November 2015 Chamber News

Chamber News November 2015

Vol. 51, No. 2

A PUBLICATION OF THE SIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

IN THIS ISSUE COVER STORY

Forward Sioux Falls 2021 ...................................................... 26-30 FEATURES

DakotAbilities celebrates successful campaign. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 YPN’s Policy & A Pint touches on K-12 funding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 IN EVERY ISSUE:

Chamber News PUBLISHER

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce CHAMBER NEWS AD SALES

ARGUS LEADER MEDIA For advertising information, call: (605) 977-3943

CHAMBER NEWS LAYOUT/DESIGN JILL BLOM

Message from the Chair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Events Calendars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11 Economic Indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Faces & Places. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-25 Community Appeals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Business Advocacy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Headlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33-37 Convention & Visitors Bureau. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38-39 Chamber Partner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Mind Your Small Business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Business News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42-43 Ribbon Cuttings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45-49 Membership Anniversaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50-51 New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Five Questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 From the Archives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

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

ON THE COVER Pictures of occupations illustrate the emphasis on workforce in the upcoming Forward Sioux Falls 2021 program

@SFAreaChamber @SFAreaAdvocate Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Read online or find archived issues: issuu.com/siouxfallschamber

2015-16 SIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LEADERSHIP AND STAFF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIR PAUL BRUFLAT CNA Surety CHAIR-ELECT DAVE KAPASKA, D.O. Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center VICE CHAIR STEVE VAN BUSKIRK Van Buskirk Companies TREASURER JOHN HENKHAUS The Everist Company IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR DANA DYKHOUSE First PREMIER Bank PRESIDENT/CEO EVAN NOLTE Chamber of Commerce BOARD OF DIRECTORS WENDY BERGAN JDS Industries RANDY BURY Sanford Health JULIE DARRINGTON CenturyLink GARY GASPAR Interstate Office Products MIKE HAUCK Accord Commercial Real Estate, LLC JAY HUIZENGA KELO-TV DEAN KARSKY Farmers Insurance Group/Karsky Agency MARK MICKELSON Mickelson & Co. BETTY OLDENKAMP Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota ALEX RAMIREZ USA Media TV TIM STURDEVANT Sturdevant’s Auto Parts ROB TEKOLSTE Sammons Financial Group/Midland National Life Insurance Co. BOBBI THURY Cutler Law Firm CARL WYNJA U.S. Bank

EX-OFFICIO KENT ALBERTY Sioux Falls School Board CINDY HEIBERGER Minnehaha County Commission MAYOR MIKE HUETHER City of Sioux Falls DR. BRIAN MAHER Superintendent, Sioux Falls Public School System 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 ANNA ELIASON CVB Sales 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

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 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 TERESA SCHREIER Public Affairs & Communications Assistant 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 3

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Collaboration is key to Sioux Falls area’s success It is appropriate in the month of Thanksgiving that I’ve been reflecting about all of the wonderful people and businesses we have in our community.

This was proved to me time and time again in the last few weeks as we started our new Chamber year.

PAUL BRUFLAT 2015-16 Chair of the Board

... the collaboration and collegiality we share in Sioux Falls is not necessarily common in other communities.

A few months ago, our Chamber was contacted by Chamber leaders from St. Joseph, Mo., about holding a community leaders exchange. In late October, we hosted nearly two dozen members of their community, including Chamber and government leaders. Through a variety of presentations and networking, we talked about common challenges and shared opportunities.

This is not the first time we’ve welcomed another community to Sioux Falls for an exchange such as this. I think I speak for all involved of how proud we can be of our community and all we’ve accomplished, including our ability to tell the Sioux Falls story in such a way that other communities are taking notice and want to hear more. So often with these community exchanges, we learn that the collaboration and collegiality we share in Sioux Falls is not necessarily common in other communities. We are fortunate that our Chamber members and our community leaders understand that progress is everyone’s business — and that we’re more effective when we’re all on the same team.

Perhaps the best example of our community’s successful collaboration is Forward Sioux Falls. This joint venture between the Chamber and the Sioux Falls Development Foundation has brought together the public and private sectors for nearly three decades to enhance economic development efforts.

The FSF track record is impressive and the 2021 program lays the groundwork for many successes over the next five years while also developing new initiatives that will pay dividends in the decades ahead.

Forward Sioux Falls brings together competitors who come together to solve community challenges, such as our need to develop, recruit and retain more high-skilled workers as we continue to create jobs. We can all be grateful for the investments made in the last three decades, which have enhanced our economy and improved our quality of life. I encourage all Sioux Falls area businesses to learn more about the 2021 program and consider investing in our region’s future.

For me, the start of the new Chamber year with our 109th Annual Meeting set the tone for the coming year. Have you shared your membership “story” with a prospective member? It was a wonderful evening filled with networking and outstanding entertainment from The Second City. Thank you to all who joined us!

chambernews.com | Chamber News 5

CALENDARS

CHAMBER

VETERANS DAY WEDNESDAY, NOV. 11

Events Calendar

10:30 a.m.

Lincoln High School, 2900 S. Cliff Ave. DETAILS: Help honor all who have served at the annual Veterans Day

program, sponsored in part by the Chamber’s Military & Veterans Affairs Committee

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.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: vwillson@siouxfalls.com or

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

DETAILS: The Chamber Ambassadors and their associates will be con-

FEATURED EVENTS

FOR MORE INFORMATION: afarr@siouxfalls.com or

& HOLIDAY FAIR

FALL MEMBERSHIP DRIVE THROUGH NOV. 13 tacting potential Chamber members during the annual Fall Membership Drive.

(605) 373-2013

NOVEMBER MEMBERSHIP

MIXER

(605) 373-2010

YPN POLICY & A PINT MONDAY, NOV. 16 Sponsored by

TUESDAY, NOV. 24

4:30-7 p.m.

Best Western PLUS Ramkota Hotel, Exhibit Hall 3200 W. Maple St. The November Mixer also includes the Holiday Fair, featuring Chamber members displaying their holiday gift ideas.

Booths for the Holiday Fair are sold out!

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

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

5:30-7 p.m.

Prairie Berry Eastbank, 322 E. 8th St. DETAILS: This installment of the YPN’s Policy & A Pint series will

focus on the progress and recommendations of the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on K-12 education and will feature Task Force Cochair Sen. Deb Soholt and Task Force Member and Sioux Falls Schools Superintendent Dr. Brian Maher. It will be a moderated discussion led

by Eric Erickson, Cutler Law Firm, and the audience will be invited to ask questions.

The Blue Ribbon Task Force has been hard at work since last spring and held its final meeting on Oct. 29. Soon, a report will be forwarded to the Governor with recommendations for legislative action. This is sure to be the most heavily debated issue in the 2016 session and YPN and Chamber members will have a chance to hear firsthand how the issue will unfold.

COST: Free to attend, complimentary hors d’ouevres and cash bar RSVP: tschreier@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2050

WINTER WONDERLAND KICK-OFF FRIDAY, NOV. 20

2015 VETERANS DAY

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 11 • 10:30 A.M. LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL, 2900 S. CLIFF AVE. Among the great days of national remembrance, perhaps none is more deeply moving to Americans than Veterans Day. On Wednesday, Nov. 11, the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and local veterans organizations will co-sponsor a veterans program at Lincoln High School.

The morning event features a mass colors presentation of flags from various military, veterans and service/civic club organizations in Sioux Falls, along with a performance by the Singing Legionnaires of American Legion Post 15 and a keynote address.

6 p.m.

Falls Park DETAILS: Join the Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau for an

evening of fun to kick off the holiday season. Activities include visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, live reindeer plus cookies and hot chocolate.

Winter Wonderland at Falls Park “lights up” nightly through Jan. 10, 2016 starting at 5 p.m.

COST: FREE FOR MORE INFORMATION: sfcvb@siouxfalls.com or (605) 274-6060

NOVEMBER MEMBERSHIP MIXER TUESDAY, NOV. 24

4:30-7 p.m.

Best Western PLUS Ramkota Exhibit Hall, 3200 W. Maple St. DETAILS: Sponsored by Midcontinent Communications

The November Mixer also includes the Holiday Fair, featuring Chamber members displaying their holiday gift ideas. Booths for the Holiday Fair are sold out!

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

chambernews.com | Chamber News 7

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

Young Professionals Network

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

OUR SIOUX FALLS: THE NEXT BIG THING MONDAY, NOV. 9

Noon-1 p.m.

Chamber of Commerce, 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200 DETAILS: Robert E. Wright is the Nef Family

Chair of Political Economy at Augustana University and the author of 17 books, including the most recent: “Little Business on the Prairie: Entrepreneurship, Prosperity, and Challenge in South Dakota,” which Augustana’s Center for Western Studies published in April 2015.In this talk, “The Next Big Thing,” Wright mines the history of entrepreneurship in South Dakota in hopes of identifying the next major area of innovation in a state once nicknamed the Land of Infinite Variety.

COST: Free to attend, bring your own lunch.

Connect WITH THE

YPN

Sioux Falls Young Professionals Network .com/siouxfallsypn @siouxfallsypn

POLICY & A PINT: K-12 EDUCATION FUNDING MONDAY, NOV. 16

5:30-7 p.m.

Prairie Berry East Bank, 322 E. 8th St. DETAILS: This installment of the Policy & A

Pint series will focus on the progress and recommendations of the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on K-12 education and will feature Task Force Co-chair Sen. Deb Soholt and Task Force Member and Sioux Falls Schools Superintendent Dr. Brian Maher. It will be a moderated discussion led by Eric Erickson, Cutler Law Firm, and the audience will be invited to ask questions.

The Blue Ribbon Task Force has been hard at work since last spring and held its final meeting on Oct. 29. Soon, a report will be forwarded to the Governor with recommendations for legislative action. This is sure to be the most heavily debated issue in the 2016 session and YPN and Chamber members will have a chance to hear firsthand how the issue will unfold.

COST: Free to attend with complimentary hors d’ouevres, drinks on your own.

YPN OFF THE CLOCK/ NEW MEMBER EVENT THURSDAY, NOV. 19

4-7 p.m.

The First National Bank in Sioux Falls, 100 S. Phillips Ave .

COST: Free to attend, and food/beverages sponsored by The First National Bank in Sioux Falls

THE KRINGLE THURSDAY, DEC. 3

7-10 p.m.

The Country Club of Sioux Falls, 3400 W. 22nd St. DETAILS: Celebrate the holiday season at The

Kringle! All are invited to this annual holiday event, which features live music, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Open to all.

COST: $18 per ticket, or $30 for two tickets.

Find us on social media or visit siouxfallsypn.com

chambernews.com | Chamber News 9

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

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

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

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

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

10 Chamber News | NOVEMBER 2015

6

Free First Friday

6

Rosanne Cash

6-8

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap

7

Barbershop Singing Show

7

Sioux Falls Craft Beer Expo

7 TobyMac 8

Augustana University Band & Community Band

8

Christopher Titus

10

Augustana Opera Theatre Performance

10

Machine Head

11

Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers with Birdcloud

11

Veterans Day

12-15

DAPA Presents: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella

13-15

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap

14

Augustana Band Festival: the Grand Finale Concert

15

High Plains Woodwinds: Fall Concert

18

Parmalee with Maiden Dixie

20

John Nemeth

20

Winter Wonderland Kick-Off

21

South Dakota Symphony: Berlioz’s Harold in Italy

21-22

Trains at Christmas

10

The Augustana Bands Holiday Concert

26-30

Christmas at the Western Mall

12

“Christmas is Here” with Jill Miller

27

Mason Jennings

13

Christmas with Amy Grant & Michael W. Smith

27

Parade of Lights

17-20

Christmas at the Cathedral

28

Holiday Gift-Tacular

19

Holiday Jam with the Heggs

28

The Oak Ridge Boys Christmas Night Out

19

South Dakota Symphony: Handel’s Messiah

29

Lorie Line Christmas in the City

JANUARY DECEMBER

1

Christmas at the Western Mall

1-31

Winter Wonderland

1-10

Winter Wonderland

1-31

Christmas at the Western Mall

14-17 Rent

3

Craig Campbell with Smithfield

20-23 Pippin

4

Free First Friday

20-24 Rent

4-5

Tonic Sol-fa Holiday Concert

22

Jennifer Keith Quintet

5

Breakfast with Santa

22-23

Monster Jam

6

Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience Holiday Concert

26-30

Sioux Empire Farm Show

7

Motley Crue Final Tour

27-31 Rent

7-10

Holiday Volunteer Sioux Falls

29

8

South Dakota Acoustic Christmas with Jami Lynn

9

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker

Mayor’s Round-Up & Sale of Champions

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-SEPTEMBER 2015 2013

AUGUST 2015

6,175 PERMITS 11,423 PERMITS

2014 2015

10,317 PERMITS Fargo 2.2%

Source: City of Sioux Falls

City of Sioux Falls Total Construction Value JANUARY-SEPTEMBER 2015

Rapid City 3.1%

Rochester 2.9%

Sioux Falls 2.5%

Total Construction Value New Non-Residential Construction Value

Minneapolis/ St. Paul 3.3%

Des Moines 3.1%

Omaha Lincoln 3.0% 2.3%

$550 $500 $450

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

$400 $350

Agriculture Trends

$300 $250

AUGUST 2015 $546.0 million $189.3 million

$200 $150

SOYBEANS (PER BUSHEL) U.S.

$15

$502.1 million $142.8 million

$14

$100

$454.5 million $52.3 million

(IN MILLIONS)

$50

$16

SOUTH DAKOTA

$13

$12.40

$12 2013

2014

2015

Source: City of Sioux Falls

$11.80

$11 $9.96

$10

$9.71

$9.32

$9

$9.12

$8

CORN

(PER BUSHEL) U.S.

$7

Sioux Falls Region Housing Overview SEPTEMBER 2015

New Listings: 524 Days on the Market Until Sale: 85 Median Sales Price: $170,750 Inventory of Homes for Sale: 1,538 Source: RASE (Realtor Association of the Sioux Empire)

$6

SOUTH DAKOTA

$5 $3.80

$4

$3.63

$3

$3.13

$2

2014

August

$3.68 $3.53

$3.38

July August

2015

2015

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

chambernews.com | Chamber News 13

FACES & PLACES

Faces & Places

DAREN ANDERSON Big D Technology Solutions, Inc.

CINDI JOHNSON Spectrum Marketing Services

JACK DYVIG

Sioux Falls Morning Optimists Club

DERRICK KARSKY

Farmers Insurance Group/ Karsky Agency

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.

DAVID JOHNSON DAKOTACARE

TERESA SCHREIER Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

Recognition of Chamber Volunteers The Ambassador Team of the Year was Team Weide: Corey Weide, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management-Corey Weide, Adam Cooper, Dacotah Bank; Dave Stadheim, ReCom, Inc.; and Lyle Dabbert, Brown & Saenger. The Ambassador of the Year was Nathan Stallinga, DakotAbilities.

Daren Anderson, Big D Technology Solutions, Inc., was named Diplomat of the Year for 2014-15. The following Diplomats served as Team Captains during the 201415 Chamber year: Daren Anderson, Big D Technology Solutions, Inc.; Janel Cole, Cole Notary, LLC; Carrie Dragt, Midcontinent Communications; Stefanie Engebretson, Home Federal Bank; Sheila Hoff, Keller

Williams Realty; Marshall Selberg, Lloyd Residential Group KW; Angie Wahl, All-Star Travel; and Stacy Wrightsman, Sanford Health.

Daren Anderson, Big D Technology Solutions, Inc., was awarded Diplomat of the Month honors for September. Second place honors went to Jack Dyvig, Sioux Falls Morning Optimist Club, and third place honors went to David Johnson, DAKOTACARE. Cindi Johnson, Spectrum Marketing Services, was the recipient of the Ribbon Cutting Attendance award, and Derrick Karsky, Farmers Insurance Group/ Karsky Agency, won the Reinvestment Award.

The Diplomat Team of the Month for September was: Captain Daren Anderson, Big D Technology Solutions, Inc.; Duane Noerenberg, Anderson Group CPA; Angie Wahl, All-Star Travel; Dustin Brouwer, Sioux Falls Seminary; and Cindi Johnson, Spectrum Marketing Services.

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.

14 Chamber News | NOVEMBER 2015

FACES & PLACES

New Faces & Promotions Teresa Schreier is the Public Affairs & Communications Assistant for the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. Schreier is a graduate of University of Northern Iowa and previously worked at Active Data Systems.

Joel R. Rische joined Davenport Evans as an Associate Attorney. A Wessington Springs, S.D. native, Rische graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Law and is licensed in South Dakota. Rische works in the areas of complex and commercial litigation and insurance litigation.

Glen Turner joined Insight Marketing Design as an Account Executive. He has more than 15 years of executive marketing experience in both traditional and digital media. In addition, Turner has worked in the sector and has been a business owner. Sarah Swanson joined Insight Marketing Design as a Client Service Specialist. Swanson’s responsibilities include researching industry trends, gathering competitive information and analyzing data in order to determine marketing strategies.

Clinical psychologist Dr. Rebecca Watson-Miller, Ph.D. joined the LifeScape Rehabilitation Center. Watson-Miller provides individual and family outpatient therapy and support services to children, adolescents and adults. Dr. Kathryn Sigford, M.D. joined LifeScape, providing rehabilitative medical care for children and adults through outpatient and residential programs. Sigford is a physiatrist, as well as a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Prior to joining LifeScape, Sigford completed her Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Fellowship through the University of Minnesota, at Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare in the Twin Cities.

Dan Craig is the new head coach of the Sioux Falls Skyforce. He becomes the 18th head coach in franchise history and has been a part of the Miami HEAT organization for the past 12 years. Octavio De La Grana and Corey Belser are the new assistant coaches.

Justin Van Kooten will return as Director of Basketball Operations.

StarMark Cabinetry has several new staff additions and promotions. Seth Shryock is a Production Supervisor. Shyrock is a graduate of Iowa Lakes Community College. Gene Jensen is a Buyer/Planner. Jensen was previously with Raven Industries. He has extensive experience in purchasing, production management and production engineering. Jensen earned an MBA from University of South Dakota. Larry Wilson is a Production Supervisor. Previously, Wilson was with Sencore Inc. He has a degree in Electronics Engineering Technology from South Dakota State University and more than 20 years of manufacturing experience.

Dustin Christianson is a Staff Accountant.

Christianson was previously with Great Western Bank and Orion Food Systems, LLC. He has more than nine years of accounting experience and earned an MBA from Southwest Minnesota State University. Paula VanEmmerik was promoted to Senior Buyer.

She has been with StarMark Cabinetry for 11 years. Dennis Henson was promoted to Controller. Henson joined StarMark Cabinetry a year ago as Financial/Cost Analyst.

Chad Campbell was promoted to Assistant Supervisor in the Production Department. He has been with StarMark Cabinetry for more than 20 years in several leadership roles.

Marla Meyer is the new Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts-Dakota Horizons. She succeeds Dr. Cynder Sinclair who has served as Interim CEO since April. Meyer has more than 15 years experience at the forefront of sales, marketing and service leadership across the U.S. and Canada. Meyer holds an MBA in Marketing from the Craig School of Business at California State University and a bachelor’s of science Degree in Marketing and Management from Minnesota State University. Most recently Meyer was a Strategic Management Consultant with Sumption & Wyland. In the previous 15 years she held various executive leadership positions with Sears Holding Corporation and PepsiCo/Pepsi Beverages Company.

Furniture Mart USA hired several new staff members. Ben Pausma is a Programmer/ Analyst. Pausma received his bachelor’s of science degree in Computer Science and Mathematics from Trinity Christian College in Illinois. Some of his accomplishments include creating two games for Android devices as well as being the co-author of a publication which compares the performance of EPICS user interfaces. Erald Gjoni is the Senior Software Engineer. Gjoni studied Computer Science at Augustana College. He was previously employed by Omnitech Inc. and has extensive client-facing experience in web development and a background in data administration.

Kayla Sifferath is the as Associate Marketing Manager. Sifferath most recently worked as an Account Executive at TallGrass Public Relations. She has a background in corporate marketing and experience with clients across industries including Marketing Technology, SaaS, high-tech, fuel and biomedical industries.

MSH Architects, Inc. hired several new staff members. Diane Steinbronn is a Project Architect. Steinbronn brings 13 years of architectural experience plus eight years of teaching to MSH. She is NCARB certified, a licensed architect in South Dakota, Illinois, and Idaho, and is a LEED accredited professional. Steinbronn received her master’s of architecture degree from the University of Idaho and her bachelor’s of arts degree from Augustana College. Heather Mergen is an Interior Designer/Drafter. Mergen has more than 15 years of project management experience. Mergen has a bachelor’s of science degree in Interior Design from South Dakota State University and an A.A.S. degree in Architectural Engineering Technology from Southeast Technical Institute. Allison Dvorak was promoted to Project Architect. Dvorak completed her professional internship, passed the required seven final exams, and is now a Licensed Architect.

Credit Collections Bureau promoted Tonya Pearl to Collection Advisor.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 15

FACES & PLACES

Honors & Awards At the 2015 EC-Council Global Awards, EC-Council recognized 5Point Enterprises (5PE), ownership group for 20 New Horizons Computer Learning Centers locations, including Sioux Falls, as a Circle of Excellence award winner.

U.S. Bank employees earning the company’s top quarterly Pinnacle awards are: Jim Sage and Dan Freese, Senior U.S. Bancorp Financial Advisors at Main Branch (8th Street and Main Avenue); and David O’Hara and Tom Schroeder, Ag Relationship Managers, at the North Branch, N. Minnesota Avenue.

The Sioux Falls VA Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) was recognized during the National VCS Conference with four awards for fiscal year 2014: Highest Net Operating Income Percentage at an Integrated Food Site; Highest 10 Perrcent of Director’s Survey Scores in the Nation; Highest 10 Percent of Overall Customer Services Score in the Nation; and, Canteen of the Year (one of 14 canteens in the country) for exceeding customer service expectations, outstanding operating results, and for meeting or exceeding standards for year-end inventory management.

Elizabeth (Betsy) Geiver, Chief, Human Resources Management Service for the Sioux Falls VA Health Care System, was awarded the South Dakota Healthcare Human Resources Association Leadership Award during the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations.

Melissa Carrier-Damon, LifeScape, is now licensed as a Board Certified Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (BCSS). A BCS-S specialist provides appropriate evidence-based treatment techniques to address the swallowing problems of each individual, based upon the comprehensive swallowing assessment. Carrier-Damon is the first SpeechLanguage Pathologist in South Dakota to become a BCS-S. Marco was recognized by Great Place to Work and Fortune as one of the 100 Best Workplaces for Women. The recognition is based on women’s own assessments of the quality and fairness of the workplace; Marco was ranked No. 79. Marco was named by Great Place to Work as one of the best small and medium workplaces in the U.S. on their annual

16 Chamber News | NOVEMBER 2015

2015 Best Small & Medium Workplaces list, published in Fortune magazine. Ranked No. 14, this is the second consecutive year Marco has received this honor.

Agatha K. Johnson of Prosperity Wealth Management, LLC was accepted for membership in the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA). Membership and the designation are available only to financial advisors who meet NAPFA’ stringent membership qualifications.

The Enterprise Institute awarded the 2015 Spirit of Enterprise Award to Rich Naser, president of the South Dakota Technology Business Center, at the annual Innovation Expo in Sioux Falls. The Spirit of Enterprise is an award given annually by the Enterprise Institute to an individual in recognition of personal commitment, dedication and achievement in entrepreneurship. These individuals are directly responsible for helping shape the entrepreneurial culture of our state. The award is sponsored and presented by the McGowan Capital Group. Naser serves as president of the South Dakota Technology Business Center, a business incubator launched by Forward Sioux Falls in 2004, and the USD Discovery District in Sioux Falls. The Center and its staff serve as the resource for innovators and entrepreneurs launching, growing or expanding successful technology-based businesses in Sioux Falls.

Naser also directs the Forward Sioux Falls Research, Technology and Entrepreneurship initiatives which focus on developing the human capital, early-stage funding and research infrastructure necessary to support high growth businesses, entrepreneurs and innovators.

Credit Collections Bureau named Megan Wehrkamp as Client Services Representative of the Month for September.

The South Dakota Community Foundation selected four Sioux Falls nonprofits to receive South Dakota Fund Grants in its latest round of grant awards. The selected organizations include South Dakota STARBASE, Friends of Levitt Shell Sioux Falls, the Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum & East Sioux Falls Historic Site and Special Olympics South Dakota. South Dakota Fund Grants meet needs in the areas of economic development, human services, health, education and cultural programs across the state.

The Hilton Garden Inn-South of Sioux Falls was designated as a South Dakota’s Visitor Industry Great Service Star business for 2016.

The Great Service Star Program is designed to identify and recognize businesses that develop and complete hospitality training programs for their staff, recognize and reward employees for offering great service, and find unique ways to show customer appreciation.

The SESHRM Chapter #217 (Sioux Empire Society for Human Resource Management) annually recognizes local businesses with their Workplace Excellence Awards, which acknowledges companies that have made significant strides in employee practices to establish a highly-desirable work environment and to recognize them for their leadership, culture and best practices. These companies are family-friendly with a dedicated workforce consistently portraying a strong culture of empowerment and growth. The recipient of the small company category (100 or less employees) was Howalt McDowell Insurance; the recipient of the medium company category (101-500 employees) was Carsforsale.com; the recipient of the large company category (more than 500 employees) was Avera McKennan.

The winners of the 2015 SculptureWalk exhibition were announced. Winning the People’s Choice was Sundays with Jessie by New York artist, Susan Geissler. The People’s Choice award is determined by public vote, both online and on the ballots distributed throughout the year. Ballots this year were submitted by visitors from 44 states and three countries. Sundays with Jessie will be purchased by the city and become a part of Sioux Falls’ permanent collection. Runners up were Brenna

by Canadian artist Donna Jean Mayne and Gotta Practice First by Sioux Falls artists Lee Leuning and Sherri Treeby. Winning the overall Best of Show award was Book Peddlers by Utah artist Jack Morford. The Best of Show awards are selected by a jury of art experts. The Best of Show Bronze award went to Arizona sculptor Robert Brubaker for his work titled No Room for Doubt. In the Best of Show-Other Materials there was a tie with honors going to California artist Osamede Obazee and his work titled The Big Easy and South Dakota Artist Laureate Dale Lamphere and his work Graystone Grasses.

FACES & PLACES

Leadership The South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and Industry elected new leaders to serve on the Board of Directors. Steve Kirby, Bluestem Capital Co., Sioux Falls, is the Chair of the Board. Chris Lien, Outdoor MotorSports, Spearfish, is the Immediate Past Chair. The Board of Directors is designed to be representative of the diverse membership base and

population centers of the state. Board members are elected for three-year terms and are allowed to serve two consecutive terms. Members include: Tim Boyle, Boyle Co., Dakota Dunes, owner of Wendy’s Restaurants, Sioux Falls; Dana Dykhouse, First PREMIER Bank, Sioux Falls; Dusty Johnson, Vantage Point Solutions, Mitchell; Brent Phillips, Regional

Good Deeds

Mergers

Sammons Financial Group contributed $17,500 to the Sioux Falls School District Education Foundation. The money will help fund an organization program that awards competitively earned grants to teachers for innovative educational projects. The Education Foundation also helps first-time teachers buy classroom supplies. Sammons Financial is a business in Sioux Falls that includes Midland Financial Life Insurance Company.

44 Interactive merged with Social Bug, LLC and added Social Bug’s founder, Tina Beal, to the team.

Health Center, Rapid City; Robb Peterson, Glacial Lakes Rubber & Plastics, LLC, Watertown; Brian Sandvig, Valley Queen Cheese, Milbank; and Venky Venkatachalam, Ph.D., Dean Beacom School of Business, University of South Dakota, Vermillion.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 17

FACES & PLACES

Be Seen 1 The Ambassador Team of the Year was Team

1

2

3

4 18 Chamber News | NOVEMBER 2015

Weide; pictured from L to R: 2014-15 Ambassador Chair Corey Weide, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management; Adam Cooper, Dacotah Bank; Immediate Past Chair of the Board Keith Severson, Eide Bailly LLP; Dave Stadheim, RECOM, Inc.; Lyle Dabbert, Brown & Saenger; and Chamber President/CEO Evan Nolte.

2 Nathan Stallinga, DakotAbilities, was honored as the Ambassador of the Year; pictured from L to R: 2014-15 Ambassador Chair Corey Weide, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management; Ambassador of the Year Nathan Stallinga, DakotAbilities; Immediate Past Chair of the Board Keith Severson, Eide Bailly LLP; and Chamber President/CEO Evan Nolte. 3 Daren Anderson, Big D Technology Solutions, Inc., was recognized as the 2014-15 Diplomat of the Year for his outstanding service to the Chamber; pictured from L to R: Chamber President/CEO Evan Nolte; Daren Anderson, Big D Technology Solutions, Inc.; and 2014-15 Diplomat Chair David Johnson, DAKOTACARE. 4 Special thanks were extended to the Diplomats who served as Team Captains during the 2014-15 Chamber year, from L to R: Daren Anderson, Big D Technology Solutions, Inc.; Carrie Dragt, Midcontinent Communications; Stefanie Engebretson, Home Federal Bank; Sheila Hoff, Keller Williams Realty; Angie Wahl, All-Star Travel; Janel Cole, Cole Notary, LLC; Stacy Wrightsman, Sanford Health; and Marshall Selberg, Lloyd Residential Group KW.

FACES & PLACES

5 Mayor Mike Huether addresses YPN members at a tour at Bell, Incorporated.

He also read a proclamation celebrating South Dakota Manufacturing Week, which is held each year nationally. This was one of three tours scheduled during the week for YPN members to learn more about the manufacturing industry in the Sioux Falls area. Tours were also conducted at Graco, Inc. and Marmen Energy.

5

chambernews.com | Chamber News 19

FACES & PLACES

9 8

8 The 30th class of the Chamber’s Leadership Sioux Falls program kicked off in October. The first class featured a discussion about the history of Sioux Falls. 9 Members of the Chamber’s Business Leadership Council toured Glanbia Nutritionals, a grain-processing facility.

10, 11 The Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau, along with several other vendors, welcomed hunters at the Sioux Falls Regional Airport on the opening weekend of the pheasant hunting season.

10

11 20 Chamber News | NOVEMBER 2015

FACES & PLACES

12 Members of the 2015-16 Young Profes-

12

sionals Network Steering Committee include: Christie Aberson, Great Western Bank; Sadie Bell, U.S. Bank; Aaron Clayton, Eide Bailly LLP; Marty DesLauriers, UBS Financial Services; Dan Doyle, Cutler Law Firm; Nick Engbers, Lloyd Companies; Lucas Fiegen, Fiegen Construction Co.; Chris Filsinger, CorTrust Bank; Lexie Frankman, Midcontinent Communications; Maggie Groteluschen, The First National Bank in Sioux Falls; Betsy Homan, The Helpline Center; Carrie Johnson, SDN Communications; Brittany Kelley, MetaBank; John Kramer, Northwestern Mutual; Reggie Kuipers, Bender Commercial Real Estate, Tabatha Lemke, Sanford Research; Larry Luetke, Keller Williams Realty; Dan Menke, Pride Neon, Inc.; Joe Millar, Sioux Falls Sports Authority; John Neth, Avera Health; Matt Sage, KELOLAND TV; Jered Schock, Cisco Systems, Inc.; Erin Schoenbeck, Catholic Community Foundation; and Amber Schwiesow, Midcontinent Communications.

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14 13 Prairie Berry Eastbank offers a wine/beer pairing course and YPN members learned the best ways to pair craft beers with their favorite foods. 14 YPN members prepared and served a meal at The Banquet.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 21

FACES & PLACES

15 17 15 2014-15 Chair of the Board Dana Dykhouse and retiring

16

18 Past Presidents, from L to R: Jim Schmidt, Lincoln County Commission and

Sioux Empire Housing Partnership; Dick Brown, South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks Department; Dana Dykhouse, First PREMIER Bank; Keith Severson, EideBailly LLP; and Dave Stadheim, RECOM. 19 Past Presidents, from L to R: Dean Buckneberg, EideBailly LLP; Bernie DeWald, McKinneyOlson; Dave Rozenboom, First PREMIER Bank; Dan Kirby, Kirby Financial, LLC; Dale Froehlich, Prairie Winds Capital, LLC; and Tom VanWyhe, Trane (retired).

18 22 Chamber News | NOVEMBER 2015

directors Anita Wetsch, Don Dunham, III Real Estate; Dan Rykhus, Raven Industries; Tyler Haahr, MetaBank; Immediate Past Chair Keith Severson, Eide Bailly LLP; 2015-16 Chair of the Board Paul Bruflat, CNA Surety; and Chamber President/CEO Evan Nolte. Not pictured: Ruth Christopherson, Citi. 16 The Dakota District Pipes & Drums escorted attendees from The Annual Mixer in the Sioux Falls Convention Center to the Annual Meeting program in the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center. 17 Lynda Billars, Team Billars & Associates KW, was the recipient of the 2015 Spirit of DeWald Award, which honors an individual for commitment to the community and Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. It is named for long-time Chamber volunteer Bernie DeWald, McKinneyOlson, who is pictured with Billars.

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FACES & PLACES

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20 An ice sculpture with #CHAMBER greeted attendees at The Annual Mixer, which was a networking event and walking dinner held in the Sioux Falls Convention Center before the program in the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center. 21 Comedy improv group The Second City entertained the crowd with a mixture of classic skits, off-thecuff improv and sketches written about Sioux Falls. Brian Rand, The Bakery, was called up on stage to participate in one of the skits. 22 The actors from Second City Works are pictured from L to R: Wendolynn Camacho, Shad Kunkle, Christy Bonstell, Scott Morehead and Ali Barthwell. 23 Annual Meeting Event Chair Kim Burma, Midcontinent Communications, opened up the meeting. 24 2015-16 Chair of the Board Paul Bruflat, CNA Surety, shared a message about progress and the importance of the Chamber before introducing The Second City.

23

24 chambernews.com | Chamber News 23

FACES & PLACES

26 25

25 Argus Leader Media hosted the October Membership Mixer.

Publisher Bill Albrecht addressed attendees and talked about the numerous publications and advertising options available through Argus Leader Media, including Chamber News. 26, 27 Argus Leader photographers took complimentary photos for attendees to use for social media profiles; the images could also be put on “fake” covers of the Sioux Falls Business Journal. 28 Dr. Paul Bunkers, Alternative Back Care Clinic, P.C., delivers a packet of Chamber materials to fellow Chamber member Stuart Norberg, Norberg Paints, Inc. Bunkers was one of nearly 300 volunteers who participated in the 25th Annual Operation Thank You, sponsored by the Chamber’s Diplomat Committee. Volunteers hand-delivered the 2015-16 Sioux Falls Community Guide, Chamber Annual Report, 2015-16 Membership Window Decal and a new sponsorship and advertising brochure. For more information about participating in future years, contact the Chamber: (605) 336-1620.

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28 chambernews.com | Chamber News 25

COVER STORY

Forward Sioux Falls is the successful joint venture economic development partnership between the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and Sioux Falls Development Foundation.

26 Chamber News | NOVEMBER 2015

COVER STORY

FORWARD SIOUX FALLS 2021

BY AMY SMOLIK Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

Tackling short-term and long-term workforce challenges, developing the state’s first mega-site development park and growing the region’s knowledge community are some of the newest initiatives in the seventh Forward Sioux Falls program. Community leaders hope to raise $15.5 million for the Forward Sioux Falls 2021 program. The campaign started Nov. 1.

Forward Sioux Falls is the proven and successful economic development partnership between the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and Sioux Falls Development Foundation. Since its inception in 1987, FSF has proven to be an effective stimulus for increasing business investment and diversification of the entire Sioux Falls area. Forward Sioux Falls programs are managed by the staff members of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and Sioux Falls Development Foundation and led by a Joint Venture Management Committee made up of members serving on the Executive Committees of the Chamber and Development Foundation and at-large members.

In nearly 30 years, more than $37 million has been raised in six campaigns to enhance economic development efforts in the Sioux Falls area. This new campaign builds on the successes from past FSF programs and introduces new efforts to help grow and diversify the Sioux Falls area economy.

Mayor Mike Huether, Dave Rozenboom, First PREMIER Bank, and Mark Shlanta, SDN Communications, are chairing the 2021 campaign with an additional 27 volunteers serving in key leadership positions. Through the end of March 2016, the campaign chairs, cabinet members and other division leaders are meeting with area businesses about investing in the seventh program.

National Community Development Services, Inc. (NCDS) worked with the Chamber and Development Foundation in proposing the new five-year program.

NCDS has assisted with fundraising for each of the previous Forward Sioux Falls campaigns. Earlier this summer, NCDS led a feasibility study to determine if investors felt another program was necessary. Those interviewed clearly

felt Forward Sioux Falls was the catalyst needed to push Sioux Falls forward and that addressing workforce should be the No. 1 priority.

Workforce attraction, retention and development is a major part of the 2021 program. However, because community leaders could see that workforce was a challenge, funds were redirected in the last 18-24 months to start addressing the issue. In January 2015, Forward Sioux Falls engaged national economic and workforce development consulting firm Market Street Services to conduct a workforce analysis. The Workforce Action Agenda was shared in the fall of 2015. The action steps that came out of the research have been integrated into the 2021 plan. Forward Sioux Falls will be a key player in implementing the workforce plan, which includes both short-term and long-term steps.

A number of other community organizations will also need to participate in order to make an impact, however.

A complete list of the research can be found at forwardsiouxfalls.com.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 27

COVER STORY

FSF 2021 CAMPAIGN CABINET Miles Beacom

PREMIER Bankcard

Paul Bruflat

Dave Kapaska, D.O.

Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center

CNA Surety 2015-16 Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Chair of the Board

Ruth Krystopolski

Cathy Clark

Lawrence & Schiller 2015 Sioux Falls Development Foundation Chair of the Board

Wells Fargo Bank

Stephanie Gongopoulos

The First National Bank in Sioux Falls

Paul Hanson Sanford Health

Stephanie Herseth Sandlin Raven Industries

PROGRAM COMPONENTS

Sioux Falls Regional Airport Authority

Workforce Attraction, Retention & Development

Scott Lawrence

Foundation Park USD Discovery District Entrepreneurship & Innovation

W. Tom Simmons

Midcontinent Communications

Business Recruitment, Retention & Expansion

Ken Stork

Business Advocacy & Quality of Place Enhancement

Citi

Steve Van Buskirk

Van Buskirk Companies

Air Service & International Trade

GOAL:

$15.5 MILLION

28 Chamber News | NOVEMBER 2015

COVER STORY

JOINT VENTURE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE 2015 Officers Chair Mark Shlanta, SDN Communications Vice Chair Scott Lawrence, Lawrence & Schiller

Workforce is not the only component of the 2021 program. Foundation Park is a transformational investment made by the Sioux Falls area that will pay dividends for decades. Earlier this summer, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation announced the formation of the state’s first mega industrial park. Its key location at the site of two interstates and rail is attractive to area businesses as well as a recruiting tool for new businesses.

The development of the USD Discovery District is another key program component. Located on the campus of University Center, the Discover District will bring together research, education and business and provide more entrepreneurial support.

Developing the district furthers the work in growing businesses that started more than 10 years ago with the creation of the South Dakota Technology Business Center, another Forward Sioux Falls success.

While specific components of the Forward Sioux Falls programs have changed over the years, investors continue to favor program initiatives that are aggressive in attracting new business, increasing job growth and enhancing the overall quality of life. Additional initiatives in the 2021 program address those areas, from business advocacy to quality of place enhancement to affordable housing to air service.

The Sioux Falls area has changed tremendously since the first Forward Sioux Falls program — more jobs,

expanding superior medical facilities, dozens of education opportunities and better shopping and cultural activities.

In the current program, Forward Sioux Falls 2011-2016, research from NCDS showed that nearly 8,500 jobs have been created: 3,977 direct new jobs, which led to 4,400 additional indirect and induced jobs. A total of 10,000 jobs are expected to have been created by the end of the 2011-2016 program, which concludes March 2016. As of 2015, five years of steady job growth returned $10.87 to the community in average corporate profits for every $1 invested in economic development, which will continue. NCDS also found that there was $1.6 billion in new annual output (local GDP), $464 million in new annual payroll income and $378 million in new annual consumer expenditures.

Forward Sioux Falls can’t take all of the credit for the region’s successes.

However, the program has been instrumental in bringing the right people together and creating the right environment to allow for growth and progress.

New leaders have been tapped to participate in the 2021 campaign. In addition, leaders are focusing on incorporating even more regional investors to give funds as well as share their employees. The financial investment is critical, but having people to help implement the work is also critical. A number of workgroups are being developed to oversee the workforce development efforts. Goals and measurable outcomes will be developed to ensure everyone is held accountable.

Secretary Dana Dykhouse, First PREMIER Bank Treasurer Dale Froehlich, Prairie Winds Capital, LLC

2015 Members Paul Bruflat, CNA Surety John Henkhaus, The Everist Company Dave Kapaska, D.O., Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center Dr. Charles “Pat” O’Brien, Sanford International Clinics Dave Rozenboom, First PREMIER Bank W. Tom Simmons, Midcontinent Communications Jim Soukup, Soukup Construction Steve Van Buskirk, Van Buskirk Companies

An update on the campaign will be shared at the Sioux Falls Development Foundation at their Nov. 19 Annual Meeting; see details about this event on page 34.

For more information about Forward Sioux Falls, contact Forward Sioux Falls Director of Investor Relations Carolyn Winchell at (605) 373-2008 or cwinchell@siouxfalls.com, or go to forwardsiouxfalls.com.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 29

HOUSING PARTNERSHIP

COVER STORY 1987-91

1988

Forward Sioux Falls Goal: $1.4 million • Raised: $1.9 million Campaign Chair: Lyle Schroeder

1989 1990

FORWARD SIOUX FALLS HIGHLIGHTS 1997 The Sioux Empire Housing Partnership was created to address affordable housing needs within the community, a key initiative in the community’s efforts to grow and expand the workforce.

1991

1992-96

1993

Forward Sioux Falls II Goal: $2 million • Raised: $2.2 million Campaign Chair: John Mulligan

1994

JANUARY 2004 After more than two years of planning, the South Dakota Technology Business Center opened its doors, providing services to help start-ups grow and graduate into the community.

1995

2010-11

1996

1997-2001

1998

Forward Sioux Falls III Goal: $3 million • Raised: $4.2 million Campaign Chair: Gary Olson

1999 2000 2001

2002-06

2003

Forward Sioux Falls IV Goal: $5.5 million • Raised: $6.4 million Campaign Chair: Tom Everist

2004

2006-11

2008

Forward Sioux Falls V Goal: $8.5 million • Raised: $10.5 million Campaign Co-chairs: Dana Dykhouse and Kelby Krabbenhoft

2009 2010

2013

The SDTBC partnered with USD in managing the developing research park located on the grounds of University Center. The 80-acre USD Discovery District shares a campus with the Graduate Education and Applied Research (GEAR) Center. The USD Discovery District will provide an environment where university research can be conducted and commercialized and a resource to help grow companies in South Dakota.

Forward Sioux Falls engaged national economic and workforce development consulting firm Market Street Services to conduct a workforce analysis. A task force made up of business and education leaders oversaw the process, which included online surveys, interviews and focus groups. The Workforce Action Agenda was shared in the fall of 2015. Market Street analyzed Sioux Falls talent requirements and market changes and compared the city to other regional communities. A complete list of the findings can be found at forwardsiouxfalls.com.

JUNE 2015 2011-16

2012

JULY 2013

JANUARY 2015

2005

2007

The Future Sioux Falls community strategic planning process helped shape the Forward Sioux Falls 2011-2016 program. It was chaired by Dana Dykhouse.

Forward Sioux Falls 2011-2016 Goal: $11.2 million • Raised: $12.2 million Campaign Co-chairs: Dana Dykhouse and Mark Shlanta

The Sioux Falls Development Foundation announced the creation of Foundation Park, the state’s first mega site that features 800 contiguous acres adjacent to rail and two interstates.

2014

FORWARD SIOUX FALLS 2021

2015

GOAL $15.5 MILLION

2016-21 •

2017 2018 2019 2020

2021 30 Chamber News | NOVEMBER 2015

•

Workforce Attraction, Retention & Development Foundation Park

• •

• •

USD Discovery District Entrepreneurship & Innovation

•

Business Retention & Expansion Business Advocacy & Quality of Life Enhancement Air Service & International Trade

COMMUNITY APPEALS SIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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

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

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

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

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

LEVITT AT THE FALLS NOV. 1, 2016-MARCH 31, 2017 $1.06 MILLION Create an outdoor concert venue in Sioux Falls, partnering with non-profit Levitt Pavilions

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

chambernews.com | Chamber News 31

BUSINESS ADVOCACY

K-12 Blue Ribbon Task Force completes work, next step is report to Governor The K-12 Blue Ribbon Task Force concluded its final meeting in Pierre Oct. 29. After six months of public input and meetings, a final report will be forwarded to the Governor for his consideration.

This was written a few hours after they concluded their work so the final report may differ slightly after it is edited by the members.

Let’s begin with the basics. The conclusion that teacher salaries need to be increased to ensure a quality pipeline of teachers for our students gained unanimous support. Other questions follow — how much of an increase; does our formula support or hinder the efforts; where will resources come from; and how do we ensure that new funds are used to for teacher salaries?

MARK LEE

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

... many other issues will be part of the recommendations and contribute to reaching the Task Forces’s goals.

South Dakota’s teacher salaries are about $40,000 per year and 51st in the country. The Task Force moved toward aligning salaries with relative level of funding for K-12 education, which would increase average salaries to about $48,000 per year. Teacher salaries vary from district to district; generally as district enrollments increase, so do salaries The goal of increasing the average by 20 percent was strongly supported.

The Task Force also agreed to reconsider the K-12 funding formula, which would be based on enrollment, with total enrollment divided by a target student-to-teacher ratio to determine total teaching staff. This will be multiplied by the target teacher salary and with benefits added, will determine the instructional staff budget. A standard factor, multiplied by the instructional staff budget, to fund the districts’ other staff and operating expenses will be used to determine the balance of the budget.

The target student-to-teacher ratio will be on a sliding scale with smaller schools having a lower target and larger schools a higher target. The Task Force debated the ranges, but did not settle on anything.

Increasing salaries on average by 20 percent statewide will require new resources into the general fund. The Task Force adopted a position that “at least” $75 million would be needed to achieve the goals. Depending on how variables impact the calculations, it could be more or less but is likely that it will be more with all factors considered. With respect to new revenues, a sales and use tax increase recommendation seems to be where this is heading. Some of the total may be addressed by other strategies or funding sources, but it appears that tax revenue will be needed to achieve the goal.

The Task Force discussed doing this all at once or phasing it in. No consensus was reached, but based on who was promoting which position, it’s likely that we will see a two- or three-year phasing.

Intermediate progress benchmarks would also be developed to ensure that new resources are being used to increase teacher salaries and not being appropriated for other purposes.

Mark Lee is the Public Affairs & Communications Director for the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. He also serves as the full-time lobbyist for the Chamber and Forward Sioux Falls during South Dakota’s legislative session.

Those are the major items, but many other issues will be part of the recommendations and contribute to achieving the Task Force’s goals. Changes to the capital outlay and pension mill levies may also be implemented to both simplify taxation and provide new flexibilities to school districts. Incentives for teacher mentoring and national certification will be considered. An emphasis on using technology and shared faculty was discussed. It is also likely we will see a reinstatement of fund balance caps with the possibility of penalties if caps are exceeded. These, too, will differ based on school size and the Task Force recommends phasing in this element. There were no significant efforts to seek organizational efficiencies in terms of shared services, consolidation or similar strategies. While the prospect of shared services was discussed, one Task Force member noted that with this much new money coming to our districts there was not much incentive to consider operational or organizational changes. The current formula regarding how real property is taxed, limitations on what ag land pays and the relative share between local effort and state support was left basically intact.

There is a long way to go and the next step is to finalize the report to the Governor. From there, we stand by to see what the Governor will propose in terms of legislation. There may be other bills introduced along these lines as well and our Chamber will need to consider the many options and then be ready to react to proposals, amendments and changes as the session unfolds. Thank you to all the Task Force members, but particularly co-chairs Sen. Deb Soholt and Rep. Jacquelyn Sly. This is likely the most difficult issue in our state to even try to tackle — but they did and we are thankful for their time, passion and leadership.

32 Chamber News | NOVEMBER 2015

HEADLINES

DakotAbilities completes successful Community Appeals campaign

BY MIKE LYNCH

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

Led by a team of 80 of dedicated volunteers capping off a successful Chamber Community Appeals capital campaign, DakotAbilities will soon have a new home where it will continue to provide important services to adults with developmental disabilities throughout South Dakota.

The “Opening Doors, the Campaign for Longfellow Center” concluded July 31, 2015, after raising $1.82 million.

DakotAbilities is using these funds to renovate Longfellow Elementary, which will more than double its current space.

Executive Director Bob Bohm said that the new location will allow for an expansion and improvement of services offered.

“Longfellow Center will enhance our ability to meet a growing need for services in our community,” Bohm said. In addition, it will foster relationships that have been and will be established with other organizations and volunteers which will allow us to live our mission of supporting independence, choice and access to an inclusive community.”

With every Chamber Community Appeals campaign, there is a particular approach that volunteers employ aimed to connect the mission of the organization to the people who may contribute. Campaign Co-chair Brian Thompson said this initiative was unique in that it appealed to different people for different reasons. Or for some, multiple reasons.

“Depending on the interest of potential donors, volunteers emphasized DakotAbilities’ benefits to the community, the people they serve and the organization’s ability to provide meaningful, needed services to adults with developmental disabilities,” Thompson said. “Additionally, there was a focus on the repurposing of a historic landmark in one of the oldest neighborhoods in Sioux Falls.”

Pictured are members of the Opening Doors campaign leadership team as they shared that the Community Appeal goal had been reached. Following this news, DakotAbilities Executive Director Bob Bohm announced an additional donation, which brought the total raised to $1.82 million.

When approached to co-chair the campaign, Rod Carlson was quick to join. “I believe in the cause, the staff and the clients.

We were invited by the business community to tell the DakotAbilities story and once they heard about their mission, they generously responded. It made for an exciting campaign.”

DakotAbilities Director of Development Nathan Stallinga points to the Chamber Community Appeals qualifying and scheduling process as a key factor leading to the successful campaign.

“It helped to give an identity to an organization that will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2016 but may not have been as well-known in our community. We are an organization that believes that the services provided should be invisible and what people see is an individual person living a full life,” Stallinga said.

As the only provider in South Dakota with 24-hour adult nursing services, DakotAbilities employs more than 250 people. Of these employees, more than 94 percent work in direct care of their clients, ranging in age from 16 to 80. Clients face challenging and delicate health issues — more than 70 percent are non-ambulatory, 61 percent are non-verbal and 76 percent need assistance at mealtime.

Though the campaign has ended, there are still ways the public can help DakotAbilities fulfill its mission.

“We have a number of ways for individuals and groups to volunteer and we also look for ways that we can be active participants in the life of our community,” Stallinga said.

“We still have needs with a brand new building. We also face needs with appropriate housing and transportation. We love to help people make connections.”

chambernews.com | Chamber News 33

HEADLINES

Fall Membership Drive underway

BY AMY MEERT FARR

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

More than 95 volunteers, led by the Chamber’s Ambassador Committee, are out in the community encouraging membership in the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce during the annual Fall Membership Drive. The drive runs through Nov. 13.

If you are not already a member of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce or know of a business or organization that could benefit from membership, now is a great time to join. The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce is the leading advocacy group for Sioux Falls area businesses.

The Chamber recognizes that benefits of membership are essential to the growth and success of the business climate in Sioux Falls.

Volunteers working on the two-week membership drive will recruit new businesses and organizations who want to become a part of the unified business voice in the Sioux Falls area. The Chamber hopes to welcome more than 80 new members during this time period.

Businesses throughout the area will be contacted to emphasize the importance of being a Chamber member. From the marketing and networking opportunities, to being informed on issues as a business owner in the community, Chamber membership is a

benefit to all in Sioux Falls and the surrounding communities. As a new member of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, your investment in the Chamber and community includes a complimentary banner ad for one month on siouxfallschamber.com and other marketing opportunities with local media partners.

If you know of a business or organization that could benefit from Chamber membership, contact a member of the Ambassador Committee; their information is found at siouxfallschamber.com under the Membership tab.

Development Foundation Annual Meeting to be held Nov. 19 The Sioux Falls Development Foundation will hold its Annual Meeting at the Holiday Inn City Centre on Thursday, Nov. 19, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., with a brief business meeting beginning at 5:15 p.m. The event will include the distribution of this year’s annual report of developments throughout the Sioux Falls area.

The meeting is free and open to the public and provides an opportunity for business leaders and community residents to be updated on economic development activities during 2015 in a relaxed, informal setting. An important part of the agenda is

the presentation of the Spirit of Sioux Falls Award, given annually to a person who has demonstrated excellence in leadership and commitment to the economic development of our area.

The gala event features complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar, plus a chance to network with others who care about Sioux Falls and its future.

SIOUX FALLS DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION ANNUAL MEETING

Thursday, Nov. 19 Holiday Inn City Centre 100 W. 8th St. 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Program at 5:15 p.m.

Economic Outlook Seminar to be held Nov. 12 Forward Sioux Falls is one of several sponsors of the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s annual Economic Outlook Seminar. It will be held Thursday, Nov. 12 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

USD Economics Professor Mike Allgrunn will provide the annual State of the State’s Economy Report. Bruce Yakley, CEO of Trail King Industries, and other area industry leaders will participate on a panel

34 Chamber News | NOVEMBER 2015

discussion of workforce issues. Dakota Build Board Chair Dana Dykhouse, First PREMIER Bank, will give an update on the Build Dakota Scholarship program. The luncheon speaker is Dr. J.D. Foster, deputy chief economist at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Sponsors of this event are Avera Health, Sanford Health, First PREMIER Bank, Forward Sioux Falls and U.S. Bank.

To register, visit sdchamber.biz. The cost is $60 per person and includes lunch.

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK SEMINAR Thursday, Nov. 12 Sioux Falls Convention Center 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Cost: $60 Register at sdchamber.biz

HEADLINES

Young Professionals Network schedules Policy & A Pint — K-12 Blue Ribbon Task Force Launched just last year, the Young Professionals Network’s “Policy & A Pint” is an additional way to engage young professionals in public policy issues. The program is done in conjunction with the Chamber’s Public Affairs and Communications department.

The next installment of the popular series is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 16 at Prairie Berry East Bank. A social hour will precede the program, which begins at 6 p.m. and concludes about 6:45 p.m. Attendees are invited to enjoy complimentary appetizers and can purchase beverages as they socialize and learn.

The Nov. 16 session will focus on the progress and recommendations of the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on K-12 Education. Featured speakers are Task Force Co-chair Sen. Deb Soholt and Task Force Member Sioux Falls Schools Superintendent Dr. Brian Maher. It will be a moderated

discussion led by Eric Erickson, Cutler Law Firm, and the audience will be invited to ask questions.

The Blue Ribbon Task Force has been hard at work since last spring and held its final meeting on Oct. 29. Soon, a report will be forwarded to the Governor with recommendations for legislative action. This is sure to be one of the most heavily-debated issue in the 2016 session and YPN and Chamber members will have a chance to hear firsthand how the issue will unfold. You can read more about the final meeting of the Task Force in the Advocacy column on page 32.

Major changes in K-12 education funding and policy do not happen very often. In fact, South Dakota’s current formula was implemented after the 1995 session with subsequent years’ amendments. Contact YPN Manager Lauren Fosheim for more information: lfosheim@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2009.

POLICY & A PINT — K-12 BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE

Monday, Nov. 16 Prairie Berry Eastbank 322 E. 8th St. 5-6:45 p.m., program starts at 6 p.m.

To RSVP, contact Teresa at tschreier@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2050

South Dakota Technology Business Center Accelerator participants receive funds to fast-track launch and sales More than $86,000 in funding was awarded to entrepreneur participants in the South Dakota Technology Business Center’s 2015 Accelerator Challenge, a proven program for fast-tracking company start-ups and entrepreneurial launches.

VRC Metals, WeConnectU, Convene and Johnke Soy Candles were collectively awarded $86,693.31 in funding from the Accelerator Challenge project funding pool, GOED Proof-of-Concept fund, SBA FAST program and the Dakota Seeds program. The entrepreneurs pitched their ideas for project funds for market research, product (software) development, marketing and patent and licensing activities needed to boost their businesses and while covering the bases to build a sound business model.

Since the inception of the accelerator, start-ups have received more than $360,000 in funding.

“In cooperation with sponsors we were able to extend a considerable amount of resources to these four companies,” said SDTBC President Rich Naser.

The program is facilitated by the SDTBC with sponsorship from Forward Sioux Falls, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, the U.S. Small Business Administration and South Dakota Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (SD EPSCoR).

“At the SDTBC we connect these entrepreneurs with the real resources they need to build a sound business and get it off the ground,” Naser said.

The Accelerator Challenge is designed to boost emerging South Dakota entrepreneurs who are starting up, approaching launch or entering a high growth stage. There were 21 entrepreneurs who applied for the 2015 business development and incentive program; of

those, 10 were selected and six companies completed the challenge that began in May. The SDTBC Accelerator was initiated in 2012. Since the program was introduced, 26 participants have accepted the challenge, 21 of which have grown their businesses to employ more than 80 people and have raised more than $2.5 million in investment dollars. In a few cases, participants have determined their ideas were not viable, which can also be a valuable benefit of participation.

“Entrepreneurs and innovation are vital to growing South Dakota’s economy,” said Mel Ustad, Director of Commercialization for the South Dakota Governors Office of Economic Development. “The Accelerator Challenge, along with the other services and programs of the SDTBC provide resources and training to serve this sector bring these start-ups and concepts to business reality.”

chambernews.com | Chamber News 37

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

Sioux Falls plays a major role in the state’s visitor industry It is hard to believe that summer is behind us and we are in the middle of autumn. It won’t be long before thousands of twinkling lights are greeting holiday visitors at Falls Park!

JIM HAGEN

South Dakota Department of Tourism

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

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

For all your convention, meeting and event needs, contact the Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau: (605) 275-6060, email sfcvb@siouxfalls.com or visit visitsiouxfalls.com; for more updates about the visitor industry, go to pg. 42.

I have been asked often in recent weeks to sum up this past peak travel season. In a nutshell, it was a pretty incredible summer for the entire state. Visitation has been strong in all regions. Our hotel occupancy growth rates are some of the highest in the nation. Our Interstate Information Centers tallied big numbers. Visitation to our state and national parks has been solid. Our tourism tax grew by double digits over last summer. We saw record-breaking crowds for major events like the 75th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and the 50th annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup. The Falls Park Visitor Information Center set a record in July for the highest visitation for any month since 2000. In the coming days, we will begin our statewide tourism economic impact study and will release our findings in mid-January at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism. The entire visitor industry is eagerly anticipating the numbers.

As always, Sioux Falls continues to play a major role in the growth of the visitor industry and its economic impact on our state. In visiting with our partners at the Sioux Falls CVB, and throughout the city, the feedback on summer visitation was that it was very strong. Sioux Falls — nearly every month it seems — is making major national headlines, especially when it comes to tourism.

Did you catch the recent Huffington Post article entitled, “Step Aside, San Francisco: “SF” Now Stands for Sioux Falls, South Dakota?” If you haven’t read the article, Google it! It highlights many of the incredible things going on in Sioux Falls — from a growing, nationally-recognized culinary and brewery scene to major, free music festivals like JazzFest, to an arts scene that features the country’s largest outdoor art exhibition (SculptureWalk), to a city that nurtures and encourages entrepreneurship and job creation. There is no question that Sioux Falls is on the map when it comes to tourism. The city has blossomed into a destination that provides an incredible array of experiences for visitors, especially for families.

I want to commend our great friends at the Sioux Falls CVB for all of their hard work on behalf of Sioux Falls and the entire state of South Dakota. Teri Schmidt and her enthusiastic team have been simply awesome to work with. We couldn’t be prouder of our partnership with the CVB and appreciative of the support and encouragement they give the Department of Tourism.

Together, we have taken risks to put a brighter spotlight on Sioux Falls and our state through new marketing campaigns targeted at filling hotel rooms during the slower winter months, a first ever joint-cooperative summer marketing campaign to attract new visitors to the city, attending major travel shows, and extending our marketing reach to attract even more international visitors to the area.

So, how do we build upon this success? Now is the time to keep our strong marketing momentum going. As Sioux Falls and the CVB work to create even bigger exposure for the city and for South Dakota, I encourage them to extend their marketing reach to new states and cities. With the BID tax dollars coming in at a steady pace, the time is ripe to make an even bigger impact with marketing to reach more potential visitors. Let’s make sure they are hearing, seeing and reading about Sioux Falls. We have the tremendous opportunity to continue to reach thousands and thousands of new visitors and inspire them to travel to our state’s largest city. The payoff will be more jobs created, more tax revenue generated for the city, and more tourism businesses prospering in Sioux Falls. It’s a win-win all the way around. We know the Sioux Falls CVB is up to the challenge and the Department of Tourism is excited to be a partner at this exciting time in the city’s tourism history. Here’s to a great 2015 and an even better 2016!

Jim Hagen is the Secretary of the Department of Tourism for the state of South Dakota.

38 Chamber News | NOVEMBER 2015

SIOUX FALLS • JUNE 24, 2016 • GREATRACE.COM

at Falls Park

November 20, 2015 - 6pm • Falls Park Bring your friends and family to see the dazzling holiday lights in Falls Park. Enjoy refreshments, reindeer and animal friends, wagon rides, Santa and Mrs. Claus!

Falls Park will be closed to drive-through traffif i c during the kick-off event. For parking and busing information go to VisitSiouxFalls.com/WinterWonderland.

Falls Park lights up nightly from November 20, 2015-January 10, 2016.

CHAMBER PARTNER

ShadowED — making a difference Making a difference in someone’s life — isn’t that something we all aspire to do? I’m one of the lucky ones. I have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of potentially hundreds of high school students every year by arranging opportunities that can help them decide what future career path they may take. But I couldn’t do it without the partnership of the business community.

LINDA RODMAN

Sioux Falls Development Foundation

It is truly a gain-gain situation for students, companies, and the community at-large.

For the past 11 years, I have arranged job shadows for Sioux Falls high school students through a program called ShadowED. ShadowED is a product of the Forward Sioux Falls workforce initiatives and works with students, educators and Sioux Falls businesses to provide structured job shadows for local high school students.

The shadow is a one-time, three- to four-hour opportunity that allows students to spend time with someone in an occupation of interest to them and see firsthand what that career involves. ShadowED is a recognized program at Lincoln, Roosevelt, Washington, New Technology, O’Gorman and Sioux Falls Christian high schools.

As the ShadowED Coordinator, I serve as a liaison between the businesses and school participants, making job shadow arrangements a simplified process for both parties. Students come to me with an interest in trying to narrow their career options as they look ahead to life after high school. Most students are preparing to make a decision on some kind of postsecondary education with the hope that the more knowledgeable they become about a career, the better decisions they will make.

It is gratifying to hear from students after they attend a shadow. Most say it helped confirm that a particular career is right for them: “This experience was important as I try to make future life decisions concerning college next year and deciding which occupational path to go down.” (Sioux Falls Christian High School student) “I learned about so many aspects of the business — this will definitely help me in determining my career path.” (Roosevelt High School student) Occasionally a student will attend a shadow and find out that a certain occupation is not what they expected. That is alright, too, since there is still time for the student to re-think his or her future course before leaving the halls of their high school.

More than 5,700 students have had a shadow arranged for them through the ShadowED program. Currently there are more than 275 occupations available for them to shadow — literally everything from A to Z (accountant to zoo management!), but I am always trying to grow my list and give the students more shadow choices and opportunities.

Not only is this a good opportunity for the students, but the businesses that provide shadow experiences see the value as well. They recognize that they may be hosting future employees as they educate these young people about their company and opportunities that are available to them right in their own backyard. It is truly a gain-gain situation for students, companies, and the community at-large: “We enjoy having students shadow here. Not only is it a learning experience for them, but it is a great way for TSP to further connect with the community of Sioux Falls.” (TSP) “Best student we had so far. She soaked in the information. Was engaged and showed genuine interest. Glad to be a part of this experience again.” (Raven Industries) None of this would be possible without the generosity of our business community.

Hundreds of businesses throughout Sioux Falls and the surrounding area have opened their doors to our local students, giving them a taste of the “real world,” and for that the students and I are truly thankful.

For more information about ShadowED or to become a business partner, contact Linda Rodman at (605) 310-9292 or shadow@siouxfalls.com.

40 Chamber News | NOVEMBER 2015

MIND YOUR SMALL BUSINESS

Big tech companies focusing on small business I was recently part of a small group of Small Business Development Center staffers from around the nation to tour three tech giants in Silicon Valley: Intuit, Google and Facebook.

Each of these companies are reaching out to the small business community in ways that can hugely affect the success of a small business. Here’s a few things I learned on the trip.

KELLY WEAVER Small Business Development Center

The digital age is here and it’s not going away ...

As the maker of QuickBooks, the most widely used small business accounting software, Intuit has had a long-standing relationship with small businesses. Their research shows that the average small business spends 139 hours per year doing bookwork. While most business owners would like that number to be 0, Intuit is committed to streamlining processes to bring this number down. Intuit continues to close the gap between their online and desktop versions and will significantly improve the inventory function of QuickBooks Online by year end. Of all new QuickBooks users, 80 percent are choosing the online product. While Intuit will continue to support their desktop version, they are putting most of their research and development dollars into their online platform. QuickBooks also has a free small business community called Own (ownit.com) and a financing network where businesses can get preapproved for loans based on their financial information (quickbooksfinancing.com).

Google was the next stop on the tour. Created in a dorm room at Stanford in 1996, the company dominates the world of search such that is has become a verb — “just Google it.” As one SBDC director put it, small businesses that do not have an online presence are invisible to today’s customers. Are you invisible? Would you have considered not being in the phone book 10 years ago? The best SEO cheat in the world right now is creating a Google My Business account. For 15 minutes of your time and zero dollars, you can show up on the first page in a Google search for your category and location. You can check your listing on Google Search and Maps and set it up or edit it as needed at gybo.com. The Resources link has details about their free website program and Google’s small business community. Google also has tools like Google Analytics (free) for website activity and Google Adwords for driving traffic to your website or store. Google has provided us some educational tools about these subjects that we’d be glad to share and discuss how they might help your business.

Last but not least on the tour, is the youngest of our Silicon giants, Facebook. Can you believe this company is only 11 years old!? Currently 45 million businesses have a Facebook page with the most recent 1 million added in just the last month! Their mantra is that if you can use a personal Facebook page, you can manage a small business Facebook page. Given that 1 minute of every 5 minutes spent on apps is spent on Facebook and Instagram, having a Facebook page for your business puts you in a mobile-friendly space where people already are. During our tour, Facebook announced several changes intended to make business pages more relevant for businesses. These changes include the addition of a Call to Action button, features such as product and service listings, and messaging options for moving public comments to private messaging — which is critical when collecting customers’ sensitive information. Insights are also available to analyze the activity on your page, and you can create very targeted ads and boost posts to gain greater awareness for your business. You can learn more on all these subjects at fb.com/business.

The digital age is here and it’s not going away so it’s time to get on board! Here’s a few more fun facts from our tour: Intuit is considered “old” in Silicon Valley, having been around for 30 years. Google employs six bicycle mechanics to maintain its fleet of bikes provided for employees to travel around campus. Facebook onboarded 160 new employees the day of our tour.

Kelly Weaver is the Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center.

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

chambernews.com | Chamber News 41

BUSINESS NEWS

Visitor Industry Updates CVB INVESTS IN SHOULDER SEASON PROMOTION

Sioux Falls has become a shoulder season hot spot with new attractions, activities and thriving food scene. The Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is again implementing a marketing campaign to keep Sioux Falls top of mind throughout the months of November-February.

In its fourth year of receiving matching funds from the South Department of Tourism for a leisure marketing campaign, the Sioux Falls CVB wants to lure potential visitors to Sioux Falls through a behind-the-scenes sweepstakes offer.

The campaign launched in October and runs through Feb. 29, 2016, targeting leisure travelers in South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska who would be most likely to plan a trip to Sioux Falls during the winter season. A special focus will be placed primarily on families and secondary on empty-nesters who live in Omaha, Sioux City and Minneapolis who might be looking for a weekend getaway based on past engagement in past campaign efforts.

This year’s campaign combines messaging from the 2014 winter’s successful campaign and 2015 summer season. The primary message of “we are here” used during the summer will be carried through to the winter campaign to continue educating potential visitors on all Sioux Falls has to offer. To keep along the insight of “deserving” a weekend break during the winter months, the “you deserve it” theme will be incorporated through creative and messaging execution.

The campaign encourages users register to win one of three unique, behind-the-scenes vacations to Sioux Falls. This will continue to showcase all Sioux Falls has to offer while promoting more of the insider track stories and places to visit.

The geo-targeted effort includes: newspaper inserts, banner ads (display, remarketing), social engagement (Facebook posts, Instagram photos), search ads, video (campaign pre-roll video), website updates (banner images, copy updates), campaign landing page and email content. Media will run light during December to avoid high ad placement costs due to holiday spends. More than 50 million people should be reached.

The packages are customized to specific travel personas: foodie, family and explorer. Thanks to the following businesses who partnered with the CVB by providing complimentary items for the promotion: All Day Café, Bob’s Café, CH Patisserie, Courtyard Hotel, Fernson Brewery, Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum, Hilton Garden Inn South, Jacky’s, Nyberg’s Ace, Parker’s Bistro, Phillips Avenue Diner, Sanaa’s, Sheraton Sioux Falls Hotel, Strawbale Winery, The Market, Washington Pavilion and the White Wall Music Sessions.

This type of promotion allows the CVB to generate leads in the form of sign-ups to re-market to during the campaign and year-round.

42 Chamber News | NOVEMBER 2015

Travel writer the Global Gumshoe, also known as Rod Stern, speaks with Rosie, the owner of Rosie’s Cafe. Stern’s articles have been posted on a number websites, including The Daily Meal. Stern’s visit to Sioux Falls was part of outreach efforts from the Forward Sioux Falls National Marketing Task Force.

SIOUX FALLS IN THE NATIONAL NEWS THANKS TO ACTIVE PROMOTION

The Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) hosted a number of travel media representatives through peak tourism season as well as into the fall. More than 20 travel media hostings have resulted in more than 124 million unique views.

The Sioux Falls CVB provides writers access to story and interestbased attractions, complimentary lodging as well as ground transportation to the media hostings. The journalists hosted this year write for publications and websites such as Examiner, StupidDope, About. com, Hartford Mile, Huffington Post, Golf Today, Bill on the Road, Essence, Ebony, the Global Gumshoe, O Magazine, Home & Away South Dakota, L.A. Times, National Geographic Traveler, Walking Tourist and more. Forward Sioux Falls also assisted in encouraging reporters to come to Sioux Falls as part of efforts to tell the lifestyle story about the community.

The CVB would like to thank all of the hotels, attractions and restaurants that assisted in showcasing the best of Sioux Falls.

TRIVAGO HIGHLIGHTS SIOUX FALLS

Sioux Falls was recently named one of America’s Best Value Cities for 2016 by Trivago.com. Trivago.com, a hotel search website, annually releases a list of the top 10 Best Value Cities and Best Value Small Towns.

The Best Value Index ranks cities based on a combination of consumer ratings and average hotel prices for cities with more than 50 hotels. In 2014, Sioux Falls was named No. 7 on the list and for 2016 was named No. 5 on the list. Branson, Mo., topped the 2016 list, ranked only 1.37 percent higher than Sioux Falls.

BUSINESS NEWS

CVB ATTENDS SMALL MARKET MEETINGS CONFERENCE

REGISTER TO ATTEND GOVERNOR’S CONFERENCE ON TOURISM

Director of Sales Mattie Burnham traveled to Little Rock, Ark. for the 6th Annual Small Market Meetings Conference (SMMC) on Sept. 27-29. The Sioux Falls CVB hosted this event in 2013, drawing more than 220 attendees to Sioux Falls for the two and a half day conference. The CVB received a 100 percent overall satisfactory rating from the meeting professionals who attended.

The 2016 Governor’s Conference on Tourism will be held Jan. 19-21, 2016 in Pierre. The Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) encourages everyone in the visitor industry to attend.

The conference brings together South Dakota’s industry professionals to discuss the state of tourism in South Dakota, share best practices and look ahead to the 2016 tourism year.

SMMC is the only show dedicated to the growing small meeting niche in the travel industry. The reverse tradeshow style of show has meeting planners stationed in booths while suppliers move from appointment to appointment. The Sioux Falls CVB conducted 25 pre-scheduled appointments, with 10 planners being new contacts for the CVB.

The conference provides excellent networking opportunities as well as great industry education. Registration is now open; to register go to southdakotatourismconference.com.

For more information and Sioux Falls hotel room block at the Pierre Best Western Ramkota, contact CVB Tourism Sales Manager Alexa Steiner at (605) 373-2028 or asteiner@siouxfalls.com.

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.

A-OX Welding Supply Co., Inc.

NEW LOCATION

101 N. HARLEM AVE. A-OX Welding Supply Co., Inc. acquired new property to accommodate its new, state-of-theart facility. L to R: Mike Elliott (treasurer), Tom Larsen, Kelly Kleinwolterink (vice president/ general manager), Dan Johnson, Trent Elliott, Corey Weide, Tim Sturdevant, Dr. Terran Elliott Bergdale, Kay Elliott, Tim Anderson, Don Elliott, Thomas Elliott (president), Linda Elliott and Tiffany Anderson.

Avera Children’s Hospital NICU

1325 S. CLIFF AVE. avera.org Avera McKennan’s new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit has 31 private rooms and the latest technology to care for their littlest patients. L to R: Sister Mary Thomas, Megan Myers, Bobbi Thury, Courtney Ehlers, Dr. Dave Kapaska (regional president/CEO), Lynda Billars, Nathan Stallinga, Lori Popkes and David Johnson.

REMODEL/EXPANSION

Center for Immigrant and Refugee Families (CIRF)

NEW MEMBER

301 S. GARFIELD AVE., STE. 6 The Center for Immigrant and Refugee Families (CIRF) is an ethnic community-based organization that was exclusively founded to facilitate the resettlement of Somali-Bantu families in South Dakota. L to R: Mulumbiling Kabwali, Corey Weide, Dean Karsky, Gita Hendricks, Chris Filsinger, Abdul Sidow (executive director), Jay Soukup, Yosevu Kilonzo, Shukri Ibrahim and Yusuf Hassan.

CRAIG Computer Service

1612 W. 41ST ST. craigcomputerservice.com CRAIG Computer Service is a full-service computer business specializing in house calls. L to R: Jill Gronewold, Tim Jorgenson, James Payer II, Craig Jurczewsky (owner), Larry Ayres, Travis Tschetter, Tim Sturdevant, Josh Green, Mark Luke and Carol Husby.

NEW MEMBER

chambernews.com | Chamber News 45

RIBBON CUTTINGS Dan’s Drugstore

NEW MEMBER

5028 S. CLIFF AVE. dansdrugstore.com Celebrating six months of being open, the mission of Dan’s Drugstore is to improve patients’ lives by providing trusted advice, exceptional care and the best products. L to R: Larry Ayres, Betty Oldenkamp, Lexie Frankman, Amy O’Connor Hoback, Dan Peterson (owner), Lindsey Peterson, Madeline Peterson, Jonah Peterson, Mayor Mike Huether and Lindy Hill.

Dougherty & Company LLC

MILESTONE ANNIVERSARY

110 S. PHILLIPS AVE. #203 doughertymarkets.com Dougherty & Company LLC celebrated their 30th anniversary of doing business in Sioux Falls. L to R: Shannon Grimmond, Tom Hackl, Amy O’Connor Hoback, Thomas Grimmond (senior vice president), Paul Bruflat, Mike Dougherty (chairman), Ray “Woody” Woodsend, Stefanie Engbretson, Adam Cooper, Larry Luetke, Deb Burdine and Corrie Bertrand.

Farmers Insurance GroupRod Goeman Insurance Agency

NEW LOCATION

2101 W. 41ST ST., STE. 8 farmersagent.com/rgoeman Farmers Insurance Group-Rod Goeman Insurance Agency offers personal, confidential service for all insurance and financial services such as retirement rollovers of 401(k). L to R: Tammy Sigary, Cheryl Goeman, Jack Dyvig, Rod Goeman (agent), Mike Hauck, Amy O’Connor Hoback, Larry Luetke, Lynda Billars and Derrick Karsky.

Goosmann Law Firm

NEW MEMBER

5010 S. MINNESOTA AVE. STE. 100 goosmannlaw.com Goosmann Law Firm’s legal team provides strategic legal advice with a progressive, collaborative approach on your side. L to R: Autumn Nelson, Jay Soukup, Cesar Juarez, Matt Sage, Amy O’Connor Hoback, Jeana Goosman (attorney/CEO/founder/managing partner), Bobbi Thury, Janel Cole, Marie Ruettgers, Russ Wentz and Scott Leuning.

Lenae Design, LLC

NEW MEMBER

46 Chamber News | NOVEMBER 2015

319 N. MAIN AVE., SUITE 1 lenaedesign.com Lenae Design, LLC was founded in late 2014 and is a professional practice dedicated to excellence in interior design. They provide a full spectrum of services from concept development through project completion. L to R: Kelly Evans, Corey Weide, Dr. Dave Kapaska, Lenae Schwartz (owner/designer), Steve Schwartz, Nancy Weber-Sweere, Jessica Hauck and Maria Swanson.

RIBBON CUTTINGS Paulson Monuments

47888 US HWY 18, CANTON, SD paulsonmonuments.com Paulson Monuments serves Canton, Sioux Falls and surrounding communities. L to R: Paul Paulson Jack Dyvig, Corey Weide, Laura Woods (owner), Jim Woods, Rick Rysavy and Dan Johnson.

NEW MEMBER

Principal Financial Group

4910 S. ISABEL PL. #100 Principal Financial Group’s investment into the Sioux Falls regional headquarters illustrates the organization’s continued commitment to their clients and the hundreds of communities that they impact. L to R: Troy Hokeness, Christie Aberson, Jay Soukup, Jack Dyvig, Dave Starr (regional managing director), Amy O’Connor Hoback, Steve Van Buskirk and Ron Staebell.

NEW LOCATION

chambernews.com | Chamber News 47

RIBBON CUTTINGS Prins Insurance of Sioux Falls, Inc.

NEW LOCATION

4117 S. SOUTHEASTERN AVE. prinsinsurance.com Prins Insurance of Sioux Falls, Inc. offers 34 years of expertise as an independent insurance agency and are excited to open this second location. L to R: Nicole Polreis, Stacey Maier, Lynda Billars, Corey Weide, Dick Applequist (president), Brett Carter, Kristi Nordquist (vice president/office manager), Rob TeKolste, Paige Bonneman, John Neth and Rachel Potter.

RMB Associates, LLCThe Village at Three Fountains

2020 W. TREVI PL. RMB Associates, LLC-The Village at Three Fountains is a modern apartment community near the intersection of 85th Street and Western Avenue. L to R: Jill Madsen, Corey Weide, David Johnson, Tom Hackl, Gary Gaspar, Joel Dykstra (CEO), Miriam Broin, Lisa Liston and Lindsey Drewes.

REMODEL/EXPANSION NEW LOCATION

RMS Roller Grinder

27271 IRONWORKS AVE., HARRISBURG, SD RMS Roller Grinder is excited to be a part of the Harrisburg and Sioux Falls communities and excited to be in their new location and remodeled office space. L to R: Rachel Stahlecker, Dale Thorpe, Adam Cooper, Linda Hessa, Gary Gaspar, Alex Pearson (owner), Amy O’Connor Hoback, Carrie Dragt, Adrienne McKeown, Courtney Lens and Maggie Pearson.

NEW LOCATION

Sioux Empire Lighting/Bulb Lighting and Design

NEW MEMBER

1600 W. 44TH PL. bulbsiouxfalls.com Sioux Empire Lighting/Bulb Lighting and Design is an upscale environment offering the best price and customer service experience. L to R: Lindsey Eining, Duane Noerenberg, Dan Doyle, Betty Oldenkamp, Alyssa Hybertson, Janet Eining (owner), Dean Karsky, Amy O’Connor Hoback and Pam Greene.

Soul Movement Studio

3612 S. SOUTHEASTERN AVE. soulmovementsudio.com Soul Movement Studio offers space where all people feel safe to connect to the body and spirit in the deepest, most effective way possible. L to R: Rascha Zoet, Mike Hauck, Ruth Christopherson, Gretchen Borgum (owner), Stefanie Engebretson, Diana Borgum, Lynda Billars and Amber Schwiesow.

NEW MEMBER

48 Chamber News | NOVEMBER 2015

Sunset Office Cleaning

PO BOX 89401 sunsetofficecleaning.com Sunset Office Cleaning provides first-class, professional cleaning services to businesses throughout the Sioux Falls area. L to R: Shanel Stutson, Corey Weide, Joey Rotert, Dean Karsky, Will Wilcox (president/owner), Daren Anderson, Brad Walker and Matt Sage.

NEW MEMBER

Talecris/Grifols Plasma Resources

NEW MEMBER

1025 N. MINNESOTA AVE. grifolsplasma.com Talecris/Grifols Plasma Resources explains the importance of plasma donation and the role of plasma derived medicines in lives of those who depend on them to live healthier, happier lives.

L to R: Susan Smit, Cody Smith, Lynda Billars, Ashley Hagen, Shelly Shields (center manager), Corey Weide, Chris Jonas, Andrew Curley, Jessica Hauck and Megan Weishaar.

Uptown Events Sioux Falls

NEW MEMBER

524 N. MAIN AVE., #104 uptowneventssf.com Uptown Events Sioux Falls is a co-op workplace studio where brides, business professionals and corporate planners can get everything they need to put on the event of their dreams.

L to R: Megan Randall, Anne Mantz, Kelly Grovijahn, Corey Weide, Jason Jonas, Dan Doyle, Adam Cooper, Julie Nelson, Jeremy Brech (partner) and Angelique Verver.

Weisser Distributing

501 E. 1ST ST., TEA, SD weisserdistributing.com Weisser Distributing offers the newest and best quality products in the automotive industry.

L to R: Jill Weisser Pekoske, David Johnson, Dean Karsky, Jason Reisdorfer (director of operations), Jenni White, Bob Weisser (owner), Kathy Weisser (owner), Joe Weis, Blaine Davis, Aaron Clayton and Eric Weisser.

NEW MEMBER

Yoli the Better Body Company

kbmidwest.yoli.com Yoli the Better Body Company offers individuals natural products, a system that is easy to follow and results for optimal health. L to R: Dawn Bures, Corey Weide, Amy O’Connor Hoback, Brian Grovijahn, Kelly Grovijahn (health transformation coach), Daren Anderson, Anita Wetsch and Gita Hendricks.

NEW MEMBER

MEMBERSHIP

Member Anniversaries 35 YEARS

Carroll Institute for Alcohol & Drug Therapy Associate Member carrollinstitute.org

Casa del Rey Restaurant-Mexican casadelrey.com

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

Realtor Association of the Sioux Empire, Inc. Associate Member homeviewsiouxfalls.com

Sam’s Club Members Only Wholesale samsclub.com

Samuelson Development, LLC

30 YEARS

Construction-Development samuelsondevelopment.com

Manufacturer-Window & Door Hardware amesbury.com

20 YEARS

The Diamond Room by Spektor

Fireworks, Wholesale-Retail

Jewelers-Retail thediamondroom.com

Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls

Amesbury Truth-Sioux Falls

Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History Zoo & Museum greatzoo.org

Sea Chiropractic Chiropractors, DC seachiropractic.com

Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC Stock Brokers wellsfargoadvisors.com

25 YEARS

Commercial Interior Decor, Inc. Interior Decorators/Designers cidinc.net

Elliott & Andersen Floor Covering

Black Cat Pyro City Outlet

Trail Ridge Retirement Community Retirement Community trailridgeretirement.net

Union Gospel Mission Associate Member ugmsf.org

Wayne & Mary’s Nutrition Center Nutritional Products wayneandmarys.com

15 YEARS

Bangs, McCullen, Butler, Foye & Simmons, LLP Attorneys bangsmccullen.com

Churches sfcatholic.org

Barbara M. Everist

Cedar Shore Resort

Best Choice Carpet Cleaning, Inc.

Associate Member

Associate Member cedarshore.com

Carpet & Rug Cleaners siouxfallsbestchoice.com

Ensz, Neimeyer & Associates, PC

Building Products, Inc.

Accountants-Certified Public taxexpress.com

Building Products-Wholesale buildingproductsinc.com

Family Eye Care Center

Granite City Food & Brewery

Optometrists, O.D. visionsource-familyeyecarecenterpc.com

Restaurants gcfb.net

First Savings Bank

Orthopaedic Consultants & Alvine Foot & Ankle Center

Banks firstsavingsbanks.com

Olde Towne Dinner Theatre

Physicians & Surgeons-M.D.-Orthopedic ortho-consultants.com

Associate Member oldetownetheatre.org

Parham Chiropractic Clinic

Carpet & Floor Covering

Fiserv

Rudolph’s Shoe Mart

Richard Flugge, CPA

Computer Software & Services fiserv.com

Shoes-Retail rudolphshoes.com

Accountants-Certified Public fluggecpa.com

K & J Trucking, Inc.

Dr. Roy Seaverson

South Dakota Pork Producers Council

Trucking kandjtrucking.com

Dentists

Associate Member sdpork.org

Norfolk Financial Insurance & Financial Services

Associate Member sdparent.org

Insurance

Oakridge Nursery & Landscaping Inc. Nursery/Landscape oakridgenurseryinc.com

Proforma Friel J. Smith Advertising Advertising-Promotional Products, Apparel & Awards proforma.com/fjsmithadv

50 Chamber News | NOVEMBER 2015

South Dakota Parent Connection

Super 8 Motel-Airport/I-90 Hotels & Motels super8.com

Think Tourism USA, LLC Publishers thinktourismusa.com

Chiropractors, DC

Stewart School School stewartschool.com

Sticks and Steel Gallery Art/Gift Gallery & Consultants sticksandsteel.com

Vermeer High Plains Contractors Equipment & Supply vermeerehighplains.com

10 YEARS

5 YEARS

Landscape Architects thinkconfluence.com

Toilets, Portable a1toilets.com

Deffenbaugh Homes

Aqreva, LLC

Home Builders deffenbaughhomes.com

Medical Billing aqreva.com

Destiny Family Medical Clinic

B & G Acoustical Ceilings, Inc.

Associate Member destinyclinic.com

Acoustical Contractors

Confluence

Disabled American Veterans Associate Member davmembersportal.org/chapters/sd/01

Extremely Clean Carpet, Upholstery, Furnace & Duct Cleaning Carpet, Upholstery and Duct Cleaning xtremelycleansd.com

Granite Transformations Countertops granitetransformations.com/siouxfalls

Homestead Escrow & Exchange Co. Escrow Services heec1031.com

JamesDugan, Inc. Advertising Agencies jamesdugan.com

Justice Fire & Safety Fire Equipment justicefire.com

Marlin’s Family Restaurant Restaurants cbmfoodservice.com

Pharmacy Specialties & Clinic Pharmacies rxpsi.com

South Wind Bookkeeping & Tax Service Bookkeeping Service southwindbookkeeping.com

WorkFORCE Occupational Health and Medical Services Medical workforceoh.com

A-1 Portable Toilets

Bender Commercial Real EstateAndi Anderson Affiliate-Real Estate benderco.com

Big D Technology Solutions, Inc. Computer Sales, Service-Hardware/Software bigdtechnology.com

Gemini Acoustical, LLC Acoustical Ceiling-Subcontractor geminiacoustical.com

Hy-Vee, Inc. (E. 57th St.) Grocers-Retail hy-vee.com

Leader Printing Printers leaderprinting.com

Lemonly Internet Products & Services lemonly.com

OmegaQuant LLC Laboratories-Medical omegaquant.com

Riverview Dental

FIRST-YEAR MEMBERS WHO REINVESTED DURING THEIR SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARY MONTH A & A Roofing

Roofing Contractors aandaroofingco.com

Artisan 57 Laser Center artisan-57.com

Brennan Rock & Roll Academy Associate Member brennanrockandrollacademy.org

High Plains Technology Computer Solutions hplains.com

Kerolona, Inc. Inventions kerolona.com

M4 Roofing & Gutters Roofing Contractors m4roofing.com

National Kidney Foundation, Inc. Associate Member kidney.org

Prairie Tickets, Inc. Entertainment prairietickets.com

Rod Carlson Associate Member

Sioux Wheeler Adaptive Sports Associate Member siouxwheelers.com

Dentists riverviewdentalsf.com

Siouxbelly, LLC dba Potbelly Sandwich Shop

South Dakota Innovation Partners, LLC

Restaurants potbelly.com

Venture Capital southdakotainnovation.com

The Hayzlett Group Consulting-Business Process & Performance hayzlett.com

The Kory Davis Experience Real Estate korydavis.com

Vintage Occasions Limo Service Limousine Service vintageoccasionslimo.com

W. 12th Pourhouse and Kitchen Restaurants-Bar facebook.com/w12thpourhouse

chambernews.com | Chamber News 51

MEMBERSHIP

New Members

New members are printed in each issue of Chamber News. Following is a list of businesses or individuals who have invested in the greater community by joining the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. An online Membership Directory can be found at siouxfallschamber.com or by using the Chamber’s App, available in the iTunes and Google Play stores. Want to become a member? Call (605) 336-1620.

4D Design + Consulting

Friends of the Big Sioux River

Mainstream Boutique-Sioux Falls West

Architects Jesse Deffenbaugh, (605) 275-4355 4301 W. 57th St. #110, 57108 4ddesignconsulting.com

Associate Member Michelle Hentschel, (605) 370-8575 PO Box 2341, 57101 friendsofthebigsiouxriver.org

Boutique Brandy Nielson, (605) 271-9285 2310 S. Marion Rd. #130, 57106

American State Bank

Get N Go #22

Finance T.J. Speer, (712) 722-4846 525 N. Main Ave., Sioux Center, IA 51250 ambankiowa.com

Convenience Store Daren Miller, (605) 338-7676 4915 N. Cliff Ave., 57104 getngo.com

The Amy Stockberger Team

GroundFloorHR

Real Estate Amy Stockberger, (605) 731-9597 3220 S. Western Ave., 57105 amystockberger.com

Human Resource Consulting Tara Cox, (605) 408-6399 groundfloorhr.com

Recreational Vehicles Alan Spencer, III, (605) 372-5000 28020 Boondocks Ave., Worthing, SD 57077 newprairierv.com

Haunted Farm + Farm Fun S.D.

Pappy’s The Original

Associate Member Paula Bell, (605) 261-0896 47449 276th St., Worthing, SD 57077 facebook.com/farmfunsd

Restaurants Chris & Jessica Pappas, (605) 274-7074 101 S. Phillips Ave. #101, 57104 pappystheoriginal.com

Koch Insurance

Prairie Building Specialties

Home Inspection Koleby Harshfield, (605) 215-7500 brickkicker.com

Insurance Courtney Koch, (605) 213-3572 PO Box 397, Tea, SD 57064 kochinsurance.com

Floor Covering Matt Schilling (605) 360-2679 prairiebuildingspecialties.com

Duluth Trading Company

LED Light Exchange Depot

Starts with a Shirt

Clothing-Retail Lauren Rothering 320 S. Phillips Ave., 57104 duluthtrading.com

Lighting Fixtures Darwin Viet, (605) 366-4902

Screenprinting, Embroidery, Promotional Products/ Sportswear James Hueners, (605) 310-4995 300 W. Industrial Dr., Harrisburg, SD 57032

Bri Fotografie Photography Briana Roegiers, (605) 413-6298 1305 Fernwood Ave., Brandon, SD 57005 brifotosd.com

Brickkicker Home Inspection

Edgewood Prairie Crossings Senior Living Brandy Fiala, (605) 361-0056 1806 S. Dorothy Ave., 57106 edgewoodseniorliving.com

Falls Real Estate Real Estate Tim Karels, (605) 553-0155 PO Box 1502, 57101 fallsre.com

Freedom Realty, Inc. Real Estate Sam Hahn, (605) 271-8885 6209 E. Silver Maple Cir. #1, 57110 freedomrealtysf.com

Freedom Realty, Inc.-Rick Trapp Affiliate-Real Estate Rick Trapp, (605) 728-8521 6290 E. Silver Maple Cir. #1, 57110

The Little Cellar Wine Company Wine Seth Trudeau, (605) 361-8585 2316 S. Louise Ave., 57106 thelittlecellarwinecompany.com

LongView Financial Solutions, LLC Financial Services Aaron Kvistero, (605) 271-1386 7401 S. Bitterroot Pl. Ste., 100, 57108

The Lynda B. Advantage/Team Billars & Associates KW-Brad Nelson Affiliate-Real Estate Brad Nelson, (605) 370-2099 5915 S. Remington Pl., 57108

The Lynda B. Advantage/Team Billars & Associates KW-Sandra Cook Affiliate-Real Estate Sandra Cook, (605) 360-8008 5915 Remington Pl., 57108

MacKenzie River Pizza, Grill & Pub Restaurants Mike McGreevy, (605) 275-5566 234 S. Main Ave., 57104 mackenzieriverpizza.com

52 Chamber News | NOVEMBER 2015

My Advancement Link Technology Jeremy D. Brown, (605) 321-1360 2329 N. Career Ave. #215, 57107 myadvancementlink.com

New Prairie RV Southtown

Tim Hamel Associate Member

U-Haul Truck Leasing & Truck Rental Shawn Odden, (605) 339-0750 923 W. 11th St., 57104 uhaul.com

Zitterich Auto Repair Auto Repair Mike Zitterich, (605) 339-9474 1805 W. Burnside St., 57104 zitterichautorepair.com

Zitterich Auto Sales Automobile Dealers Mike Zitterich, (605) 339-9474 1805 W. Burnside St., 57104 zitterichautorepair.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 Dan Menke Dan Menke is the Controller at Pride Neon Sign Company, a family business that has been involved with the Chamber since 1947. Menke is currently the chair of the Young Professional Network’s Steering Committee. Menke’s wife Ashley works at MetaBank and they have two children, Grace and Will.

DESCRIBE SIOUX FALLS IN THREE WORDS: Vibrant. Welcoming. Hard-working.

WHAT IS ONE OF SIOUX FALLS’ BEST-KEPT SECRETS? They’re not that big of a secret, but our public parks are incredible. We try to get to the park at least once or twice a week. They’re very accessible and in great condition.

WHAT HAVE YOU OR YOUR EMPLOYER GAINED FROM BEING A CHAMBER MEMBER? DAN MENKE

Pride Neon Sign Company

I think the relationships that are built with businesses and the leaders in our community, through Chamber involvement, has been very beneficial.

The YPN’s Seat at the Table program is great because you get to have a sit down conversation with a business leader and hear first hand how they got to where they are.

WHAT IS ONE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT YOU SUPPORT AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO YOU? First Congregational Church and The Teddy Bear Den are two non-profits that Ashley and I support. Both groups are doing important things in this community to help those who are less fortunate.

WHAT ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW? Zero to One by Peter Thiel

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.

Annual meetings celebrate members Pictured are photos from the Chamber’s 1959 annual meeting, which saluted wholesalers and distributors. Honoring members, reflecting on past accomplishments and looking ahead to the future remain a consistent message at these annual celebratory events.

For photos from the 2015 Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting, see the Faces & Places section in this issue or view the album on the Chamber’s Facebook page.

54 Chamber News | NOVEMBER 2015