Back in 2002, when Merlin and Sherri Goebel first moved to Hartford, the city’s population was around 2,200 people.
“There was one grocery store in town, as there is now, but since then the brewery has come to town, there are two manufacturing businesses that have moved here and other businesses have come in that just help the town keep growing,” said Merlin.
Yet, as the growth in Hartford continues, the Goebels say they’ve only doubled down on keeping their business, Sunshine Foods, the same.
“I don’t think a whole lot has changed in terms of the way we do business,” said Merlin.
One of the ways Sunshine stands out is their ability to source special items.
“We pride ourselves that
As competition increases with online shopping and big-box stores available in nearby Sioux Falls, Merlin and Sherri are committed to keeping their edge strong — a personalized, hometown experience.
if someone is looking for an ingredient and we don’t have it in stock, we’re able to find it for them. Our warehouse is great about supplying specialty items, and we love discovering those new products for people, too,” he said.
Maintaining their traditional hometown grocery experience doesn’t mean staying in the dark ages, however. The team at Sunshine is always looking for ways to stay abreast of new technology.
“Whether it’s the way we place orders or track products, there are always technological advances to be had,” said Merlin.
“Look at the way we track fresh meat, for instance. If we get a box of beef in, we can trace it back sometimes
to the specific cow and the date it was harvested, and people are starting to think that stuff is really important,” he said.
And, as their kids, Jared and Casie, prepare to take over the business in the future, Merlin and Sherri emphasize the importance of staying involved in the community.
“They will be the future of Sunshine Foods, and they know how important it is to be involved in Hartford,” Merlin said.
As the city’s population continues to grow, Sunshine Foods is confident in its ability to meet the needs and wants of the expanding population, always with friendly smiles on their faces.
Sunshine Foods doubles down on hometown experience as community grows.
Photos by Sunshine Foods
Legacy Member: Hartford Dental Clinic
Community involvement key to Hartford Dental’s past and future success.
Hartford Dental has been a foundational member of the community for over 30 years, since it was started in 1993 by Dr. Scott Mattheis.
The father-daughter team of Dr. Mattheis and Dr. Kimberly Bork has grown the business steadily over the years, not only by providing excellent dental care for Hartford residents but by committing to the community as well.
Doctors Bork and Mattheis say that after three decades of working in the community, you really get to know your patients. Those relationships have built the successful business they run today, and they also inspire the Hartford Dental team to go beyond the clinic and support the community.
“One thing I love about being here in Hartford is that our patients are our family, our friends and our neighbors,” said Dr. Bork.
“Being able to be out working in committees and groups, it goes beyond just
dental health. We really get to know people on a different level and they get to know us as well.”
With such a long tenure in the community, the team has had the chance to be involved in numerous organizations and service opportunities over the years, including the Lions Club, the Chamber of Commerce, local churches and the school district.
Each year, dental hygienists from the clinic visit the school for Children’s Dental Health Month to provide engaging education on the importance of good dental hygiene.
Currently, Dr. Mattheis serves as president of the West Central Education Foundation, which raises money to give grants to teachers in the school district, allowing them to pursue enhanced learning opportunities and projects with their students.
The clinic is also generous with sponsorship and advertising opportunities for area organizations.
“Giving back to the community is important to us for
so many reasons, but primarily it’s rewarding to meet all of the different people and patients we have here in Hartford,” said Dr. Bork.
Photo by Hartford Dental
Legacy Member: Travis Electric
Travis Electric embraces new technologies to maximize efficiency.
A s he approaches 20 years in business, Travis Kuehl says the number one thing he has seen change over time is technology.
Kuehl, who started his business in 2005, says that while many of the advanced technologies he uses on a daily basis have been around for decades at this point, it’s only been in more recent years that he’s seen widespread adoption.
“Most of these things have been around for 20+ years already, but they’re just being implemented more now because of updated building codes and things like LEED certification or tax advantage opportunities.”
He emphasizes the efficiency and peace of mind that’s made possible when smart technologies are utilized. “Smart homes have provided safety and reliability for people. They can
monitor different systems in their house, from sensors on the fridges, dishwashers and water heaters, to being able to protect and monitor their home using cameras or water sensors. They’re all good things that are benefiting the homeowner and saving them money,” he said.
thermostats, off-peak heating and cooling systems that save energy, daylight harvesting and motion sensors in restrooms or unoccupied offices.
Kuehl says that implementing these technologies can help homeowners or business owners become energy star certified, LEED certified, or receive rebates and tax advantages.
“Other states have had these opportunities for a while, but it’s becoming more prevalent in South Dakota, so it’s just part of our business now,” Kuehl said.
“It became really obvious during COVID that high-speed internet is super important. Regular internet wasn’t going to cut it if you were working from home, and if you think about all the smart, connected devices we have now, it’s important to have the speed to handle that,” he said.
Finally, he adds that being part of the Hartford community has been a huge benefit to his business.
Much of the same technology applies to commercial projects, from monitoring HVAC controls, smart
Another newer area for the Travis Electric team has been supporting internet service and fiber to the home. Kuehl and his team work with local telecommunications companies to provide the final connection to bring end users online.
“Hartford has grown over time, and it’s been a great place to build my family and business. We continue to provide our customers with smart technology for home automation — whether it’s as they travel for the summer or go south for the winter, they can monitor their home and be confident that everything is working as it should be,” he said.
Hartford
Did You Know?
Business Owners
Richard Brower - is about 80 and has had a construction business that has been around about as long as the Dean's antique business. He is best know for the Brower Addition. Bower's wife also has three businesses in the Brower addition that are members of the chamber
Bob Lutter is about 80 years old and established Hartford's Best Paint & Body in 1978.
Beaverbuilt - family owned since 1995.
Buildings & Locations
Elihu Oaks Farm - The corner of what is now Mickelson RD & Western Ave. This is where the name for the original settlement of Oaksville came from.
Charles W Knodt built what some say was the first store building (believed to be the building Golden West is in) in 1880.
John Mundt - Mundt rented the Knodt building when he brought his parents and their store into that building. Mundt wouldn't come himself move to Hartford from Sioux Falls until the railroad platted it in 1881. Mundt built the store next to his parents ( where the insurance office is today - between GW & Payroll Vault). He also built the first elevator west of Sioux Falls in Hartford as well as the only Quartzite Building in Hartford after he moved back to Sioux Falls. That building operated as a general store, lodge, bank, and print shop.
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Siouxland Libraries
Hartford Branch StoryWalk
Photos by: Amy Farr
Siouxland Libraires Hartford Storywalk Plaque
L to R: Wynne Hindt, HACC Director; Alysia Boysen, Senior Librarian at Siouxland Libraries; Joel Rosenthal, President of Siouxland Libraries Board of Trustees; Tricia Bates, Library Associate; Arden Jones, Mayor of Hartford; Stephanie Bents, Branch Librarian; Scott Schrader, President of the HACC; Rhonda Erickson, Vice President of the HACC; & Lesley Wolles, Library Associate
Letter from the Hartford Area Development Foundation
Amy M. Farr, IOM - HADF Economic Development Director
T
he Hartford Area Development Foundation (HADF) will be breaking ground on a new industrial park just south of the Swenson Sports Complex. This development aims to boost the local economy by attracting businesses and creating job opportunities. The industrial park is expected to provide modern facilities and infrastructure to support a variety of industries, enhancing the economic growth and industrial capabilities of the Hartford area. The HADF has sold one parcel with two pending purchase agreements and several others looking to invest in Hartford. This develop -
ment would not have been possible without the collaboration and support of the City of Hartford City Council and Staff, Economic Development Association, Governor’s Office of Economic Development, South Eastern Council of Government and the anchor tenant. The City of Hartford was able to receive grant funding to assist with completing W. 12th Street and Oaks Avenue.
The HADF is working with Bender Commercial Real Estate to sell parcels located within the industrial park as well as more 140 acres of land located to the west of
the current development and 1+ acres at the corner of Western and W. South Street. This is an exciting time for the Hartford Area Development Foundation. If you have any questions or
are interested in learning more about the HADF or the land, please contact Amy M. Farr at 605-528-3338 or email info@hartford.life.
Location of new industrial park south of the Swenson Sports Complex.
Amy M. Farr.
Letter from the Chamber Director
Wynne Hindt, Executive Director of the Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce
H
artford Area Chamber of Commerce Members,
As I was developing the concept for this newsletter (Looking Back to Move Forward), I found myself reflecting on my relatively short time with the Chamber. This thought led me to delve into the history of our beloved community, to better understand its roots and the journey that has brought us to where we are today.
Hartford was founded by industrious individuals from a rich and diverse
cultural background. These early settlers exemplified perseverance and a steadfast spirit. Their legacy of hard work and determination continues to shape our community.
As a new resident of Hartford, I have been impressed by the same industriousness and perseverance that our predecessors demonstrated. Our local businesses and Chamber members have shown the incredible foresight our community possesses as we prepare for the inevitable growth and transformation.
Do you have something to celebrate? Need a place to share job promotions and new hires? Is your business embarking on a new project? Have a story that deserves recognition? Want to celebrate your employees, business accomplishments, and more? Submit your news and stories to the Chamber to be featured in the upcoming newsletter!
Email your submissions to wynne.hindt@hartfordsd.us.
The strategic preparation of our infrastructure reflects the forward-thinking, industrious, and courageous nature of our city officials and business community.
It is with great pride that I serve as both a resident and the Director of the Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce. Our Board members are diligently working on developing a Strategic Plan that will guide the Chamber through some of the most significant growth years our community has ever seen. This plan will implement strategies
designed to encourage both new and existing businesses to remain community-minded and growth-focused.
As we look back at our rich history, we gain the strength and inspiration to move forward with confidence and determination. Together, we will continue to build a vibrant and thriving community for all who call Hartford home.
Warm regards, Wynne Hindt.
Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Chamber President Scott Schrader Ace Hardware - Hartford
