September 2024 Chamber News

Chamber News Power in collaboration

How state universities are meeting employer needs and preparing the workforce

New president for Southeast Technical College

Financial impact of IM 28

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Community Connections Tour in August.

September 2024

Power in collaboration

How state universities are meeting employer needs and preparing the workforce p. 30-35

New president for Southeast Technical

2023-24 Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce leadership

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Chair Scott Lawrence

Lawrence & Schiller, Inc.

Chair-Elect

Miles Beacom

PREMIER Bankcard

Vice Chair

Tamien Dysart

Think 3D Solutions

Treasurer

Dr. José-Marie Griffiths

Dakota State University

Immediate Past Chair

Paul Hanson

Sanford Health

Chamber President & CEO

Jeff Griffin

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Joe Bunkers Gage Brothers

Catherine Dekkenga

JLG Architects

Jason Herrboldt First Bank & Trust

Derrick Larson

Eide Bailly LLP

Jeff Lautt

POET

Tim Meagher

Vanguard Hospitality

Matt Paulson

MarketBeat

Dr. Ronald Place

Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center

Ryan Punt

SDN Communications

Jacob Quasney

Lloyd Companies

Nancy Savage Child’s Play Toys

Vicki Stewart

Employment Disability Resources

Amy Stockberger

Amy Stockberger Real Estate

Selene Zamorano

SD Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

EX-OFFICIO

Kyle Groos

Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools

Dean Karsky

Minnehaha County Commission

Tiffani Landeen

Lincoln County Commission

Dr. Jane Stavem

Sioux Falls Public School System

Mayor Paul TenHaken

City of Sioux Falls

Publisher

Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce

Chamber News Ad Sales

For advertising information, call (605) 336-1620 or email chambernews@siouxfalls.com

Chamber News Layout/Design Jill Blom

Chamber News Editor Jennie Doyen For editorial information, call (605) 336-1620

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

Postmaster please send address changes to: Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce 200 N Phillips Ave , Suite 200, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 Phone: (605) 336-1620

Email: gsfcc@siouxfalls com

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

FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA OR VISIT siouxfallschamber.com

CHAMBER STAFF

Jeff Griffin

President & CEO

Jill Blom

Graphics & Communications Manager

Cory Buck

Chief Financial Officer

Beth Hanson

Member Services Specialist

Brittany Hanson

Program Director, Forward Sioux Falls

Brooke Hendrickx

Agribusiness Manager

Pat Lund

Member Relations Manager

Jaci Pieters

YPN Manager

Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce /siouxfallschamber siouxfallschamber

Holly Rader Vice President of Member Relations

Mitch Rave

Vice President of Public Policy

Carly Reinders

Member Services Specialist

Teresa Schreier

Events Coordinator

Susan Seachris

Accounting Manager

Eric Siemers

Sales Manager

Ellen Swanson

Administrative Assistant

Aaron Vlasman

Public Policy Manager

The Veteran’s Community Project, a village of 25 tiny homes designed to house for homeless veterans in the Sioux Falls, recently wrapped up a successful Community Appeals Campaign. YPN members were able to see inside the tiny homes during a a

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PAYMENT SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Kotapay, the payments division of First International Bank & Trust, has provided fast, accurate electronic payment solutions to companies across the country for more than 30 years, including ACH direct deposit payroll, accounts receivables, custom payment portals, credit card processing, and more.

Led by Trent Sorbe and Brooke Fitts, Kotapay is expanding into new forms of payment innovation both locally and nationally. This year, Kotapay plans to deploy its Banking as a Service (BaaS) 2.0 model and introduce Windowless Payroll to employers, processors, and software providers. Based in Sioux Falls, the BaaS team looks forward to helping more and more businesses move confidently into the ever-expanding world of payments.

www.kotapay.com (800) 378-3328

Trent Sorbe Chief Payments Officer

Brooke Fitts Head of Payment Products and Strategy

Kotapay

Scott Lawrence Lawrence & Schiller, Inc. 2023-24 Chair of the Board

Message from the Chair

I am sure you all have heard the saying “my, how time flies.” It surely is true and the older I get, the faster it seems to fly! At the last Chamber mixer, I had several people ask me how I enjoyed my year as Chair of the Board of Directors. My response was simple: this has been one of the most rewarding years of my business career. “Why?” you might ask. Well, let me summarize.

1. During the time as Board Chair, I met so many new people — people that truly care about Sioux Falls, are willing to do what it takes to keep us on track and to make it better now and into the future.

2. I learned that our Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce relies on hundreds of volunteers that tirelessly give their time to be part of this great organization.

3. I learned that there is not much that happens in Sioux Falls that the Chamber is not a part of.

4. I learned, in great detail, about the influence of the Chamber on legislative issues that impact business in our great city and how carefully our positions are vetted, always remembering we are a pro-business organization.

5. I learned that the Community Appeals Campaign program has been a major driver of many great projects in our community. The outcomes have been a game changer for many.

6. I gained a greater appreciation for all that has been and will be accomplished as we work together to make Sioux Falls an even greater place to live, work and play.

As I wrap up the year and prepare to hand the baton to Miles Beacom in what is sure to be a fantastic Annual Meeting, I just want to thank everyone for the opportunity to serve in this role. Thank you to the Board of Directors, Chamber staff, all the volunteers and all of you that have been “Working in Concert” to continue the momentum we have in our great city. Let’s keep it rolling!

Sponsors

Membership

Member Anniversaries

Congratulations to these businesses that have achieved milestone anniversaries of their Chamber membership. These milestones represent a continued commitment to building our community through their investment in the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce.

45 years

StarMark Cabinetry Cabinetry starmarkcabinetry.com

40 years

SD Auto Dealers Association Associate Member sdautodealer.com

South Dakota Health Care Association Associate Member sdhca.org

35 years

AGC of South Dakota Building Chapter Associate Member agcsdbuild.org

Horner - Barrow Orthodontics, PC Dental Care & Orthodontics hornerbarrowortho.com

KOA of Sioux Falls Campgrounds & Vehicle Parks

Qualified Presort Service, LLC Mail Services & Shipping qualifiedpresort.com

15 years

Realtors for Kids

Associate Member realtorsforkidssiouxempire.com

Xigent Solutions IT Consulting xigentsolutions.com

10 years

ARTvision/ARTisan Skin & Laser Center Salons & Spas artvisionsf.com

Heritage Bank Banks heritagebankna.com

National Kidney Foundation Associate Member kidney.org

Sioux Falls Noon Sertoma Club Associate Member noonsertoma.com

The Experience Real Estate Real Estate-Residential theexperiencerealestate.com

5 years

Dakota Vision Center Eye Doctors dakotavisioncenter.com

Medcor, Inc.

Medical Services & Supplies medcor.com

Sandy M. Case Associate Member

South Dakota State University Education-Post Secondary sdstate.edu

Thunder Road - Sioux Falls Recreation & Amusement thunderroad.info

WS Construction Contractors wsconstructionmanagement.com

A complete list of Chamber members can be found in the Member Directory at siouxfallschamber.com

First year reinvestors

Amazon Hub Delivery Partners Technology Services logistics.amazon.com/hubdelivery

The Bancorp Bank, N.A. Financial Services thebancorp.com

Cornerstone Caregiving Home Health Care cornerstonecaregiving.com/siouxfalls Crave Restaurants craveamerica.com

Elite Aircraft Services LLC Air Transportation & Services

Kwik Trip/Kwik Star Inc Grocery Stores kwiktrip.com

Origin Strength, LLC Health & Wellness originstrengthsf.com

Roof Maxx of Sioux Falls Roofing Services roofmaxx.us/sioux-falls-sd

The Sampson House Marketing/Advertising Agencies thesampsonhouse.com

Seykora Remodeling, LLC Building & Remodeling seykoraremodeling.com

Sioux Empire TNR Coalition Associate Member siouxempiretnr.org

Sioux Falls City FC Sporting Clubs & Associations siouxfallscityfc.com

Smartt Interior Construction Contractors smartt-ic.net

TeamMates Mentoring of Sioux Falls Associate Member siouxfallsteammates.org

Xyngular Health & Wellness myxyngular.com/danellerentschler

New Members

These businesses and individuals have recently joined the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce. We welcome them to Chamber membership and encourage you to do the same.

ABC Supply Co., Inc.

Building Materials

Tanner Sturgeon, (605) 335-4444 4815 N. Cliff Ave., 57104 abcsupply.com

Aerotek

Employment Agency

Stephanie Gruener, (605) 221-2150 5016 S. Bur Oak Place, Suite 2, 57108 aerotek.com

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Health & Wellness

Janet Harvey, (605) 740-0883 5013 S. Louise Ave., Suite #329, 57108 afsp.org

Benaiah Co

Investing

Katie Bobbin, (507) 215-0879 105 N. Krohn Place, 57103 benaiahco.com

BibiSol

Restaurants

Marcela Salas, (605) 215-1486 219 S. Phillips Ave., 57104 bibisol.com

Boston’s Pizza Restaurant and Sports Bar

Restaurants

Anthony Cortez, (605) 275-2725 1301 W. Russell St., 57104 bostons.com

Choreo, LLC

Financial Planning

John Kramer, (605) 524-2090 2101 W. 41st St., Suite 22, 57105 choreoadvisors.com

Clean ‘n Care

Cleaning Services

Dash Toplica, (605) 366-1974 4900 E. Cattail Drive, 57103 cleanncarellc.com

Dream Design International, Inc

Real Estate–Developer

Hani Shafai, (605) 348-0538 18 E Kansas City St., Suite 3, 57701 dreamdesigninc.com

Dream Home Appliance

Home Furnishings

Michelle Stanford, (605) 900-6638 2723 W. 41st St., 57105 dreamhomesf.com

Experience Sioux Falls

Associations

Teri Schmidt, (605) 275-6060

200 N. Phillips Ave, #102, 57104 experiencesiouxfalls.com

Five Star Call Centers

Business Support Services

John Coulter, (605) 978-2121

6009 S. Sharon Ave., Suite 105, 57108 fivestarcallcenters.com

FSS Management- Five Star Storage

Moving & Storage Services

Shane Chinn, (701) 941-9946 2111 N. Louise Circle, 57107 fivestarstorage.biz

GameDay Men’s Health

Health & Wellness

Tori Wolff, (605) 600-5454

4908 E. Rosa Parks Place, 57110 gamedaymenshealth.com

Green Bin kathy ireland of Sioux Falls

Moving & Storage Services

Ryan Quincey, (605) 377-6376 siouxfalls.rentgreenbin.com

Halbach | Szwarc Law Firm

Attorneys

Stefan Szwarc, (605) 910-7645

108 S. Grange Ave., 57104 halbachlawfirm.com

PMT Construction, LLC

Contractors

Michael Bailey, (605) 321-2637 pmt-construction.com

Prairie Roots Health

Health & Wellness

Dr. Cheryl Bones, (605) 215-0812 5010 S. Broadband Lane, #110, 57108 prairierootshealth.com

Salon Mia

Salons & Spas

Ivan Romero, (605) 271-1450 3801 W. 34th St., Suite 115, 57106 salonmiashop.com

Scherer Inc.

Manufacturing & Production

Jenae Klein (800) 883-9790

4940 W. Foundation Court, 57107 schererinc.com

Sioux Empire IT Services

Technology Services

Matt Cook, (605) 910-7901 4416 S. Technology Drive, 57103 siouxempireit.com

Snapfon

Telecommunications

Dan Strandell, (800) 937-1532 27298 Wetland Road, Unit 101, 57032 snapfon.com

Take 5 Oil Change

Auto Repair & Services

TJ Mahlke, (605) 271-7350 1720 E. 10th St., 57103 take5.com

The Scene SD – Podcast + Community

Entertainment

Bubba Startz, (605) 645-8819 startzandendz.com

The Treehouse Group

Education-Specialized Learning

Ginger Raabe, (831) 227-6338 abrite.org

Universal Construction, LLC

Contractors

Selene Zamorano, (605) 215-1708

120 S. Indiana Ave., 57103 universalconstruction-sd.com

Walter’s Hi Ho

Bars & Breweries

Monte Patterson, (605) 332-5543 1014 E. 8th St., 57103

Williams & Company PC

Certified Public Accountants

Logan Aukes, (605) 731-9492 williams.cpa

WillowRidge Financial Solutions

Financial Planning

Anthony Pizer, (605) 215-8708

7405 S. Bitterroot Place, Suite 104, 57108 willowridgefinancialsolutions.com

If you are interested in joining the Chamber, call us at (605) 336-1620. We’d love to add you to our list of members!

Chamber Event Calendar

For a current listing of all Chamber and YPN events, visit our website or read the weekly Quickly email from the Chamber. To register and pay for events, visit siouxfallschamber.com or siouxfallsypn.com.

FEATURED EVENTS

Membership Mixer

Hosted by Siouxland Heritage Museums

SEP 10

TUE

$5 OR USE YOUR MIXER PASS

4:30–6:30 p.m.

Old Courthouse Museum, 200 W. 6th St.

Expand your professional network at the September Membership Mixer. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar.

SPONSORED BY:

Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce 118th Annual Meeting

OCT 15 TUE

Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, 1201 N. West Ave.

Incoming Chair of the Board Miles Beacom, CEO of PREMIER Bankcard, will share recent accomplishments and the Chamber’s plans for the year ahead, followed by a live performance from REO Speedwagon.

Check out our social media channels for event photos and information on upcoming events!

Business Sense Workshop –Presentation coaching mini-camp

Noon–1 p.m.

Chamber of Commerce, 200 N. Phillips Ave.

The ability to create and deliver an effective presentation is key to your professional success. Communication coach, Bob McNaney, The McNaney Group, will lead this interactive coaching session which will allow participants to learn and practice throughout the workshop.

YPN

Morning Buzz

7:30–9 a.m.

First International Bank & Trust, 601 S. Minnesota Ave.

Join other YPN members for networking while getting your morning (coffee) buzz. Morningminded young professionals are invited to come to enjoy coffee and conversation with other YPN members.

YPN Focus Workshop: Living BIG with Boundaries, Integrity and Generosity

Noon–1 p.m.

Chamber of Commerce, 200 N. Phillips Ave.

In this workshop, participants will reflect on and write a boundary around a current leadership struggle. The presenter will explain how authenticity is cultivated by establishing boundaries, practicing integrity, and extending generosity. Registration is required.

YPN Seat at the Table with Erica Beck

Noon–1 p.m.

Chamber of Commerce, 200 N. Phillips Ave.

Take your seat at the table with the City of Sioux Falls Chief of Staff, Erica Beck. Her primary focus is providing advice and guidance to the Mayor and leading the strategic execution of the City’s initiatives within the One Sioux Falls framework. A Seat at the Table is reserved for YPN Members only. You must register in advance.

/siouxfallschamber /siouxfallsypn @GreaterSFCC

Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce

Sioux Falls Young Professionals Network

/siouxfallschamber /siouxfallsypn

YPN Off the Clock

5–7 p.m.

Minnehaha Country Club, 3101 W. 22nd St.

Make new friends and business connections by networking in a relaxed setting at YPN’s Off the Clock. No registration required – just show up and encourage other young professionals or colleagues to join you. This Off the Clock will be held at the Sanford International.

YPN Community Connections Tour –Bishop Dudley Hospitality House

4–5 p.m.

Bishop Dudley Hospitality House, 101 N. Indiana Ave.

Go behind the scenes at the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House, a non-profit ecumenical ministry serving as a central, first-stop resource for those in need of day and nighttime shelter essential services. Registration is required. Limited to the first 25 to register.

Morning Mingle

Hosted by Augustana University

7:30–9 a.m.

Augustana University Midco Arena, 2510 S. Grange Ave.

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

YPN Power Lunch

Noon–1 p.m.

Falls Overlook Café, 825 N. Weber Ave.

Research says one of the best ways to improve your productivity at work is to take a lunch break. So check out of the office (or your home office) for the noon hour and enjoy lunch with us! Please RSVP so we can monitor space requirements.

YPN Community Connections Tour –Midwest Railcar Repair, Inc.

4–5 p.m.

Midwest Railcar Repair Inc., 25965 482nd Ave.

It’s manufacturing week! YPN Community Connections Tours provides the opportunity to get an inside look at a local business. On this tour, you will view the behind the scenes of Midwest Railcar Repair Inc. Registration is required.

YPN Community Connections Tour

4–5 p.m.

P&M Steel Company, 4401 N. Westport Ave.

It’s manufacturing week! YPN Community Connections Tours provides the opportunity to get an inside look at a local business. On this tour, you will view the behind the scenes of P&M Steel Company. Registration is required.

YPN Morning Buzz

7:30–9 a.m.

South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance, Inc., 1600 W. Russell St.

Join other YPN members for networking while getting your morning (coffee) buzz. Morningminded young professionals are invited to come to enjoy coffee and conversation with other YPN members. This Morning Buzz is hosted by First PREMIER Bank and PREMIER Bankcard.

Membership Mixer

Hosted by Hyatt Place Sioux Falls South 4:30–7 p.m.

Hyatt Place Sioux Falls South, 4935 Lake Shore Blvd.

Expand your professional network at the October Membership Mixer. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar.

YPN A Seat at the Table with Miles Beacom

12–1 p.m.

Chamber of Commerce, 200 N. Phillips Ave.

Join us for an exclusive opportunity to sit down with the CEO of PREMIER Bankcard. Since 1993, Miles Beacom has led PREMIER Bankcard to remarkable growth, expanding the company to over 1,500 employees in South Dakota and serving more than 4 million customers nationwide. Today, PREMIER Bankcard stands as the 14th largest issuer of Mastercard credit cards in the U.S. This exclusive event is reserved for YPN Members only, and advanced registration is required.

Economic Indicators

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

City of Sioux Falls Building Permit Data

July 2024 - cumulative year to date

City of Sioux Falls Total Construction Value

July 2024 - cumulative year to date

Sioux Falls Region Housing Overview

July 2024

Regional Unemployment Rates

June 2024

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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

Faces & Places

Recognition of Chamber Volunteers

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

This month’s featured volunteers are Jordan Huisman, First PREMIER Bank, one year as an ambassador, Kelly Nyberg, Nyberg’s Ace, first year as a diplomat; and Katlin Johnson, Cornerstone Care Giving, one year as a Diplomat.

The ACE Award is presented monthly to one ambassador in recognition of their efforts to recruit and support new Chamber members. Jennifer Hoesing, Girl Scouts-Dakota Horizons, received the award for June and July honors went to April Meyerink, American Bank & Trust

The ambassador team of the month for June, and July was April Meyerink, American Bank & Trust; Jennifer Hoesing, Girl Scouts-Dakota Horizons; and Jay Soukup, Stifel

The diplomat of the month for June was Sandy Case, community volunteer, while David Johnson, Avera Health, received the honor for July. Ryan Donovan, Avera Health, was named Event Champion for June and Cody Papke, City of Sioux Falls, was the July Event Champion.

The diplomat team of the month for June and July was Team Carstensen: Captain Andrea Carstensen, Minnwest Bank; Cindi Johnson, Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort; Bethany Buitenbos, Chick-fil-A Empire Place; Paige Short, LSS of South Dakota; and Kelly Nyberg, Nyberg’s Ace Deb Peterson was recognized for 25 years of outstanding service to the Diplomat Committee.

The Ambassador Committee is proud to announce the successful conclusion of its July Sales Challenge, which welcomed 10 new members to the Chamber. Top performers were Cindi Johnson, Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort; Bernie DeWald; April Meyerink, American Bank & Trust; Jay Soukup, Stifel; Tammy Beintema, American Heart Association; Carol Woltjer, Family Visitation Center; Andrea Smith, Advise to Build, Inc.; and Jennifer Hoesing, Girl Scouts-Dakota Horizons.

April Meyerink American Bank & Trust

Jordan Huisman First PREMIER Bank

Ryan Donovan Avera Health

Sandy Case

Jennifer Hoesing Girl ScoutsDakota Horizons

Kelly Nyberg Nyberg’s Ace

Deb Peterson

David Johnson Avera Health

Cody Papke City of Sioux Falls

Katlin Johnson Cornerstone Care Giving

New Faces & Promotions

KLJ Engineering LLC (KLJ) has added three new employees to their South Dakota team. Laura Bratten is a civil engineer with the aviation group. She has prior experience in airport design, construction and airside operations and planning. She earned her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from North Dakota State University. Evelyn Dalldorf and Jadon Poppinga are civil engineers with the municipal group. Dalldorf has more than three years of experience to KLJ in environmental engineering and earned her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering with an emphasis in environmental engineering from South Dakota Mines. Poppinga’s experience includes data collection, and analysis and is versed in several engineering software and design tools. He earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from South Dakota State University.

Alternative HR welcomed Tasia Dass, SHRM-SCP, as HR consultant and Keegan Strobeck as finance and operations specialist. Dass has eight years of HR experience and five years of business management. She has a bachelors degree in multidisciplinary studies from the University of Minnesota. Strobeck possesses several years of comprehensive experience in accounting and management, primarily with medium-sized companies in the auto and retail industries. She holds an associate’s degree in behavioral and social sciences from Pierce College and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business at Western Governor’s University.

Good Deeds

The Wells Fargo Foundation awarded $50,000 in funding to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sioux Falls to build three homes in Sioux Falls. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sioux Falls is one of 179 local Habitat for Humanity affiliates awarded grant funding through the 2024 Wells Fargo Builds program to increase access to affordable homes across the U.S. The grant will help build two single-family homes in partnership with Harrisburg High School CTE and Sioux Falls CTE Academy. These partnerships provide opportunities for local

Connor Hurley has joined The First National Bank in Sioux Falls as a personal trust officer. Hurley has four years of experience in financial services, previously working at firms in Minneapolis and Sioux Falls as a financial advisor. In addition, Amy DeYonge, retirement plans lead, has earned her Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA® ) designation from the American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries. With this designation, DeYonge is equipped to help businesses navigate the IRS and Department of Labor regulations in the retirement plans industry and assist business owners with complex plan management issues.

Caliber Creative has hired Abby Kaup to support the account services and leadership teams by managing various tasks to ensure projects remain organized, detailed and accurate. A graduate of USD, Kaup previously served as digital communications specialist for USD’s internal marketing department.

Brad Jankord has joined First Bank & Trust as a business banker in Sioux Falls. Jankord has 14 years of experience in finance and treasury. In his new role, he is responsible for presenting business banking options, such as lending or deposit products, to customers and managing relationships with those bank customers.

students to get hands-on construction experience while learning the importance of giving back to the community. The grant will also fund the rehabilitation of a home Habitat built in 2017 and purchased back from the homeowner in 2023 to provide another local family with the opportunity of affordable homeownership.

Black Hills Federal Credit Union (BHFCU) employees raised more than $13,300 in the second quarter for charitable organizations they person-

ally support. Dollars raised from April through June focused on helping animals, supporting kids and families and battling food insecurity. During this time, staff collected an 1,931 items and volunteered 81 hours of their time. Organizations impacted include 18 animal shelters, the Special Olympics of South Dakota, EmBe’s Dress for Success Sioux Falls, Make-A-Wish South Dakota & Montana, Emily’s Hope, Feeding South Dakota and the St. Francis House in Sioux Falls, among others.

Laura Bratten

Evelyn Dalldorf

Leadership

Lisa Romkema became CEO of Sioux Empire United Way (SEUW) in July. With nearly fourteen years of experience in fundraising and nonprofit leadership, Romkema’s expertise includes annual giving campaigns, capital campaigns, major giving and planned giving for a variety of mission-driven organizations throughout the Sioux Empire. From 2010 to 2015, Romkema served as campaign director for SEUW. Most recently, she was a consultant for Maximizing Excellence, LLC.

KLJ Engineering LLC (KLJ) named Kurt Zmich, PE, as President and Chief Executive Officer. Zmich joined KLJ in 2022 and previously served as COO. He recently led the firm through a restructure and series of operational improvements which created alignment and efficiencies across the company.

Joe Gannon joined Central Bank as the market president for Sioux Falls. He has 14 years in banking, ranging from community banking to working with larger domestic and international corporations and investor groups, focusing on areas such as business development, delivering credit and treasury management solutions, and consulting with business owners on long-term strategies.

Mergers & Acquisitions

HIRECLICK has been acquired by Asure Software. This strategic partnership brings together HIRECLICK’s innovative hiring solution with Asure’s comprehensive payroll and HR solutions. Asure is focused on easing administrative burdens for small and mid-sized businesses by offering a full suite of HR-related solutions such as payroll, time & attendance, 401(k) plans, benefits administration, and HR compliance services.

Minnwest Bank named Luke Garry as market president in Sioux Falls. Garry began his banking career in 2008 and was most recently a senior vice president and business banker with Minnwest Bank. He enjoys working with customers in a wide range of industries, including retail, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, construction, non-profits and investment real estate.

EAPC Architects Engineers (EAPC) has appointed Jim Tyler as the new Chief Executive Officer. Tyler was previously vice president for the company. Alan Dostert, the former President and CEO, will now serve exclusively as the President of the EAPC Board of Directors. In this new structure, Dostert will concentrate on overseeing the development of corporate strategy and ensuring the organization’s viability and compliance. Tyler will spearhead execution of the Board strategy, foster business development and customer relationships, and continue representing EAPC’s mission and vision through various public platforms and community outreach.

Service

The Dow Rummel Foundation Board of Directors for the coming year was approved at the Dow Rummel Village Board of Trustees approved the following members to the Dow Rummel Foundation Board of Directors: Kari Clark, Dave Eiesland, Mary Kay Fausch, Linda Halliburton, Jason Herrboldt, Mike Jamison, Tim Kromminga, Bill Lenker, Jared Nesje, Stacie Swanstrom and Kurt Whitesel. Fausch, Jamison and Eiesland are board officers. Incorporated in 2008, The Dow Rummel Foundation is a separate 501c3 charitable organization that was established to advance the culture of philanthropy alive within Dow Rummel Village.

American Advertising Federation

- South Dakota welcomed three new board of directors: Amanda Potter, Sanford Health; Laura Arnett, Flynn Wright; and Sara Tvedt, Lawrence & Schiller, Inc. Additionally, the 2024-25 executive team began their terms of service in July. They are: PresidentLexie Frankman, Midco; Vice President - Reid Johnson, Reliabank; Secretary - Lindsey Morris, Caliber; and Past President - Valerie Sampson, The Sampson House

Kurt Zmich

Honors & Awards

Jared Nesje, CEO and principal at TSP, Inc. has been named a Prairie Business’ Leaders & Legacies award winner for 2024. The annual award is given to top executives in the region to recognize their contributions to business as well as the positive impact they have made on their organizations, communities and industries. Nesje earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture and environmental design from North Dakota State University and is a registered architect in South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska.

Jared Nesje

First International Bank & Trust (FIBT) was included on American Banker’s list of the 20 Top-Performing Banks with $2B to $10B in Assets. The North Dakota-based bank ranked #10 on the list, up one spot from the prior year. Banks were ranked based on their threeyear average return on average equity. These top 20 institutions also held more core deposits compared with their total deposit base, reported a higher median return on average assets, and posted a stronger efficiency ratio compared with the entire peer group.

RAS announced that The Dakota Group® has been recognized as a topperforming insurance company for the fifth consecutive year by AON, being named to their Ward’s Top 50 Insurance Performing Companies. Recognition is based on outstanding financial results

in the areas of safety, consistency, and performance over a five-year period (2019-2023). AON is the trusted leader of benchmarking and best practices services for the insurance industry.

Davenport Evans has 19 lawyers on the list of Best Lawyers® 2025 for South Dakota, in 22 different practice areas. They are: Mary A. Akkerman –trusts and estates; Reece M. Almond – commercial litigation; Jean H. Bender – employee benefits (ERISA) law, employment law–management; Jonathan P. Brown – closely held companies and family business law, corporate law, mergers and acquisitions law, real estate law; Justin T. Clarke – insurance law; P. Daniel Donohue – closely held companies and family business law, real estate law, trusts and estates; Shane E. Eden – commercial litigation; Thomas M. Frankman – bet-the-company litigation, commercial litigation, personal injury litigation–defendants; Keith A. Gauer – bankruptcy and creditor debtor rights/insolvency and reorganization law, corporate law, litigation–banking and finance; Charles D. Gullickson – banking and finance law, financial services regulation law; Douglas J. Hajek – banking and finance law, corporate law, financial services regulation law, government relations practice, mergers and acquisitions law; Robert E. Hayes – bankruptcy and creditor debtor rights/insolvency and reorganization

law, bet-the-company litigation, litigation–bankruptcy; Dixie K. Hieb – banking and finance law, business organizations (including LLCs and partnerships), closely held companies and family business law, corporate law, financial services regulation law; Mark R. Krogstad – trusts and estates; Sarah Richardson Larson – elder law, employee benefits (ERISA) law; trusts and estates; Mitchell A. Peterson – commercial litigation; litigation–insurance, personal injury litigation–plaintiffs; Terry N. Prendergast – corporate law, real estate law, trusts and estates; Brendan W. Reilly – business organizations (including LLCs and partnerships), closely held companies and family business law, corporate law, mergers and acquisitions law; and Vince M. Roche – litigation–trusts and estates.

Two Davenport Evans lawyers were named 2025 Best Lawyers® Lawyer of the Year. They are: Keith A. Gauer – Corporate Law; and Charles D. Gullickson – Banking and Finance Law.

Two Davenport Evans lawyers were named 2025 Best Lawyers®: Ones to Watch. They are: Kalen K. Biord – Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), and Tax Law; and Elizabeth S. Hertz – Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Construction, Family Law, Litigation –Intellectual Property.

Our members do more than follow the news. They make the news. Job promotions and hirings. New projects. New partnerships. Awards. Celebrate your employees, business accomplishments and more with Chamber News. Submit news to bhanson@siouxfalls.com.

Be Seen

Membership Mixer Dylan Emanuel welcomed guests for networking and refreshments .

Be Seen

Guests enjoyed live music and networking on the patio at CRAVE Food & Drinks at the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown for the August Membership Mixer . Attendees were welcomed by Jeffry Umberger, GM of CRAVE Food & Drinks and Russ Hickey, GM of Hilton Garden Inn Downtown .

Chamber members enjoyed coffee and networking at the June Morning Mingle held at TSP, Inc .

The Sioux Falls Area Humane Society, along with some cute adoptable animals, hosted Chamber members at the July Morning Mingle .

The miles behind the last mile.

Be Seen

July’s YPN Off the Clock gave young professionals a chance to mingle and network at MarketBeat’s new, expanded office space .

Left: YPN members got a sneak peek at the new Canopy by Hilton Sioux Falls Downtown, which is under construction in the Steel District . Above: A Seat at the Table, features local business leaders sharing their personal career journey . Tom Shields, Sioux Falls Market President for American Bank & Trust, was the featured guest in August

Be Seen

The 41st Annual Ag Appreciation Day took place on Aug . 7 in conjunction with the Sioux Empire Fair . Approximately 200 volunteers worked together to serve a free lunch to over 3,000 farmers and ranchers . The event is organized by the Agribusiness Division of the Chamber .

THANK YOU TO OUR

Ag appreciation day sponsors

Pork Sponsor:

Special thanks to the Minnehaha County Pork Producers

Grower Sponsors:

Citi

Culver’s

Farm Credit Services of America

Planter Sponsors:

ASM Global & Denny Sanford

PREMIER Center

Black Hills Federal Credit Union

Cornerstone Bank

Dacotah Bank

Dakota BUSINESS Finance

Cultivator Sponsors:

Beal Distributing, Inc.

Baker Audiology & Hearing Aids

CorTrust Bank

Eide Bailly LLP

Falls Edge Chiropractic

Felsburg Holt & Ullevig

G & H Distributing, Inc.

Harvester Sponsors:

AARP South Dakota

Culver’s

Diamond Mowers

First PREMIER Bank/ PREMIER Bankcard

Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort

Longview Financial Solutions, LLC

Flynn Wright

Graham Tire Company

Hilton Garden Inn Downtown

KELOLAND Media Group

POET

The First National Bank in Sioux Falls

Wells Fargo Bank

Wholestone Farms

Xcel Energy

South Dakota Soybean Checkoff Viaflex

Edward Jones

First Bank & Trust

Scott’s Lumber & Supply Co.

Marsh McLennan Agency

Plains Commerce Bank

Raven, a brand of CNH Reliabank

Results Townsquare MEDIA

South Dakota Biotech Association

Summit Carbon Solutions

Hyatt Place – Sioux Falls South

Lynda B. Advantage Corp. - Lynda Billars

Berkshire Hathaway

Two Way Solutions, Inc.

U.S. Bank

Jim Woster

Senator Larry Zikmund

The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce recognizes the role agriculture plays in the growth of our community. Though our city’s economy continues to expand and diversify, we know the region’s roots lie in agriculture.

For 41 years, we’ve been proud to acknowledge the work of our area farmers and ranchers by offering a free meal in conjunction with the Sioux Empire Fair. With the help of the businesses listed here and under the guidance of the Chamber’s Agribusiness Division, we are able to continue this salute to agriculture.

Thank you for all you do.

Be Seen

YPN’s Our

event offers members a chance to learn more about a local nonprofit or community organization McCrossan

hosted YPN members in July Top right,

left: Morning-minded YPN members take advantage of the monthly Morning Buzz events to network before starting their workday . In August, Bagel Boy hosted the event and in July, members met at Fernson Downtown Bottom right: Young professionals had a chance to get artsy during a recent YPN Off the Clock event at the Museum of Visual Materials .

Top left:

Sioux Falls

Boys Ranch

bottom

GREATER SIOUX FALLS CHAMBER OF

COMMERCE

Community Appeals Scheduled Fund Drives

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

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

Butterfly House & Aquarium

Nov. 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025

To merge with the Great Plains Zoo and establish a visionary public aquarium and butterfly habitat

Forward Sioux Falls

Nov. 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026

To provide programs that result in an improved economy and quality of life for those in our region

Abbott House

April 1, 2026 – July 31, 2026

To expand services to Sioux Falls by providing two therapeutic foster homes for at-risk youth

Power in collaboration

How state universities are meeting employer needs and preparing the workforce

By Megan Raposa

For the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce

High schoolers graduating today have countless opportunities and options when it comes to what they do next. And while many jobs are available for those looking to go straight into the workforce, South Dakota universities are also doing more than ever to meet students where they are, prioritize innovation and, ultimately, provide the education needed for a diverse and thriving workforce in Sioux Falls.

Sioux Falls may not have its own public university in town, but regional regental institutions have a vested interest in making sure they’re paying attention to South Dakota’s largest city and economic center.

Three of the state’s public universities — Dakota State University (DSU), South Dakota State University (SDSU) and the University of South Dakota (USD) — are within about an hour’s drive from Sioux Falls, which means they’re both attracting local high schoolers to stay in-state and graduating alumni who go on to live and work in the city. And all three of those universities are investing in growing their Sioux Falls presence with programs, facilities and relationships within the business community.

That means keeping a finger on the pulse of employer needs, said Nathan Lukkes, executive director and CEO of the South Dakota Board of Regents.

“As a public university system, a large part of what we do is ensuring we’re meeting the needs of South Dakota in helping to provide the needed workforce as well as driving our economy forward,” Lukkes said.

That goal shows up in a variety of ways, including increasingly flexible delivery options for people seeking higher education. Lukkes said the percentage of credit hours earned from online classes has nearly doubled in the last decade, from 17.5% in the 2013-14 academic year to just over 30% last year.

It’s up to each university to find its own way to meet the needs of employers, workers and the future workforce — something DSU, SDSU and USD have all taken to heart through a variety of existing, new and still-to-come initiatives they shared with Chamber News.

Nathan Lukkes

South Dakota Board of Regents

But it’s equally important that the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce advocates for strong higher education systems that serve the state’s workforce. The organization does this by voicing support for tuition freezes and numerous capital projects for post-secondary institutions in the Sioux Falls area.

“By continuing to bolster our post-secondary education systems in South Dakota, these institutions in turn continue to provide quality education to our residents and prepare them to hit the ground running as productive members of the community’s workforce,” said Mitch Rave, vice president of public policy for the Chamber.

To know how universities are meeting business needs, it helps to know where their graduates end up. With South

Dakota universities, that answer depends significantly on where students were from before they enrolled.

Students who grew up in South Dakota or are residents of the state when they enroll in college are much more likely to stick around and get a job in-state after they graduate. About 73% of resident students are employed in the state post-graduation.

Out-of-state students are less likely to stick around, with about 28% of nonresident students taking jobs in South Dakota after they graduate. That said, the number of nonresident students who decide to work in-state is increasing, Lukkes said. Four years ago, the rate was 23%.

“In real numbers, that’s about 150 students a year more from where we were four years ago,” he added.

Headcount**

*The increase in the 2020-21 academic year was due to changes in course delivery methods as part of COVID-19 mitigation strategies.

** Students are counted once for every class taken

Source: South Dakota Board of Regents Attempted Student Credit Hours

I think you have to be a participant in the community in order to fully understand it.

Dr. José-Marie Griffiths, President, Dakota

State University

Creating space for innovation

It’s no accident that more students are sticking around after graduation. Universities in recent years have taken a more focused approach to ensuring their alumni have opportunities to use their degrees.

Perhaps the most visible recent example of this is the new, 100,000-square-foot cyber-research facility in northwest Sioux Falls from DSU. The building broke ground this spring and likely won’t be completed until 2026.

When it’s done, however, it’s expected to create a cybersecurity hub for between 400 and 500 workers — including those who need strict security protocol that’s not otherwise accessible in the region. DSU President Dr. José-Marie Griffiths said that will create a ripple effect of economic impact, estimating that for every one cybersecurity or hightech job created in Sioux Falls, the community will eventually hire six more people. That includes creating space for

graduates to innovate, research and potentially spin off their own companies based on what they discover.

“We are going to need more people in the cyber world, and we think we could become a regional hub for expertise,” Griffiths said, noting that if the first building is successful, she sees potential for an entire cybersecurity research park.

Similar work is happening in the biotech space out at the USD Discovery District, an 80-acre research park in northwest Sioux Falls. Construction on the first building project is underway, and the resulting 84,000-square-foot multi-tenant research, office and manufacturing space is expected to be completed in January 2025.

Dr. José-Marie Griffiths Dakota State University

Above: Dakota State University recently broke ground on a new 100,000 square foot cyber-research facility in northwest Sioux Falls. The new facility is due to be completed in 2026. Opposite page: Construction is underway on the University of South Dakota’s new 84,000-square-foot multi-tenant research, office and manufacturing space located in the USD Discovery District. This facility is due to be completed in January 2025.

Collaboration over competition

With a total of six public universities in a state with fewer than 1 million residents, it would make sense to see some serious competition between regental universities. However, instead each university has found its own niche in higher education. And even in areas where the same program is offered in different places, there’s a strong sense of collaboration.

In some cases, that collaboration comes about because the needs of the workforce are so great that no one university can solve them alone. That’s especially true when it comes to the healthcare industry.

“The shortages that Sioux Falls is experiencing in nursing and other healthcare professions are so daunting that it truly takes all of us in order to meet those needs,” said Alissa Matt, assistant vice president of external relations for USD.

In other cases, universities will even work together or communicate about educational programs they’re adding. SDSU, for example, recently added a new accounting program in the Ness School of Management and Economics, and there were conversations between SDSU and USD as that program was coming together, said Vernon Brown, SDSU associate vice president for external affairs.

In addition to collaborating with one another, universities have also formed strong partnerships within the broader Sioux Falls community — including with local K-12 schools, community organizations like Startup Sioux Falls and, of course, groups like the Chamber.

“I think you have to be a participant in the community in order to fully understand it,” Griffiths said.

Meeting students where they are

Having a presence in Sioux Falls is a priority for all three universities not only because it’s the home of many businesses in the state, but also because a large segment of students is here.

“Our charge as a public university is to educate and support workforce needs in South Dakota,” Matt said. “We need to be where those future learners are, and that is in Sioux Falls.”

Increasingly, post-secondary students are looking for flexibility, especially when it comes to meeting the needs of people who are already in the workforce and looking to

Our charge as a public university is to educate and support workforce needs in South Dakota. We need to be where those future learners are, and that is in Sioux Falls.

Alissa Matt, Assistant Vice President of External Relations, University of South Dakota

Alissa Matt University of South Dakota

upskill. That can look like more online class offerings, a growing demand among South Dakota students.

It can also look like more unique class delivery options. Universities are increasingly adding options for microcredentials, certificates and other options for those who need further education without necessarily needing a full four-year degree, Lukkes said. They’re also working to make it as easy as possible for students to roll those credentials into their next step. If a person with a two-year degree from a technical college wants to pursue a four-year degree, for example, the regents want to make sure they’re making it as seamless as possible to move up to that next step.

Additionally, universities are offering more options for self-paced learning and module-based delivery that allows students to take the course at their own pace and on their own schedule.

“There are many more options today than the traditional, brick-and-mortar, butts-in-seats delivery method,” Lukkes said.

Starting them young Universities are also helping to meet workforce needs of the future by showing today’s youth the options available to them.

That starts as young as fourth grade, with opportunities for kids to experience science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields with DSU’s help, for example.

SDSU also partners with the Sioux Falls School District to help all eighth graders have an opportunity to visit a college campus. Last year, the university hosted 1,500 of Sioux Falls’ 1,800 eighth graders through a variety of visits and partnerships with local nonprofit Promising Futures Fund.

“We’ve got to make sure all families see there are paths available,” Brown said.

We’ve got to make sure all families see there are paths available.

Vernon Brown, Associate Vice President for External Affairs, South Dakota State University

Vernon Brown South Dakota State University

USD has also seen success with its teacher pathway program — an effort to let students begin training for a future career in education while still in high school.

For high schoolers, all three universities also offer dualcredit courses, which allow them to earn both high school and college credit simultaneously, giving them a head-start after they graduate.

The Sioux Falls School District will also be part of a new program the Board of Regents is piloting this year to encourage more kids to think about post-secondary education. They’re calling it the “Fast Track for Admissions” program, and it will essentially be a direct admission for students who meet certain criteria.

“We’re looking at this program as a way to proactively reach out to those students and let them know, ‘Hey, you have what it takes, and based on your transcript, you’re admitted to university,’” Lukkes said.

Looking toward the future

All three regional state universities have big plans on the horizon to continue to innovate and meet Sioux Falls’ workforce needs.

That includes new physical spaces — from the USD Discovery District to the DSU cyber research labs to a new SDSU Metro Center at the corner of 33rd Street and Minnesota Avenue that will house health sciences, pharmacy, nursing, lab tech and other healthcare programs.

Additionally, universities are looking to help people gain additional skills for a changing workforce, as well as creating opportunities for the future workforce.

USD already offers opportunities for people to take inperson college courses on a flexible schedule at their Sioux Falls campus, which has seen increasing enrollment since the university took leadership of the facility two years ago.

Meanwhile, DSU has been on the forefront of developing programs related to quantum computing, a cutting-edge technology.

“You’re not really coming (to DSU) to study today,” Griffiths said. “You’re coming to study the future.”

And SDSU is on the precipice of becoming South Dakota’s first “Research 1” university. It’s sort of like the academic equivalent of “Division 1” in the sports world, Brown said.

“We’re one of only five states in the nation that doesn’t have a Research 1 university,” Brown said. “It’s about economic development for the state.”

Complementing all of this work is a new merit-based funding opportunity for South Dakota students — the Freedom Scholarship — which Lukkes said is addressing one of the largest barriers people face in getting into the postsecondary world: money.

In the 2022-23 academic year, the most recent data available, the Freedom Scholarship awarded more than $5 million to more than 1,300 students. Each of those students signs a commitment to stay and work in South Dakota for at least three years after they earn their degree.

And, if history is any indicator, many of those graduates will end up in Sioux Falls.

“Each of our campuses are working to proactively engage and address the Sioux Falls market,” Lukkes said, “whether it’s from economic development potential, workforce enrollment or keeping our finger on the pulse of what businesses are needing.”

Above left and center: A partnership with the Sioux Falls School District and local nonprofit Promising Futures Fund allowed SDSU to host more than 1,500 eighth graders at the university campus, with the goal of showing today’s youth opportunities in tomorrow’s workforce.

Above: The 44,359-square-foot SDSU Metro Center at 33rd Street and Minnesota Avenue will provide SDSU with a permanent home for its Sioux Falls-based programs in nursing and pharmacy. More than 400 students will be educated and trained in the new facility annually.

New president for Southeast Technical College

Dr. Cory Clasemann is the new President of Southeast Technical College. He assumed the position in July, succeeding Dr. Robert Griggs, who led the school for the past eight years.

Dr. Clasemann most recently held positions as Assistant Vice President at Gardner Institute and as Vice President for Student Success/Assistant Vice President for Institutional Research at Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana. He holds a B.A. in Journalism & Mass Communication from Creighton University, M.A. in Organizational Management from University of Phoenix, and Ph.D. in Higher Education from Indiana University.

A Minnesota native, Dr. Clasemann is a Vikings fan, a Twins fan, and Minnesota sports fan in general. He is also an avid runner and has completed 25 half marathons since 2017.

How did you choose your career path?

What drew you to higher education?

In many ways I feel like I fell into it. I originally went to college to be in television. However, when I graduated I realized I loved working at a college more than I loved the idea of doing the news. There is a special energy that exists on college campuses, which is one I have never found anywhere else.

As I continued advancing in my career and being able to see the impact of my work on students, this connection to the work I was doing only grew. I always tell people that graduation day is my favorite day of the entire year. Watching graduates celebrate with their families is a tremendous feeling. In fact, I can pretty much guarantee there will be a tear in my eye at some point during each ceremony watching a student who overcame a large challenge, or a parent who went back to school to create a better life their family, walk across the graduation stage. I truly feel called to do this work, and I cannot imagine doing anything else.

What appealed to you about Sioux Falls, Southeast Tech, and this position?

There are two things that really attracted me to this position. First, it was immediately clear to me how talented the faculty and staff at STC are, and how deeply everyone cares for students. Their ability to connect with students is a huge reason the institution is ranked among the top 10% of all two-year institutions in the country. As someone who has spent his career within student success, this immediately won me over.

Second, coming to Sioux Falls feels like I’m coming home. I was born and raised in Minnesota through the age of 18, with seven of those years spent in Windom. I did not know if I would ever have the opportunity to return to the upper Midwest, so it felt like

everything aligned with this position, and I could not be happier to be returning to my roots.

What is one of your goals for your first year on the job?

One of the main areas the college will need to focus on over the upcoming year is creating a new strategic plan. Approximately every five years the college begins the process of aligning its strategic priorities, resources and energy based upon institutional mission and workforce needs. We are again at that spot in the cycle, which is always an exciting time for an institution. Given the continued growth both in population and in industry within the area, the creation of a new plan comes at a great time. This plan will help us determine where we want to focus academically, how to better support students, how we can partner with the community, and how to be a better work environment for our faculty and staff.

This is not just an internal project for the college. We will have opportunities for both the community and for employers to provide input and where they think STC should focus over the next 3-5 years. We will share more information on this later in the fall.

In your opinion, what should the relationship between STC and the Sioux Falls business community look like?

As an institution whose mission is focused on preparing students for the workforce, it is critical that the college and the business community have an extremely close relationship. Southeast Tech should be an economic engine for the community, training workers for jobs with the skillsets employers need. This is only possible if we work closely with each other and if the college ensures employers are partners in the educational process.

Dr. Cory Clasemann, President of Southeast Technical College

Another way we can partner is by identifying ways to provide students with hands-on training while at STC. Students learn best by “doing,” so finding businesses and organizations willing to provide students with opportunities where they can practice the skills learned in the classrooms creates workers better equipped to hit the ground running from day one on the job.

As hiring continues to be a challenge for many employers, what are some ways that STC can help address workforce issues in our region?

STC must continue to look for ways to increase enrollment in its programs, which would help make more trained workers available for employers to hire. This means continuing to look at online, evening and weekend classes to help retrain workers looking to switch careers, and to provide options for parents and others who are not available during the traditional 8-5 workday when many classes are offered.

Southeast Technical College has seen some significant growth and change in recent years. What is an area of opportunity that you see?

Although we have experienced some growth in recent years, I think, and hope, we are only at the beginning of that growth. Given the unmet need for skilled workers, the increasing number of companies in the area, and the constantly changing and evolving workforce needs, the need for Southeast Tech to continue educating a larger number of students to meet workforce needs is only going to continue increasing. This means the college must continue to expand recruitment efforts to new areas in ways that expand the student population, while also identifying opportunities to increase the number of students we are educating – particularly within indemand fields.

Additionally, we know that education is not just about meeting the needs of today. STC must be prepared to change its curriculum as employers’ needs change. Further, we need to be nimble and able to implement new programs as workforce needs dictate. If we take too long to implement a new program, we have missed the window needed by employers. We must react quickly, or else we risk setting the entire region back competitively.

Are there any current or future disrupting forces that you will be keeping an eye on?

Technology is advancing so rapidly that it is constantly changing the way we do business; as a result, it is changing both what we teach and how we teach it. This was accelerated by the pandemic, as we were forced to do things many never thought possible – and had to determine how to do it within a matter of days.

Technology can make it hard to predict what the exact workforce needs to look like even a few years from now, so it is important that we create curriculum that’s flexible enough to adapt to a changing world. There is not a program that we teach at STC that has not been impacted by technological advances in some way. It is unlikely the pace of these changes will slow in the near future, and it is unlikely that we can anticipate all the changes likely to occur. We must continue to work with industry partners to adapt to these as quickly as possible.

Financial impact of IM 28

“…the negative impact IM 28 would have on critical funding for education, public safety, infrastructure, and other initiatives, at both the State and local level, would set our communities back considerably.”

To learn more about the Chamber’s advocacy for business, visit siouxfallschamber.com

This November, seven ballot measures will appear before South Dakota voters. We will cover most of these measures in a future issue of Chamber News, but this month I want to highlight one of the more intricate ballot measures: Initiated Measure 28 (IM 28).

IM 28, if passed, would repeal sales taxes on all things sold for human consumption, with the only exceptions being alcohol and prepared food (i.e. meals purchased at restaurants). While proponents of the measure state that it is intended to apply to only food, the language “human consumption” used in IM 28 has a much wider reach. The use of the term “human consumables” can be interpreted to apply to all sorts of items beyond just food. Some items it could apply to include toothpaste, toilet paper, entertainment, fuel, tobacco and vaping products, and a host of other things. Due to this extremely broad language, this measure quickly becomes problematic to the financial health of both the State and potentially our city’s budgets.

State budget impact

In late summer, the South Dakota Legislative Research Council (LRC) issued a memo that outlined the potential financial impact to the State’s annual budget if IM 28 were to pass as written. The LRC estimated that a food-only interpretation could see a reduction of $133 million to the State’s annual budget, which is 9.3% of the state sales tax. However, a broader interpretation could see a reduction of up to $646.2 million dollars ongoing, a 46.5% share of the state’s sales tax.

To put these dollars in perspective, if the total amount reached $646.2 million, it would account for over 25% of the State’s total budget. Due to the State’s constitutional obligation to have a balanced budget each year, a loss in revenue on this scale would ultimately end up with three options: raising existing taxes, implementing a new tax, or cutting funding to education, infrastructure, public safety and countless other programs.

Additionally, IM 28 could impact the streamlined sales tax agreements that the State is a part of, further negatively impacting revenues.

Municipalities impact

Another unintended complication of this ballot measure language is the potential impact on municipalities’ ability to collect sales taxes. South Dakota Codified Law 10-52-2 states that municipalities can charge a sales tax as long as the “tax conforms in all respects to the state tax on such items with the exception of the rate.” This essentially would result in municipalities also not being able to charge sales tax on items that the state cannot tax. Sales tax is one of the few funding mechanisms South Dakota municipalities possess. Losing a significant portion of this would have a significant financial impact for many of the communities in South Dakota.

The Chamber’s position

The Board of Directors for the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce adopted a position of opposition to IM 28.

The Chamber does encourage lower taxes overall on businesses and individuals to support a pro-business and economic development climate. A recent example of this was our support of the state sales tax rate reduction during the 2023 legislative session (HB 1137). South Dakota also is currently one of the top five states for lowest tax burden in the U.S. as we do not impose a state income tax on individuals, which most other states do.

However, the negative impact IM 28 would have on critical funding for education, public safety, infrastructure, and other initiatives, at both the State and local level, would set our communities back considerably. The Chamber also acknowledges that if this significant revenue reduction were to occur, the funding would likely be made up by increasing existing taxes such as sales and property taxes, or the creation of a new tax.

In light of all these factors, the Chamber stands opposed to IM 28. We encourage you to Vote No on the issue on the general election ballot.

Mitch Rave Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce

SEUW launches 95th campaign

New CEO guides the organization into the year ahead

The Sioux Empire United Way (SEUW) kicks off their 95th annual campaign this month, under the leadership of a new Chief Executive Officer, Lisa Romkema.

Romkema previously served five years as Campaign Director for SEUW and embraced the opportunity to return to the organization. Romkema said, “It is a privilege to lead an amazing team who works every day to connect those who need support with those who are looking for ways to make an impact.”

The 2025 campaign officially begins Sept. 3 with a week of activities and events to encourage the community to learn more about SEUW and get involved in their mission. The week’s events include:

• Free Scooter’s coffee sponsored by First PREMIER Bank/ PREMIER Bankcard, Click Rain and Scooters.

• Flyboy Donut deliveries to local nonprofit agencies.

• The launch of a limited-edition Severance Brewing Company beer.

• A community meal served by SEUW staff and volunteers sponsored by First Interstate Bank.

• SEUW Night at the Levitt.

A full schedule of events can be found at seuw.org/kickoff25.

“There is a lot of enthusiasm as we prepare to announce the goal for this year’s campaign and kick off our fundraising efforts,” stated Romkema. “For nearly 95 years, SEUW has offered an opportunity for employers and their teams to support a number of organizations through our trusted Community Impact process. It’s

thanks to our dedicated volunteers, donors and supporters can rest assured that their dollars are going to programs that serve an estimated 1 out of every 3 individuals in the Sioux Empire, whether that’s your clients, team members, or friends and family.”

In 2025, SEUW will support 37 nonprofits and 74 programs impacting the lives of children, vulnerable adults and people in crisis. Examples of the impact SEUW had in the last year include:

• 119,872 books were mailed to children through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

• 26,296 youth were provided with mentoring and enrichment opportunities through community programming.

• 6,474 individuals received supervised care, transportation, or services to allow for continued independent living.

• 42,979 inquiries were answered and provided information, resources referrals and volunteer opportunities.

SEUW’s mission is to lead, sustain and nurture a unified, effective response to community needs. This is made possible through the support of many in the community. Building on last year’s campaign theme, SEUW is focused on giving “thanks to you” in honor of the time and financial support they receive from Chamber members, business leaders and community supporters.

To learn more about Sioux Empire United Way and how you or your organization can get involved, visit seuw.org.

Economic Outlook Seminar

to be held Oct. 1

The South Dakota Chamber of Commerce & Industry will hold the annual Economic Outlook on Tuesday, Oct. 1 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.

The Economic Outlook has become a cornerstone event for business leaders, providing invaluable insights into the strengths and challenges of our local economy. This year, alongside the traditional economic discussions, the event will include a focused discussion about cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and the economic potential of the Dakota Applied Research Corp.

Featured speakers at the 2024 Economic Outlook include SDSU economist Joe Santos and Dakota Institute of Business and Economic Analysis Jared McEntaffer, DARC CEO Andrea Thompson, DSU Dean David De Jong and Sanford Health’s Kimberly Hogstad.

Economic Outlook Seminar

Tuesday, October 1, 3–6 p.m.

Sioux Falls Convention Center

Learn more at sdchamber.biz

The 2024 Economic Outlook Seminar is sponsored by Avera Health, First PREMIER Bank/PREMIER Bankcard, MidAmerican Energy, NorthWestern Energy and Sanford Health.

Registration is $50 for in-person attendance or $30 for online access. For additional information and to register, visit sdchamber.biz.

Using Your Membership

Get your Mixer Pass!

Chamber members have long recognized the value of attending Membership Mixers. Each month a large number of members attend these events and enjoy the opportunity to create new connections and strengthen existing relationships with other Chamber members.

Standard admission at the door to a Membership Mixer is $5 per person. You can reduce the cost of attending by purchasing a Mixer Pass. A Mixer Pass gets you admission to all Mixers for the coming year. Now through Dec. 31, you can purchase a Mixer Pass at a discounted price of $40 – that’s a $20 savings if you attend all 12 Membership Mixers in the next Chamber year.

Here are some of the advantages of purchasing a Mixer Pass:

• You’ll always be prepared for attendance at the mixer – even if you don’t have cash on hand.

• If you can’t attend one of the monthly mixers, you can let a co-worker or friend use your pass for that month.

• Order your pass now and the Chamber will invoice your business, so you don’t have to bother with expensing your admission cost each month.

• Order several for your business and share them with your employees who will benefit from the networking environment

of a mixer. You can also use them to treat customers to complimentary admission to a mixer(s).

The Mixer Pass can be used for admittance to each monthly Mixer from October 2024-September 2025. The pass must be presented at the registration at each event.

To order your Mixer Pass, contact Teresa Schreier at tschreier@siouxfalls.com. Or you can purchase one at the registration desk of an upcoming mixer.

Sioux Falls shines at the Sanford International

We are proud to be able to impact our local economy in such a significant way.

It is hard to believe that the Sanford International presented by First PREMIER Bank/PREMIER Bankcard & Mastercard has called Sioux Falls home for the last seven years. What started out as a professional golf tournament that brought the legends of the game to Minnehaha Country Club has developed into much more than that. The Sanford International is now a community social event that showcases, on a national stage, the incredible city and state that we have the pleasure to call home.

Our event is supported each year by more than 140 corporate sponsors who find value in using our platform to not only entertain their own stakeholders, but network with other businesses and their guests. Most businesses that support our event hail from Sioux Falls and the upper Midwest. However, many of our partners bring in guests from outside of the region who are introduced to our great community for the first time. Out-of-towners, who may have never made their way to Sioux Falls otherwise, experience the tournament, stay in our hotels, eat at our restaurants, spend time in our downtown and then leave with a memorable experience that they share back home with their colleagues and friends. Those visits contribute to the event’s annual economic impact of more than $23 million to the region, and more than $120 million since the event’s inception. We are proud to be able to impact our local economy in such a significant way.

As an out-of-towner myself, I continue to be amazed by the One Sioux Falls approach. The way our community wraps its arms around transplants, new businesses and events that shine a positive light on our city is not common across the country. The PGA TOUR Champions professionals feel this overwhelming community support. Their primary reason for continuing to play is not necessarily the money - it’s the “juice” or adrenaline that can’t be replicated during a regular round or even a money game with their buddies. The professionals are entertainers at heart and often cite the electric atmosphere that the thousands of fans deliver as one of the reasons they make their way back to the Sanford International each year. Sioux Falls certainly delivers the adrenaline rush they yearn for as they compete down the stretch for a victory. The world-class golf course in Minnehaha Country Club, its great conditioning and our region’s classic midwestern hospitality are all contributing factors that lead to the top-tier player field we see each year.

Davis Trosin Sanford International

In 2023, the Sanford International was amongst the most-attended events on TOUR and was awarded the Fan First Award at the PGA TOUR Annual Meetings. This award is presented to the event that goes above and beyond to create an elevated experience for every type of fan. The event stood out as the most fan-friendly event by offering a myriad of ancillary events beyond the competition, signature local food items exclusive to the tournament, and numerous public viewing options to make the viewing experience first-class for all spectators. This was one of six awards given out with all 28 events eligible. Our team, Sanford Health and our partners have always felt how special the event is, but to be recognized by the folks in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, provided some extra validation.

Our team is fortunate to call Sioux Falls the home of the Sanford International. When we extended the event’s contract last year with Sanford Health, Minnehaha Country Club and the PGA TOUR, it was also an extension with Sioux Falls businesses, residents, vendors, merchants and local charities. It is an incredible opportunity to showcase what we all know is one of the greatest places in the country to live, work and raise a family. The support of our partners, more than 650 volunteers, Minnehaha Country Club and its members and YOU – the community – is a recipe for longstanding success that we plan to continue through 2027 and hopefully beyond.

Davis Trosin is the Tournament Director for the Sanford International and works for the golf management company, Pro Links Sports. He moved to Sioux Falls five years ago with his wife, Gráinne, 10-month-old twins, Henry and Maeve, and their two dogs. In his free time, Davis likes to play golf, take in Sioux Falls’ incredible restaurant scene and spend time outdoors with his family.

As you create a team for all of us WE CONNECT YOU.

As co-owner of Sioux Falls City Football Club, Emily Thomas spends more time talking about the culture of her soccer team than she does about their impressive record on the field.

The women’s pre-professional soccer team has turned heads with its success. But Thomas is most proud of the way they’ve turned the culture of the sport around, inspiring and empowering women.

“As an organization, we reject the way things have always been done. We’re creating a new normal that elevates the game, elevates our players and elevates this city we love.”

– Emily Thomas, Co-Owner, Sioux Falls City Football Club

Giving back to the community is also core to the team’s values. As Chamber members, Sioux Falls City Football Club has the opportunity to network themselves to a wide range of businesses, professionals and partners.

“Our achievement will extend far beyond trophies. It’s in the bonds we’ve forged and the legacy we’re building for future generations.”

And with the help of the Chamber, they continue to forge those bonds – on and off the field.

Ribbon Cuttings

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

Aerostar

5900 W Wireless St aerostar.com

Aerostar opened a new 78,500 square foot stateof-the-art manufacturing facility. The facility was designed to support the high-precision manufacturing required to build Aerostar’s complex radar and stratospheric balloon systems. L to R: Angie Meyer, Jennifer Hoesing, Senator Mike Rounds, Senator John Thune, Congressman Dusty Johnson, Jim Nelson (president), Russ Van Der Werff, Nichelle Lund, Laycee Kluin, Matt Paulson and Mike Zacher.

American Heart Association P O Box 90545 heart.org

For 100 years, the American Heart Association has worked to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. L to R: Camden Madsen, Jason Herrboldt, Megan Jung, Chrissy Meyer (region senior marketing communications director), Tammy Beintema, Jennifer Hoesing and Phoebe Vargas.

American Ink Screen Printing & Embroidery

47057 98th St . americaninkllc.com

American Ink Screen Printing & Embroidery is a locally owned screen printing, embroidery & promotional family business. They recently moved to a 9,300 square foot remodeled facility that will support their customer service needs and growth. L to R: Nicole Pechous, Eric Siemers, Lynda Billars, Chad Schilmoeller (owner), Brooklyn Schilmoeller, Chad Stevens and Nicole Benning.

Choreo, LLC

2101 W . 41 St ., Suite 22 choreoadvisors.com

Choreo, LLC specializes in comprehensive wealth management, tax mitigation strategies, asset protection, estate planning and business owner planning. Choreo leverages their roots at the intersection of sophisticated wealth management, tax and business life cycle consulting. L to R: Ryan Miller, Barb Schriever, Lisa Sobotta, John Kramer (director), Alissa Matt, Cody Papke, Jordan Huisman and Eric Alleckson.

New Member

New Location

Milestone Anniversary New Location

Falls Edge Chiropractic

4925 E 26 St

Falls Edge Chiropractic offers chiropractic care for all ages. Their mission is to provide the highest quality care and get their patients out of pain in the most effective and efficient way possible. L to R: Lynda Billars, Dr. Rebecca Larson, Dr. Jade Larson (owner/operator), Carol Woltjer and Dr. Roger Van Riper.

Great Plains Zoo

805 S . Kiwanis Ave . greatzoo.org

The Great Plains Zoo celebrated the return of African lions after over 30 years. Their modern and naturalistic habitat will home a breeding pair of lions with plenty of room to grow the pride. L to R: Audrey Otto Pepper, Megan Jung, Joe Bunkers, Mayor Paul TenHaken, Julie Iverson, T. Denny Sanford, Becky Dewitz (president/ CEO), Nichelle Lund, Jennifer Hoesing and Jeanelle Lust.

Green Bin kathy ireland Sioux Falls siouxfalls.rentgreenbin.com

Green Bin® kathy ireland® Sioux Falls is dedicated to revolutionizing the moving process with eco-friendly, reusable moving bins. They provide high-quality, sustainable packing solutions for both residential and commercial moves. L to R: Laycee Kluin, Cody Papke, Kayla Jarchow, Ryan Quincey (owner), Micah Tolzin (owner), Matt Paulson and Jeff Quincey.

Hausmann Construction

101 S Phillips Ave , Suite 105 hausmannconstruction.com

Hausmann Construction is a first-generation construction management, design-build and general contracting firm. L to R: Pierce Koch, Karlie Solum, Matt Schendt (executive vice president), Joe Bunkers, Steve Thiele (vice president), Matt Zobel, April Meyerink and Jacob Bunde.

Meadowland Financial Group

7505 S . Louise Ave . meadowlandfinancialgroup.com

Meadowland Financial Group moved to a larger location to accommodate their firm’s rapid growth. L to R: Peter Siegling, Destinie Marshall, Matt Grimlie (managing partner), Jack Grimlie, Dave DeVries, Matt Stange (managing partner), David Johnson and Lynda Billars.

New Member New Member

New Member

New Location

Expansion

Outdoor Campus

4500 S Oxbow Ave

gfp.sd.gov/toc-east

The SD Department of Game, Fish and Parks broke ground on an indoor/outdoor expansion of its Outdoor Campus in Sioux Falls. Included are an archery/bb gun range, three new classrooms, outdoor cooking space and more. L to R: Ryan Boschee, Tim Kromminga, Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden, Kevin Robling (Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks Secretary), Jason Herrboldt and Don Kearney.

Prairie Road Yarn

3101 W 41 St , Suite 115 prairieroadyarn.com

Prairie Road Yarn provides yarn and fiber as well as needles, hooks, patterns and other accessories. They also offer classes for all skill levels and community for all like-minded fiber people. L to R: Todd Taylor, Vicki Stewart, Kelly Nyberg, Jane Taylor (owner), Jennifer Hoesing and Monique Christensen.

Groundbreaking

New Member

Prime IV Hydration & Wellness

7208 S Lyncrest Place primeivhydrations.com/siouxfalls

The Prime IV Hydration & Wellness spa brings the benefits of IV therapy to the community, offering a range of personalized treatments designed to promote overall well-being and enhance vitality. L to R: Alex Reno, Alissa Matt, Jody Reno (owner), Sydney Reno, Melissa Reno (owner), Tammy Beintema, Jay Soukup and Logan Reno.

Redline Athletics Sioux Falls

2325 Enterprise Ave ., Unit 1, Tea, SD redlineathletics.com/siouxfallssouthwest

Redline offers private and semi-private strength and conditioning sessions for youth athletes. Their mission is to build not just champions of sport but champions of character. L to R: Jayson Snyder, Adam Buss, Angie Wahl, Bryce Snyder (owner), Marisa Snyder, Jay Soukup and Matthew Johnson.

Roy’zzz Premium Cannabis

2508 S Louise Ave royzzz.com

Roy’zzz is South Dakota’s premium cannabis dispensary committed to serving the community the highest quality products and service. L to R: JD Gordan (general manager), Eric Siemers, Tamien Dysart, Roy Nielsen (CEO), Angie Wahl, Adam Buss and David Blackburn.

Sanford Health

1211 S Grange Ave sanfordhealth.org

The Sanford Center for Digestive Health features 10 procedure rooms and 40 pre- and postprocedure rooms, with all the clinic space adjacent to the procedure space. There is also dedicated space for students in the first-of-its-kind GI Fellowship Program. L to R: Olivia Essig, Jordan Huisman, Scott Lawrence, Dr. Jeff Murray (fellowship program chair), Paul Hanson (president), Dr. Jorge Gilbert and Dr. Eric Carson.

Scherer Inc.

4940 W Foundation Court schererinc.com

Scherer Inc. specializes in mill roll and the kernel processor divisions. With 75 employees, they work with large OEMs, distributors and dealers worldwide. L to R: Luan Phan, Lyndon Luckasson, April Meyerink, Bob Scherer (founder), Jason Schiebout (president/CEO), Jeff Griffin, Nick Peterson, Jim Scherer and Levi Schmid.

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Member

New Location

Sioux Falls Development Foundation

200 N . Phillips Ave ., Suite 301 siouxfallsdevelopment.com

The Sioux Falls Development Foundation connects businesses with the people, tools and resources they need to be successful. They relocated to the third floor of the Commerce Center. L to R: Scott Wickersham, Jennifer Hoesing, Tamien Dysart, Ryan Boschee (board chair), Bob Mundt (president/CEO), Megan Jung, Melissa Dellman and Steve Kolbeck.

Sioux Falls Skatepark Association

200 S . Fairfax Ave . lets-skate.com

The Sioux Falls Skatepark Association and Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation Department celebrated the opening of the Barb Iverson Skate Plaza. At 20,000 square feet, the park is one of the largest in the country. L to R: Beau Vondra, Erika Iverson, Mike Begeman (Parks & Recreation board president), Allison Dvorak (Let’s Skate board president), Mayor Paul TenHaken, April Meyerink, Matt Paulson, Camilla Portz and Andy Howes.

New Location

New Location

Ribbon Cuttings

Synrgy Sign Company

101 S Phillips Ave , Suite 207 synrgysignco.com

Synrgy Sign Company offers a wide variety of products from commercial signage and Daktronics digital displays to custom signs and promotional products. L to R: Todd Priebe, Alexis Mahlen, Eric Siemers, Jonna DeHaan, Doug Dykstra (general manager), Mat Brueggeman, Jay Soukup, Tammy Beintema, Tess Ringling, Dave Kayper and Jamie DeGroot.

Two54 Creative

5013 S . Louise Ave ., #170 two54creative.com

Two54 Creative combines Midwestern principles with over a decade of web and graphic design experience to connect businesses with customers and effectively drive results.

L to R: Emma Olson, Jennifer Hoesing, Andrea Carstensen, Kendra Cersosimo (founder), Matt Paulson, James Gaspar and Brienne Maner.

University of South Dakota Foundation

200 N Phillips Ave , Suite 303 usdfoundation.org

The USD Foundation & Alumni Association operates to advance USD through engagement and fundraising. They recently moved to a new location Downtown. L to R: Julie Westra, Alexis Mahlen, Jennifer Hoesing, Tamian Dysart, Sheila Gestring (USD president), Noah Shepard (USD Foundation president/CEO), Kevin Doyle, Katlin Johnson and Nick Kotzea.

Yours On The Spot

2003 Industrial St ., Suite 4, Tea, SD yoursonthespot.com

Yours On The Spot moved into a new retailfriendly shop that allows them to better offer exceptional merchandise solutions for events, personal and business needs. Their embroidery and various printing services can accommodate orders of all sizes. L to R: Tammy Beintema, Holly Rader, Kayla Jarchow, Sheila Mezori, Roxie Kelly (CEO) and Sara Brioch.

Ziggi’s Coffee

4410 E . 57th St . ziggiscoffee.com/sioux-falls-sd-location

Ziggi’s Coffee serves a superior and convenient cup of coffee with service you can rely on. They offer coffee, teas, smoothies, eats and treats plus so much more! L to R: Melissa Teeple, Michael Minor (owner), Liz Minor, Brian Sittig, Jennifer Hoesing and Alexis Mahlen.

New Member

5 Alexis Mahlen

Alexis Mahlen is always on the go! She focuses her professional efforts on brokering commercial real estate for Lloyd Companies, while her personal time is dedicated to raising sons Jack (3) and Miles (1) with her husband, Marcus. An active community volunteer, Alexis is a past chair of the YPN Steering Committee and is currently helping to plan the Chamber’s 118th Annual Meeting as the Event Co-chair. Somehow in the midst of all this, she made the time to launch a podcast with Marcus called Behind the Business | Founders in the 605.

1

Can you offer any hints of what is to come at this year’s Chamber Annual Meeting?

Get ready for the best annual meeting yet! Incoming Board Chair, Miles Beacom, far exceeded expectations by announcing REO Speedwagon as the featured special guest and I am truly honored to be emceeing alongside Dana Dykhouse. What I most look forward to most at these events is the networking, so I am excited for the setting we have planned. You won’t want to miss celebrating Sioux Falls’ success in the past, present and future with a dynamic Chamber crowd at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center on Tuesday, October 15th!

swinging rackets on the tennis court or clubs on the golf course, a good old-fashioned family baseball game, and/or exploring one of the many great parks Sioux Falls offers.

4

What is a skill that you’d like to learn and why?

2 3

What do you value the most in your Chamber membership?

The Chamber and YPN have provided foundational opportunities to better ingrain myself within the community. Programming, events, and networking opportunities have connected me to people and businesses within the Sioux Falls MSA, provided awareness of political issues, and further solidified my commitment to being a dedicated Sioux Falls citizen. Taking on various leadership opportunities including the Chair of the YPN Steering Committee grew my leadership capabilities while receiving unparalleled encouragement from established community leaders. The Chamber and YPN have truly enhanced my opportunities to succeed personally and professionally.

Describe your perfect day in Sioux Falls.

The perfect day would involve being active, enjoying the outdoors and eating good food, all with my family. The day would start by greeting the sunrise, followed by meeting friends at a fitness studio, and then spending the remainder of the day being active, whether that be hitting the bike trail,

Inspired by the Olympics, learning how to be an Olympic athlete would be a neat skill. I am intrigued by how the Golden Girls handle vault. In my younger years especially, I loved to push myself with sprints, so sprinting and then flipping through the air and landing gracefully would be exhilarating.

If you could witness any event of the past, present, or future, what would it be?

Being a boy mom of baseball lovers, witnessing a Twins World Series win with my family would be ideal. A World Series win has happened in the past, but hopefully in the future as well! I also simply want to see my boys grow and learn to love this community like Marcus and I do.

BONUS QUESTION if you’d like to name drop… What are a couple of your favorite restaurants or retailers?

Ask me this question again in 2025 after the sure-to-be amazing retail opportunities and four restaurants open at the Steel District!

Alexis Mahlen, Lloyd Companies