for providing base bids; The First National Bank in Sioux Falls and Zoetis for sponsoring the live online auctions with DV Auction; the ringmen and the hundreds of volunteers who devoted their time and effort to make the 2015 Sioux Empire Farm Show a success!

22 Chamber News | MARCH 2015

FACES & PLACES

GRAND CHAMPION MARKET GOAT Producer: Trent Kempker, Jefferson City, MO Buyers: Great Western Bank, Tony’s Catering, Wilson Trailers, Zomer Truck & Trailer Co.

RESERVE CHAMPION GOAT Producer: Madelyn Scott, Greenwood, NE Buyers: Avera, Lamfers & Maas, LLP, U.S. Bank

The annual Mayor’s Round-Up & Sale of Champions is the culmination of the Sioux Empire Farm Show market livestock shows and sales. This fun event features musical entertainment, a live and silent auction, recognition of the Farm Family of the Year and Agri-Business Citizen of the Year and the Sale of Champions market livestock auction. Pictured: Jim Woster sang with the band, High Plains (top); 2015 Sioux Empire Farm Show Chair Phil DeGroot, Home Federal Bank, welcomes the crowd; and emcees Mike Begeman, Sanford Health, and Jim Schmidt, Sioux Empire Housing Partnership, recognize sponsors as well as the winners of the $12,000 Supreme Row purse.

$12,000 SUPREME ROW SPONSORED BY GOLD SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSOR

CHAMPION OVERALL BREEDS 2015 SUPREME ROW BULL

CHAMPION OVERALL BREEDS 2015 SUPREME ROW FEMALE

Producer: Dandy Acres Angus of Pipestone, MN Buyer: Troy Baloun of Highmore, SD

Producer: Larry Crane of Mitchell, SD Buyer: RCR Polled Herefords of Lake Andes & Hartford, SD

(Angus)

BRONZE SPONSOR

(Hereford)

Iverson Trailer donated a one-year lease on a 20-foot Featherlite Trailer to the Supreme Row. Rom’n Limousin of Arlington, SD was the winner.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 23

Be Seen

14 The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors Legislative Coffees during the session to allow members and elected officials to get together.

This year two events were held; one held Feb. 7 following the day that all bills needed to be introduced and one held Feb. 21, which preceded “Crossover Day” when all bills needed to be out of their house of origin.

The Legislative Session ends March 13, with veto day on March 30. Thanks to the co-sponsors: League of Women Voters, AARP, American Association of University Women, Democratic Forum, Minnehaha County Democratic Party, Minnehaha County Republican Party, and the Sioux Falls Education Association.

14 Carol Mueller moderated the first panel of the Feb. 7 Legislative Coffee, which featured districts 6, 9, 10, 11 and 13. 15 Rep. Alex Jensen (Dis-

15

16 24 Chamber News | MARCH 2015

trict 12) answers a question from moderator Betty Oldenkamp during the second panel at Feb. 7 Legislative Coffee. Legislators from districts 11 and 12 attended. 16 District 15 Sen. Angie Buhl O’Donnell talks during the first session of the Feb. 21 Legislative Coffee. Legislators on that panel were from District 15 and Sen. David Omdahl (District 11). 17 Rep. Tom Holmes answers a question from moderator Sarah Jennings at the Feb. 21 Legislative Coffee. Holmes was on a panel with legislators from districts 13 and 14.

17

COMMUNITY APPEALS SIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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

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

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

CURRENT CAMPAIGN

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

NOV. 1, 2014-MARCH 31, 2015 $1.2 MILLION Feeding South Dakota will expand their current facility to enhance ongoing programs and create more efficiencies.

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

For more information visit feedingsouthdakota.org.

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

chambernews.com | Chamber News 25

CREATING A CREATING A CULTURE CUL TURE OF OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP

BY AMY SMOLIK

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

There is perhaps no better time to be an entrepreneur in Sioux Falls than right now. A convergence of opportunity, a strong business climate and changing demographics means that support is available for those who want to take the plunge and turn an idea into a reality.

More than a decade ago, Forward Sioux Falls invested in a brick and mortar incubator called the South Dakota Technology Business Center (SDTBC), located near the Southeast Technical Institute campus. The SDTBC was a significant investment by the business community through Forward Sioux Falls, the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and Sioux Falls Development Foundation and others to continue to diversify the Sioux Falls economy. The thought was that if entrepreneurs could focus on developing their ideas without the burdens of managing some of their infrastructure needs or challenges, they would be more successful. If they had access to meeting space and other

26 Chamber News | MARCH 2015

resources for growing a business, like the Small Business Development Center and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, they’d be more successful. If they were surrounded by other entrepreneurial-minded individuals, they would be able to network and share ideas — and they would be more successful.

The proof is in the numbers. The SDTBC has helped 22 companies grow and graduate. These companies also impacted the economy by growing to more than 673 full time employees with a combined annual payroll of more than $40.8 million. The SDTBC continues to expand its programs and services as technology and entrepreneurs’ needs change.

This year will mark the third year of the SDTBC’s successful Accelerator program, which helps entrepreneurs jumpstart their business ideas and gain access to tools and funding (for more information about the 2015 program and how to apply, see page 38).

COVER STORY

Pictured are participants from the 2014 South Dakota Technology Business Center Accelerator program.

MILLENNIALS FEEL VERY EMPOWERED AND THEY REALIZE THE LANDSCAPE OF THE MARKET IS GOING TO CHANGE A LOT

Dr. Ryan Van Zee In the last decade, education has supported expansion in the areas of research and entrepreneurship, as well. In 2013, the SDTBC partnered with the University of South Dakota (USD) for management of the research park in what is now known as the USD Discovery District (for more information about the Discovery District, see page 33). USD is working with the SDTBC and Forward Sioux Falls to plan and launch the park. These organizations will also play a key role in helping attract and support additional park tenants.

Dr. Ryan Van Zee, University of Sioux Falls, is the Director of Entrepreneurial Studies, which was established in 2008 thanks to a gift from Tom and Cindy Lillibridge. Students can major or minor in entrepreneurial studies or study it as part of their MBA or degree completion. The program continues to grow, Van Zee said, with the largest growth in undergraduate students.

“Millennials feel very empowered and they realize the landscape of the market is going to change a lot,” Van Zee said. “Smart phones have changed their world. They’re the group that has the self-confidence to do it and they want to be a part of it.”

They take a variety of courses to reach their goals and learn more about sales, financing and team management.

Part of the classroom work requires students to start off with determining a problem — and then solve it.

Some of Sioux Falls’ advantages? Van Zee sees the community’s culture as a major asset for entrepreneurs as well as students who would stay in Sioux Falls to grow their business idea. USF uses members of the business community to assist in teaching students real-world applications. Organizations like the SDTBC, SCORE and the Small Business Development Center serve as resources, Van Zee said. USF also helps students with a revolving loan fund that’s available to them.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 27

WE HAVE SOME PRETTY AMAZING THINGS HAPPENING RIGHT HERE IN SIOUX FALLS AND SOME OF THOSE MAY BE THE ‘NEXT BIG THING’

ENTREPRENEUR EVENTS Looking to connect with other entrepreneurs? Here’s a few ways to expand your network and your knowledge base:

INNOVATION NETWORK SOUTH DAKOTA The Innovation Network South Dakota was created to provide a framework to offer entrepreneurs a resource for educational programming and networking opportunities. The SDTBC coordinates with their resource partners to plan and provide activities and events that will help entrepreneurs and small business start-ups. Look for Innovation Network South Dakota on LinkedIn to learn more about upcoming activities and events like I.N. After Hours, a networking event.

THE BAKERY thebakerysf.com Opening later this spring, this building on N. Main Avenue in downtown is being rehabbed to serve students, entrepreneurs, business leaders and creatives in the Sioux Falls community.

The vision of The Bakery is to provide a location where they can receive training, education, mentorship and promotion in order to encourage and equip the community to start, build and grow their businesses.

INNOVATION EXPO sdinnovationexpo.com Save the Date: Oct. 1, 2015 This annual event is a conference focusing on connecting entrepreneurs, innovators, angel investors, venture capitalists, and the many others who are involved in developing startup companies. The event will consist of speakers, breakout sessions, and networking focusing on the entrepreneurial community. The South Dakota Technology Business Center and Forward Sioux Falls help sponsor the event.

SOUTH DAKOTA TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS CENTER ACCELERATOR CHALLENGE sdtbc.com Learn more about how to apply for this five-month program, which is designed to help entrepreneurs launch and grow successful business with basic training and guidance to help at specific business development stages. Applications are due April 20. There is no fee to participate.

SBA EMERGING LEADERS INITIATIVE sba.gov Applications for this seven-month training initiative are now open. The training is for established business owners and is not for start-ups or people who are thinking about starting a business. The Emerging Leaders Initiative advanced training series is open to small business owners and executives who have annual revenues of at least $400,000; have been in business for at least three years and have at least one employee (other than self). There is no fee to participate.

28 Chamber News | MARCH 2015

Addie Graham-Kramer “The community is there to help out and that support is shown in a number of ways,” he said. “We rely on adjunct professors from all over the business community and our guest speakers are almost all exclusively from Sioux Falls.”

Guest speakers tell their stories each week at 1 Million Cups (1MC), a gathering of entrepreneurs, students, mentors and community leaders who meet for a cup of coffee and listen to a business story or two with a goal of making connections and leaving inspired. Addie Graham-Kramer, owner of The Event Company and current emcee of 1 Million Cups Sioux Falls, said 1MC is the highlight of her week.

“I have made new friendships, business partnerships and learned so much about the entrepreneurial community by being there. We have some pretty amazing things happening right here in Sioux Falls and some of those may be the ‘next big thing,’” Graham-Kramer said. “As a new entrepreneur, meeting others and hearing them talk about their passions each week energizes my mind and my soul.”

The project was started by The Kauffman Foundation in Kansas City in 2012 and the 1MC name was inspired by the thought that if communities could have 1 million more cups of coffee, they could fundamentally change the landscape and culture for entrepreneurs. Local entrepreneurs John Meyer, 9 Clouds, and Paul Batcheller, PrairieGold Venture Partners, helped start the Sioux Falls program which has been active for one year. Since then, other South Dakota communities have launched their own events. Each city runs the program semi-autonomously and gathers together in local coffee shops, community centers, co-working spaces and other host places. 1MC is just one of several ways the culture is changing across the country as well as here in Sioux Falls.

COVER STORY

Steffanie Liston-Holtrop, publisher of ‘Hood and MED magazines, spoke at a recent 1 Million Cups Sioux Falls event.

“The support for new entrepreneurs in Sioux Falls is like no other. I come from a family of entrepreneurs and have never seen the outcry of support as it has been in the last few years. Organizations like 1MC provides that system which helps boost our confidence levels and encourages individuals to take a chance and dream big,” Graham-Kramer said.

“There have been individuals that have gotten internships, landed new jobs and even new partnerships. As a member of the 1MC community, we care so much for the success of others in our group and we want the best for them. We are there to help them succeed, help them to grow, help them to make new connections and more.”

It’s not just new business ideas that can find support in Sioux Falls. This year, Sioux Falls is one of 48 communities taking part in the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Emerging Leaders Initiative, a federal training initiative that

THE SUPPORT FOR NEW ENTREPRENEURS IN SIOUX FALLS IS LIKE NO OTHER Addie Graham-Kramer chambernews.com | Chamber News 29

provides executives with the organizational framework, resource network and motivation required to build sustainable businesses.

Over the course of seven months, participants are given the opportunity to work with experienced mentors, attend specialized workshops and develop connections with their peers, city leaders and the financial community. The initiative incorporates a curriculum that is research-based and nationally scalable, enabling participating businesses to engage in focused development and expansion strategies, including options for accessing new capital and securing government contracts.

The end result prepares and encourages small businesses to move to the next level on their growth trajectory and to help them emerge as self-sustaining businesses that create jobs and build communities. Entrepreneurs produce a threeyear strategic growth action plan with benchmarks and performance targets that will help them access the necessary support and resources to move forward.

For many entrepreneurs, no matter what stage of development they are in, it starts with a dream. Later this spring, a new place for thinkers, doers and creatives will gather in what was once a bakery on the north side of downtown Sioux Falls. The Bakery, as the building is known, is the brainchild of Fluxxr founders Brian Rand and Clint Brown.

They combined their need for a new office space with a desire to create a gathering place for entrepreneurs. Their company will occupy part of the building, with the remaining space available for members. Rand and Brown envision a place where problems can be solved and the business and education communities can interact. They see The Bakery as an enhancement to organizations like the Chamber of Commerce and a benefit to Sioux Falls’ growing entrepreneurial community.

“We don’t lack capital, resources or coordination,” Brown said of the local entrepreneurial community. “I think we all want the same thing — to make Sioux Falls better and to hone our own crafts in our own ways.”

30 Chamber News | MARCH 2015

Pam Boehm, Entrepreneurship and Incubation Manager at the South Dakota Technology Business Center, speaks to partcipants of the 2014 Accelerator program about ways to build a team.

I THINK WE ALL WANT THE SAME

THING — TO MAKE SIOUX FALLS BETTER AND TO HONE OUR OWN CRAFTS IN OUR OWN WAYS Clint Brown

COVER STORY RESOURCES FOR ENTREPRENEURS Entrepreneurs need to connect with potential employees, customers and financiers. Following are just some of the organizations in the area that have programs and opportunities for entrepreneurs to do just that.

SCORE

SOUTH DAKOTA TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS CENTER

siouxfalls.score.org

sdtbc.com

SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and helping small businesses start, grow, and succeed nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and has been mentoring small business owners for more than 40 years. The Sioux Falls Chapter was chartered in 1966.

The South Dakota Technology Business Center is an important component in an on-going effort to diversify and grow the regional economy by assisting in the creation and expansion of technology-based businesses in the Sioux Falls area.

SCORE is a valuable network of 13,000-plus volunteers who offer small business entrepreneurs confidential business counseling services at no charge. SCORE volunteers have the knowledge and experience to help any small business owner get the help they need. SCORE also provides local workshops and events throughout the country to connect small business owners with the people and information they need to start, grow, and maintain their businesses as well as online workshops. SCORE provides resources, templates and tools to assist entrepreneurs in developing tools and plans they need to navigate their way to small business success.

SIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SMALL BUSINESS COUNCIL siouxfallschamber.com The Chamber’s Small Business Council provides assistance and support responsive to the needs of small business. Activities include Business Sense Workshops, Chamber Cafés and business start-up information. This is just one of the Chamber’s several committees that provide programming and networking opportunities for members. The Chamber has more than 2,200 businesses and individuals as members, with approximately 80 percent of those businesses having 10 or fewer employees.

SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER usd.edu/business/south The Small Business Development Center provides free consultation to entrepreneurs and prospective entrepreneurs related to preparing business plans and financial pro formas for business plans. The Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) program is part of the Small Business Development Center that focuses on assisting businesses with doing business with government entities. They provide technical expertise to South Dakota’s businesses interested in bidding on receiving federal, state and local government contracts.

SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH CENTER usd.edu/sbir The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is a highly competitive, three-phase grant program. The SBIR program provides $2.5 billion per year through 4,800 awards to small businesses to develop new products and processes that address federal research and development needs. Eleven federal agencies participate, so topics range from new corps to new weapons systems and from renewable energy to pollution monitoring. The SBIR program offers great opportunities to entrepreneurs and small businesses, though it is not applicable to all small business ventures. The program is limited to entrepreneurs or businesses developing innovative products and processes that meet federal research and development needs.

The SDTBC is a direct result of the Forward Sioux Falls Technology Program started in April 1999. With the active participation of more than 200 community, education and business leaders as task force members and study participants, the FSF Technology Program crafted a strategy to establish the Southeast Technical Institute and University Center area as a nexus for education, research and business development.

These efforts continue with the master planning of the USD Discovery District. The South Dakota Technology Business Center offers a unique business environment in that it brings together entrepreneurs with similar goals and challenges. The SDTBC is also home to several other sources of entrepreneurial support.

These partner organizations offer services to SDTBC tenants and others, which include business planning, small business loan guarantees, counseling and business workshops.

SOUTH DAKOTA ENTERPRISE INSTITUTE sdei.org The South Dakota Enterprise Institute is a private, nonprofit corporation that provides customized business development, commercialization, and market research services to entrepreneurs, inventors, and startup companies in South Dakota. The Institute provides free, confidential consulting through the South Dakota Small Business Development Center.

Specialized fee-based services are also available to entrepreneurs seeking equity financing and to researchers and inventors that need preliminary commercialization assistance. The Institute is credited with formalizing angel investing in South Dakota by organizing and administering angel investment funds. These funds provide early-stage capital to emerging growth companies in the region.

STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTAGOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (GOED) sdreadytowork.com GOED provides information and services to South Dakota businesses and businesses considering locating in South Dakota.

U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION sba.gov/localresources/district/sd The regional SBA office is located in the SDTBC building. They assist small businesses primarily with their guaranteed loan programs.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 31

HEADLINES

USD Discovery District completes master plan The master plan for the newly re-named University of South Dakota Discovery District is complete and the next steps for implementing that plan are underway.

The potential to rename became evident as the process advanced, said Rich Naser, president of the park corporation.

“As the Architecture Incorporated and Perkins & Will planning team gathered local input and shared national and international research park trends, the concept evolved from a segregated suburban development park to an urban village more fully integrated into the surrounding community,” he said.

Naser said the name “Discovery District” captures the essence of the activities the project’s stakeholders want to stimulate. “We want students, entrepreneurs and researchers all interacting to foster innovation and economic development.”

The stakeholders involved in establishing the new Discovery District are the South Dakota Board of Regents, the University of South Dakota, the City of Sioux Falls, Forward Sioux Falls, the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and the Sioux Falls Development Foundation.

According to David Green, Perkins & Will, establishing an integrated district is vital to its success.

“The Discovery District needs to be a platform for bringing together a strong crosssection of the great research and commercial opportunities in South Dakota from around the U.S. and the world,” Green said. “This is a model for global innovation and long-term investment in the future of the region.”

With the master plan complete, the USD Discovery District hired local firms Confluence and Sayre & Associates to design the first phase of road and utility infrastructure. Construction of the 2,039 linear ft. of street and utilities are planned to start in 2015.

At the same time, a feasibility study is being conducted for the first potential new building. A need for pharmaceutical and biologic production space was identified last year during the master planning process. The feasibility study will evaluate the requirements of potential tenants; model a facility design and construction costs; and recommend strategies for developing and operating a facility.

“2015 will be an exciting year,” Naser said.

“The USD Discovery District is transitioning from a concept and plans to a physical development.”

chambernews.com | Chamber News 33

HEADLINES

Betty Ordal named Grand Marshal of 2015 St. Patrick’s Day Parade Betty Ordal, recently retired Director of Membership Services for the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, will be the Grand Marshal of the 36th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade to be held Saturday, March 14.

The parade provides an excellent opportunity for people throughout the Sioux Falls region to visit the city for a day of family activities. In 2009, the St. Patrick’s Day Extravaganza Committee, which plans the parade with support from the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce staff, moved the parade permanently to the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day (or on St. Patrick’s Day if it falls on a Saturday).

Events are officially kicked off at 11:45 a.m. with the traditional Painting of the Shamrock at 9th Street and Phillips Avenue. The parade forms at 5th Street and N. Main Avenue at 12:30 p.m. and the parade begins at 2 p.m.

The route is south on Main Avenue to 13th Street, east to Phillips Avenue and then north to 8th Street. Streets are closed at 1:30 p.m. and parking is not allowed on the route starting late Saturday morning.

Ordal, 71, the daughter of Benny and Marcella Struck and the oldest of 15 children, said she was told by her mother that she is Irish, has the buttons from each of the last 35 parades and grew up near the most Irish community in the state. That, plus her community and business accomplishments, were good enough for the parade planning committee to name her Grand Marshal, said Committee Chair Shawn Cleary.

Ordal has fond memories of attending a one-room school near Montrose. When notified that she was to be the grand marshal, Ordal said she was “dumbfounded because it was something I never really expected.”

She does promise one thing, though — the weather for this year’s parade will be better than last year, when there was wind and snow flurries.

Ordal’s granddaughter Ashley Sandborn wrote: “based on her family tree, she has Irish roots. They may not be as prominent or deep as other candidates; however, she takes

34 Chamber News | MARCH 2015

tremendous pride in her Irish heritage.

Betty exemplifies key and definitive Irish characteristics on a daily basis. She’s a wonderful mix of great charm, stubbornness and wit.”

BETTY ORDAL

2015 St. Patrick’s Day After attending Gen. Grand Marshal Beadle State College (now Dakota State University), Ordal joined the Chamber staff 48 years ago in a clerical position when membership was around 710.

Ordal took responsibility for member recruitment in 1980, introducing programs like the mixers, Good Morning Sioux Falls and Operation Thank You, in which all Chamber members are personally contacted on the same day. When she retired, Chamber membership was 2,200.

Ordal has been active in several community organizations including CASA, Family Visitation Center, EmBe (formerly the YWCA), Sales and Marketing Executives, National Association of Membership Development, Rotary West, Family Services and St. Michael Catholic Church.

Sponsorships from Sanford Health, Avera, Holiday Inn City Centre and Xcel Energy help underwrite the costs of bringing the Khartum Temple Pipes and Drums, a Shrine unit from Winnipeg, Manitoba. They have performed in the parade almost since the start and make guest appearances in local schools, nursing homes and hospitals in the days leading up to the parade.

Parade participants can register by filling out the registration form at siouxfallschamber. com. Click on the Events and Programs/ Annual Events button and then the St. Patrick’s Day Parade link. There is no entry fee to participate in the parade but each entry must have some kind of Irish theme.

Placement in the parade is on a first come, first served basis and is at the discretion of parade officials.

Each parade participant 16 and older must purchase and wear an official St. Patrick’s Day Parade button costing $3. The proceeds help cover parade costs and a portion is donated to Special Olympics South Dakota and to El Riad Shrine Temple. Buttons are available at the Chamber of Commerce office (200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200), Mrs. Murphy’s Irish Gifts (219 S. Phillips Ave.) and at the start of the parade.

No candy can be distributed. Sioux Falls City Ordinance (Section 38-143) states: “It is unlawful for any person conducting, managing or participating in any parade to distribute or permit the distribution of any candy or balloons to persons in attendance during the parade.”

The “Vanguard Squadron,” an ethanolpowered stunt team performing in-formation aerobatics again will be visible during the parade, weather permitting. It is sponsored by POET, a South Dakota ethanol producer.

The Sioux Falls Irish Club will sponsor a “Ballads of Ireland” concert featuring Mike Connor and Friends at the Orpheum Theater at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 8. The 2015 Miss Shamrock will also be crowned at this event.

(More information can be found at dakotairish.org). The first of three running events connected with the St. Pattys Day Mile starts at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 14, at N. Phillips Avenue and 5th Street. (See stpattysdaymile. com for more information).

For more information about the Sioux Falls St. Patrick’s Day Parade, call Wendy Neuharth at the Chamber at (605) 336-1620.

HEADLINES

2015 St. Patrick’s

STAGING AREA 4th Street 5th Street

Day Parade

START

6th Street

DESTAGING AREA

7th Street

LEGEND

ADA Parking is available at the corner of 8th Street & Phillips Avenue

8th Street PAINTING OF THE SHAMROCK 11:45 a.m., 9th Street & Phillips Avenue

PARADE ROUTE PAINTING OF THE SHAMROCK LOCATION ROAD CLOSED AT 1:30 P.M.

9th Street

ADA PORTA-POTTY 10th Street

NO PARKING ON MAIN AND PHILLIPS AVENUES AT ANY TIME 2nd Avenue

Main Avenue

TRASH DUMPSTER

1st Avenue

13th Street

Dakota Avenue

12th Street

Minnesota Avenue

11th Street

Phillips Avenue

TRASH CAN

14th Street

chambernews.com | Chamber News 35

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

New marketing campaign to announce “We Are Here” KRISTA ORSACK Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau

Travelers looking at Sioux Falls will come full circle with a new local aspect of the campaign promoted at partner hotels, attractions and restaurants.

Visitors planning their summer trips are seeking personalized travel, more interaction and a desire to experience a local’s way of life. A new campaign from the Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau launching this month will speak to potential visitors about the unique cultural vibe of Sioux Falls and invite them to picture themselves here. The primary message of “We Are Here” will evoke a feeling of a more non-traditional travel experience. The secondary message of “you should be, too” will not be a part of the campaign, but it will be implied.

The creative concept will focus on the variety of fun and original things to do in Sioux Falls.

Using an eclectic variety of quirky illustrations mixed with fun, playful typography, this campaign will speak to young families in larger, more culturally diverse markets, such as: Chicago, Winnipeg, Kansas City, Madison, Milwaukee, Eau Claire and La Crosse. Secondary efforts will continue to build off success from the winter campaign markets, which includes a 300-mile radius around Sioux Falls.

The meaning behind “Sioux Falls is Here” carries many connotations, depending on the supporting imagery and messaging in each ad scenario. It could imply an announcement of sorts, naming Sioux Falls as the rightful place on any family’s list of potential tourist destinations.

It could serve as metaphorical exclamation point highlighting eclectic attractions only known to locals. For example, Sioux Falls is HERE (show restaurant), HERE (show performance at Pavilion), and HERE (show downtown shops), etc. To keep messaging relevant and up-to-date, campaign messages will be updated to reflect Sioux Falls’ upcoming events and attractions.

With the recent success of the CVB’s winter Sioux Falls personality quiz and custom travel guides, each message will be updated and delivered to this audience. Summer destinations and imagery will be used in the quiz and travelers will be able to download a one- or three-day travel guide customized to their persona.

The CVB will utilize Instagram as the a primary platform to engage with families and showcase more inspirational photos of Sioux Falls attractions, restaurants and events. Campaign photos will include an overlay of “We Are Here” creative to tie the campaign together. A hashtag will be promoted to potential visitors, current visitors and locals. These tagged images will also be pulled into the website.

Travelers looking at Sioux Falls will come full circle with a new local aspect of the campaign promoted at partner hotels, attractions and restaurants. A printed Instagram card will carry the campaign message, hashtag and encourage visitors to go to Falls Park where they can take a “we are here” selfie in front of the Falls at Falls Park. Selfie sticks are now available at the Falls Park Visitor Information Center to use for free when provided with a valid driver’s license.

Creative components will be delivered through banner ads, social engagement, search ads, video, inspirational content placements, website updates, campaign landing page, Sioux Falls quiz and new campaign email template.

The CVB’s new campaign is made possible with matching grants from the South Dakota Department of Tourism through the Community Cooperative Marketing Program.

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

The Sioux Falls Promise The CVB stands committed to exceeding visitor’s expectations. We will provide superior visitor hospitality in the city best recognized as “The Heart of America.”

For all your convention, meeting and event needs, contact the Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau: (605) 275-6060, email sfcvb@siouxfalls.com or visit VisitSiouxFalls.com; for more updates about the visitor industry, go to pg. 44.

36 Chamber News | MARCH 2015

Annual Luncheon May 12, 2015 • 11:30AM Sioux Falls Convention Center Featuring Roger J. Dow The Impact of Travel: How it Bolsters the U.S. Economy Roger J. Dow President & CEO U.S. Travel Association

For more information go to VisitSiouxfalls.com/AnnualLuncheon or call Kathie at 605.373.2032

Visitors will plan to visit a business after picking up a brochure.*

Visitors were influenced after picking up a brochure.

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Did you know?

Visitors alter plans to see more attractions after picking up a brochure.

Falls Park is Sioux Falls’ #1 attraction.

In 2014, over 186,000 people visited the Falls Park Visitor Information Center.

Advertise your Sioux Falls visitor business, attraction or hotel at the Falls Park Visitor Information Center for increased exposure. Contact Rachel Crane at 373-2026 or rcrane@siouxfalls.com for more information.

CHAMBER PARTNER

SDTBC’s 2015 Accelerator Challenge: Investing in emerging entrepreneurs For the fourth year in a row, the South Dakota Technology Business Center (SDTBC) is offering its Accelerator Challenge. This year’s sponsors include Forward Sioux Falls, GOED, South Dakota EPSCoR and the SBA. Applications for the program are being accepted until April 20.

PAM BOEHM

South Dakota Technology Business Center

The Accelerator is an important part of economic development in our region and state.

The Accelerator Challenge is designed to support emerging South Dakota entrepreneurs who are preparing to launch or are embarking on a high-growth stage of business. The program focuses on essential business principles while offering access to a wide range of resources and networking opportunities. Participants also receive strategic guidance from mentors and professionals, designed to help them launch their businesses quickly and successfully.

Since the Accelerator program was introduced in 2012, there have been 20 participants; 15 have grown their businesses and collectively employ 60 people — and raised more than $2.5 million investment dollars since completing the program. In a few cases, participants determined their ideas were not viable, which can also be a valuable benefit of partaking.

Additionally, all selected participants are eligible to “pitch” their ideas for project funding from a pool of $50,000 throughout the program. They use these practice pitches to prepare for the culminating “pitch day” when they have the opportunity to pitch to angel and equity investors.

The Accelerator is an important part of economic development in our region and state.

The support and resources of the greater business community through Forward Sioux Falls is key to its success.

When entrepreneurs are given the training, resources, insights and encouragement they need to propel their businesses forward, everyone wins. Our economy is strengthened. Jobs are often created. New innovative products and services become available. Others are inspired to move forward with their own business ideas.

Up to 10 applicants will be selected based upon specific criteria including concept viability, scalability, readiness to launch and the entrepreneurs’ skills and abilities to launch and grow a successful venture.

The challenge kicks off with a three-day “Business Launch Boot Camp” that begins May 20, followed by monthly full-day sessions June-September. The program culminates with Pitch Day where participants pitch their ideas to equity investors. In addition, all participant businesses will be showcased during the Innovation Expo on Thursday, Oct. 1.

Throughout the program, participants can also take advantage of special opportunities, such as no- or low-cost space at SDTBC and professional services discounts.

We challenge you — the Sioux Falls area business community — to help us get the word out about this opportunity. Often, funding is the motivator for many applicants. However what participants ultimately gain through the program — new skills, insights, resources and relationships — is just as valuable as the funds they might receive.

Entry forms and instructions are available at sdtbc.com/accelerator and are accepted now through April 20. There are no program entry fees or expenses; however participants are responsible for their own travel and lodging expenses if coming from out of town.

For more information, contact Pam Boehm at pamb@sdtbc.com or (605) 275-8008.

Pam Boehm is the Entrepreneurship and Incubation Manager for the South Dakota Technology Business Center.

38 Chamber News | MARCH 2015

USING YOUR MEMBERSHIP

Your membership benefit checklist Businesses join the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce for many different reasons. At the foundation of each membership should be the desire to be part of the unified group that makes the Sioux Falls area economically strong, well-positioned to grow into the future and concerned for the wellbeing of everyone who lives here.

There are additional benefits that contribute even more to the value of each membership. Networking … exposure … leadership development … the I (or a co-worker or employee) am a member of the Chamber’s Young Professionals Network (YPN).

The community has benefited from the vision and hard work that community leaders have provided in the past 100-plus years. The Chamber’s Young Professionals Network (YPN) exists to promote an overall investment in the future progress of the Sioux Falls area. With more than 950 members, the YPN strives to create an environment where young professionals have influence, to provide opportunities to develop the skills for professional success, to enhance personal development and to interact professionally and socially. The YPN offers a variety of events and programs to fit any schedule.

I attend networking events such as Membership Mixers or the Good Morning Sioux Falls programs.

It may be an old saying, but “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” does hold some credibility in growing your business. Attendance at the monthly Chamber Membership Mixers provides you with a room of 200-300 potential customers. You are encouraged to attend and bring your employees. Share the good news about your business and learn more about the event host and the ever-growing business community. If you’re a first-time attendee, look for the members of the Diplomat Committee, who have green ribbons on their name badges. Bring some business cards with you and an openness to meeting new people and possibilities.

If attending events after work doesn’t fit your schedule … or if you like to stay well-informed of current community happenings, then the Good Morning Sioux Falls program is designed just for you.

These early morning events are designed to offer a mix of networking with concise programs that offer insight to the development of the community and state. The next Good Morning Sioux Falls event will be held April 9 at the Holiday Inn City Centre.

opportunities are endless for Chamber members and their employees.

In the next several issues, this space will share a checklist of some opportunities, tools and events that you may want to take advantage of to enhance your Chamber membership experience. If you would like more information on any of the ideas listed below, contact the Chamber’s Membership Department to discuss how these benefits can be put to work for your business.

I attend educational events such as Business Sense Workshops or Chamber Café.

The Chamber offers low-cost training to all Chamber members and their employees through the annual Business Sense Workshop series, planned and sponsored by the Chamber’s Small Business Council. These one-hour workshops deliver ongoing business and management training led by talented and engaging Chamber member presenters. The Business Sense Workshops and all Chamber events are open to business owners AND their employees. Feel free to send your employees and take advantage of the valuable informational sessions. For certain professions, participation in some workshops can qualify for Continuing Education Credits. Bring your business cards. Stand up. Shake hands. Exchange those business cards. Promote your business and get to know other Chamber members.

Chamber Café is a series of one-hour programs on a variety of topics presented by Chamber members and their employees in their areas of expertise. Funding your ideas and projects through grants … social media policy balance … developing your customer service strategy … these sessions offer a wide range of educational topics that might be just what you’re looking for. The Small Business Council is always looking for topics and presenters for future Chamber Café sessions.

I am a member of or have attended a meeting of a Chamber Committee.

The Chamber offers a variety of volunteer opportunities designed for various interests and time availability. If you’re interested in really getting to know the business community and have the time to commit to the mission, you might consider joining the Ambassador or Diplomat committees. The Ambassadors work to sell memberships in the Chamber. The Diplomats provide service to the membership. Both groups attend ribbon cuttings and membership events.

There are also 10 other volunteer committees within the Chamber.

Agri-Business … Military & Veterans Affairs … Sports & Recreation … they offer a variety of opportunities to fit your area of interest and schedule availability.

The Chamber also offers short-term volunteer opportunities for anyone who might want to participate for one hour, one day or one week. These opportunities vary from the Sioux Empire Farm Show, to Operation Thank You to Sports Tournament Hosting.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 39

MEMBER’S VOICE

Sioux Falls March Madness heads to a new level in 2015 March Madness has been part of Sioux Falls since we first hosted the Summit League Basketball Championships in 2009. This March, however, we will take the madness to a whole new level.

SUMMIT LEAGUE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

WES HALL

Sioux Falls Sports Authority

Sioux Falls has become a haven for basketball.

The nation has taken notice and Madness to the Falls is becoming our identity.

On March 7, we will again welcome the Summit League Basketball Championships to Sioux Falls for the seventh consecutive year.

This year, however, we will do so in the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center. With a new building comes a new experience. Many of us have already enjoyed an event or two in the new facility. We understand the improved sight lines, improved comfort and enhanced amenities, but we plan to take the tournament to a whole new level. We already own the top six total attendance figures in Summit League history and this year we look to shatter the all-time mark of 44,868 set in 2013 by eclipsing 50,000.

Enhanced fan experience? We’ll have that, too. For the first time in tournament history, we will have a dedicated Summit League Basketball Championship mobile app. Just search for “Summit Hoops” on iTunes or Google Play. The app, powered by Yellow Jacket Irrigation & Landscaping, will feature full team rosters, live stats, in-game promotion registrations, detailed maps of the facility, ability to purchase tickets from your phone, and social media feeds that will allow you to stay up-to-date while providing you with an easy option to share your status and photos of the championships. Just don’t forget to include #march2thesummit.

How about a sports lounge? OK, we’ll make that happen. With support from Daktronics and Ovations Food Services, we are turning a section of the Event Level into the Summit Lounge, where you can enjoy a live feed from the court on a 60 sq. ft. television so you’ll never miss a moment of the action. Ovations will feature Dakota nachos, chislic and slider burgers on the menu, along with an assortment of beverages. The Summit Lounge will remain open in between sessions, so you’ll never have to leave the building.

NCAA DII WOMEN’S ELITE EIGHT On March 27, we will crown a national champion in Sioux Falls at the Sanford Pentagon. In partnership with the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) and the Sioux Falls Sports Authority, the Pentagon will serve as the host facility for the 2015 NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Elite Eight on March 24-27.

The nation’s top eight teams will compete for the opportunity to cut down the nets and for the first time you will be able to experience it live. Elite Eight games will be played on Tuesday, March 24, the Final Four will take place on Wednesday, March 25, and the Championship game will tip-off at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 27. Tickets are available at NCAA.com/tickets and at the Sanford Pentagon box office.

Sioux Falls has become a haven for basketball. The nation has taken notice and Madness at the Falls is becoming our identity. And this year is just the beginning, as Sioux Falls will also host the NCAA Division I Women’s Regional in 2016.

Wes Hall is the Executive Director of the Sioux Falls Sports Authority.

40 Chamber News | MARCH 2015

BUSINESS NEWS

Now What? Conference 2015 to be held April 29-30 Speakers from across the U.S. and Canada have been selected to share their web knowledge for Blend Interactive’s Now What?

Conference 2015.

This is the third year that Blend, a web design, development and strategy firm, has organized and hosted the conference designed to bring together web and marketing professionals from across the region.

The conference, which will take place at the Washington Pavilion, is divided into two days with workshops by Eileen Webb of webmeadow and Corey Vilhauer of Blend Interactive on Wednesday, April 29, and a day of talks on Thursday, April 30.

“I’ve loved working in the digital industry in Sioux Falls for the last decade, and I wanted to bring the level of conferences we see in bigger cities back to Sioux Falls,” said Deane

Barker, partner and director of business development at Blend. “It’s a unique opportunity for education, networking, and vision-casting that I’ve always felt was crucial for professional development, no matter what the position or role in your organization’s web management operation.”

Keynotes for the April 30 portion of the conference are well-known in their industry: Jared Spool of Andover, Mass., is the founder of User Interface Engineering and a cofounder of Center Centre. Spool has worked in the field of usability and experience design since 1978, before the term “usability” was ever associated with computers. Margot Bloomstein from Boston is the author of Content Strategy at Work and principal of Appropriate, Inc., a Boston-based brand and content strategy consultancy.

Joining them on stage in the Belbas Theater will be Deane Barker, Blend Interactive; Karl Fast, Normative Design of Toronto, Ontario; Kevan Gilbert, Domain7 of Vancouver, B.C.; Ahava Leibtag, Aha Media Group of Silver Spring, Md.; Corey Vilhauer, Blend Interactive; and Eileen Webb, webmeadow of Littleton, N.H. Tickets are now on sale. For more information on the conference or to register, visit nowwhatconference.com.

South Dakota Advertising Federation offers developmental summit for non-profits The South Dakota Advertising Federation (SDAF) is holding a non-profit developmental summit, Propel, on March 18 on the campus of Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center in the Prairie Center Sister Colman Room.

Propel is an opportunity for local non-profits to join in a day filled with best

practices and sessions from professionals and community leaders while networking with like-minded organizations. Attendees can take part in variety of sessions covering topics that include: Traditional/Digital Media Planning; Grant Writing; Strategic Planning; Personal Branding; and Public

Relations Crisis Management.

Registration starts at 8 a.m. and sessions end at 4 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person and can be purchased at sdaf.org or by contacting SDAF Executive Director Ruth Ann Scott at ruthann@sdaf.org or (605) 274-3548.

Scholarships are available.

EmBe nominations for Tribute to Women due March 13 The 42nd Annual Tribute to Women, a premier event recognizing women who are role models in their respective fields, will be held Thursday, April 30 at the Washington Pavilion. EmBe is seeking nominations for women in a variety of categories, some of which have been updated.

A selection committee of prominent community leaders will review all nomination forms and select the Tribute to Women award recipients. Winners will be announced at Tribute to Women on Thursday, April 30, 2015 at the Washington Pavilion. Winners are not notified prior to the event.

Nomination forms are available at embe. org/Tribute along with a list of past winners and event details. For more information, contact Ashley Thompson at athompson@ embe.org or (605) 336-3660, extension 206.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 41

BUSINESS NEWS

Helpline Center seeks nominations for Spirit of Volunteerism Awards The 2015 Spirit of Volunteerism nominations are now open to honor outstanding volunteers in the Sioux Falls Area. The deadline is April 1.

All nominees and winners will be recognized at the 2015 Spirit of Volunteerism Awards luncheon held by the Helpline Center on May 5 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Non-profit agencies, individuals, groups and companies can all make nominations.

Nomination forms are available at helplinecenter.org. Winners are selected by a panel of judges in the following categories: Youth, Group, Adult and Corporate

Humanitarian. Winners from each category will receive a $500 award made payable to the non-profit organization of their choice.

Event sponsors include Independent Insurance Agents of Sioux Falls, Children’s Dental Center and Parkway Orthodontics, Midcontinent Communications, First PREMIER Bank/PREMIER Bankcard, Argus Leader Media, EarthBend, MetaBank and Citi.

SME Tribute nominations due April 3 Sales and Marketing Executives, Inc of Sioux Falls (SME) is seeking nominations for its annual Women of Excellence Awards which will be presented on April 28 at the 2015 SME Women in Business event. For the 19th year, exceptional women from the Sioux Falls area will be recognized at the SME Women in Business event at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.

The awards celebrate women in the greater Sioux Falls area who influence the lives of other women with their integrity and accomplishments. Categories include: Young Women of Excellence, Women Mentoring Women, and Women Working Through the Decades.

All nominees will be notified and recognized at the event. For more information, go to smesiouxfalls.org.

42 Chamber News | MARCH 2015

Visitor Industry Updates CVB PROMOTES NEW SPORTS CAMPAIGN: ALL ROADS LEAD TO SIOUX FALLS

To engage with the ever-expanding sports visitor segment traveling to Sioux Falls, a completely new leisure marketing strategy kicked off in February just in time for the Summit League Basketball Championships. The Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is a Midcontinent Sports Network Summit League sponsor for the first time, receiving television exposure across the region during the tournament as well as on Inside The Summit League. The television sponsorship will be enhanced with an online strategy that will seek to engage with the ever-expanding sports visitor through social media channels while showcasing Sioux Falls, The Summit League and participating universities.

RoadtoSiouxFalls.com will become known to every visitor coming to Sioux Falls for sports events throughout the year. Various promotions will roll out that are tailored to youth, amateur, collegiate or professional events. The #RoadToSiouxFalls hashtag will be utilized across social platforms to help generate awareness of Sioux Falls as a sports destination.

As each campaign develops there will be one constant: asking teams and fans for direct participation in the use of the #RoadToSiouxFalls hashtag. Showing behind the scenes photos and videos will help tie the teams together with their fan base leading up to, on the road to and during exciting sports events.

The first promotion for the Summit League Basketball Championships will end March 11, 2015, and include two avenues of participation. Universities will be asked to share their story on their #RoadToSiouxFalls for the Summit League Basketball Championships on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. At the start of the campaign the Sioux Falls CVB will gift a GoPro Camera to each school that confirms a willingness to share their story through their social networks with the inclusion of #RoadToSiouxFalls. Footage may include behind the scenes, practices, down time, games and celebrations. Participating schools will be allowed to keep the GoPro at the end of the campaign.

The second avenue of participation will target fans through a social media content strategy that includes non-paid and paid media efforts. Participating fans will be entered to win a GoPro by sharing photos and videos with #RoadToSiouxFalls. For every share of a photo or video on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter tagged with #RoadToSiouxFalls they will receive one entry. The winner will be randomly selected on March 13 and notified via social media.

Eligibility requirements will apply.

Photos with the hashtag will be re-shared by the Sioux Falls CVB social accounts as well as used on the website. Instagram shares will be approved and displayed on RoadToSiouxFalls.com.

AAA TRAVEL COUNSELORS LEARN ABOUT AIRPORT UPDATES

The Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau in partnership with the Sioux Falls Regional Airport Authority hosted AAA travel counselors from eastern South Dakota. The travel counselors had the opportunity to take a behind the scenes tour of the upcoming renovations to the Sioux Falls Regional Airport and heard an airline industry update from Sioux Falls Regional Airport Authority Executive Director Dan Letellier. The CVB would like to thank the AAA South Dakota offices for sending their clients to fly out of the Sioux Falls Regional Airport.

2015 SIOUX FALLS VISITORS GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE

The 2015-16 Sioux Falls Visitors Guide is now available at more than 200 locations throughout Sioux Falls. The guide, a publication of the Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), is also mailed to more than 25,000 individuals annually, given away at travel and trade shows and used to sell Sioux Falls in all of the bureau’s sales efforts.

Convention and Vis x Falls itors Siou Bureau • VisitSiouxFalls.com

The guide is the official publication for the visitor industry in Sioux Falls and includes listings for attractions, events, restaurants, shopping and accommodations. Due to travelers planning their vacations earlier than ever, the Visitors Guide was released in February rather than March.

If your business would like to distribute visitors guides, contact the Sioux Falls CVB at (605) 275-6060.

PATH INTERNATIONAL TO HOST REGIONAL ANNUAL MEETING IN SIOUX FALLS

The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International will have their annual meeting for Region 6 in Sioux Falls March 13-15. They anticipate bringing 100 members to Sioux Falls for the first time.

The group is coming to Sioux Falls through Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau initiated measures. The group was attracted to Sioux Falls because of the local HorsePower program, formerly known as Handi-Riders. This program reflects the association’s mission by offering horseback riding opportunities to people with special needs.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 43

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Ribbon Cuttings

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

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

birdseye productions

birdseyepro.net birdseye productions’ passion is to preserve your memories by sharing your story. L to R: Bill Rezac, Alysha Rose, Amy O’Connor Hoback, Justin Quigley (owner), Tim Sturdevant, Lynda Billars, Aaron Clayton and Dwight Kuyper.

Destiny Family Medical Clinic

1417 S. MINNESOTA AVE. destinyclinic.com Destiny Family Medical Clinic is in its new location and is celebrating their 10th year of providing healthcare to Sioux Falls and the surrounding community. L to R: Matt Gassen, Corey Weide, Mark Luke, Stefanie Engebretson, Brian Kidman (director), Hayley Hento, Dean Karsky and Judy Van Engen.

EmbroidMe

5017 S. LOUISE AVE. embroidme-siouxfalls.com Let EmbroidMe show you how to brand your company — EmbroidMe can put your logo on anything from business cards to car wraps. L to R: Nicole Nesson, Nancy Weber-Sweere, Tim Sturdevant, Vicki Bauer (co-owner), Scott Bauer, Corey Weide, Marcy Versteeg and Melissa Burk.

Interstates Control Systems

4701 W. RESEARCH DR. interstates.com Interstates Control Systems provides industrial control systems, business analytics and manufacturing IT services to value added agricultural industries and processing facilities across the U.S. L to R: Jered Schock, Jim Vortherms, Corey Weide, Larry Ayres, Scott Peterson, Brenda Ebbinga, Jack Woelber (president), Gary Gaspar, Larry Den Herder and Marty Van Der Sloot. chambernews.com | Chamber News 45

RIBBON CUTTINGS Mitogenetics, LLC

2329 N. CAREER AVE. #316 mitogenetics.com Mitogenetics, LLC is a research and development company committed to advancing scientific technology to restore and preserve healthier lives. L to R: Brian Minish, Dan Johnson, Stacy Wrightsman, Corey Weide, Marcia Hendrickson (CEO), Christie Aberson, Steve Sershen, Mayor Mike Huether, Lynda Billars and Nick Sershen.

Mrs. Clean

mrscleansiouxfalls.com Mrs. Clean is family owned and operated and offers residential and commercial cleaning services. L to R: Dan Doyle, Bobbi Thury, Nancy Weber-Sweere, Sarsan Ibrahim, Shukri Ibrahim (owner), Farsan Ibrahim, Nathan Stallinga, Ali Ibrahim and David Johnson.

NAMI Sioux Falls

nami.org NAMI Sioux Falls is a grassroots organization comprised of individuals and families impacted by mental illness and are excited to have their own office space. L to R: Paula Smykle, Mayor Mike Huether, Janel Cole, Corey Weide, Mary Beth Fishback (president), Wayne Arends, Phyllis Arends (executive director), Bobbi Thury, Lynda Billars, John Neth and Mary Thill.

Rabo AgriFinance

5020 S. BROADBAND LN., STE. 200 RaboAg.com Rabo AgriFinance is a leading provider in financial services for agricultural producers and agribusinesses in the U.S. L to R: Clay Whilhelm, Betsy Peterson, Ray O’Connor, Daren Anderson, Kyle Huinker, Corey Weide, Mike Huber (regional vice president), Tim Sturdevant, Jeff Barker, Mark Luke, Barb Hegerfeld and Eric Roskens.

Rausch Brothers Monument Company

2001 S. CLIFF AVE. Rausch Brothers Monument Company sells and manufactures cemetery memorials, specializing in unique memorial art, both modern and classic. L to R: David Johnson, Dan Johnson, Mary Munson, Nathan Stallinga, Michael F. Rausch (president), Chris Filsinger, Lynda Billars and Doug Frederick.

46 Chamber News | MARCH 2015

RIBBON CUTTINGS River Ridge Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Center

1700 S. SOUTHEASTERN AVE. riverridgeoralsurgery.com The surgeons and staff of the River Ridge Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Center are committed to serving their patients with the highest standard of care and celebrate 10 years of service to Sioux Falls and the surrounding communities. L to R: Beth Meyer, Julie Nelson, Liz Lloyd, Dr. Andrew Hille (president/surgeon), Corey Weide, Dr. Brent Henriksen (vice president/surgeon), Steve Van Buskirk, Aaron Clayton and Dr. Robert Hille.

Sioux Empire Farm Show siouxempirefarmshow.org

The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commercesponsored Sioux Empire Farm Show celebrated its 62nd year and is held annually at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds (Expo Building) to showcase livestock. L to R: Gina Beers, Jim Slater, Lyle Dabbert, Phil DeGroot (farm show chair), Cindy Christensen, Chris Filsinger, Bobbi Thury, Nathan Stallinga and Jo Beal.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 47

RIBBON CUTTINGS Midwest Shows, Inc./Farm Shows USA

farmshowsusa.com Midwest Shows, Inc./Farm Shows USA hosts the annual Sioux Falls Farm Show at the Sioux Falls Convention Center, Sioux Falls Arena, and now the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center to showcase farm machinery and more. L to R: Jason Riles, Sandy Case, Tim Sturdevant, Bobbi Thury, Nathan Stallinga, John Riles, Sr. (Midwest Shows), Penny Swank, Chris Filsinger, Lynda Billars, John Riles, Jr., Scott Guttormson and Ron Boormaster.

Spader’s RV Center

1601 E. ROBUR DR. spadersrv.com Spader’s RV Center has been a leading RV dealer in Sioux Falls since 1971 and is excited to add an additional six- bay service center. L to R: Roger Voeltz, Corey Weide, Jay Soukup, Tony Spader (general manager), Keith Severson, Aaron Neiman, Jeff Fitzler and Gordon Thompson.

Stone Group Architects

319 N. MAIN AVE. #2 stonegrouparchitects.com Stone Group Architects is a growing architectural firm with 40 years combined experience and is now located in downtown Sioux Falls. L to R: TJ Olson, Amy O’Connor Hoback, Kelly Evans, Anita Wetsch, Todd Stone (president/ ceo), Larry Ayres, Justin Halse, Matt Sage, Hope Store and Jack Dyvig.

The Market

196 E. 6TH ST., STE. 101 themarketsf.com The Market was created by and for lovers of small production artisan wine, liqueur, cheese, charcuterie and gourmet groceries. L to R: Brad and Lori Olson, Corey Weide, Deb Peterson, Lynda Billars, Laurel Lather, Betsy Homan, Doug Lather (president), Becky Stritecky, John Henkaus, Tom Stritecky and Franny Gergen.

Washington Pavilion

301 S. MAIN AVE. washingtonpavilion.org The Washington Pavilion recently completed construction of a new entrance and gift shop featuring handmade items by local artists. L to R: Claudia Dai, Christie Aberson, Corey Weide, Bernie DeWald, Ruth Christopherson, Sheila Agee, Stefanie Engebretson, Larry Toll (copresident), Kara Dirkson and Jim Mathis.

48 Chamber News | MARCH 2015

MEMBERSHIP

Member Anniversaries

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

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

Founding Members

40 YEARS

billionauto.com Member Since 1935

thefurnituremart.com

Billion Automotive

South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation state.sd.us/dol Member Since 1936

Furniture Mart, USA Hy-Vee, Inc./Sycamore Avenue hy-vee.com

Sioux Falls Ford, Inc. siouxfallsford.com

65 YEARS

30 YEARS

af-rentall.com

gsdakotahorizons.org

Appliance & Furniture Rent All Auto Body Specialties absdelivers.com

Girl Scouts-Dakota Horizons

25 YEARS

South Dakota Multi-Housing Association sdmha.com

UBS Financial Services, Inc. ubs.com

50 Chamber News | MARCH 2015

20 YEARS

Comfort King Mattress Factory, Inc. comfortking.net

Eye Site By Howlin Vision eyesitesf.com

15 YEARS

Bethany Lutheran Home bethanylutheranhome.com

Hy-Vee, Inc./Marion Road hy-vee.com

Hy-Vee, Inc./E. 10th Street hy-vee.com

MEMBERSHIP 10 YEARS

CADD Engineering Supply repro360.com

Eberts Construction, Inc. ebertsconstruction.com

South Dakota State UniversityAthletic Department

Ferguson Enterprises, Inc. ferguson.com

Food Services of America fsafood.com

Helmsley Charitable Trust helmsleytrust.org

gojacks.com

Interstate All Battery Center

5 YEARS

Mark Luke Construction, LLC

Accord Commercial Real Estate, LLC theaccordteam.com

Carolan Rental & Fun Company carolanrental.com

Darwin Wolf, Sculptor wolfbronze.com

Family Treats Homemade Ice Cream Feisty Fighters feistyfighter.org

interstatebatteries.com markluke.com

Oh My Cupcakes! ohmycupcakes.com

Robert J. Rysavy, LLC Westra Atkins Land & Auction, LLC westraatkins.com

First-year members who reinvested during their January anniversary month: Brian Bonde-Advanced Certified Fundraising, LLC brianbonde.com

Computer Pros, Inc. sfcomputerpros.com

Dorothy & Krause Law Firm dorothykrause.com

Hegg Realtors-Joy Kortan hegg.com/joykortan

Hegg Realtors-Ryan Kortan hegg.com/ryankortan

Leading Edge Solutions of South Dakota leadingedgesolutionsofsouthdakota.com

Red Lobster Restaurant redlobster.com

chambernews.com | Chamber News 51

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.

Abilene Machine

Lynchpin Communication Group

State Farm Insurance-Ty Teveldal

Farm Equipment Colin Taylor, (605) 330-4020 1720 E. 63rd St. N., 57104 abilenemachine.com

Consultants Michael Lynch, (605) 630-4190 lynchpincommgroup.com

Insurance Ty Teveldal, (605) 339-2999 3928 S. Western Ave., 57105 teveldalinsurance.com

Americans for Prosperity Associate Member Chad Krier, (605) 370-2778 5032 S. Bur Oak Pl., Ste. 100, 57108 americansforprosperity.org/south-dakota

Eileen’s Colossal Cookies Bakery/Bakers Kristi Westra & Jody Sorenson, (605) 275-2014 2101 W. 41st St. #53, 57105

Great Plains Trust Company of South Dakota Financial Services Andy Holmes, (605) 271-5141 101 S. Reid St., Ste. 307, 57103 greatplainstrust.com

Harrisburg Chamber of Commerce Associate Member Alysia Simunek, (605) 743-2831 301 E. Willow St., Harrisburg 57032 chamberofharrisburgsd.com

Hydraullift Concrete Cleaning & Sealing Service Errica Lindquist, (605) 929-2933 2601 S. Minnesota Ave. #105, 57105 hydraullift.net

52 Chamber News | MARCH 2015

Northwestern Mutual Financial Network/ Theobald Financial Group-Connor Haken Affiliate-Insurance Connor Haken, (507) 360-2008 6900 S. Lyncrest Pl., 57108

Pizza Rev Restaurants Todd Schriever, (605) 361-5301 3901 W. 49th St. #103, 57106

Safe Clean Cleaning Service Zahra Wol, (605) 941-4610 220 S. Phillips Ave., 57104 safecleansd.com

Spacelingo IT Services Ian Dixon, (605) 496-9888 spacelingo.com

Triview Communications Inc. dba Quality Telecommunications Telecommunications Jessica Cleveland & Darcy Burner, (712) 943-1346 203 Sergeant Square Dr., Ste. A, Sergeant Bluff, IA 51054 triviewquality.com

U.S. Senator Mike Rounds Associate Member Mark Johnston, (605) 336-0486 320 N. Main #A, 57104 rounds.senate.gov

U.S. Navy Recruiting Station Sioux Falls Associate Member Chief Petty Officer Isabel Laurel, (605) 361-3214 5019 S. Louise Ave., Ste. 2, 57108 navy.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 Janet Eining Janet Eining has started several successful businesses in Sioux Falls, including the Original Pancake House, Beef O’Brady’s and Cellular Only. She is a graduate of Dakota Wesleyan University.

DESCRIBE SIOUX FALLS IN THREE WORDS: Great sports facilities.

WHAT ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW? “What Happy People Know: How the Science of Happiness Can Change Your Life for the Better,” by Dan Baker and Cameron Stauth.

The authors share a new way to look at unhappiness. They believe that people can teach themselves to be happy instead of remaining trapped in a vicious cycle of stress from work and family.

JANET EINING Cellular Only

WHAT IS THE BEST THING THE CHAMBER DOES FOR THE SIOUX FALLS AREA? Brings businesses together for success!

WHAT TECHNOLOGY TOOL OR APP COULD YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT? My iPhone 6 (from Cellular Only, of course).

WHEN YOU WERE A FRESHMAN IN HIGH SCHOOL, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? A horse rancher in Montana with my cousins.

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.

The Bakery, at 910 N. Main Ave., was home to a number of businesses including the L & A Bakery (pictured in the postcard at top). Later this spring it will be a gathering place for entrepreneurs and others; pictured are the exterior of the building and the interior space gutted.

Photo credits: Corey Gross

Cooking up creativity on N. Main Avenue Interest is heating up on a new use for an old building in downtown Sioux Falls. Later this spring The Bakery will open at 910 N. Main Ave. The site of the former L & A Baking Co. will now be home to “thinkers, doers and creators” as designed by FLUXXR, a marketing and business consulting company.

Clint Brown and Brian Rand of FLUXXR and the creators of The Bakery, envision a place where students, entrepreneurs, business leaders and creatives in the Sioux Falls community can gather for training, education, mentorship and promotion. Brown and Rand want to encourage and equip the entrepreneurial community to start, build and grow their businesses.

The building is next to Tower Park and has a view of Falls Park.

It is owned by Jeff and Sheila Hazard. For more information, visit thebakerysf.com

54 Chamber News | MARCH 2015

FORMER TENANTS OF THE L & A BAKING CO. BUILDING Product Delivery Co. Tornado Cleaner Products Co. Sioux Falls Millwork Co. C & W Sales Co. Dakota Bearing & Equipment Co. Sioux Distilled Water Co. Ven Sioux Distilled Water and Chemical Co. Betts Auto Accessories Medical Waste Transport