September 2015
Vol. 50, No. 12
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE Denny Sanford PREMIER Center exceeds expectations in first year
IN THIS ISSUE COVER STORY
Building for the future: Denny Sanford PREMIER Center exceeds expectations
Chamber News
...................................................... 26-31
PUBLISHER
Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
FEATURES
CHAMBER NEWS AD SALES
Workforce development conference Sept. 29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Deadline approaching for 2015-16 Community Guide. . . . . . . . . . 41
ARGUS LEADER MEDIA For advertising information, call: (605) 331-2348
CHAMBER NEWS LAYOUT/DESIGN JILL BLOM
CHAMBER NEWS EDITOR
IN EVERY ISSUE: Message from the Chair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Events Calendars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11 Economic Indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Noteworthy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Faces & Places. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-24 Community Appeals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Business Advocacy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Headlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33-35 Convention & Visitors Bureau. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Chamber Partner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Using Your Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Member’s Voice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Business News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41-43 Ribbon Cuttings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45-49 New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Membership Anniversaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Five Questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 From the Archives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
ON THE COVER Concert-goers attending the Jason Aldean concert helped officially open the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center; it was a sold-out show. Photo courtesy of the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center
AMY SMOLIK For editorial information, call: (605) 336-1620 Chamber News is published monthly by the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 1425, 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200 Sioux Falls, SD 57104 Advertising and editorial deadlines can be found at siouxfallschamber.com under News & Publications. Postmaster please send address changes to: Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 1425, 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200, Sioux Falls, SD 57101-1425 Phone: (605) 336-1620 • Email: sfacc@siouxfalls.com
CHAMBER MISSION As the leading Sioux Falls area business advocate, the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce represents its members by advancing and promoting the economic health and quality of life of the region.
Communicate WITH THE
CHAMBER .com/siouxfallschamber @SFAreaChamber @SFAreaAdvocate Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
Read online or find archived issues: issuu.com/siouxfallschamber
SEE CHICAGO’S FAMOUS COMEDY GROUP
Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce 109th Annual Meeting Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015 Denny Sanford PREMIER Center
CHAMBER MEMBERS: watch your mail for invitations this month — or reserve your tickets online now at siouxfallschamber.com chambernews.com | Chamber News 3
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Moving Sioux Falls forward is what we do I view progress in our community like a parade: we can be in our own bands, wearing our own uniforms and playing our own songs, but the important thing is that we are all moving forward in the same direction.
DANA DYKHOUSE 2014-15 Chair of the Board
It’s the collective gathering of voices moving in the same direction that continues to have impact.
This past year, I’ve had the privilege to lead the business community by serving as Chair of the Board of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. Your Chamber has continued to set the stage for progress in the Sioux Falls area. Whether it’s tracking legislation, providing educational programs or sharing networking opportunities, your Chamber has made a difference in the ongoing progress of our community in the past 12 months. It’s not just any one person who helps our community and our Chamber succeed. It’s the collective gathering of voices moving in the same direction that continues to have impact. We are stronger together than we are apart, which is why membership in the Chamber is so valuable and vital to the success of business. We have a shared voice when lobbying to maintain our healthy business climate. We have a vested interest to improve our community, from educational to quality of life opportunities for our future. Forward Sioux Falls is one of the best examples of progress in our community. This partnership between the Chamber and the Sioux Falls Development Foundation brings competitors together for the greater good of Sioux Falls — and the results have been tremendous. Investors represent the public and private sectors. This past year our community leaders have again spent time studying future opportunities as well as challenges faced by business, namely workforce development. We will be sharing more about the proposed Forward Sioux Falls 2021 program in the coming months. Forward Sioux Falls represents long-term vision for our community, as do a number of new facilities that have been built in the last few years. Perhaps the most notable is our Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, which will soon celebrate its first birthday. You can read more about this community success story in this issue of Chamber News. Thank you for the opportunity to serve. I’m excited to pass the baton to incoming Chair Paul Bruflat with CNA Surety and let the band play on!
2014-15 SIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LEADERSHIP AND STAFF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIR DANA DYKHOUSE First PREMIER Bank CHAIR-ELECT PAUL BRUFLAT CNA Surety VICE CHAIR DAVE KAPASKA, D.O. Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center TREASURER J. TYLER HAAHR Metabank IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR KEITH SEVERSON Eide Bailly LLP PRESIDENT/CEO EVAN NOLTE Chamber of Commerce BOARD OF DIRECTORS RANDY BURY Sanford Health RUTH CHRISTOPHERSON Citi JULIE DARRINGTON CenturyLink GARY GASPAR Interstate Office Products JOHN HENKHAUS The Everist Company JAY HUIZENGA KELO-TV DEAN KARSKY Farmers Insurance Group/Karsky Agency BETTY OLDENKAMP Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota DAN RYKHUS Raven Industries TIM STURDEVANT Sturdevant’s Auto Parts ROB TEKOLSTE Sammons Financial Group/ Midland National Life Insurance Co. BOBBI THURY Cutler Law Firm STEVE VANBUSKIRK VanBuskirk Companies ANITA WETSCH Don Dunham III Real Estate
EX-OFFICIO KENT ALBERTY Sioux Falls School Board CINDY HEIBERGER Minnehaha County Commission MAYOR MIKE HUETHER City of Sioux Falls 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 SUSAN SEACHRIS Administrative/Accounting Assistant LUCAS SMITH CVB Sales Manager AMY SMOLIK Marketing & Communications Manager ALEXA STEINER CVB Sales Manager VALERIE WILLSON Membership Events Manager CAROLYN WINCHELL Forward Sioux Falls Director of Investor Relations ERIN ZIMMERMAN CVB Sales Manager
chambernews.com | Chamber News 5
CALENDARS
CHAMBER
Events Calendar
Dates, times and locations are subject to change. For a current listing of all Chamber events, visit siouxfallschamber.com, read the weekly edition of Quickly, or call (605) 336-1620. You can register and pay for events online at siouxfallschamber.com.
FEATURED EVENT
TUESDAY, SEPT. 22
4:30-6:30 p.m. Argus Leader Media, 200 S. Minnesota Ave. DETAILS: Sponsored by Argus Leader Media COST: $5 or use your Mixer Pass RSVP: vwillson@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2010
109TH ANNUAL MEETING TUESDAY, OCT. 20
5-9 p.m. Sioux Falls Convention Center & Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, 1201 N. West Ave. DETAILS: Watch your mail and email for more details about this annual celebration of our community. The entertainment portion of the evening includes a performance by comedy group The Second City.
SEPTEMBER MEMBERSHIP
MIXER
OCTOBER MEMBERSHIP MIXER TUESDAY, OCT. 13
Please note the date change for this Mixer
Sponsored by
4:30-6:30 p.m. Kilian Community College, 300 E. 6th St. COMPLIMENTARY HORS D’OEUVRES & CASH BAR $5 ADMISSION OR USE YOUR MIXER PASS
RSVP to vwillson@siouxfalls.com or at siouxfallschamber.com
COST: $80 per person for all Chamber members, employees and guests RSVP: siouxfallschamber.com or (605) 336-1620
OPERATION THANK YOU THURSDAY, OCT. 29
7:30 a.m. Kick-Off, 4:30 Wrap-Up Holiday Inn City Centre, 100 W. 8th St. DETAILS: Join 300 volunteers in this fun, one-day volunteer opportu-
nity. You’ll make personal calls on all Sioux Falls Chamber members to deliver the 2015-16 window decals and Sioux Falls Community Guide.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: vwillson@siouxfalls.com or (605) 3732010
chambernews.com | Chamber News 7
Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
Young Professionals Network
UPCOMING EVENTS
To RSVP to any of these events, email lfosheim@siouxfalls.com or call (605) 373-2009. Visit siouxfallsypn.com for a full list of events.
YPN MORNING BUZZ WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 2, 2015
7:30-8:30 a.m. Panera Bread, 5117 S. Louise Ave. DETAILS: Network with other YPN members
over a cup of coffee! Feel free to bring a friend or co-worker, and don’t forget your business cards. Come for the coffee, stay for the conversation! COST: Free to attend, coffee/breakfast on your own.
YPN POWER LUNCH TUESDAY, SEPT. 15, 2015
Noon-1 p.m. Ode to Food & Drinks 300 N. Cherapa Pl, #101 COST: Free to attend, lunch is on your own.
YPN OFF THE CLOCK THURSDAY, SEPT. 24
4-7 p.m. Grille 26, 1716 S. Western Ave. COST: Free to attend, food/beverages are on your own.
The YPN is celebrating Manufacturing Week by offering Community Connection tours to three local manufacturers. Learn more about this industry and some cool products being made in the Sioux Falls area. Tour space is limited and is for YPN members only.
YPN COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS TOUR — GRACO, INC. MONDAY, SEPT. 28
Noon-1 p.m. Graco, Inc., 3501 N. 4th Ave. COST: Free to attend, YPN members only.
Connect WITH THE
YPN COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS TOUR — MARMEN ENERGY WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 30
Noon-1 p.m. Marmen Energy, 1820 N. Plum Ave., Brandon SD COST: Free to attend, YPN members only
YPN COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS TOUR — BELL, INCORPORATED THURSDAY, OCT. 1
4-5 p.m. Bell Incorporated, 1411 N. D Ave. COST: Free to attend, YPN members only.
YPN
Find us on social media or visit siouxfallsypn.com
.com/siouxfallsypn @siouxfallsypn Sioux Falls Young Professionals Network
chambernews.com | Chamber News 9
SEPTEMBER 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 | SEPTEMBER 2015
3-6
LPGA Symetra Golf Tour
4
Pavilion Free First Fridays
4
Downtown Block Party on the Eastbank
4-6
LifeLight Festival
11
Art for Arthritis Gala-Dinner and Auction
11-12
Fall Festival of Artists
12 Germanfest 12
Sidewalk Arts Festival
12-14
Fall Parade of Homes
12
Animal Enrichment Day
12
Walk to End Alzheimer’s
13
An Evening with Bill Maher Live! Stand Up Tour
13
Sioux Falls Marathon, Half Marathon & Miracle 5K
17
David Nail
17-20
Northern Plains Indian Art Market
18 Stringfever 19
2015 Annual Buddy Walk
19
Walk MS: Sioux Falls Walk
19
Step Up For Heroes — Firefighters Memorial Stair Climb
19
Volunteer Sioux Falls — Volunteer Fair
19-21
Fall Parade of Homes
20
KIDZ BOP Make Some Noise Tour
23
Shania Twain “Rock This Country” Tour
28
Justin Townes Earle
OCTOBER 1-2
42nd Street
2
Pavilion Free First Fridays
2
Art & Wine Walk
2
Elton John
3 3 3
Festival of Bands Wilde Prairie Winery Harvest Festival Sioux Falls Woofstock
3-4
Showcase of Remodeled Homes
9
Mingo Fishtrap
10 15 16 17 18
Strawbale Winery Harvest Festival Coheed and Cambria Cursive Paula Poundstone Golden Dragon Acrobats Theresa Caputo Live! The Experience
20
Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce 109th Annual Meeting featuring The Second City
23-25
Autumn Festival, an Arts & Crafts Affair
23-25 ZooBoo 29-30
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
30-31
Haunted Corn Maze
31
Dakota Pieces XIII Quilt Show
NOVEMBER 2
Shinedown and Breaking Benjamin
5
Ethan Bortnick
6
Rosanne Cash
6
Pavilion Free First Fridays
7 TobyMac 20
John Nemeth
20
Winter Wonderland Kick-Off
21-22
Trains at Christmas
27
Parade of Lights
28
Holiday Gift-tacular!
29
Lorie Line Christmas in the City
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-JULY 2015 2013
JUNE 2015
4,516 PERMITS
2014
5,653 PERMITS
2015
8,290 PERMITS Fargo 2.8%
Source: City of Sioux Falls
City of Sioux Falls Total Construction Value JANUARY-JULY 2015
Rapid City 3.4%
Total Construction Value New Non-Residential Construction Value
Minneapolis/ St. Paul 3.8% Rochester 3.5%
Sioux Falls 2.9%
Des Moines 3.4%
Omaha Lincoln 3.2% 2.6%
$500 $450
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
$400
Note: figures represent Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA), not just city; rates are not seasonally-adjusted
$350 $300
Agriculture Trends
$250
JUNE 2015
$200
$460.3 million $170.5 million
$150
(PER BUSHEL) U.S.
$14.30
$14 $334.7 million $47.1 million
(IN MILLIONS)
$50
SOYBEANS
$15
$376.5 million $105.9 million
$100
$16
SOUTH DAKOTA
$13.90
$13 $12
2013
2014
2015
Source: City of Sioux Falls
$11
$9.60 $9.58
$10 $9.12
$9
$9.13
$8
CORN
(PER BUSHEL) U.S.
$7
Sioux Falls Region Housing Overview JULY 2015
New Listings: 594 Days on the Market Until Sale: 81 Median Sales Price: $178,000 Inventory of Homes for Sale: 1,485 Source: RASE (Realtor Association of the Sioux Empire)
$6
SOUTH DAKOTA
$5
$4.50
$4
$4.07
$3 $2
$3.58
$3.62
$3.37
$3.33
June 2014
May June
2015
2015
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
chambernews.com | Chamber News 13
NOTEWORTHY Headlines, accolades and rankings — Sioux Falls is often in the news for our community’s excellent business climate and high quality of life. Look for that information to be shared again here along with other topical quick hits.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). Infographic created by Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) chambernews.com | Chamber News 15
FACES & PLACES
Faces & Places
COREY WEIDE
Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
DAREN ANDERSON Big D Technology Solutions, Inc.
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.
DAVE STADHEIM
LYLE DABBERT
CARRIE DRAGT
DAVID JOHNSON
RECOM, Inc.
Midcontinent Communications
Brown & Saenger
DAKOTACARE
ADAM COOPER Dacotah Bank
DERRICK KARSKY
Farmers Insurance Group/ Karsky Agency
JOEY ROTERT
Sioux Falls Federal Credit Union
BILL REZAC
Boen & Associates, Inc.
MARK LUKE
Luke Construction, LLC
ANNA ELIASON
Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau
Recognition of Chamber Volunteers The Ambassador Team of the Month for June was Team Weide: Corey Weide, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management; Dave Stadheim, RECOM, Inc; Lyle Dabbert, Brown & Saenger; and Adam Cooper, Dacotah Bank. The Ribbon Cutting Attendance Winner was Joey Rotert, Sioux Falls Federal Credit Union, and the Sales Award Winner was Mark Luke, Luke Construction, LLC. Daren Anderson, Big D Technology Solutions, Inc., was awarded Diplomat of the Month honors for July. Second place honors went to Carrie Dragt, Midcontinent Communications, and third place honors went to David Johnson, DAKOTACARE. Derrick Karsky, Farmers Insurance Group/ Karsky Agency, was the recipient of the Ribbon Cutting Attendance award, and Bill Rezac, Boen & Associates, Inc., won the Reinvestment Award.
16 Chamber News | SEPTEMBER 2015
The Diplomat Team of the Month for July was: Captain Daren Anderson, Big D Technology Solutions, Inc.; David Johnson, DAKOTACARE; Jim Slater, ServiceMaster of Sioux Falls; Kelly Grovijahn, Yoli The Better Body Company; and Jessica Nelson, gpac. Karen Noonan, CarrierNet Group Financial, was recognized at the August meeting for 15 years of service to the Diplomat Committee. Diplomat Chair David Johnson, DAKOTACARE, presented Karen Noonan, CarrierNet Group Financial, a plaque for 15 years of service to the Diplomat Committee.
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.
FACES & PLACES
New Faces & Promotions Anna Eliason joined the Sioux Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau as a sales manager in August. Eliason most recently worked for Avera McKennan Fitness Center and interned at the Sioux Falls Jazz & Blue Society.
more work needs to be done. Krystopolski will help members of the State Theatre Board as well as members of a steering committee that was created recently to help determine the next steps that should be taken to complete the restoration.
Becky Vealey is the new General Manager of the Sheraton Sioux Falls. Vealey joined John Q. Hammons Hotels in 1997 and has grown with the company. Most recently, Vealey served as Director of Sales for the Murfreesboro Embassy Suites. She also served in various leadership roles at both Hampton Embassy Suites and Charleston Embassy Suites.
G.A. Johnson Construction hired Tim Miller as project manager. Miller has more than 30 years of residential and general construction experience.
Ruth Krystopolski joined the State Theatre Company as the interim executive director to help find a viable, long-term business model for the historic State Theatre. The State, which opened in 1926 as a vaudeville house, has been structurally stabilized in recent years. However,
Honors & Awards Credit Collections Bureau named Rose
Benson and Megan Wehrkamp as Client Services Representatives of the Month for July 2015. Wehrkamp was also Client Services Representative of the Month for June 2015. Chris McConnell was named Collector of the Month for June 2015. Jay Huizenga, KELOLAND TV, was named Broadcaster of the Year by the South Dakota Broadcasters Association. The SDBA Broadcaster of the Year honors a person in
Good Deeds Avera Health donated $75,000 to the
Feeding South Dakota Mobile Food Pantry. The grant, to be paid out over three years, will help ensure that people in the communities of Huron, Ipswich, Miller, Lower Brule and Reliance can continue to be served with free food for people in need. The Mobile Food Pantry program began operation in January 2013.
Sioux Falls Psychological Services added four new members to its team. Melanie VanderPol-Bailey, Licensed Certified Social Worker-Private Independent Practice, offers therapeutic and forensic services to individuals, children and families. Zane Peterson, Counselor Intern-National Certified Counselor, counsels individuals, children and adolescents. Tara Knobloch, Social Work Intern, provides group and individual therapy
broadcasting who has been especially active in the past year in community affairs. In the past year, Huizenga led station efforts to expand KELOLAND’s network of SkyCams providing viewers vital weather information; supported a coat drive, Keep KELOLAND Warm, that provided coats for thousands of needy people; and was inducted into the South Dakota Golf Association’s Hall of Fame for actively promoting golf in the state for more than 20 years. Huizenga joined KELO in 1980 and
Contractor-members of the Associated General Contractors of South Dakota, Highway-Heavy-Utilities Chapter donated labor, equipment and materials to enable access for the disabled to the Vietnam Veterans Traveling Memorial Wall that was on display in Sioux Falls Aug. 5-9 at the Sanford Pentagon.
services for children and adolescents experiencing trauma, depression, mood disorders and behavioral difficulties. Deb Lee is the new business manager. Karen Munger, Ph. D. joined the Sioux Falls VA Health Care System as Coordinator of Research & Development. Munger is a renal physiologist. Jack Marsh joined the staff of the McGowan Capital Group in Sioux Falls. He will work part-time as the company’s Director of Special Projects. Marsh retired in 2014 after a 43-year career with the Gannett Co. and the Freedom Forum. His media industry career included a six-year stint as executive editor of the Argus Leader.
became Vice President/General Manager of the KELOLAND Stations in April 2008. In June 2014 he was named Regional Vice President for Media General. Four Chamber members made the Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest Growing Companies: Click Rain, Epicosity, N2 Publishing and Weisser Distributing.
Anniversaries Claritus Director of Finance &
Administration Jai Bohl celebrated his 10th anniversary with the company.
chambernews.com | Chamber News 17
FACES & PLACES
Leadership The statewide Leadership South Dakota program starts its second class this fall with 43 new members. The eight-month program meets in various cities around South Dakota for sessions covering a variety of economic sectors with a goal of developing homegrown leaders from across the state. Participants are: Jasen Beckman, Ellsworth Air Force Base, Rapid City; Tom Bosch, Avera Health, Sioux Falls; Eileen Briggs, Good Voice Communications/ Tribal Ventures Project, Eagle Butte; William Bushee, BrightPlanet Corporation, Sioux Falls; Kendra Calhoun, Avera Health, Sioux Falls; Tom Cota, South Dakota Trust Company, Sioux Falls; Joe Donnell, First Interstate Bank, Sisseton; Kelsey Doom, Wagner Area Growth, Wagner; Scott A. Duke, South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations, Sioux Falls; Mark Dunn, First PREMIER Bank, Watertown; Kayla Eitreim, Junior Achievement, Sioux Falls;
18 Chamber News | SEPTEMBER 2015
Patrick Erickson, First Savings Bank, Sioux Falls; Tony Farmen, First National Bank, Pierre; Lindsay Flannery, Avera Health, Dell Rapids; Nikki Gronli, SDN Communications, Sioux Falls; Kent Hartsuiker, First PREMIER Bank, Sioux Falls; Thomas Hurlbert, CO-OP Architecture, Aberdeen; Paula Jensen, GROW South Dakota, Langford; Aimee Ladonski, Serve South Dakota, Sioux Falls; Jolene Loetscher, Mud Mile Communications, Sioux Falls; Nate Malloy, Sanford Health, Sioux Falls; Heidi Marttila-Losure, Dakotafire Media, Frederick; Ken Meirose, Black Hills Power, Sturgis; Laura Mitchell, Lawrence & Schiller, Sioux Falls; Jason Salamun, Black Hills Federal Credit Union, Rapid City; Heather Sazama, Pennington County State’s Attorney’s Office, Rapid City; Laura Schoen Carbonneau, Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce, Pierre; Laura Shattuck, Office of the Attorney General, Rapid City; Tiffany
Smith, Regional Health, Rapid City; Christine Sorensen, Department of Agriculture-Rural Development, Pierre; Jeremy Tims, Tallgrass Wealth Management, Sioux Falls; Steven Tims, Raven Industries, Sioux Falls; Jesse Tischer, Sanford Health, Sioux Falls; Bobbi Thury, Cutler Law Firm, Sioux Falls; Chad Thury, Avera Health, Sioux Falls; Jael Trieb, Jael Photography/J.Ella Boutiques/Thorpe Properties, Brookings; Scott Vanden Berge, First Dakota National Bank, Platte; Alissa VanMeeteren, Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Sioux Falls; Morgan VonHaden, Black Hills Special Services Cooperative, Rapid City; Tom Weaver, First Interstate Bank, Rapid City; Nate Welch, Vermillion Area Chamber & Development, Vermillion; Walter Woods, The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Foundation, Sioux Falls; and Joshua Zellmer, Myers Billion, LLP, Sioux Falls.
FACES & PLACES
Be Seen
1
2
1, 2 The Chamber’s 13th Annual B.A.D. (Board/Ambassador/Diplomat) Golf Tournament was held in August. First place in the first flight went to Jared Van Bockern, Wells Fargo Bank; Carolyn Winchell, Forward Sioux Falls; Mayor Mike Huether; and Mark Luke, Luke Construction, Inc. First place in the second flight went to Dr. Dave Kapaska, Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center; Angie Wahl, All-Star Travel; Tammy Beintema, JDRF; and Mark Lee, Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.
chambernews.com | Chamber News 19
FACES & PLACES
3
4
5 3, 4, 5 Ag Appreciation Day, held in conjunction with the Sioux Empire Fair, had perfect weather. This annual event is sponsored by the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, Touchstone Energy and area businesses. Hundreds of volunteers help serve a complimentary meal to area farmers. Pictured in photo 3 are the Event Chair Christy Streff, Great Western Bank, and last year’s event chair Cynthia Knudsen, Dean Foods. 6 Members of the Chamber’s Sports & Recreation Committee toured the Perfect Practice Sports Academy in Harrisburg.
6 20 Chamber News | SEPTEMBER 2015
FACES & PLACES
7 8 9
22 Chamber News | SEPTEMBER 2015
10
FACES & PLACES
11 13 12 2015
Sponsorship Packet SPONSORED BY
7 Sadie Bell, U.S. Bank, speaks with KELOLAND Television about the Crossroads Summit. 8 Breakout sessions were held throughout the day, featuring topics from technology to getting involved in the community to how to buy a home. 9 Pictured are Crossroads Summit Co-Chair Marty DesLauriers, UBS; YPN Manager Lauren Fosheim; Breakfast Keynote Jason Schecterle; and Crossroads Summit CoChair Amy DesLauriers, Lawrence & Schiller. 10 Argus Leader Media President & Publisher Bill Albrecht was just one of many community leaders who volunteered time to present at the Summit. 11 Approximately 450 people attended all or part of the Summit, which featured a breakfast keynote and luncheon keynote. 12 Attendees received materials from event sponsors as well as a copy of “Burning Shield: The Jason Schechterle Story,” the book about the breakfast keynote speaker. 13 The luncheon keynote was Ken Schmidt, a former executive at Harley-Davidson. Schmidt talked about the lessons in business he learned while part of the Harley-Davidson team. Photos 7, 8 and 13 by Mike Shafer chambernews.com | Chamber News 23
FACES & PLACES
14 16 14, 15 Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort hosted the August
15
Membership Mixer. Because of unusually cooler weather, attendees were treated to an indoor luau with great door prizes and food. Approximately 300 people attended. 16 The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce partnered with Facebook at an event to help businesses learn more about using Facebook to promote their businesses. The Chamber had a booth at the event and staff visited with attendees about the Chamber.
17 17, 18 Chamber members had numerous opportunities to visit with South Dakota’s Congressional Delegation in August. Pictured on the left is Rep. Kristi Noem talking to YPN members after her Inside Washington luncheon. Pictured on the right is Sen. John Thune speaking to members at his Inside Washington luncheon. The event featuring Sen. Mike Rounds took place after the print deadline for this issue. In addition, Noem participated in the Facebook Boost Your Business event, also co-sponsored by the Chamber. Members could see Thune at the “Two Steps Ahead: Protect Your Digital Life” event co-sponsored by the Chamber, Better Business Bureau, AARP South Dakota, Infragard, Google and National Cyber Security Alliance. Thune also participated in a panel discussion with area business leaders about Technology and South Dakota’s economy, which was sponsored by the U.S. Chamber Foundation.
24 Chamber News | SEPTEMBER 2015
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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 25
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
DENNY SANFORD PREMIER CENTER EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS IN FIRST YEAR
26 Chamber News | SEPTEMBER 2015
COVER STORY
It took just over two years to build the $115 million Denny Sanford PREMIER Center. At left is the PREMIER Center still under construction in March 2014 as the center video board was being raised. At right is a full house for the Sioux Falls Stampede, who moved their home site from the Arena to the PREMIER Center.
BY AMY SMOLIK
Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
A facility that was numerous task forces and years of planning in the making is closing out a successful first year of operation. “We certainly had high hopes for our new event center, but we have been blown away by the first year’s results. Sold out shows time and time again, countless memories, visitors to Sioux Falls that can’t wait to come back — and oh, yes, operating in the black big time,” said Mayor Mike Huether. From country music to classic rock and roll, farm implement displays, the PBR rodeo, Cirque du Soleil and everything in between, the first year of operation at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center has been nothing short of spectacular. For management company SMG, the next step is to build on the excitement and maintain the caliber of entertainment that has filled the facility in its first 12 months of operation. “I think you look at the studies that were done prior to the construction of the facility, and it showed we’d do 12 concerts in the first year and see approximately 30 percent of tickets
purchased by local citizens,” said General Manager Terry Torkildson. “That’s been a reverse — we’ve seen about 30-35 percent of tickets sold come from outside the community. It’s highly-unusual to have such strong support from a city the size of Sioux Falls. We’ve had two times as many sell-outs and two times as many concerts as we expected. It’s been an amazing ride.” The public was first able to set foot in the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center last September with a number of open houses and a well-attended official ribbon cutting to open the facility. The first sold out show was the Oct. 3 Jason Aldean concert. The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting was also held in the PREMIER Center last October, featuring a private concert by Chicago for Chamber members. It’s not just about concerts, however. The annual Sioux Falls Farm Show, held in conjunction with the Chambersponsored Sioux Empire Farm Show, is an example of the benefits in store for trade shows, conventions and other similar events. Year after year, the farm show has used the Convention Center and Arena to showcase farm and
chambernews.com | Chamber News 27
COVER STORY
The groundbreaking for the PREMIER Center was Aug. 22, 2012. Just over two years later, officials held an official ribbon cutting ceremony to open the facility.
ag-related products and information — with a waiting list for more vendors. In 2015 the show was able to expand into the PREMIER Center thanks to the additional floor space and a favorable booking schedule. As a result there were more vendors and increased attendance, making this a record year. “This was the first example of leveraging and maximizing the complex as a complete asset,” said Stu Webber, Director of Sales for the Convention Center. “This is great for other event expansion which helps grow and attract additional events for the community.” The complex is now able to offer traditional convention center-type events in the PREMIER Center, as well as piggy back off PREMIER Center events in the Convention Center such as holiday parties during Cirque du Soleil last December. “The Denny Sanford PREMIER Center has definitely added to the excitement in selling Sioux Falls,” said Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director Teri Schmidt. “It has provided the CVB with an additional ‘experience’ opportunity for conventions, meetings, events and leisure travelers.” The additional flat floor space created by the construction of the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center also makes it possible to attract other events, such as the Division I women’s basketball tournament, which will utilize all three facilities in the complex during the tournament. The addition of the
28 Chamber News | SEPTEMBER 2015
PROJECT TIMELINE: NOV. 8, 2011: Special Election held – 60 percent of voters approve building a new Events Center at the Arena/Convention Center site
JULY 23, 2012: Construction Begins
AUGUST 22, 2012: Official Groundbreaking
AUGUST 2012: Sioux Falls hosted the Professional Bull Riders as part of the Built Ford Tough series, the first time this event was held in South Dakota. It will return in 2016 because of the success in 2015.
Title Sponsors announced (First PREMIER Bank, PREMIER Bankcard, and Sanford Health); 25-year partnership
MAY 2013: Construction reaches halfway mark (estimated $1 million is spent each week)
SEPTEMBER 2014: Facility opens to the public (open houses)
PREMIER Center helps the Sioux Falls Sports Authority better compete to host high-profile sporting events in Sioux Falls. “It has elevated our status across the sports industry,” said Sioux Falls Sports Authority Executive Director Wes Hall. “With the PREMIER Center’s contribution to the success of the Summit League Basketball Championships and the fact that Sioux Falls will host the 2016 Division I Women’s Basketball Regional in March, our great city is becoming synonymous with March Madness.” In 2015, the total attendance for the men’s Summit League Basketball Tournament was 35, 612, nearly 12,000 more than the previous record set in 2013 when the tournament was held at the Sioux Falls Arena. Sports fans also flocked to indoor football and hockey games, both of which moved from the Arena to the PREMIER Center. The Sioux Falls Storm indoor football team earned their fifth straight United Bowl Championship in their first season in the center. The Stampede Hockey Club took home the Championship Clark Cup in Sioux Falls. As part of the Sioux Falls Convention Center and Sioux Falls Arena complex, all three facilities are operating in the black. The city’s entertainment tax is not needed for operating expenses and gains will be reinvested into the facilities to aid in continuing improvements. The facility was developed under
OCT. 3, 2014: Jason Aldean, grand opening concert
IN ITS FIRST SIX MONTHS OF OPERATION, THE DENNY SANFORD PREMIER CENTER HAD: $1.1 MILLION net operating income $962,383.40 sales tax payable
408,807 ATTENDANCE
Oct. 3, 2014-April 2, 2015, not including Grand Opening events
94 EVENT DATES
includes multiple events in one day
11 SOLD-OUT EVENTS 8 POP/ROCK CONCERTS 5 COUNTRY CONCERTS 32 BASKETBALL GAMES Source: Denny Sanford PREMIER Center chambernews.com | Chamber News 29
Numerous tours were given of the PREMIER Center while it was under construction. Members of the Chamber’s Sports & Recreation Committee took several hard-hat tours, including this one led by General Manager Terry Torkildson.
a conservative approach by using bonds and no additional taxes to fund it. In its first six months of operation, the PREMIER Center made $1.1 million and generated $900,000 in sales tax revenue, the City reported, nearly surpassing projections of $1.3 million for the first year. The support of the business community has had a significant impact on the first year’s success, Torkildson said.
For years, numerous task forces debated size, location and amenities of a new facility. In November 2011, a special election was held, with 60 percent of voters approving to build a new facility. Being the project manager for the largest publicly-funded project in Sioux Falls’ history was an extraordinary experience, said Kendra Siemonsma with the City of Sioux Falls.
“Success with sponsorships is key to the success of the building. The budget shows us making a profit, which for most arenas in the country that’s not the case,” Torkildson said. “The support of fans, business community, premium seat holders has made the PREMIER Center rise to the top of venues in the country. We recently had ESPN here previewing for the Division I regional. They were astounded by our building with its clean sight lines, and they were also surprised by amount of advertising from a community the size of Sioux Falls.”
“With that size of a project comes many different stakeholders that have key roles in the process, including the public, citizen groups, City Council, design professionals and construction contractors,” Siemonsma said. “In order to manage all of the moving pieces, our project process depended on clear lines of communication and decision making throughout the entire three-plus year project. The process worked, we opened the doors on time and on budget!”
ABOUT THE DENNY SANFORD PREMIER CENTER: Center hung scoreboard is about 19’ tall and 28.5’ wide and weighs approximately 24,000 pounds Outside marquee over the main entrance has 430,000 light bulbs 164 TV/monitors located throughout the building Distance from the bottom of the steel framework to the floor is 78 feet
Ice rink floor has 10 miles of pipe under it to cool it; the ice is only 1.5 inches thick Building’s air conditioning could cool about 600 homes 22 suites 18 loge boxes 500 club seats
39 bathrooms (179 stools, 78 urinals)
4,000 parking spots
296 rooms (334 doors)
4 escalators 4 elevators Source: City of Sioux Falls
30 Chamber News | SEPTEMBER 2015
COVER STORY
Torkildson said the quality of the facility has been noted by artists, tour groups and management companies. He credits the project management team from the City of Sioux Falls and the lead contractor, Mortenson Construction. “They built a facility that’s very easy to use, both for patrons and touring facilities. This is extremely rare, he said. “It was built under budget, on time and it’s a high-quality product. When you’re dealing with construction project of this size, it’s very rare. The City should be very proud.” Looking ahead to the future, Torkildson sees the momentum carrying on, though the business ebbs and flows based on availability of touring events and locally-produced events. Several promoters have seen phenomenal success in Sioux Falls and have booked additional acts here because of it. Torkildson expects this to help keep the facility at the top of the touring list for the next several years. For the City, the success at the PREMIER Center represents another feather in the cap of a growing, progressive city.
TOP: This view shows the Arena, Convention Center and PREMIER Center complex from the air. BOTTOM: Chamber Chair of the Board Dana Dykhouse kicked off the 2014 Annual Meeting, which was held at the Sioux Falls Convention Center and Denny Sanford PREMIER Center and featured a concert from Chicago.
“This is just the beginning for this valuable quality of life investment and economic development juggernaut,” Huether said. “I am confident that we will reap the rewards of our new event center for a long, long time and that includes the development that will occur around the facility as well — even better things to come, Sioux Falls!”
chambernews.com | Chamber News 31
BUSINESS ADVOCACY
The Chamber’s Public Policy Process Your Chamber has a strong history in the public policy and advocacy arenas. Throughout the year, we work with our city, county and school officials to effectively influence and communicate on behalf of the business community as we seek to grow a stronger Sioux Falls. These efforts often put us at the center of public policy issues and allow us to be a partner in shaping the future of our community.
MARK LEE
Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
Our policy statements act as guiding principles for the Chamber’s advocacy efforts ...
However, as the summer winds down and fall ramps-up, our activity to prepare for the coming legislative session begins to increase. In truth, we have been actively working on and following issues we predict will be part of the legislative agenda. The process to develop our legislative platform will proceed over the next months as noted in the following paragraphs. Each fall we begin by revisiting our policy statements to make any changes or edits based on today’s context. Our policy statements act as guiding principles for the Chamber’s advocacy efforts so they do not change dramatically from year-to-year. Invariably, however, some changes are warranted. Currently, these statements include the following areas: quality of life, taxation, business climate, education, infrastructure, environment, government, tourism, housing, workforce and business development. You can find these statements on our website at siouxfallschamber.com under the Advocacy tab. Our platform development typically involves more extensive modifications from year-toyear than do our policy statements. These focus on more specific issues that are time sensitive and those that essentially serve as an advocacy directive prior to the start of the legislative session. Though the Chamber Issues Management Council (IMC) evaluates issues yearround, in the fall, IMC hears reports and presentations to become deeply informed on these respective topics. This ultimately leads to a draft platform by November. The Issues Research Council bears the responsibility to develop the Issues and Advocacy Survey (distributed to members in November) and they enlist other Chamber committees such as Education & Workforce Development and Business Transportation to help formulate the questions. Responses from this survey, along with the Governor’s Budget Address held the first Tuesday in December, are key components to final platform development. During the December IMC meeting, the policy statements and platform are approved and submitted to the Board of Directors’ Executive Committee, who subsequently submits a recommendation to the full Board of Directors for approval. As you can see, policy statement and platform development are thoughtful processes with issues thoroughly vetted by our committees and leadership. All this is necessary to ensure that our advocacy efforts support the overall mission of your Chamber and prepare us for the coming session. 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.
32 Chamber News | SEPTEMBER 2015
HEADLINES
SIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 109TH ANNUAL MEETING Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015 Sioux Falls Convention Center/ Denny Sanford PREMIER Center Featuring entertainment from The Second City Tickets are general admission only. Chamber members will receive their invitations this month. Chamber members can pre-order tickets online at siouxfallschamber.com or call (605) 336-1620.
Chamber Annual Meeting to be held Oct. 20 There’s something funny happening with the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce annual meeting this year — improv comedy group The Second City will be the featured entertainment as the Chamber celebrates its 109th year. The Chamber’s Annual Meeting recognizes the efforts of the outgoing Chair of the Board Dana Dykhouse, First PREMIER Bank, and will launch the one-year term of Chair-Elect Paul Bruflat, CNA Surety, who will take over the Chamber’s top volunteer position Oct. 1. At the Annual Meeting, the Chamber will share the priorities for the 2015-16 year and the contributions of retiring directors will also be acknowledged. Last year the Chamber expanded the annual event to the new Denny Sanford PREMIER Center to rave reviews. The event will again feature more of an entertainment feel with the performance by Second City. The Chicago-based comedy group has been entertaining audiences and churning out North America’s most famous comedians for more than 55 years. Second City alumni have gone on to act in movies and sitcoms, including Saturday Night Live; just some of their illustrious performers include: Jim and John Belushi, Harold Ramis, Gilda Radner, Chris Farley, Mike Myers, John Candy, Eugene Levy, Tim Meadows, Bonnie Hunt, Jeff Garlin, Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Ed Helms, Steve Carell and Steven Colbert. Kim Burma, Midcontinent Communications, is chairing the event. Chamber members will receive their invitations after Labor Day and tickets will be distributed in September, though members can already reserve tickets. The event will be held at the Sioux Falls Convention Center and the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center. All
seats are general admission. The cost is $80 per person for Chamber members, which includes the entertainment portion of the evening as well as networking and food prior to Second City’s performance. Chamber members can pre-order tickets by contacting the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce at (605) 336-1620 or can purchase tickets online at siouxfallschamber.com.
ABOUT SECOND CITY Second City opened its doors in December 1959 in Chicago. No one could have guessed that this small cabaret theatre would become the most influential and prolific comedy theatre in the world. With its roots in the improvisational games of Viola Spolin, The Second City developed an entirely unique way of creating and performing comedy. Chamber members will have an opportunity to see a mixture of classic sketches, off-the-cuff improv and skits developed specifically about Sioux Falls. For more information about The Second City, go to secondcity.com.
chambernews.com | Chamber News 33
HEADLINES
Workforce Development Task Force preparing recommendations A Workforce Strategy Task Force created by Forward Sioux Falls wrapped up its initial meeting schedule in July. The group, made up of business and education leaders and elected officials, received data compiled by Market Street Services throughout the six-month process. It was co-chaired by Rob Oliver, Augustana University, and Greg Carmon, Midwest Railcar. Market Street analyzed Sioux Falls talent requirements and market changes and compared the city to other regional communities. Market Street suggested a number of action steps to address workforce challenges and the next step is to recommend those action steps to the Forward Sioux Falls Joint Venture Management Committee.
34 Chamber News | SEPTEMBER 2015
“We are all seeing that workforce development is an issue encompassing our city, state and region,” Oliver said. “There is no quick fix — no silver bullet. Meeting our workforce needs requires a more comprehensive solution. Our group was formed to dimension the issues, gather data and report on action plans that can be developed.” Oliver said the research conducted by Market Street included several good strategic ideas utilized by regional communities to help enhance their talent pools. Some of those creative solutions may benefit Sioux Falls in the months ahead. “Some places are ahead of us in workforce development,” Oliver said. “We need to catch up, and in some cases, we can use their
models to bolster our efforts.” Although there is consensus about the need to grow the workforce in Sioux Falls and throughout South Dakota, Oliver said a number of viewpoints and perspectives factor into the question of growing our talent pool. “The key is trying to balance the needs of existing businesses with prospective new employers. If we don’t make the pool bigger, growth and expansion can be limited. Quality growth needs to continue — there are pressures that need to be alleviated,” Oliver said. “We have created economic momentum here in Sioux Falls. This is a challenge barrier to our continued momentum. We’re all working together now to alleviate that challenge.”
HEADLINES
Workforce development conference to focus on challenges, opportunities, resources The Sioux Empire Society for Human Resource Management is hosting an all-day conference addressing workforce development on Sept. 29, at the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown. Space is limited to 200 attendees and the cost is $59 per person. SESHRM was awarded a grant from the City of Sioux Falls’ workforce development pilot program to host a community-wide conference to address some of the issues businesses are facing in today’s economy with attracting and retaining talent. Register online at seshrm.org and follow the links for the conference. Nationally known “Leadership Therapist” Scott Carbonara will kick the day off with his talk on “Get PSST! Igniting Employee Passion and Preference.” Carbonara will equip attendees with tools to maximize employee performance and productivity through development and employee engagement. The morning breakout sessions feature Dr. Greg Stewart talking about emotionally intelligent succession planning and a panel
SESHRM WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2015 Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Register at seshrm.org discussion on corporate/education partnerships. A networking lunch features a keynote from Pat McGill, who will bridge the morning’s discussion of developing your current workforce with planning for the workforce tomorrow. The afternoon will focus on the workforce of tomorrow. Brett Richard, senior corporate HR professional for Sasol industries, will talk about how he’s led his organization’s $16 billion expansion in the Gulf Coast region by providing HR strategy involving organization design and development, HR feasibility and strategy as well as HR feed (front end engineering design). Richard will provide attendees with a helpful toolkit of how to
look at workforce development on a large scale and break it down into phases. Forward Sioux Falls Workforce Development Director Mary Medema will facilitate a panel discussion on “Internships — What Others Are Doing and How You Can Take Advantage of Internships to Cultivate the Workforce of Tomorrow.” Area employers and educational representatives will come to together to discuss their approach and utilization of internships to generate interest in careers with their organization and to develop future employees. Topics include individual experiences with internships from the perspective of the employer, from the perspective of the intern and from the perspective of the educator working with students. The day will be capped off with a presentation by some of the area non-profit organizations offering services to assist employers with recruiting that employers may not usually think of as a resource.
Celebrate manufacturing this month One of South Dakota’s largest industries will be recognized this month: Gov. Dennis Daugaard proclaimed Sept. 28-Oct. 2 as South Dakota Manufacturing Week culminating with National Manufacturers Day on Oct. 2. Manufacturing Day (MFG DAY) addresses common misconceptions about manufacturing by giving manufacturers an opportunity to open their doors and show, in a coordinated effort, what manufacturing is — and what it isn’t. Manufacturing Day is a growing grassroots movement of manufacturers dedicated to overcoming the shared challenges facing manufacturers today. The most pressing issue is a gap in skilled labor — 80 percent of manufacturers cannot find the skilled workers they need. This gap continues to widen. Manufacturers’ ability to
address this issue has been hindered by the public perception that careers in manufacturing are undesirable and by insufficient preparatory education. Both of these problems stem from a lack of understanding of present-day manufacturing environments, which are highly technical. Manufacturing Day gives manufacturers an opportunity to raise and address these issues by simply exhibiting what they do to visitors curious about manufacturing. On the first Friday in October of every year, hundreds of manufacturers across the nation participate in Manufacturing Day. The mission of Manufacturing Day is to provide many thousands of people with an introduction to manufacturing and the tremendous career opportunities it offers.
Research has shown that people who are familiar with manufacturing rank it much higher than those who are not. The Sioux Falls Young Professionals Network is holding three Community Connection tours at Chamber member companies during Manufacturing Week: Bell, Incorporated, Graco, Inc. and Marmen Energy. Space is limited on these tours, which are for YPN members only. Contact YPN Manager Lauren Fosheim for more information at lfosheim@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2006 and see tour details on page 9. Follow along on social media using #SDMfgweek to learn more about this industry in South Dakota.
chambernews.com | Chamber News 35
CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
Google Trekker captures Sioux Falls Mapping company Google recently contacted the Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) to map areas of Sioux Falls that Google Street View could not reach. The Google Trekker arrived at the CVB’s office at the end of June and through the month of July staff walked and mapped 14 Google-approved outdoor locations. Creative & Communications Manager Betsy McCarty walked 45 miles with the Trekker, plus another 6 miles with CVB staff member Matt Barthel. Special thanks to Paul Ten Haken with Click Rain who assisted McCarty in trekking the 19.13-mile bike trail loop. TERI SCHMIDT
Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau
The 42-pound Trekker pack houses 15 cameras for a 360-degree view. The collected photos and mapping information was sent back to Google and will be live through Google Maps once converted to panoramic views. Once live, people will be able to view the following locations: Arrowhead Park; Big Sioux River Recreation Greenway, Trail and Spurs; Falls Park; Good Earth State Park at Blood Run; Great Bear Recreation Park; Great Plains Zoo; Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum; McKennan Park; Outdoor Campus; Strawbale Winery; Terrace Park and Japanese Gardens; Veterans Memorial Park; and Wild Water West. Google has been piloting this project for two years. The Sioux Falls attractions are expected to go live on Google Maps in approximately six months. Don’t forget to check it out! Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau Mission To market the city of Sioux Falls as a one-of-a-kind visitor destination, and to provide premier visitor services, and increase visitor spending in order to enhance economic impact throughout the community. The Sioux Falls Promise The CVB stands committed to exceeding visitor’s expectations. We will provide superior visitor hospitality in the city best recognized as “The Heart of America.”For all your convention, meeting and event needs, contact the Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau: (605) 275-6060, email sfcvb@siouxfalls.com or visit visitsiouxfalls.com; for more updates about the visitor industry, go to pgs. 42-43.
36 Chamber News | SEPTEMBER 2015
Bring your meeting home Sioux Falls wants to host your next convention, meeting, reunion or event. Let the Sioux Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau provide innovative ideas and the expertise to make attendees’ time in Sioux Falls unforgettable. Contact the CVB sales team today at 605-275-6060 or email sales@siouxfalls.com.
Pick up your Sioux Falls spiritwear at the Falls Park Visitor Information Center. Open daily 10am-9pm. 605.367.7430
CHAMBER PARTNER
Investing in interns can pay off in the future Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you know “workforce development” is one of the most used phrases in any business conversation taking place in 2015. South Dakota, and more specifically Sioux Falls, has jobs to offer but businesses are scrambling to find skilled workers. News flash! Skilled workers aren’t just showing up at the doorstep of businesses these days. Employers who are willing to invest in potential employees enjoy more successful outcomes. For purposes of this discussion, “investing in” could be synonymous with “offering internships.”
DEE ANN KONRAD Sioux Falls School District
... a good internship requires a little pre-planning, but the rewards for both parties far exceed the work of supervision.
This spring the Chamber’s Education and Workforce Development Committee hosted an event, Higher Ed: Your Workforce Development Partner, and the discussion touched on the value of internships. Successful employers have quickly discovered internships are a powerful hiring tool where they can “try out” a potential employee while the up-and-coming professional can showcase their talent and gain on-the-job experience. If things work out, a potential employee is now on your doorstep for hire. If not, an easy end-of-internship separation occurs. Forward Sioux Falls Workforce Development Director Mary Medema has been coordinating interns for 12 to 15 businesses each year for the past 12 years through the Interns in Industry program. One such business is Maximizing Excellence, a start-up now celebrating five years in the Sioux Falls business landscape. President and CEO Cindy Elifrits Peterson is a big believer in professional development through internships. She calls herself a “posterchild.” “What I do today started because an internship. My introduction to United Way was as an intern writing grants. It created the career I am enjoying today and it was all because someone at the United Way was willing to give me a shot,” she said. Elifrits Peterson’s business works with non-profit organizations to develop strategic plans, grow Board commitment and ultimately strengthen fundraising efforts. She has paid it forward by mentoring an intern each year since her business began. Interns at Maximizing Excellence conduct SWOT analyses for clients. They mine data. They develop strategic plans. They do not get coffee. “I don’t think I’ve ever picked up coffee for anyone,” jokes Rika Peterson. Peterson (no relation to Elifrits Peterson) is also an internship poster child. Peterson started as an intern at Maximizing Excellence in the fall of 2012. By September 2013, she was working part-time and one year later climbed the ranks to a full-time employee. Elifrits Peterson says today’s interns are capable, confident and bring a youthful perspective to business. They come with book-learned skills they are eager to apply in a real-world setting. She works to make the experience mutually beneficial for both her business and the intern: “I tell all my interns to be selfish. They have to walk out of here with something they can use.” Internships are encouraged, if not required, for many college graduates. But, New Tech High School Principal Dolly Ellwein doesn’t want businesses to overlook high school students either. Teens in that program scored internships this summer with Ramkota Companies and 605 Magazine, just to name a few. High school students in the Academy of Finance Program at the Career & Technical Education Academy are earning real-world experience at banks, small businesses and a variety of non-profits in Sioux Falls. Elifrits Peterson says a good internship requires a little pre-planning, but the rewards for both parties far exceed the work of supervision. A happily employed Rika Peterson agrees. “Don’t look at them [your intern] as free labor. I have had internships where it was not planned out and the value and the learning opportunities weren’t beneficial. When considering, think about all the things they can do for you, but also what you can do for them. Be mindful of what kind of product your business wants to put out into the community of new professionals,” Peterson said. The end result of offering an internship may well be one of the best professional development experiences and networking opportunities your business has had in years. Dee Ann Konrad is the Community Relations Supervisor for the Sioux Falls School District. She also chairs the Chamber’s Education & Workforce Development Committee.
38 Chamber News | SEPTEMBER 2015
USING YOUR MEMBERSHIP
Be seen in all the right places BY PAT LUND
Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
As a Chamber member, you receive one complimentary business category listing for your business or organization: restaurant; computer networking; electrical contractor; etc. But with advances in technology, you also have the opportunity to add “keywords” to your membership listing so that your contact information will appear when visitors to the Chamber website or mobile App are trying to fulfill their shopping or service needs. You can manage these keywords on a regular basis by logging into the Members Only section on the siouxfallschamber.com website, located at the top of the page. If you haven’t set-up your login credentials yet, just click on the blue highlighted text below the user name/password log-in that will launch a response screen to request your information. The log-in information will then be emailed to you. Once you’ve successfully landed on the Members Only page, click on Edit Business
Info to launch the listing information for your business. Enter several words that pertain to the description of your business. For example if your membership is for a hotel, you could enter: accommodations, restaurant, swimming pool, free parking, banquet facilities, pet-friendly, etc. This will ensure that visitors to the website or mobile App will find you
when they enter the words that are important to their purchase. If you need additional assistance, please contact Membership Development Director Pat Lund at the Chamber: (605) 373-2014 or plund@siouxfalls.com.
chambernews.com | Chamber News 39
MEMBER’S VOICE
How to transform your IT efficiency With technology’s role as key driver of workplace efficiency and business growth continuing to expand, the efficient management of IT has become even more critical. In the past an IT department could be successful by simply “keeping the lights on,” but now IT leaders are also expected to leverage technology to help the business gain a competitive advantage and improve business outcomes. If IT is inefficient then it will struggle to meet the new demands of the business.
ARIC BLOM Xigent Solutions
If IT is inefficient, then it will struggle to meet the new demands of the business.
In a 2013 Gartner Group study, IT investment strategy was classified in three categories based on their contribution to the business objectives: run, grow and transform. Run focuses on purely operational and maintaining the status quo. Grow focuses on improving performance and operational effectiveness by impacting business processes. Transform activities create a competitive advantage and helping realize the company vision. The study revealed that even with these new demands on technology: 64 percent of IT spending was still in the Run category with 21 percent in Grow, and only 15 percent in Transform. This means that the majority of IT departments aren’t as efficient as they could be and are unable to contribute to business growth as effectively as they would like or as the business needs. How does IT get stuck in Run mode? The reasons are common and surprisingly consistent across business types: under-resourced, overburdened staff; immature and growing obsolete infrastructure; excessive administrative cost; and too much time spent on fixing issues. With so many IT departments stuck just managing the Run, opportunities to Transform get lost: enhancing online customer service, mobile and big data capabilities; streamlining operations both inside and outside of IT; improving the technical skills of the IT staff; and reinvesting cost savings into the business. How can IT move from Run to Grow to Transform? The solution lies in Business Efficient IT (BEI). BEI is the optimal combination of people, processes and technology operating at the highest level of efficiency for the lowest investment. The quickest path to achieving this state ideally begins with a comprehensive analysis of staff skills, infrastructure maturity level, and IT and related business processes. These activities can also be broken down in to component parts and performed over time. The outcomes of this type of analysis should be a clear understanding of the level of IT performance needed to support the business goals, the gaps needing to be addressed to reach the goals and actionable plans for eliminating the capability and technology gaps. Ultimately this will yield a greater alignment between IT infrastructure and business goals and IT can deliver the transformative outcomes to the business desires. BEI requires a strategic approach, long-term commitment, and for IT leaders to think in a new and holistic way. Aric Blom is the branch manager at Xigent Solutions for the Sioux Falls location. Xigent Solutions specializes in delivering enterprise level IT services and solutions to mid-market organizations by helping to create and manage Business Efficient IT.
40 Chamber News | SEPTEMBER 2015
BUSINESS NEWS
Deadline approaching for 2015-16 Sioux Falls Community Guide If you want to reach potential Sioux Falls residents or share your services and programs with your fellow Chamber members, you should advertise in the 2015-16 edition of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerceproduced annual Sioux Falls Community Guide. The Sioux Falls Community Guide includes information on all facets of life in Sioux Falls. This is the official publication mailed from the Chamber office to people requesting relocation information about Sioux Falls. It’s also a great recruiting tool for employers to use when seeking new employees. The guides will initially be distributed at Operation Thank You, a one-day event where volunteers visit Chamber members to share information about the Chamber and
thank them for their membership investment; this year it will be held Oct. 29. The publication is distributed year-round and can also be found as a digital flipbook at siouxfalls.com. The Chamber contracts with Argus Leader Media to produce the Sioux Falls Community Guide. Advertising is open to all Chamber members, and is only available to Chamber members, with sales closing in late September. If you have questions about the Sioux Falls Community Guide, contact Amy Smolik at the Chamber office at (605) 373-2054 or asmolik@siouxfalls.com. For more information about advertising, contact your Argus Leader Media sales executive or (605) 331-2357.
chambernews.com | Chamber News 41
Visitor Industry Updates HELP THE CVB WELCOME PHEASANT HUNTERS
The Sioux Falls CVB is in the final stages of planning the annual Hunters Celebration at the Sioux Falls Regional Airport, which will be held Oct. 15-16. The CVB, along with various local businesses, will welcome pheasant hunters from across the country as they arrive for opening weekend. The CVB staff will roll out the red carpet with a warm welcome by offering hunters refreshments and sharing information about Sioux Falls hotels, restaurants, attractions and more. Booth space is available for interested Sioux Falls businesses. To reserve a space or for more information, contact CVB Host City Manager Rachel Crane at (605) 373-2026 or rcrane@siouxfalls.com.
CVB LANDS NSIC SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT THROUGH 2017
The road for the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) softball championship will go through Sioux Falls for the next two seasons. The Sioux Falls CVB was successful in their bid to host the 2016 and 2017 Conference Tournaments. “The community support has been outstanding in Sioux Falls,” said NSIC Commissioner Erin Lind. “We feel like our student athletes are getting one of the best experiences in Division II. Sioux Falls really allows our players to get that championship feel.” Sioux Falls has hosted the tournament the past two years. This will be the first time the event has been held in the same location four consecutive years. Sherman Park fields will host the double-elimination tournament, which will consist of the top 10 teams in the final NSIC standings. The league will partner with the Sioux Falls CVB and Sioux Falls People for Youth to put on the tournament.
CVB TO PROMOTE SIOUX FALLS AT HSMAI
The Sioux Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) will attend the 26th annual Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) MEET National event in Washington, D.C. Sept. 9-10. Last year HSMAI had more than 1,300 meeting professionals registered for the show. HSMAI’s MEET has partnered with two industry organizations, Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP) and Meeting Professionals International (MPI). Both will offer certification courses and additional educational programs for the HSMAI MEET attendees. Nearly 60 percent of the meeting professionals in attendance will solely attend MEET National, attending no other industry event. The Sioux Falls CVB will be one of the exhibiting suppliers representing Sioux Falls on the show floor alongside other CVBs, hotels, resorts, inns, technology suppliers and food and equipment providers.
42 Chamber News | SEPTEMBER 2015
The CVB staff greets hunters who arrive in Sioux Falls at the opening weekend of the pheasant hunting season; staff are pictured from 2014.
CVB SALES TEAM PLANS TO BLITZ IN PIERRE
The Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) sales team will travel to Pierre Sept. 22 to promote the city as a destination for conventions, meetings and events. The CVB is holding a reception for South Dakota association meeting professionals located in state’s capital city. The reception will run from 4-7 p.m. at View 34. Sioux Falls hotel and facility industry representatives may also join in on the blitz. The goal is to encourage state meeting professionals to consider Sioux Falls as a future host city for state conventions, meetings and events, and to thank them for bringing their business to Sioux Falls in the past several years.
CVB TO ATTEND SMALL MARKET MEETINGS CONFERENCE
CVB Director of Sales Mattie Burnham will travel to Little Rock, Ark., for the 6th Annual Small Market Meetings Conference (SMMC) 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 an overwhelmingly positive response from the hosting, receiving a 100 percent overall satisfactory rating from the meeting professionals who attended. SMMC is the only show dedicated to the growing small market meeting niche in the travel industry. The conference is a reverse tradeshow, having the meeting planner stationed in a booth while suppliers move from appointment to appointment to meet with them. Prior to the conference both planners and suppliers have the opportunity to request meetings with the opposite party. One-on-one appointments are set from these requests are scheduled throughout the two-day marketplace.
STATE BOWHUNTER CONVENTION TO BE HELD IN SIOUX FALLS IN 2016
The South Dakota Bowhunters, Inc. (SBDI) will host their 2016 State Convention in Sioux Falls Feb. 26-27 at the Best Western PLUS Sioux Falls Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center. Approximately 150-200 people are expected to attend. There will be a banquet, vendors, classes and other bowhunting-related activities available for attendees. The convention was last held in Sioux Falls in 2010. “We are excited to once again host the annual SDBI convention in Sioux Falls,” said SDBI President Jim Peterson. “The team putting it together is working hard to ensure it is a great event and we look forward to seeing everyone there.” SBDI is an organization founded by bowhunters to advance and promote bowhunting in South Dakota. SDBI is governed by a nineperson board of directors who are elected by the general membership. Membership is open to any person who believes in the sport of bowhunting. Membership dues and an annual gathering and auction finance SDBI. For more information about the state convention and SBDI visit sdbi.net.
WORLD’S LARGEST CONVOY FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS COMING TO SIOUX FALLS
CVB’S NEWEST MARKETING CAMPAIGN SUPPORTS SIOUX FALLS GREATLIFE CHALLENGE-LPGA SYMETRA TOUR
The Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) implemented a #RoadToSiouxFalls campaign for the Sioux Falls GreatLife Challenge-LPGA Symetra Tour, which is Sept. 3-6 at Willow Run Golf Course. The strategy seeks to engage with the ever-expanding sports visitor while showcasing Sioux Falls, the GreatLife Challenge, LPGA and participating players.
The Sioux Falls CVB is asking for participation from five golfers using the hashtag #RoadToSiouxFalls to generate more buzz around each player and their fans. Golfers were asked to showcase behind the scenes photos/video and help tie the planers fan base together leading up to, on the road to and during this elite tournament. The promotion will began Aug. 4 and ends Sept. 6, 2015 and includes two avenues of participation.
“The best part is seeing all of the drivers coming in from all over the United States to support our athletes here in South Dakota,” said South Dakota Special Olympics representative Todd Bradwisch.
Participating players were asked to share their story on their #RoadtoSiouxFalls for The Sioux Falls GreatLife Challenge-LPGA Symetra Tour on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. At the start of the campaign the Sioux Falls CVB gifted a GoPro Camera to each participating player that confirms a willingness to share their story through their social networks with the inclusion of #RoadtoSiouxFalls. Participating players will be allowed to keep the GoPro at the end of the campaign.
The event will kick off at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds on Friday, Sept. 25 with a poker tournament and light show at dusk. Last year’s event raised more than $52,000 for local Special Olympics athletes.
Photos and videos with the hashtag may be re-shared by the Sioux Falls CVB social accounts as well as used on the website, giving additional exposure to the players, tournament and LPGA. Instagram shares will be approved and displayed on RoadtoSiouxFalls.com.
An estimated 150 semi-trucks will flood the streets of Sioux Falls Sept. 25-26 in an effort to raise funds for South Dakota Special Olympics. The convoy will bring in trucks from across the country.
“Our drivers have some of the biggest hearts and can’t wait to drive down the road with our athletes in their rigs for the Convoy,” Bradwisch said. All of the trucks line up for Saturday’s convoy departing from the fairgrounds at 10:15 a.m. After the convoy, the semis will return to the fairgrounds to compete in the 12-category truck show including paint and graphics, lights, best in show, and ugly duckling. Awards will be presented Saturday afternoon at the show’s conclusion. Attendance for this year’s event is expected to be 750.
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.
605 Running Company
124 S. PHILLIPS AVE run605.com 605 Running Company was established in July 2014 and is a local running outfitter located in downtown Sioux Falls. L to R: Greg Koch, Dustin Brouwer, Dr. Dave Kapaska, Maggie Groteluschen, Corey Weide, Logan Watley (owner), Grant Watley (owner), Nathan Stallinga and Wayne Earney. NEW MEMBER
Creative Surfaces, Inc.Club Cambria
EXPANSION
1201 N. WEST AVE. creativesurfaces.com Creative Surfaces, Inc.-Club Cambria is proud to celebrate the opening of Club Cambria at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center. L to R: Ashley Kayser, Tracy Turbak, Corey Weide, Anita Wetsch, David Johnson, Shelly Nelson (Cambria Vice President), Nathan Stallinga, Jud Pins (Creative Surfaces, Inc. owner), Christie Aberson, Brad Brown and Denise Pins.
Clean Slate Group/CSG Media
cleanslategroupus.com Clean Slate Group/CSG Media is a complete wrap agency, offering clients unavoidable visibility for their brands. L to R: Oliver Van Beek, Tom Hackl, Marshall Selberg, Dan Doyle, Tim Sturdevant, Eric Van Beek (partner/director of operations), Nathan Stallinga, May Van Beek and Katie Van Beek. NEW MEMBER
Dakota Tool & Sharpening Service, LLC
300 E. 58TH ST. N. Dakota Tool & Sharpening Service, LLC is a full-service sharpening company offering the highest quality services in the area. L to R: Jason Bosch, Bobbi Thury, Stefanie Engebretson, Paul Fuller (COO), Jay Soukup, Tom Fuller, Corey Weide and Chris Filsinger. NEW MEMBER
chambernews.com | Chamber News 45
RIBBON CUTTINGS Dental Solutions
3220 W. 57TH ST., STE. 115 siouxfallsdentalsolutions.com Dental Solutions provides exceptional dental service to families in the Sioux Falls area and supports oral health in the community. L to R: Jessie Alderman, Julie Nelson, Corey Weide, Dean Karsky, Dr. Dane Steffen (dentist), Laura Alderman, Larry Ayres and Alissa Lopez. NEW MEMBER
Details By Kimberly
detailsbykimberly.com Details By Kimberly brings your vision to life by planning, overseeing and executing corporate, private and non-profit events your guests will remember for a lifetime. L to R: Reagan Henderson, Nancy Weber-Sweere, Dean Karsky, Holt Henderson, Corey Weide, Kimberly Henderson (owner), Julie Nelson, Mark Henderson and Alyssa Henderson. NEW MEMBER
Filly Flair
6212 PINNACLE PLACE fillyflair.com Filly Flair has been an online boutique since 2010 and is excited to open their first retail store in Sioux Falls. L to R: Carrie Dragt, Betty Oldenkamp, Corey Weide, Meg Ellefson, Larry Luetke, Laura Benson (owner/founder), Larry Ayres and Kayla Jones. NEW MEMBER
Friendship Baptist Church
821 S. CLOUDAS AVE. The Friendship Baptist Church mission is to provide resources physically and spiritually to those in need. L to R: Eugene Ware, Lynda Billars, Pastor Tajuan Jackson (senior pastor), Harriet Yocum, Stacy Wrightsman, Karen Noonan, Liz Lloyd, Mayor Mike Huether and Emma Christion. NEW MEMBER
Mini Movers, Inc. Moving and Storage
6426 W. 12TH ST. minimoversinc.com Mini Movers, Inc. Moving and Storage is a full-service local and long distance moving and storage company celebrating 25 years in business. L to R: Lynda Billars, Chris Filsinger, Corey Weide, Michelle Bratland, David Johnson, Troy Bratland (owner/president), Adam Cooper and Todd Johnson. NEW MEMBER
46 Chamber News | SEPTEMBER 2015
RIBBON CUTTINGS Orion Rigging Company, LLC
25733 COTTONWOOD AVE. orion-rigging.com Orion Rigging Company, LLC has more than 35 years of combined industry experience and provides top notch customer service. L to R: Tom Hackl, Corey Weide, Rolf Biekert, Tim Sturdevant, Toby Kippes (vice president of operations), Suzie Folkerts and Robert Madler. NEW MEMBER
Panda Express
4203 W. 41ST ST. pandaexpress.com Panda Express offers dine-in services and catering for all occasions. They also hold fundraisers for local organizations. L to R: Alejandra Chavira, Corey Weide, Alberto Farfan (area coach of operation), Joey Rotert, Carrie Dragt, Joshua Rapp (general manager), Julie Nelson and Carla Graciano. ADDITIONAL LOCATION
chambernews.com | Chamber News 47
RIBBON CUTTINGS The SandBar & Grill
NEW MEMBER
2310 S. MARION RD., STE. 100 thesandbarsf.com The SandBar & Grill is Sioux Falls’ newest neighborhood bar and grill with a menu that offers a wide variety of items from their made from scratch kitchen. L to R: Chad Mercurio, Jessica Grams, Jeffrey Nielsen, Amy O’Connor Hoback, Liz Lloyd, Brent Taylor (general manager), Dallas Boelman (SRS, Inc. President), Dr. Dave Kapaska, Aaron Clayton, Courtney Bruns, Mayor Mike Huether and Anthony Cortez.
Sioux Falls Professionals
siouxfallsprofessionals.com Sioux Falls Professionals is a networking organization that helps its members connect, succeed and serve. L to R: Sue Mossefin, Corey Weide, Gary Gaspar, Dr. Heath Marsh (treasurer), Rick Rysavy, Daren Anderson, Terry Steenholdt.
NEW MEMBER
Southeast Tech
2320 N. CAREER AVE. southeasttech.edu Southeast Tech broke ground on a new 100,000 sq. ft. building to house expanded automotive, collision and diesel programs, as well as an auditorium, food service and administration. L to R: Keith Severson, Dean Karsky, Deborah Letcher, Scott Lawrence, Kent Alberty and Jeffrey Holcomb. GROUNDBREAKING
Spanish Immersion Elementary School
1610 S. LAKE AVE. sf.k12.sd.us The Sioux Falls School District broke ground on a new $10.9 million, 73,000 sq. ft. Spanish Immersion Elementary School. L to R: Keith Severson, Kate Parker, Todd Thoelke, Dr. Brian Maher, Scott Lawrence, Carly Reiter, Tracy Vik, Kent Alberty and Christine Erickson. GROUNDBREAKING
Time Management Systems
7505 S. LOUISE AVE. tmstime.com Time Management Systems offers time and attendance software to enable companies to track their largest expense — their employees. L to R: Corey Weide, Wendy Bergan, Carol Rademacher (president), Mindy Kroll (owner/partner), Betty Oldenkamp, Jen Vanderloo (owner/partner) and Larry Ayres. NEW LOCATION
48 Chamber News | SEPTEMBER 2015
RIBBON CUTTINGS Two Men And A Truck
222 N. MARION RD. STE. B Two Men And A Truck is a full-service moving company. L to R: Storm Myers, Keith Severson, Steve West, Corey Weide, Angela Drake (location manager), Lynda Billars, Jack Dyvig and Brittany Corcoran.
NEW MEMBER
Volt
voltstrategy.com Volt provides workforce solutions, data-driven analytics, training, HR consulting and strategic planning to increase performance and engagement. L to R: Mary Medema, Jen Rothenbuehler, Tim Sturdevant, D.J. Ver Hey, Gayle Ver Hey (consultant/owner), Adam Cooper, Amy O’Connor Hoback, Jack Dyvig and Anne Rieck McFarland. NEW MEMBER
chambernews.com | Chamber News 49
MEMBERSHIP
New Members
Congratulations to the following members who are celebrating their milestone membership anniversaries this month and the new members who joined the Chamber in the last month. They are part of a continued commitment to our community through their investment in the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. To learn more about Chamber membership, contact (605) 336-1620 or sfacc@siouxfalls.com. Find a complete Membership Directory online at siouxfallschamber.com or on your smartphone using the Chamber’s app — search “Sioux Falls Chamber” in the Google Play or iTunes stores.
The Center for Equality
Planned Parenthood of South Dakota
Purses 2 Go!
Associate Member Adam Jorgensen, (605) 610-9206 220 S. Phillips Avenue, 57104 thecenterforequality.org
Associate Member Jean Behr, (605) 988-6750 6511 W. 41st St., 57106 ppmns.org
Handbags & More Tammy Bultje, (605) 359-2743 3400 W. 49th St., Suite 118, 57106 purses2go.com
Dakota Tool & Sharpening Service, LLC
Preferred Printing, Inc.
Regency Commercial Real Estate
Sharpening Service Jason Bosch, (605) 332-5973 300 E. 58th St. N., 57104
Printing Connie Tiensvold, (605) 333-0535 1515 C Ave. North, 57104 preferredsd.com
Real Estate Ryan Rients, (605) 201-7750
etc. for her Magazine Magazines Angela Ellerbroek, (605) 351-5515 etcsiouxfalls.com
Hope Prison Ministry Associate Member Mark Uhrich, (605) 338-7526 PO Box 284, 57106
Keller Williams Realty Sioux FallsAnne Lawrence
Probuild Lumber-Retail Russ Pies, (605) 368-2311 27077 S. Tallgrass Ave., 57108
Professional Image by Rosemary, LLC Modeling Agencies, Schools Tawny Kaup, (605) 334-0619 P.O. Box 2754, 57101 professionalimagesf.com
Soul Movement Studio Fitness Centers Gretchen Borgum, (605) 360-6070 3612 S. Southeastern Ave., 57103 soulmovementstudio.com
Sunset Office Cleaning Cleaning Service Will Wilcox, (605) 201-7971 PO Box 89401, 57109-9401 sunsetofficecleaning.com
Transport For Christ Associate Member Ryan Albrecht, (712) 444-0986 transportforchrist.org
Affiliate-Real Estate Anne Lawrence, (605) 376-4961 5915 S. Remington Pl., 57108 annesdistinctivehomes.com
Member Anniversaries 30 YEARS
5 YEARS
Appliances-Major Dealers mahlanders.com
Trust Company bankerstrust.com
20 YEARS
Beds by Design
Mahlander’s, Inc.
South Dakota Interior Designers Associate Member sdid.org
15 YEARS
Omnitech, Inc. Custom Software omnitech-inc.com
10 YEARS Pixelbox
Video Productions pixelboxproductions.com
South Dakota Newspaper Association Newspapers sdna.com
50 Chamber News | SEPTEMBER 2015
Bankers Trust Company of South Dakota
Mattress/Bedding Retail bedsbydesign.net
Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort Entertainment grandfallscasinoresort.com
McNally’s Irish Pub, LLC Restaurants mcnallysip.com
RMB Associates, LLC Business Holding Company
Sioux Falls Ministry Center Associate Member sfministrycenter.org
SuperCuts Beauty Salons, Supplies, Equipment supercuts.com
FIRST-YEAR MEMBERS WHO REINVESTED DURING THEIR JULY ANNIVERSARY MONTH
Auten Accounting Solutions, LLC Accountants-Certified Public autenaccountingsolutions.com
Beef Bucks, Inc. Associate Member beefbucks.org
Cornerstone Private Asset Trust Co., LLC Trust Company cornerstonetrust.net
Spader’s RV Center Recreational Vehicles spadersrv.com
52 Chamber News | SEPTEMBER 2015
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 Terry Torkildson Terry Torkildson is the General Manager for the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center facilities and the Orpheum Theater. He has more than 30 years of experience in facility management. He was born in Ames, Iowa, and is a graduate of Iowa State University. He’s lived in Sioux Falls for 20 years.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT SIOUX FALLS? It’s a stock answer, but it’s the people. In our industry, we interact with thousands of people from across the region and I’ve worked in other facilities across the country. We don’t have the problems that you see elsewhere. Everyone here is very friendly and helpful to those from outside our community.
DESCRIBE SIOUX FALLS IN THREE WORDS: Energetic, Progressive, Thriving
TERRY TORKILDSON SMG
WHAT TECHNOLOGY TOOL OR APP COULD YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT? Mobile weather apps. In our business, being responsible for having thousands of guests at a time, weather is important. That’s one of the things I take very seriously. Weather apps like the local National Weather Service, are key. Plus, I’m a weather geek.
WHAT IS ONE OF SIOUX FALLS’ BEST-KEPT SECRETS? It’s not really a best-kept secret, but the diversity of our culinary options is sometimes surprising to some. We have a great number of locally-owned restaurants and locally-owned ethnic restaurants. This helps fill the niche for younger people looking for unique things in our community. We have a number of great restaurants who are willing to work with us for tours and help provide food at odd hours — people care.
WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED? Be nice. It’s pretty simple and I use it frequently. Many people in upper management or middle management use anger or intimidation to try and manage their employees. In my opinion, there’s no need for that. If you treat people well, it’s a lot more effective. You get better production from a happy staff who feels their boss respects them. Fix the problem, not the blame, is another one. If something happens in our industry, things are constantly changing and moving and we don’t have time to stop and point fingers. Let’s get the problem solved and fixed, discuss it, learn from it and move on.
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.
Arena still going strong after 54 years The Sioux Falls Arena was completed in 1961. Ground was broken in 1959 and completed two years later at a cost of $1.48 million, or $11.7 million in 2015 dollars. The Arena seats 6,113 for basketball games and 4,760 for indoor football and hockey. Prior to the opening of the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in 2014, the Arena was the home of the Sioux Falls Skyforce basketball team (1989-2013), the Sioux Falls Storm indoor football team, and the Sioux Falls Stampede ice hockey team, as well as a variety of state high school championship events.
54 Chamber News | SEPTEMBER 2015
The Arena is still home to a number of events throughout the year. In 2016 the State AA Girls Basketball Tournament will be held at the Arena, which is running concurrently with the State AA Boys Basketball Tournament at the PREMIER Center. In 2014, Augustana College agreed to play their men’s and women’s double header basketball games at the Arena. Other conventions and meetings continue to use the floor space at the Arena as well. This photo was originally published in the June 1961 Greater Sioux Falls magazine, a publication of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber
of Commerce. It shows the Sioux Falls Arena under construction. According to the cutline, the building measures 70 feet in height to the top of the arch and is approximately 256 feet by 280 feet. It has a floor space of 33,000 sq. ft. At the time this photo was taken, the Sioux Falls metro area population was just over 75,000. Other notable community projects constructed at the same time period included the Great Plains Zoo, Minnehaha County Courthouse and O’Gorman High School.