Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce | November 2023 Issue

NEW & RENEWING MEMBERS

HAPPENINGS!

NEW MEMBERS:

November

CATCH ALL EVENTS IN TOWN ONLINE!

BEARDS & SHEARS THE FAYVILLE AGENCY WAREING MOTORS AINSWORTH-BENNING CONSTRUCTION WOLFF’S PLUMBING & HEATING KLINE FUNERAL CHAPEL FASTBREAK HITCHING POST

CLICK ON THE MAGAZINE TO VIEW ONLINE!

RENEWING MEMBERS: Melling & Roseland Law Dirt Road Radio KYDT-KBFS Good Sheperd Clinic Black Hills Pioneer HomeTown Thursday Nights Butte Co Housing Highmark Credit Union Servall Uniform & Linen Sunny’s 5th Ave (Mason’s)

www.bellefourchechamber.org 2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CENTER OF THE NATION FOUNDATION

President | Matt Kreutz, Mid- America Travel/Crossroads

BOARD OF DIRECTORS: President- Fallon Hendricks Nikki Hoyme Rachel Woodroof Audrey Pruitt Cadie Hackenbary

VP of Communications | Angie Besler, Albany Farms

Secretary & Treasurer | Cassie Pannone, Highmark FCU Sheila Hodge, Pete’s Clothing & Hodge Bootery Nikki Hoyme, Monument Health David Pruitt- Pooter Q BBQ

Rachel Woodroof- Beam Financial

Melissa Scofield, Black Hills Energy

Brittany Wilkinson, The Wild Bluebell

Heidi Parker | City Council Liason Wendy Bowers | Economic Development Miranda Gallagher | Executive Director Brianne Bonnet | Membership & Events Coordinator

509 Grant St | Belle Fourche, SD 57717 Office Hours: 9am – 4pm M-F

JOIN US FOR THE HOLIDAYS HERE IN BELLE FOURCHE! | BELLEFOURCHECHAMBER.ORG/CHRISTMAS

(605) 892-2676 | events@bellefourchechamber.org

@Center of the Nation Foundation

Miranda Gallagher | Executive Director

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE CENTER OF THE NATION FOUNDATION?

To provide financial support for the educational and community development activities and programs of the Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce. To promote and develop the economic, civic, cultural and social welfare of the citizens of Butte County, South Dakota through educational programs. To conduct educational programs to encourage the development of small business enterprises in Butte County; To establish technical education programs which will better qualify residents for employment in Butte County; To promote the development of tourism in Butte County through education programs; To promote the use of new technologies, businesses, and education support in Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce Members.

The Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce serves to promote our members, the commercial, civic, and general interests of the city of Belle Fourche, and our trade area. As a voluntary organization our aim is to represent and advocate for our members and the business community as a whole.

We are not a civic club, a charitable organization, or department of city government. We are a private, non-profit, taxpaying corporation focused on improving the community and businesses of Belle Fourche. We’re compromised of people — people just like you, who realize that we can accomplish more collectively than individually.

UPDATES & HAPPENINGS...

SOUTH DAKOTA MINIMUM WAGE INCREASES JAN. 1ST NOVEMBER MIXER!

Join Us at for our November Mixer with featuring many non-profits in our community on Nov. 16th at 4:30 to 6:30 pm!

Located at Venue 519 | 519 5th Ave.

S.W.A.P. (Social with a Purpose) Schedule December 21st -TBD

REGISTER FOR 2024 MIXERS! SWAP Chamber mixers will be held on the 3rd Thursday of each month.

DON’T OWN A BUSINESS? Become A Friend of the Chamber for $50. Received our weekly and monthly newsletter, ability to vote on Chamber business, ability to participate in committees or board of directors. Contact the Chamber to sign up today!!

Effective January 1, 2024, South Dakota’s minimum wage for non-tipped employees will be $11.20 per hour, up from $10.80 per hour in calendar year 2023.

For tipped employees, the hourly minimum wage for calendar year 2024 will be no less than $5.60 per hour, up from $5.40 in calendar year 2023.

The changes were posted today on the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) website.

The state’s minimum wage is adjusted annually as a result of an initiated measure approved by South Dakota voters in 2014. Increases in the state minimum wage rate are based on the national cost of living index. State law requires the rate to be rounded up to the nearest five cents. With limited exceptions, South Dakota’s minimum wage applies regardless of the age of the employee, the number of hours worked each week, or length of employment.

Thank You!

Thank you to the Board of Directors, Mary Buchholz, Mike Reade, Fallon Hendricks, Cadie Hockenbary, Audrey Pruitt, and Kelsey Ruzicka for dedicating their time to serve our community by volunteering at the Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce.

GRANT RECEIVED! CENTER OF THE NATION FOUNDATION

LOOKING FOR MENTORS!

received a $10,000 marketing grant from SD Tourism.

This grant is to promote one event in our community and the Chamber has chosen to use it for Come to Christmas in Belle Fourche. We will be promoting Christmas events for the Month of November and December!

LETTER FROM OUR DIRECTOR INCREASING FOOT TRAFFIC As the holiday season approached, businesses have the opportunity to capitalize on the festive spirit by increasing foot traffic to their business. Whether you run a retail store, a restaurant, or a service-based business, there are several effective strategies you can employ to attract more customers during this joyous time of year.

• Decorate your storefront- visual appeal of your storefront plays a crucial role in attracting holiday shoppers.

This year’s theme is “Home for the Holidays.”

• Extend your Store Hours- During the holiday season, shoppers have varying schedules and time constraints, to cater to a broader audience, consider your store hours, especially on the weekends.

• Offer Exclusive Promotions- Create holiday-specific promotions to entice customers. Promote these promo- • Utilize the Chamber- Send us your promotions and we can help advertise on our social media outlets, website, and our tions through your social media, email marketing, and email marketing sources. in-store signage. o Buy one, get one free.

By implementing these strategies, you can increase foot traffic o Early bird shoppers during the holiday season and create a memorable shopping o Door drawings experience for your customers. Remember that the key to o Participate in the Chamber promos. success is to create an inviting, festive atmosphere, offer valu• Participate in the Holiday Open Houses on November able promotions, and engage with our community both online 17,2023. and offline. With the right approach, your business can make the most of the holiday season and set the stage for proper• Collaborate with Local Businesses- Consider partous year ahead. nering with your neighbor business or in Belle Fourche and cross-promote each other’s offerings. This can help “We strive to PROMOTE our members by providing opporattract new customers to your store and strengthen our tunities for their success & aim to provide tools, resources community ties. & information to help our members be successful.”

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY IS APPROACHING AND WE WANTED TO SHARE A FEW IDEAS WITH YOU.

1. Bundle your merchandise. It is easy to offer a 20 percent off your entire store as it is to swipe your customer’s credit card. Resist the urge. Shoppers will be out spending their money, and you want to attract those looking for something other than a cheap price. Instead, find products you can bundle together as one purchase. Even if it is just a gift card to your retail store, that is much better promotion than a generous storewide discount.

2. Buy from other small businesses. Last year Brittany from Wild Bluebell went around and purchased $5 to $10 gift cards from other businesses in the community and gave them to the first 20 people who came through her door. This was a great idea and a great way to not only promote your own business but support others.

3. Give back to our local nonprofits. Collect donations during the day and select a local nonprofit. Customers feel good when they see businesses making their community a better place.

4. Feed your shoppers. It’s no mystery that shoppers are drawn to free food. The point is that food gets people to linger and relax.

INFLATION IS NOT GOING AWAY Inflation is far from being tamed, according to new data.

• •

The Consumer Price Index (CPI), the broadest measure of consumer prices, rose 3.7% annually in September, the same as in August.

On a monthly basis, inflation rose 0.4% from August to September.

‌ Why it matters: Inflation continues to be a top issue for Americans. Fifty-two percent of small businesses said inflation was their biggest challenge, according to the MetLife and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index.

DETAILS: Core prices, which strip out volatile elements like food and energy, rose 4.1% on an annual basis and 0.3% from August to September. The Fed looks at this metric closely. It is still high and has not come down much since the Fed started raising interest rates in March 2022. In September: • • • • •

‌ IG PICTURE: We are far from getting inflation to the Federal B Reserve’s 2% target. Getting there will be difficult. One reason prices remain stubbornly high is high demand and low supply in the housing market, which keeps housing prices elevated.

Volatility in the auto sector, with supply constrained by supply chain backups and striking workers, is keeping car prices high.

•

Also, inflation persists because once it starts it is hard for it to break. We are on the right path to lower inflation, but it will take time to fully stamp out.

‌ BOTTOM LINE: Inflation’s stickiness increases the likelihood that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates again, maybe as soon as later this month.

Wages rose 0.2%, below monthly inflation.

Energy prices rose 1.5% from August, driven by a 2.1% increase in gas prices. Electricity rose 1.3%.

Grocery prices rose 0.1% and are up 2.4% annually.

Housing rose 7.2% on an annual basis.

Used cars were down 8.5% from a year ago, but new cars were up 2.5%.

SNAPSHOTS & EVENTS IN OCTOBER! CITY RECEIVES AWARD!

Safety Benefits, INC gives out safety and loss control recognition awards each year. For the first time, the City of Belle Fourche has awarded the platinum level for 2023. There are three levels of achievement: bronze, silver and gold. Members do not apply for the platinum award. Platinum award is presented to members achieving the gold level with a combined loss ratio of less than 60% for each pool to which the member belongs. This award will positively affect the City of Belle Fourche’s workers compensation and property liability rates in the future.

OCTOBER MIXER! Thank you to Moxie Marketing and owner, Kelsey Ruzicka for hosting our October Mixer!

Be sure to attend our Chamber Mixers and support these great businesses showcasing their products and services.

FUN AT THE SDCEO WEST WOMEN’S BUSINESS SUMMIT Our staff and many Chamber members attended this business conference mid October. Great day of professional and personal development, recharging and networking.

A GREAT DAY FOR PUMPKIN FEST & CHILI CONTEST!

The weater was warm and sunny on an October afternoon for the Pumpkin Fest at the Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center on Octboer 21.

KICK OFF NOV. 16TH | GOES TO FEBRUARY 1ST!

CHILI CONTEST WINNERS WERE: 1st Place: HighMark Credit Union 2nd- Moxie Marketing of the Midwest 3rd- Pooter Q & Paleo Adventures

2024-2026 Board of Directors Nomination Form

Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce

Friends of the Chamber $50

Please indicate your interest no later than November 20,2023 by emailing the Execu6ve Director of the Belle Fourche Chamber at director@bellefourchechamber.org or drop off form at 509 Grant Street.

I am interested in volunteering for the following 2024-2026 Board of Directors for the Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce.

I would like to nominate the following person for the 2024-2026 Board of Directors for the Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce.

First Name: Last Name: ___________________________ Phone: __________________________ Email: _________________________________

Full Name Physical Address Post Office Box City, State, Zip Phone Number Email

_____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________

Benefits you receive: Voting Rights | Receive Newsletters | Ability to Participate in Committees | IRS Alerts | Notary Services | Ability to attend SWAP Mixers and Networking Opportunities | Legislative Alerts Add-ons:

� Conference Ticket $65 � Personal Finance (free) � Entrepreneur Course (free) � Resource Library $250 � Sponsorship packet (add all sponsorship you would like to add to your membership) $___________ TOTAL 2024 INVESTMENT

Why do you feel the Chamber of Commerce is important to the Belle Fourche Community?

$

_______

Your Representative’s Signature:

Date:

I would be interested in being involved in:

� Event Committee � Marketing Committee � Foundation Board of Directors

Please explain why you (or the nominee) are interested in being on the Board of Directors: Please return form and investment to: Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 905, Belle Fourche, SD 57717 Checks may be made out to BF Chamber

Promote Advocate Connect Educate

Your Belle Fourche Chamber is keeping PACE with the Business Community 509 Grant Street, Belle Fourche, SD 57717 * Phone 605-892-2676 * E-mail: director@bellefourchechamber.org

S.W.A.P. MIXER HOST REQUEST FORM

(To host a mixer you must be a Chamber Member in good standing, your location MUST BE IN BUTTE COUNTY and should accommodate at least 60 people.)

INFORMATION ABOUT THE MIXER Hosting a mixer with the Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce is a great way to showcase your business to the community. Mixers promote your business, generate leads, nourish relationships, and gain visibility to the local businesses and community.

Mixers are held the third Thursday of each month from 4:30pm to 7:00pm. Set up starts at 3:30pm.

Mixer Host Sponsorship Benefits Marketing of the event by the Chamber through our social media, email, and website.

Opportunity to showcase your business facility to guests. Time at the event for your company representative to talk about your business. Opportunity to invite your business associates, top customers, and employees to the event. Chance to distribute a special discount for event guests to drive customers back to your business.

Mixer Host Responsibilities The mixer Host must be a Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce member in good standing. Provide a dedicated event space to accommodate 60 people. Provide a selection of food for guests to enjoy. It is strongly encouraged that a Chamber member be used for food service. Provide tables and chairs for guest check-in and raffle ticket sales, a bar area, and new members’ section. Seating or cocktail tables for guests are also recommended. Provide a raffle prize is optional but strongly recommended. Mixers may be co-hosted with another Chamber member to share responsibilities.

Chamber Responsibilities Promote events through the chamber’s social media, email, and website. Provide volunteers to staff the check-in table, raffle ticket sales, and drawings. Provide bar set up including beverages, ice, and other supplies. Obtain the required malt-beverage license. If needed, provide a PA system for the event. Provide assistance with planning your event to make it memorable and successful for everyone!

Months your company is available to host a mixer: (Check all that apply) * January February March April May June July August September November December Mixer will be held: * Outdoors Indoors Host will provide: (Check all that apply) * Food and non-alcoholic beverages for attendees (*) Prize for raffle tickets (*) Prize for business card drawing (*) Area to set up bar (*) Sound system Beer and/or Wine Volunteers to staff mixer Items with (*) are mandatory.

INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR ORGANIZATION Organization name: * How many people can your location accommodate? *

Address Block - US Enter the address where you would host the mixer.

Address Line 1 * Address Line 2 City * State * Zip/Postal Code * Organization's Anniversary month Format: M/d/yyyy CONTACT INFORMATION: Enter the name of the person responsible for coordinating the mixer.

First Name * Last Name * Best time and method to contact you: * Phone number * Email: * Your organization is a: Current member Willing to become a member/sponsor.

Applying does not guarantee approval. Approvals are made through the Belle Fourche Chamber Board of Directors. Thank you for volunteering to host a mixer.

JOB SERVICE Open House FIND OUT HOW WE ARE HELPING BUSINESSES & CLIENTS Stop in and learn about the wide variety of services DLR offers.

Information booths include:

Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023 3-5 p.m. CST & 3-5 p.m. MST

@ LOCAL JOB

SERVICE OFFICE

SDWORKS / MYSD FEDERAL BONDING

LABOR MARKET INFORMATION

WORK OPPORTUNITY TAX CREDIT BUSINESS SERVICES OVERVIEW OF PARTICIPANT SERVICES VETERANS' SERVICES

ON-THE-JOB TRAINING JOB READINESS PREPARATION

Donated dental care for veterans!

Serving those who serve, one smile at a time.

Friday, November 10th

at Jackson Dental in Belle Fourche

WORK EXPERIENCES

Find your local Job Service office: dlr.sd.gov/localoffices/location.aspx Equal Opportunity Program 10/2023

Call (605) 892-6347 to schedule your appointment!

Submit Your Holiday Events for November & December!

Annual Community

November 28th • Belle Fourche Community Hall Pre-Auction Open House 1:30-5:30 • Auction 5:30 If you are interested in decorating a tree wreath or providing another auction item or have any questions please contact Joan Manke at JoanManke@grossenburg.com or 605-645-9512 Chad Pelster at ChadPelster@fib.com or 605-208-6399 Silent Auction items will be accepted Refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres

Light up the Night Belle Fourche Parade of Lights November 24th,2023 at 6pm Theme: Home for the Holidays Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce PO Box 905 Belle Fourche, SD 57717 509 Grant Street Belle Fourche, SD 57717 605-892-2676 director@bellefourchechamber.org

Parade Entry Form

Business Information COMPANY as shown on Federal Tax Return

VENDOR ID. if applicable

POINT OF CONTACT NAME

ADDRESS

Mailing Address if different

PHONE

FAX

VENDOR EMAIL

Description of Float:

Parade Route: Beginning at BF Fire Department, heading North on 8th Ave to State St. Turning West (lefT) onto State St. Turning North (right) onto 6th. Ending at Tri-State Museum.

Holiday Parade Map!

DISCLAIMER

Neither the Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce nor its affiliates are responsible for any liability, lost, or stolen or damaged item or any injury incurred during the Parade of Lights.

CHIEF RYAN CHERVENY 1010 8th AVE ● BELLE FOURCHE, SD 57717 ● 605-892-4354

CHIEF RYAN CHERVENY 1010 8th AVE ● BELLE FOURCHE, SD 57717 ● 605-892-4354

To Whom it Concerns: I won’t be able to attend the Chamber meeting, as I will be out of town that day for another meeting.

I would like to give my suggestion on how the parade of lights should end. I do not have any concerns with the parade starting and traveling from the firehall down 8th Ave or from Herman Park down 8th Ave. My biggest concern is the slowing moving traffic entering the highway. I have witnessed too many crashes, and near misses while working these parades, and they are not worth someone getting seriously injured or worse.

Suggestion: In order to accommodate both the downtown business and the needs of the Chamber. I would recommend the parade travels north on 8th Ave to State St, then turns left and continues west until the Hwy 85 (5th Ave) stop lights and ENDS or STOPS. I will place barricades blocking traffic from entering or exiting State St. Once the floats reach the end, they would remain lined up in front of the stores downtown between 5th Ave and 7th Ave. Within those two blocks of State St (5th Ave and 7th Ave), I would not allow parking. This will allow emergency services space to get through, and the space for larger vehicles to turn without obstruction.

There is more than enough parking on Rail Road St, Behind the buildings, and on Grant St and around city hall. I would also block the 6th Ave intersection to prevent traffic from crossing State St. For those with small children who wish to remain in their vehicles to watch the parade they can utilize the entire parade route from the starting point to 7th Ave. Benefits: • • • •

• • •

People will be able to walk around downtown freely and look at the lights.

People will be able shop in those stores who are open without dodging traffic.

This will also allow a safe place for the floats to be torn down before traveling onto the highway.

It will also allow everyone riding on the back of the floats or back of the trucks to get down and ride safely, before these vehicles travel on the highway.

It will also prevent slow moving vehicles (floats, bikes, ect) from geAng struck on HWY 85.

It will prevent anyone from wandering into highway traffic, especially if candy is thrown.

Allows emergency services like the ambulance quick access to the highway.

I will have an Officer at State St and 5Th Ave to help prevent anyone from attempting to turn into the parade.

I will also have an someone positioned at State St and 6th Ave to run the barricades, in the event the ambulance needs to respond to a call. I spoke with the ambulance director about this plan and he was comfortable with it. I will maintain one lane of travel on State St for the ambulance to get out onto the highway safely if needed.

If any floats do not wish to stay on State Street and remain lined up for people to walk around, they will be allowed to turn left and travel South on 6th Ave back to Jackson St. This will avoid any issues with the Museum events, and the tree lighting or other parade floats. Once the parade is done, and the other events are beginning, I will open State St. to allow floats the ability to leave onto Highway 85, followed by vehicles who wish to utilize the traffic lights to leave.

Thank you,

Ryan Cherveny Ryan Cherveny

Chief of Police Belle Fourche Police Department 1010 8th Ave Belle Fourche, SD 57717 Department 605-892-4240 Butte Co. Dispatch 605-892-2737 Cherveny@bellefourche.org

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