December 2019 Chamber News

Chamber News Vol. 55, No. 3

December 2019

A PUBLICATION OF THE SIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Annual Guide to

SIOUX FALLS AREA LEGISLATORS

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce • siouxfallschamber.com

IN THIS ISSUE COVER STORY

Annual guide to Sioux Falls area legislators........................ 26-31

Chamber News PUBLISHER

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

FEATURES

The Chamber’s 2020 Legislative Platform. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34-35 Hey Sioux Falls honors six. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 IN THIS ISSUE: Message from the Chair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Events Calendars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9 Economic Indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Noteworthy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Faces & Places. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-24 Community Appeals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Business Advocacy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32-35 Member Voice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Headlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Business Sense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Ribbon Cuttings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40-43 New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Member Anniversaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Five Questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

ON THE COVER

The Capitol building in Pierre, South Dakota. The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce is preparing for the 2020 legislative session.

CHAMBER NEWS AD SALES

For advertising information, call Steven Herman at (605) 351-1960 or email chambernews@siouxfalls.com

CHAMBER NEWS LAYOUT/DESIGN JILL BLOM

CHAMBER NEWS EDITOR

JENNIE DOYEN For editorial information, call: (605) 336-1620 Chamber News is published by the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 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

Thank you to the following members for supporting the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce by being premium sponsors of the Chamber News magazine.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 3

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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Message from the Chair There’s no place like home for the holidays. The downtown streets and trees are decorated, and the indulgence of food has started. But what makes “home” a home and the place we love transcends the glitter, the lights and the finely-decorated cookies.

The Sioux Falls area is our home and the place we experience year-round. If we care about our home, then we make sure to maintain it and invest in properly caring for it—and not just on the surface level. Home is a place we feel welcome, hope and the opportunity to have our needs met and our dreams realized. That’s something worthy of investment.

BOBBI THURY 2019-20 Chair of the Board

...we work diligently and tirelessly to create a pro-business climate...

At the Chamber, we work diligently and tirelessly to create a pro-business climate that allows business and quality of life to flourish. Our public policy team attends every meeting of the Sioux Falls City Council, Minnehaha County Commission and Sioux Falls School Board.

We have a full-time lobbyist in Pierre during each legislative session. The Chamber team is there to be the eyes, ears and voice for your business.

The Chamber advocates and lobbies for policy and legislation that helps to strengthen our business community. Advocacy work and the issues we are monitoring are shared with members through a variety of communication channels. You can subscribe to the Chamber Advocate email or podcast, view the weekly Bill Tracker during the legislative session or follow @SFAreaAdvocate on Twitter for news of what is happening on the advocacy front. Make sure to sign up as we gear up for this legislative session!

As a business owner, I need our business climate to be healthy. As a community member, I want a great quality of life. And as a mom, I want to live in a place where my children can have the opportunity to pursue their dreams. I don’t have time to read every legislative bill, nor do I have a private lobbyist. But I do know that a lot is on the line. That’s why I’m truly grateful for our Chamber to be on the front line advocating for and improving our community. The Chamber is always working to create an environment in which your business can succeed and a home where all of us can have opportunity to prosper. Now that’s worth every penny of a membership. That’s value!

We are, as always, better together. Thank you for investing in the Chamber and, in turn, investing in our home. Wishing you a very blessed holiday season!

2019-20 SIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LEADERSHIP AND STAFF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIR BOBBI THURY Legacy Law Firm, P.C. CHAIR-ELECT DAN DOYLE Cutler Law Firm VICE CHAIR ALEX RAMIREZ USA Media TV TREASURER PAUL HANSON Sanford Health IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR TIM STURDEVANT Sturdevant’s Auto Parts INTERIM PRESIDENT DAVE KAPASKA, D.O.

EX-OFFICIO JEAN BENDER Minnehaha County Commission KYLE GROOS Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools DR. BRIAN MAHER Sioux Falls Public School System CYNTHIA MICKELSON Sioux Falls School Board JIM SCHMIDT Lincoln County Commission MAYOR PAUL TENHAKEN City of Sioux Falls

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MILES BEACOM PREMIER Bankcard TOM BIEGLER Regency Hotel Management MARTIN DESLAURIERS UBS Financial Services, Inc. NATALIE EISENBERG Click Rain, Inc. DAVID FLICEK Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center PAM HOMAN Augustana University CHRIS HOUWMAN Malloy RANDY KNECHT Journey Group ANGELA LAMMERS Cetera Services SCOTT LAWRENCE Lawrence & Schiller, Inc. VALERIE LOUDENBACK Grand Prairie Foods KARLA SANTI Blend Interactive CLAIRE SANTOS Zoup! and Wingstop TONY VENHUIZEN Redstone Law Firm LLP

CHAMBER & CVB STAFF DAVE KAPASKA, D.O. Interim President DIANE BALK Accounting Manager THANE BARNIER Web Development & IT Manager MATT BARTHEL CVB Communications Manager JOAN BARTLING Finance & Accounting Director JUSTIN BENTAAS Public Affairs & Research Manager JILL BLOM Graphics & Communications Manager RACHEL CRANE CVB Host City Manager PATRICK DASCHEL CVB Sales Manager ERIN DEWITT CVB Sales Manager JENNIE DOYEN Marketing & Communications Director ANNA ELIASON CVB Sales Manager AMY M. FARR Membership Development Manager

JEFF FEJFAR Web Designer JAMI GATES Membership Director MARY HUBLOU CVB First Impressions Manager/Project Assistant KAYLA HUIZING Young Professionals Network Manager JAY KALTENBACH CVB Services/Resale Manager ALEXANDRA LeBLANC CVB Sales Director PAT LUND Member Services Manager MIKE LYNCH Forward Sioux Falls Director of Investor Relations JILL NIEDRINGHAUS CVB Sales Manager KRISTA ORSACK CVB Director of Marketing DEBRA OWEN Public Policy Director KATHIE PUTHOFF CVB Administrative Assistant HOLLY RADER Agri-Business Division Manager EMILY SCHAFFER CVB Creative Development Manager TERI SCHMIDT CVB Executive Director TERESA SCHREIER Public Affairs & Communications Assistant SUSAN SEACHRIS Administrative/Accounting Assistant MARY TIMMER Front Office Assistant JACKIE WENTWORTH CVB Sales Manager VALERIE WILLSON Membership Events 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

DECEMBER MEMBERSHIP

MIXER TUESDAY, DEC. 10

SPONSORED BY:

4:30–6:30 p.m.

First Bank & Trust 2300 W. 57th St.

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

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

DECEMBER MORNING MINGLE THURSDAY, DEC. 5

7:30–9 a.m.

Legacy Law Firm, P.C. 7404 S. Bitterroot Place DETAILS: Before your day gets too hectic, join the Chamber for a fun

GOOD MORNING SIOUX FALLS LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST THURSDAY, JAN. 9

7–8:30 a.m.

Best Western PLUS Ramkota Hotel 3200 W. Maple St. Washington/Lincoln/Roosevelt Rooms DETAILS: Hear from Sioux Falls area legislators about their goals for

the upcoming 2020 legislative session. Breakfast will be served. This event is sponsored by the Chamber’s Diplomat Committee and Issues Management Council.

COST: $30 RSVP: vwillson@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2010

NEW MEMBER MIXER WEDNESDAY, JAN. 15

4:30–6 p.m.

Blarney Stone Pub 333 S. Phillips Ave. DETAILS: New Chamber Members (or new employees to the community) are invited to this special Mixer that features opportunities to learn more about Chamber programs and meet other new members.

COST: Free RSVP: vwillson@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2010

SIOUX EMPIRE LIVESTOCK SHOW TUESDAY, JAN. 21 – SATURDAY, JAN. 25

W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds Expo Building 100 N. Lyon Blvd.

DETAILS: Celebrate the impact of agriculture on the Sioux Empire!

Livestock shows and sales take place throughout the week and commercial exhibits are open for the duration of the show. Volunteer your time or come out to see the region’s best market and purebred livestock. For more information, visit siouxempirelivestockshow.com.

and energetic morning networking opportunity. Drop in as your schedule permits for a cup of coffee and great conversation with other members of the business community.

COST: Free

MAYOR’S ROUND-UP AND SALE OF CHAMPIONS FRIDAY, JAN. 24

JANUARY MEMBERSHIP MIXER TUESDAY, JAN. 7

participating in this auction of the best market livestock from the Sioux Empire Livestock Show. The evening includes a prime rib dinner and a silent auction to fund scholarships for students.

RSVP: vwillson@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2010

4:30–6 p.m.

Holiday Inn City Centre 100 W. 8th St. DETAILS: Join us for the monthly Membership Mixer, featuring networking, food and refreshments! Sponsored by Holiday Inn City Centre.

COST: $5 or use your Mixer Pass

Best Western PLUS Ramkota Exhibit Hall 3200 W. Maple St. DETAILS: Join area business leaders in supporting agriculture by

MORNING MINGLE THURSDAY, JAN. 23

The Compass Center 1704 S. Cleveland Ave., Suite 3 7:30–9 a.m.

DETAILS: Join other Chamber members for a fun and energetic

morning networking opportunity. Drop in as your schedule permits for a cup of coffee and great conversation with other members of the business community.

COST: Free

6 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2019

UPCOMING EVENTS To RSVP to any of these events, email khuizing@siouxfalls.com or call (605) 373-2002. Visit siouxfallsypn.com for a full list of events.

A SEAT AT THE TABLE WITH BOB MILLER WEDNESDAY, DEC. 4

Noon–1 p.m.

Chamber of Commerce 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200 DETAILS: A Sioux Falls native, Bob Miller has

had an extensive career in the political world.

He began as a history and debate teacher at O’Gorman High School. He then went on to be a senior staffer for the 24th governor of the state of South Dakota, Frank Farrar. Miller has worked as the executive director and lobbyist for the SD Municipal League and the SD Electric Utility Association. He was also a lobbyist for the SD Funeral Directors and the SD Mass Transit Association. He has served on the boards of numerous non-profits and founded the SD Investment Trust, SD Local Government Liability Insurance Pool and the SD Workers Compensation Fund. Miller has been married to his wife Michelle for 55 years and they have two children, Thea Miller Ryan and Rob Miller. A Seat at the Table is reserved for the first 25 YPN members to RSVP.

COST: $5 event, $10 event + lunch

MORNING BUZZ THURSDAY, DEC. 5 7:30–9 a.m.

Hotel on Phillips 100 N. Phillips Ave.

DETAILS: Set those alarm clocks early!

Morning-minded young professionals are invited to come enjoy coffee and conversation with other YPN members at our December Morning Buzz at the new Hotel on Phillips!

COST: Free, open to all members!

THE KRINGLE THURSDAY, DEC. 12 7–10 p.m.

Holiday Inn City Centre 100 W. 8th St.

DETAILS: Join your fellow young professionals

for the last YPN event in 2019! The Kringle, sponsored by Pinnacle Productions, is a night of mingling and fun to celebrate the holiday season. Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres, door prizes and a festive photo booth. Live music will be provided by Elisabeth Hunstad.

Cocktail attire is encouraged. This is an event for everyone—we encourage you to bring your spouse, significant other or BFF! Don’t miss out on our biggest celebration of the year.

Find us on social media or visit siouxfallsypn.com

ACTION TEAM MEETINGS You can help shape key areas of YPN programming by joining an Action Team.

All team meetings are held at the Chamber office and are open to any YPN member who would like to get involved. Volunteering with an Action Team is a great way to strengthen professional connections and exercise your skills in collaboration, facilitation and project management.

For more details on the responsibilities of each team, visit siouxfallsypn.com.

SOCIAL ACTION TEAM Tuesday, Dec. 3, 4–5 p.m.

PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACTION TEAM Thursday, Dec. 5, 4–5 p.m.

MEMBERSHIP ACTION TEAM Wednesday, Dec. 18, 4–5 p.m.

COST: $20 for YPN Members, $25 for nonmembers, $30 at the door

Sponsored by Pinnacle Productions

The Young Professionals Network’s can't-miss holiday party! chambernews.com | Chamber News 7

DECEMBER This calendar is a sampling of local events, concerts, fundraisers, seminars and more compiled from siouxfallsevents.com and visitsiouxfallsevents.com.

Visit these websites for a complete listing of events happening in the Sioux Falls area, or for more details on the events listed here.

2

Lindsey Stirling: Warmer in the Winter Tour

4

REO Speedwagon at Washington Pavilion

4-8

DAPA presents: Disney’s FROZEN JR.

5

Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience “Rockin’ on Top of the World Tour”

5-6

Handel’s MESSIAH at First Lutheran Church

6

Downtown First Friday

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.

6

Tonic Sol-fa “The Nights Before Christmas Tour”

6-28

Twilight Flights at Strawbale Winery

7

Christmas with Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant

7

605 Made Holiday Market

7-8

Breakfast with Santa at Great Plains Zoo

8

Annual German Christmas Service at First Lutheran Church

9

South Dakota LEADS Conference for Women

10

Live on Stage Sioux Falls: Big Band Christmas at the Washington Pavilion

11

God as CEO breakfast: Mentorship

11

Jackyl at The District

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

8 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2019

12

Cirque Dreams Holidaze at Denny Sanford PREMIER Center

12

The Kringle

13

Winter Wonderland Dance at El Riad Shrine

13-14

Elf Jr., The Musical at Augustana University

14

Eighth Annual SantaCon Pub Crawl

14

The North Pole Carnival - Sioux Falls Community Event at Active Generations

14-15

Christmas with the Symphony: ‘Tis the Season

15

Holiday Jam with the Hegg Brothers at the Orpheum Theater

15

JANUARY 3

Downtown First Friday

9

Failure Fest

15-16

South Dakota Pork Congress

15-16

South Dakota Ag Expo

11-12

Paw Patrol Live! at Denny Sanford PREMIER Center

14-16

The Color Purple: The Musical at Washington Pavilion

17-18

Media One Funski

A Prairie Christmas Stage Show at Augustana University

19

GonnaGetWed Bridal Showcase at Sioux Falls Convention Center

17

Kenny G. at the Washington Pavilion

19-25

Kennedy Center Region 5 American College Theater Festival

18-22

23rd Annual Christmas at the Cathedral

21-25

Sioux Empire Livestock Show at W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds

19

Lorie Line at the Washington Pavilion

22-24

Sioux Falls Farm Show at Denny Sanford PREMIER Center

19-20

A Fa-La-La Cabaret by Good Night Theatre Collective

19-29

Tuesdays With Morrie at the Orpheum Theater

23-24

The Guilty Pleasures Cabaret by Good Night Theatre Collective

21

Holiday Jam with the Hegg Brothers

25

Ice Fish Fest at Catfish Bay

28

Hoop City Classic at Sanford Pentagon

25

SDSO presents Brass Transit: The Best of Chicago

31

New Year’s Eve Bash at the El Riad Shrine

25

The Good Humor Men at Orpheum Theater

chambernews.com | Chamber News 9

“ ” My team wants health insurance THEY CAN COUNT ON.

Christy, Multi-Cultural Center of Sioux Falls | Wellmark members since 1998

Christy takes her job of building bridges between communities in Sioux Falls seriously. So does her team of sixty. That’s why when her employees told her they preferred Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield for their health insurance, Christy listened. After all, she understands the peace of mind that comes with having access to the widest network of care statewide. So her employees can choose the hospitals, clinics and doctors they want. Just like it should be. Talk to your local agent about Wellmark today. And see why 8 in 10 small businesses choose Wellmark.

WELLMARK .COM/BUSINESS

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Dakota is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

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

OCTOBER 2019

SEPTEMBER 2019

CUMULATIVE YEAR TO DATE

6,017 PERMITS

2017

6,140 PERMITS

2018

BISMARCK

2.0%

6,619 PERMITS

2019 0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

FARGO

1.9%

8000

MINNEAPOLIS/ ST. PAUL

Source: City of Sioux Falls

2.4%

RAPID CITY

City of Sioux Falls Total Construction Value

2.9%

OCTOBER 2019

SIOUX FALLS

CUMULATIVE YEAR TO DATE

2.3%

ROCHESTER

2.1%

CEDAR RAPIDS

800 OMAHA

2.8%

700

DES MOINES

2.5%

2.1%

LINCOLN

2.7%

600

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

500

Agriculture Trends SEPTEMBER 2019

400 300

0

$696.3 million $308.1 million

$701.3 million $262.8 million

$624.7 million $223.4 million

200

(PER BUSHEL) U.S. SOUTH DAKOTA

$8.78 $8.22

$8.35

8

(IN MILLIONS)

100

SOYBEANS

10

$7.96

2018

2017

Source: City of Sioux Falls

Total Construction Value

2019

$7.74

CORN

6

(PER BUSHEL) U.S. SOUTH DAKOTA

New Non-Residential Construction Value

Sioux Falls Region Housing Overview OCTOBER 2019

New Listings: 630 Days on the Market Until Sale: 81 Median Sales Price: $212,750 Inventory of Homes for Sale: 1,626 Source: RASE (Realtor Association of the Sioux Empire)

$7.83

$3.93

4

$3.40

$3.77

$3.80

$3.57

$3.07

2

September

2018

August September

2019

2019

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture chambernews.com | Chamber News 11

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.

ADVOCACY IN ACTION What happens in government – whether it be city hall or Washington, D.C. – has the potential to impact your business. The Chamber is the voice of business at all levels of government. We represent the interests of members, so members can concentrate on running their business.

More than

39

80

days spent in PIERRE LOBBYING

24 52

SIOUX FALLS SCHOOL BOARD meetings attended

CHAMBER ADVOCATE EMAILS to membership communicating activity at all levels of government

Estimated

384

CITY COUNCIL meetings and informational sessions attended

52 107

COUNTY COMMISSION meetings attended

BILLS TRACKED during the 2019 legislative session

volunteer hours dedicated by members of the Issues Management Council to REVIEWING COMMUNITY ISSUES and CRAFTING POLICY STATEMENTS

chambernews.com | Chamber News 13

FACES & PLACES

Faces & Places

APRIL MEYERINK

JAY RASMUSSEN

Black Hills Federal Credit Union

Journey Group Companies

CAROL WOLTJER

MARILYN MOSER

Family Visitation Center

LifeVantage

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. Submit news to jdoyen@siouxfalls.com.

TAMMY BEINTEMA JDRF

DERRICK KARSKY

Farmers Insurance Group/ Karsky Agency

CRAIG LINDES

Hom Furniture/ Gabberts Design Studio

SANDY CASE

NANCY VAN OTTERLOO First PREMIER Bank

SHIELA HOFF

Keller Williams Realty of Sioux Falls

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

Featured Ambassadors and Diplomats this month are: April Meyerink, Black Hills Federal Credit Union, four years as an ambassador and Jay Rasmussen, Journey Group Companies, three years as an ambassador; Tammy Beintema, JDRF, 11 years as a diplomat; Craig Lindes, Hom Furniture/Gabberts Design Studio, two years as a diplomat; Nancy

Van Otterloo, First PREMIER Bank, 23 years as a diplomat; and Carol Woltjer, Family Visitation Center, one year as a diplomat; The Ace Award is given monthly to one Ambassador in recognition of their sales efforts.

Marilyn Moser, LifeVantage, was the October Ace Award winner.

Diplomats who complete all their member contact calls each month are part of the 100 Club. One member of the 100 Club is recognized as the Service Star. The October Service Star was awarded to Derrick Karsky, Farmers Insurance Group/Karsky Agency. Event champion honors went to Sandy Case.

Diplomat Team of the Month for the month of October went to Captain James Payer II, Girl Scouts-Dakota Horizons; Jordan Huisman, First PREMIER Bank; Christy Menning, McCrossan Boys Ranch; Stefanie Engebretson, Goosmann Law Firm; and Dino DePerno, Crew Construction and Restoration.

Sheila Hoff, Keller Williams Realty of Sioux Falls, was recognized for 10 years of service to the Chamber as a diplomat.

Professional portraits of Chamber volunteers are courtesy Chad Phillips Photography, chadphillipsphotography.com.

14 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2019

Honors & Awards The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce was presented with an award at the South Dakota Voices Peace and Justice Gala for ongoing support of immigrant and minority communities in our state.

PatientCare EMS, the 911 ambulance transport service for Sioux Falls, has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) for the second time. The accreditation recognizes that the company meets or exceeds nationally-accepted industry standards for its patient care and how it operates. PatientCare EMS is the only agency to earn CAAS accreditation in South Dakota.

The Event Company received a 2019 Hospitality Award from LUXlife Magazine. The awards showcase the most dynamic, dedicated and driven companies from across the hospitality market. The Event Company was named Best Event Design & Production Company in South Dakota.

Matt Murray, AVPro Global Holdings, was named to the 40 under 40 list for 2019 compiled by Dealerscope. The peer-nominated list recognizes professionals for distinguished job performance and visionary behavior. Murray is co-owner and CTO for AVPro. Prairie Family Business Association presented the Boyd Hopkins, Sr. Excellence in Family Business Award to the Fiegen Family of Fiegen Construction. The award celebrates the importance of family-owned businesses to the

economy and the region and recognizes multigenerational family businesses with practices and policies that positively impact local business, as well as the neighboring community.

Four Sioux Falls area professionals have been named to the Prairie Business Magazine list of 40 under 40 for 2019. Honorees represent a wide range of industries and are recognized for making a significant impact in their chosen profession, industry and community. This year’s honorees include Brienne Maner, Zeal Center for Entrepreneurship; Sarah Muesburger, Banner Associates, Inc.; Matthew Paulson, Marketbeat; and Justin Smorawske, Epicosity.

Evan Nolte was presented with the 2019 Spirit of Sioux Falls Award at the annual meeting of the Sioux Falls Development Foundation. The award recognizes leadership excellence and dedication to the Sioux Falls business community and its economic growth.

The Sioux Falls Development Foundation named the 2019 winners of the Spirit of Sioux Falls Scholarship: Wini Yohana, Augustana University; Morgan Palmer, University of South Dakota; Yanna Poberezhnik, University of Sioux Falls; and Grant Loudenback, University of Nebraska.

The Lincoln and Minnehaha County Economic Development Associations presented the first Partners in Progress Awards, which recognize those communities,

individuals and companies that are making a difference in growing our economy and making our communities better places to live and work.

Awards include: Community Innovation – Harrisburg; Regional Economic Development Champion – Joel Jorgenson; and Business Partner of the Year – DeGeest Steel Works.

Six local entrepreneurs and companies were recognized with Hey Sioux Falls Awards for building great businesses or pushing the Sioux Falls entrepreneurial community forward.

Those who received the bronze flashlights include: New Startup of the Year: Advanced Remote Sensing, Inc.; Growth Startup of the Year: Weisser Distributing; Startup Champion of the Year: Melissa Johnson of Oh My Cupcakes!; Small Business of the Year: Game Chest; Corporate Innovator of the Year: First Bank & Trust; and Social Impact of the Year: The Barrel House.

Sammons Financial Group received the Award for Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation from the South Dakota Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Goosmann Law Firm has been named to the 2019 Law Firm 500 Award Honorees list as one of the fastest-growing law firms in the United States. The list showcases the top firms who have achieved significant growth in revenue over the past three years. Goosman Law Firm also made the list in 2017 and 2018.

Leadership Children’s Home Society has named Michelle Lavallee as its next chief executive officer. Lavallee follows Bill Colson, who will retire at the end of the year after serving the organization for the past decade. Lavallee is the 10th leader in CHS’s 126-year history, and

the first woman to lead the organization. Her past leadership experience includes executive level positions at Raven Industries, Inc., Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center and the University of South Dakota.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 15

FACES & PLACES

New Faces & Promotions Stacie Dykstra has been named Partner at Cain Ellsworth & Company, LLP. Dykstra began her career with the company in 2002 as a tax accountant. She has also served in administrator, marketing and business development roles with the firm. Dykstra holds an accounting degree from Northwestern College and is a member of the Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire, Iowa Association of Business & Industry, Siouxland Lean Consortium, Prairie Family Business Association, South Dakota Manufacturing & Technology Solutions and Sioux Falls Business & Professional Women.

Alternative HRD has added two new consultants to their HR consulting team.

Teri Bertness earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in counseling and human resource development, both from SDSU. She is certified by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR),

and by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) as a Senior Certified Professional (SCP). Bertness is well-versed in the public sector, and also has experience working with private-sector businesses. Sue Punke received her bachelor’s degree in business economics from Northwestern College.

She received her Professional Human Resources (PHR) certification from the Human Resources Certification Institute, and the Society of Human Resource Management’s Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) designation. Punke has a comprehensive background in employee relations, strategic HR issues, merger/acquisition projects and compensation and benefits.

KELOLAND Media Group has added award-winning news anchor Bridget Bennett to the KELOLAND News team. Bennett began her television news career in Sioux Falls and returns to the community from Sioux City, Iowa.

Bank Midwest has added Rick Fowler to their Sioux Falls location as a business development officer. Fowler has 25 years of experience in the banking industry and has been part of Bank Midwest for the last 13 years. In his new position, he will work with area businesses to provide them with deposit accounts, online payment options, cash management, online deposit and sweep accounts.

Brendan W. Reilly returns to Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP as a Partner, having previously practiced law at the firm for 19 years. He specializes in corporate and business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, real estate and intellectual property.

Michael J. Srstka has joined Davenport Evans as an Associate Attorney. He practices corporate and real estate law. Srstka is a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law. Prior to attending law school, Srstka represented the United States Air Force as a pianist in the U.S. Air Force Heartland of America Band.

36th ANNUAL

SIOUX

FALLS Day at the

LEGISLATURE WEDNESDAY, FEB. 19, 2020

View committee meetings, listen in on session and join us for a luncheon in the Capitol rotunda. Visit with your elected officials to talk about issues important to you.

Join us for this annual all-day trip to Pierre!

Pricing includes: Ride the bus and attend lunch, $55; Provide own transportation, lunch is $25.

16 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2019

For more information or to sponsor this event, contact Teresa: (605) 373-2050 or tschreier@siouxfalls.com.

Be Seen

1

1-3 Plains Commerce Bank hosted

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Chamber members for the Morning Mingle in October. Attendees started their day with coffee and networking.

4 The Glory House launched their “Building Hope” Community Appeals Campaign in November. The funds raised will support the construction of a 72-unit affordable apartment complex.

4 chambernews.com | Chamber News 17

FACES & PLACES

Be Seen

5

6

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5-7 November’s Morning Mingle was hosted by Don

Dunham III Real Estate. Chamber members enjoyed networking over coffee before starting their work day.

8 Brienne Maner, Zeal Center for Entrepreneurship, and Matt Paulson, Marketbeat, lead a discussion with YPN members on the future of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

8 18 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2019

FACES & PLACES

Be Seen

10

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12 20 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2019

9-16 The Chamber’s annual Veterans Day ceremony was held Monday,

November 11 at Lincoln High School. Organized by the Military & Veterans Affairs Committee, the program is free and open to the public. West Point graduate and Afghanistan veteran Andy Cahoy, Farmers Business Network, delivered the keynote address.

14

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DETAILS MATTER

16 In banking, as in life, we think the small stuff matters. That’s why we dress the part, strive to do the right thing, dot the i’s and cross the t’s, and address little concerns that affect the big picture. It all matters.

SNBSD.com

Member FDIC

chambernews.com | Chamber News 21

FACES & PLACES

Be Seen

17

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20 22 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2019

21

17-22 The second annual Hey Sioux Falls Awards celebrated

entrepreneurship by recognizing local entrepreneurs and companies that are building great businesses or pushing the Sioux Falls entrepreneurial community forward. Award recipients were selected from eighteen finalists and more than 70 nominees. Each Hey Sioux Falls award recipient received a bronze flashlight – a nod to the role they play in shining a light on entrepreneurship.

22

chambernews.com | Chamber News 23

FACES & PLACES

Be Seen

23 23 Shantel Krebs was the featured speaker at a recent

A Seat at the Table event. One of the YPN’s most popular events, A Seat at the Table gives attendees the chance to learn from the career and experiences of senior leaders in the community. 24 A recent Topics on Tap featured members of the Events Center Campus Study group sharing the insights on the process followed and recommendations that resulted from the study. 25 YPN members gathered for networking over a cup of coffee at November’s Morning Buzz, hosted by the University of Sioux Falls.

24

25 24 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2019

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 to the business community.

CURRENT CAMPAIGN

To build an addition and renovate the McCrossan School and construct an outdoor athletic complex including an outdoor track and soccer/recreational field.

By vetting capital fund drives, the objective of Community Appeals is to affirm the project is a sound community investment and worthy of donor consideration.

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

MCCROSSAN BOYS RANCH APRIL 1–JULY 31, 2020 $1.25 MILLION

FORWARD SIOUX FALLS NOV. 1, 2020–MARCH 31, 2021 THE GLORY HOUSE OF SIOUX FALLS NOV. 1, 2019–MARCH 31, 2020 $1.35 MILLION To provide affordable, long-term housing for up to 72 offenders with immediate access to substance abuse, mental health, employment and case management services.

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

ACTIVE GENERATIONS APRIL 1, 2021–JULY 31, 2021

To build a new facility to accommodate the organization’s growing client base and expansive programming opportunities.

For more information on the Community Appeals Committee, call Mike Lynch at (605) 373-2008.

The Coverage You Want.

The Commitment You Need.

Business | Home | Health | Life We all need insurance to protect our homes and businesses. You also need the support of professionals who stand by your side— sweating the small stuff so you don’t have to.

Fischer, Rounds & Associates combines the coverage you want with the commitment you need. That’s at Your Service. At Your Side.

Call Us in Sioux Falls Phone: 605-336-4444 Toll Free: 877-789-3773

2300 W. 49th St. Sioux Falls, SD 57105 FischerRounds.com

Offices also in Mitchell, Pierre, Watertown and Rapid City chambernews.com | Chamber News 25

Annual Guide to

SIOUX FALLS AREA LEGISLATORS Advocacy is a valuable component of your Chamber membership. Decisions made by elected officials frequently and directly affect the way business is conducted. The Chamber seeks to be the voice of business during each state legislative session.

The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual guide to area legislators is one element that helps fulfill our objective to provide Chamber members with essential information pertaining to the legislative session. This guide features legislators representing Sioux Falls area districts, which include Districts 6, 9-16 and 25.

To help you stay informed about issues and activity, the Chamber hosts a number of events during the legislative session. Please refer to the complete legislative calendar on page 32.

For more information about issues during the legislative session, read the weekly Bill Tracker (available via email or online at siouxfallschamber.com under the Advocacy tab), subscribe to the Chamber Advocate email or podcast, follow @SFAreaAdvocate on Twitter or contact a member of the Chamber’s Public Affairs team at (605) 336-1620.

2019 Sioux Falls Champion 2019 Sioux Falls Supporter

26 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2019

Following each legislative session, the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce issues a Legislative Scorecard reporting how local legislators voted on issues of importance to the business community. Legislators who cast votes matching the Chamber’s position 100% of the time are recognized as Sioux Falls Champions. Those voting with the Chamber more than 80% of the time are recognized as Sioux Falls Supporters.

COVER STORY

DISTRICT 6 SEN. ERNIE OTTEN (R)

46787 273rd St. Tea, SD 57064 (605) 368-5716 ernie.otten@gmail.com SENATOR Term: 4th ERNIE OTTEN Committees: Agriculture & Natural Resources, Taxation, Transportation (Chair)

REP. ISAAC LATTERELL (R)

P.O. Box 801 Tea, SD 57064 (605) 368-1002 isaac.latterell@sdlegislature.gov Term: 4th Committees: Education, Government Operations & Audit, Judiciary

REPRESENTATIVE ISAAC LATTERELL

REPRESENTATIVE HERMAN OTTEN

REP. HERMAN OTTEN (R)

27543 468th Ave. Lennox, SD 57039 (605) 941-1770 herman.otten@sdlegislature.gov Term: 4th Committees: Agriculture & Natural Resources, Local Government

DISTRICT 9 SEN. WAYNE STEINHAUER (R)

26581 E. Shore Place Hartford, SD 57033 (605) 359-6298 repsteinhauer@gmail.com Term: 1st Committees: Education, Health & Human Services, Local Government

REP. RHONDA MILSTEAD (R)

46273 Park Place Hartford, SD 57033 (605) 376-3149 rhonda.milstead@sdlegislature.gov Term: 1st Committees: Commerce & Energy, Health & Human Services

SENATOR WAYNE STEINHAUER

REPRESENTATIVE RHONDA MILSTEAD

REPRESENTATIVE MICHAEL SABA

REP. MICHAEL SABA (D)

26560 N. Shore Place Hartford, SD 57033 (605) 526-5000 sabamps@aol.com Term: 1st Committee: Appropriations

chambernews.com | Chamber News 27

DISTRICT 10 SEN. MARGARET SUTTON (R)

408 N. Linwood Court Sioux Falls, SD 57103 (605) 929-1592 margaret.sutton@sdlegislature.gov Term: 1st Committees: Appropriations, Military & Veterans Affairs

REP. DOUG BARTHEL (R)

SENATOR MARGARET SUTTON

8713 E. Palametto St. Sioux Falls, SD 57110 (605) 312-7055 doug.barthel@sdlegislature.gov Term: 2nd Committees: Judiciary, Local Government

REPRESENTATIVE DOUG BARTHEL

REPRESENTATIVE STEVEN HAUGAARD

REP. STEVEN HAUGAARD (R)

Speaker of the House 47629 258th St. Sioux Falls, SD 57104 (605) 334-1121 steven.haugaard@sdlegislature.gov Term: 3rd Committees: Government Operations & Audit, Legislative Procedure, State Affairs, Executive Board

DISTRICT 11 SEN. JIM STALZER (R)

5909 W. Bristol Drive Sioux Falls, SD 57106 (605) 838-0354 jim.stalzer@sdlegislature.gov Term: 2nd Committees: Commerce & Energy, Judiciary, Military & Veterans Affairs, Taxation

REP. CHRIS KARR (R)

Majority Whip 7421 W. Luke Drive Sioux Falls, SD 57106 (605) 695-0391 chris.karr@sdlegislature.gov Term: 2nd Committees: Appropriations, Government Operations & Audit

28 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2019

SENATOR JIM STALZER

REPRESENTATIVE CHRIS KARR

REP. MARK WILLADSEN (R)

REPRESENTATIVE MARK WILLADSEN

7712 W. Benelli Circle Sioux Falls, SD 57106 (605) 361-6104 mark.willadsen@sdlegislature.gov Term: 3rd Committees: Commerce & Energy, Taxation

COVER STORY

DISTRICT 12 SEN. BLAKE CURD (R)

38 S. Riverview Heights Sioux Falls, SD 57105 (605) 331-5890 blake.curd@sdlegislature.gov Term: 2nd Committees: Commerce & Energy, Education

REP. ARCH BEAL (R)

Assistant Majority Leader 4001 W. 74th St. Sioux Falls, SD 57108 (605) 336-3034 arch.beal@sdlegislature.gov Term: 3rd Committees: Commerce & Energy, Legislative Procedure, State Affairs

SENATOR BLAKE CURD

REPRESENTATIVE ARCH BEAL

REPRESENTATIVE MANNY STEELE

REP. MANNY STEELE (R)

3220 W. Zephyr Place, Unit 1 Sioux Falls, SD 57108 (605) 261-3575 manny.steele@sdlegislature.gov Term: 1st Committees: Education, Transportation

DISTRICT 13 SEN. JACK KOLBECK (R)

1124 E. Plum Creek Road Sioux Falls, SD 57105 (605) 332-6490 jack.kolbeck@sdlegislature.gov Term: 2nd Committees: Appropriations, Legislative Procedure

REP. SUE PETERSON (R)

6405 S. Killarney Circle Sioux Falls, SD 57108 (605) 371-1668 sue.peterson@sdlegislature.gov Term: 2nd Committees: Government Operations & Audit, Appropriations, Military & Veterans Affairs

SENATOR JACK KOLBECK

REPRESENTATIVE SUE PETERSON

REPRESENTATIVE KELLY SULLIVAN

REP. KELLY SULLIVAN (D)

1004 S. Dakota Ave. Sioux Falls, SD 57105 (605) 773-3851 kelly.sullivan@sdlegislature.gov Term: 1st Committees: Commerce & Energy, Local Government

chambernews.com | Chamber News 29

DISTRICT 14 SEN. DEB SOHOLT (R)

2628 E. Regency Court Sioux Falls, SD 57103 (605) 321-5931 deb.soholt@sdlegislature.gov Term: 4th Committees: Agriculture & Natural Resources, Health & Human Services, Transportation

REP. ERIN HEALY (D)

Minority Whip 1509 S. Frederick Drive Sioux Falls, SD 57105 (605) 212-9597 erin.healy@sdlegislature.gov Term: 1st Committees: Education, Health & Human Services

SENATOR DEB SOHOLT

REPRESENTATIVE ERIN HEALY

REPRESENTATIVE LARRY P. ZIKMUND

REP. LARRY P. ZIKMUND (R)

2405 E. 52nd St. Sioux Falls, SD 57103 (605) 373-0975 lzikmund@sio.midco.net Term: 3rd Committees: Commerce & Energy, Military & Veterans Affairs (Chair), Retirement Laws, Transportation

DISTRICT 15 SEN. REYNOLD F. NESIBA (D)

Minority Whip 802 S. Willow Ave. Sioux Falls, SD 57104 (605) 371-6311 reynold.nesiba@sdlegislature.gov SENATOR Term: 2nd REYNOLD F. NESIBA Committees: Appropriations, Legislative Procedure, Retirement Laws

REP. LINDA DUBA (D)

421 N. Phillips Ave., Apt. 309 Sioux Falls, SD 57104 (605) 610-6590 linda.duba@sdlegislature.gov Term: 1st Committees: Retirement Laws, Taxation

30 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2019

REPRESENTATIVE LINDA DUBA

REP. JAMIE SMITH (D)

REPRESENTATIVE JAMIE SMITH

Minority Leader 512 N. Euclid Ave. Sioux Falls, SD 57104 (605) 339-3583 jamie@hegg.com Term: 2nd Committees: Health & Human Services, Legislative Procedure, State Affairs

COVER STORY

DISTRICT 16 SEN. JIM BOLIN (R)

Assistant Majority Leader 403 W. 11th St. Canton, SD 57013 (605) 261-9669 jwbolin@gmail.com Term: 2nd Committees: Education, Legislative Procedure, Retirement Laws, State Affairs

REP. DAVID ANDERSON (R)

29177 477th Ave. Hudson, SD 57034 (605) 310-1645 david.anderson@sdlegislature.gov Term: 3rd Committees: State Affairs, Transportation

SENATOR JIM BOLIN

REPRESENTATIVE DAVID ANDERSON

REPRESENTATIVE KEVIN JENSEN

REP. KEVIN JENSEN (R)

Majority Whip 27808 484th Ave. Canton, SD 57013 (605) 987-4296 kevin.jensen@sdlegislature.gov Term: 2nd Committees: Health & Human Services, State Affairs

DISTRICT 25 SEN. KRIS LANGER (R)

Majority Leader 600 W. 7th St. Dell Rapids, SD 57022 (605) 428-4929 kris.langer@sdlegislature.gov Term: 2nd Committees: Legislative Procedure, State Affairs

REP. JON HANSEN (R)

Majority Whip 47484 Dells Drive Dell Rapids, SD 57022 (605) 610-8063 jon.hansen@sdlegislature.gov Term: 1st Committees: Legislative Procedure, Judiciary, State Affairs

SENATOR KRIS LANGER

REPRESENTATIVE JON HANSEN

REPRESENTATIVE TOM PISCHKE

REP. TOM PISCHKE (R)

503 E. 12th St. Dell Rapids, SD 57022 (605) 999-2948 tom.pischke@sdlegislature.gov Term: 2nd Committees: Judiciary, Taxation

chambernews.com | Chamber News 31

BUSINESS ADVOCACY

2020 Legislative Calendar GOOD MORNING SIOUX FALLS LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST THURSDAY, JAN. 9, 2020

7–8:30 a.m.

Best Western PLUS Ramkota Hotel, 3200 W. Maple St. Washington/Lincoln/Roosevelt Rooms DETAILS: Hear from Sioux Falls area legislators about their goals for

the upcoming 2020 legislative session. Breakfast will be served. This event is sponsored by the Chamber’s Diplomat Committee and Issues Management Council.

COST: $30 RSVP: vwillson@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2010

SIOUX FALLS AREA LEGISLATIVE COFFEES SATURDAY, FEB. 8, 2020—Districts 6, 11 and 15 SATURDAY, FEB. 22, 2020—Districts 9, 12 and 13 SATURDAY, FEB. 29, 2020—Districts 10, 14 and 25

Good Morning Sioux Falls

10–11:45 a.m.

Southeast Tech, 2320 N. Career Ave. The Hub Auditorium DETAILS: Legislative Coffees are conversations with legislators from districts 6, 9-16 and 25. The public can submit questions and the conversations are moderated.

SIOUX FALLS DAY AT THE LEGISLATURE WEDNESDAY, FEB. 19, 2020

Pierre, SD Luncheon: Capitol Rotunda DETAILS: More information to come about the day’s agenda.

RSVP: tschreier@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2050

BUSINESS DAY AT THE LEGISLATURE THURSDAY, FEB. 20, 2020

Legislative Coffee

Pierre, SD DETAILS: Sponsored by the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

KEY LEGISLATIVE SESSION DATES:

Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020 – Session begins Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020 – Crossover Day Wednesday, March 12, 2020 – Session ends Monday, March 30, 2020 – Veto Day

Sioux Falls Day at the Legislature 2019

32 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2019

Let's get to work Let’s get to work! At the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, we couldn’t agree more. Workforce advocacy is fundamental to our efforts in Pierre and in Washington, D.C. South Dakota has really moved the needle in recent years with workforce education and training opportunities and pathways to employment, such as Governor Noem’s Week of Work program.

DEBRA OWEN

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

...South Dakota is missing the boat on one of the most basic workforce needs: mobility.

However, South Dakota is missing the boat on one of the most basic workforce needs: mobility. Nothing is more fundamental than the need for mobility in order to work. If you’re an immigrant in South Dakota or your first language is anything other than English, getting to work can be a challenge. It is difficult for our Hispanic community, the largest minority demographic in our state, to study and take the exam in English. However, if they could study and take the exam in Spanish, their primary language, it would increase their ability to pass the exam and increase their mobility.

Unfortunately, South Dakota is one of six states that does not offer driver’s license exams in any language other than English. Forty-five states, including North Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Montana and Minnesota, offer driver’s license exams in at least Spanish. Why not South Dakota?

Our members support adding this option for our legal residents and have included the workforce issue in our Legislative Platform. With direction from our members, your advocacy team led an effort to pass legislation (SB 117) during the 2019 session. SB 117 would have required South Dakota to provide the application, driver’s exam and the driver’s license manual in Spanish. However, the skills test – the driving portion of the exam – would have remained in English. We were joined by more than two dozen associations who supported SB 117. The cost for SB 117 was $15,000 per year, a fiscally prudent amount. The bill would not have taken effect until January 1, 2020, which would have given the Department of Public Safety an additional six months to make the changes within the Department.

Working with the public policy team, our Board of Directors and members of the Issues Management Council also participated in advocacy by contacting Sioux Falls area legislators about the bill. In addition, Chamber members who attended Sioux Falls Day at the Legislature also spoke with legislators about SB 117 and wore “Let’s Get to Work” stickers in the halls of the Capital. Through the engagement of our members, supportive legislators in the Senate and forging coalitions with other advocacy groups we moved SB 117 through the Senate. But the bill was killed in House State Affairs, with the majority of votes against SB 117 from the Sioux Falls legislative delegation.

During the interim between legislative sessions, we have heard from business leaders across the state who want to be involved with future legislation. Our coalition is growing! We look forward to working with our members and business leaders across the state to move the issue even further in 2020.

Let’s provide a pathway to mobility to enhance workforce opportunities for legal residents of our state.

Let’s get to work South Dakota!

chambernews.com | Chamber News 33

BUSINESS ADVOCACY

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce 2020 Legislative Platform In order to develop its legislative platform, the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce (Chamber), through its Issues Management Council, conducts research, hears presentations and surveys its members about issues affecting business. These efforts, combined with actively following and monitoring legislative activity, guide our efforts toward developing the legislative platform. The Issues Management Council makes platform recommendations to the Board of Directors which acts as the final policy decision making body for the Chamber.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The Chamber supports economic development and the Building South Dakota Fund along with the Governor’s legislation passed in 2018 that simplified the funding mechanism. The Chamber supports workforce-focused programs, addressing infrastructure and revolving fund loans, workforce education and housing and grants to offset certain taxes for qualifying projects. We will continue to monitor the use and impact of these programs and we will closely analyze any legislation that impacts these programs and other economic development efforts in our state.

TAX INCREMENT FINANCING

South Dakota has limited programs, when compared to other states, to help compete for and leverage business growth and development. One such program that is locally controlled and administered is tax increment financing (TIF), which can be vital to a project happening, re-locating or moving forward in South Dakota. The Chamber supports the appropriate use of TIFs for projects when it is needed to address blight, build infrastructure, encourage workforce housing expansion, promote economic development and/or make public improvements. Further, we support local decision-making in the administration of TIFs.

TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE

The Chamber recognizes that a safe, efficient and responsive transportation infrastructure is critical to economic development and commerce in Sioux Falls and throughout South Dakota. The Chamber supports the evaluation of our highway and bridge systems on an ongoing basis. Funding, including local flexibilities, should be carefully reviewed before new funding is considered. We encourage local county effort for match funding prior to seeking state funds for the 95th legislative session.

BUSINESS CLIMATE

The Chamber believes our economy is best served by allowing free and open competition in the marketplace in an environment that encourages business development and expansion. Laws that preclude or give advantage to one business structure or arrangement over another ultimately lessen competition and reduce our area’s attractiveness as a business location. Barriers to business investment and capital formation impede growth and economic diversification.

Appropriate rules and regulations may be required for a viable free market, but government intrusion should not inhibit or restrict business unnecessarily.

The Chamber opposes unnecessary intrusions into employer/ employee relationships. We support voluntary agreements between management and the workforce establishing compensation, benefits, hours and working conditions.

34 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2019

ACCESSIBLE HOUSING

The Chamber supports workforce housing for workforce development, retention and recruitment that is accessible for low and moderate income individuals.

DRIVERS LICENSE EXAMS

The Chamber believes a component of workforce development is ensuring employees are able to get to work. With an increasingly diverse population, the Chamber supports legislation to examine or implement drivers license testing in languages other than English.

As one of only a few states that have not yet implemented multilanguage tests, we hamper our workforce development efforts.

THE STATE BUDGET

The Chamber supports a balanced budget even if it means difficult decisions. Balancing the budget can be done in many ways and the Chamber supports creative solutions in addressing this issue. We continue to see no need for an income tax or major tax increases.

EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

The future of Sioux Falls and South Dakota depends on educating our citizens and developing our workforce to remain competitive on a regional, national and international scale. It is vital to foster an educational system that works in tandem with the business community and government to address and support workforce development initiatives.

To support our state’s citizens and to meet our workforce development needs, the Chamber supports the allocation of public monies to ensure funds for an equitable, effective and efficient system of pre-K-12, technical schools and higher education.

Pre-K: The Chamber encourages and supports funding for Pre-K education for all children in South Dakota.

K-12 Funding: The Chamber supports efforts to maintain and increase teacher pay and would oppose efforts to rollback past funding levels. Further, we encourage the School Finance Accountability Board and the Legislature to ensure that in the future school districts are held accountable for meeting teacher pay and cash balance targets. Quality education is essential for the business community to attract new employers and employees and to educate a growingly diverse workforce. We will follow all proposals affecting K-12 funding closely and consider the impact on our members and area schools. We support the findings of the 2018 Teacher Compensation Review Board and allowing the current five-year plan within the formula to be completed prior to the consideration of additional changes to the formula.

K-12 Efficiency: The Chamber fully understands the challenges of operating a K-12 system in a largely rural state that is sparsely populated.

For their well-being and the well-being of our state, children throughout

South Dakota must be assured a quality education as our Constitution outlines. Still, we encourage organizational changes to improve efficiency and permit reinvestment into core priorities like teacher salaries and educational programming. We recognize that some districts that are sparsely populated need additional resources per student to ensure a quality education. However, some districts choose to remain small and additional financial subsidies in those instances should be critically reviewed. We encourage the use of technology-based instruction to enhance access to master teachers and course topics that are not available in our smaller districts. We discourage school districts from utilizing recruitment and busing to lure and transport students from one district to another. If at all possible, school districts should not be financially incented to recruit students.

In short, efficiency and organizational decisions need to be made to reflect changing demographics and to meet the needs of our K-12 learners.

Technical Institutes: As demand for a technically skilled workforce continues to grow, South Dakota’s technical institutes require the ability to respond programmatically to that demand and the funding for workforcerelated programs. Costs continue to rise, particularly in regard to serving students in high-cost program areas. The Chamber urges tuition costs for students be lowered to be competitive with surrounding states. The Chamber supports increased investment in the workforce of tomorrow, which is critical for continued economic development. The Chamber also supports continuing progress to enhance local control of our state’s technical institutes to ensure they best serve South Dakota.

Higher Education: The Chamber acknowledges that a highly educated populace is critically important to many individual businesses and to competitively position our community for future economic development.

In order to retain our students, the Chamber encourages the expansion of scholarship funding. This includes, but is not limited to, need-based scholarships along with the Build Dakota Scholarship and South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship. We support adequate funding for the Regental system and encourage consideration for funding options for the USD Community College for Sioux Falls to address tuition and service inequalities and new mission opportunities. Further, we encourage more local governance and input into the Community College to better align its programs with the needs of residents and the business community.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT County Funding: The Chamber is concerned about resources available to counties to address behavioral health, criminal justice costs and infrastructure needs. We believe alignment with collaborative partnerships and improved funding will benefit the counties.

City Sales Tax for Infrastructure: The Chamber has consistently sup-

supports appropriate funding for them. We strongly encourage the state’s reimbursement rates to align with providers' true costs associated with those essential services.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVITY

The Chamber recognizes the growing diversity of our state’s population and we embrace the opportunities that this diversity provides for a culturally and talent-rich community. We will work with residents, our partners, community and state agencies and elected officials to develop efforts to engage and include all individuals in our state who seek to work side-by-side with us to grow our economy. As we work to meet the workforce expectations evident today and predicted well into the future, legal immigration and refugee resettlement are proven and important strategies. We will also resist initiatives which inappropriately sanction or discriminate against individuals or groups.

PROPERTY AND BUSINESS OWNER RIGHTS

Each session, legislation is introduced that put business and property owners at odds with gun advocates. The Chamber supports the right to gun ownership and the traditions of hunting and outdoor life so prominent in South Dakota. However, we have also maintained that property and business owners have the right to restrict gun possession on their property if they choose. The Chamber will continue to support the rights of property and business owners to restrict gun possession on their property.

TOURISM/VISITOR INDUSTRY

The Chamber supports funding mechanisms for the visitor industry/tourism as it continues to be an important and vital part of the Sioux Falls area and South Dakota economy. Funding mechanisms include, but are not limited to, the Business Improvement District (BID) tax and the tourism tax.

INITIATIVE AND REFERENDUM

The Chamber believes that South Dakota’s longstanding tradition of allowing direct citizen access to the ballot through the initiative and referendum processes should remain. However, South Dakota finds itself in the position of allowing very broad access and relatively low signature requirements making our state an easy target for special interests who want to test issues. We would encourage an ongoing review of the rules and requirements surrounding constitutional and statutory ballot measures and support changes that address problems while preserving our tradition of access.

AGRI-BUSINESS INDUSTRY

Agriculture has been the primary economic driver in our state

ported a proposal to permit municipalities to impose a sales tax for infrasince 1889. The Chamber supports legislation that enhances agristructure purposes, provided there is an affirmative vote of the municipalbusiness in South Dakota, including the expansion of agricultural ity’s residents and the tax is tied to specific projects for a set period of time. products, services and technologies.

We believe this type of local control proposal is the best way to determine the need for such a tax and measure the willingness of local citizens to impose a tax in their community.

HEALTH CARE

The Chamber recognizes the role the non-profit community plays in providing essential services to our most vulnerable citizens and chambernews.com | Chamber News 35

MEMBER VOICE

Create a legacy through giving At the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, we’ve been connecting generous individuals with important ideas and meaningful causes for more than 35 years.

Working toward our mission to inspire philanthropy, we stand as a catalyst for good – helping to spark strategic investments and creative solutions for a future where everyone can thrive.

ANDY PATTERSON Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation

Giving is not a one size fits all activity.

As we march on toward nearly four decades of serving this community, one thing is clear: Philanthropy takes a different shape for everyone. Giving is not a “one size fits all” activity. Contrary to popular belief, philanthropy is not just about giving away money or assets. Philanthropy, when it’s done right, is something that’s deeply emotional. It’s an opportunity to express one’s values and passions. It’s a chance to ensure that the causes and organizations we care deeply about will live on forever. For many of the donors we serve, their giving helps create their legacy – what they will be remembered for long after their life.

And sometimes, philanthropy shines in the most unexpected of ways.

Odds are, if you’ve lived in Sioux Falls long enough, you’ve likely seen the large evergreen tree on Minnesota Avenue, near downtown, that’s adorned with thousands of colorful lights each holiday season.

Beginning each December for more than 20 years now, this lighted tree has stood tall over the heart of the city, symbolizing the magic and joy of the holiday season.

But you might not know that this special tree came to be because of philanthropy.

It all started one afternoon when Dale Weir and his wife, Dorothy, were out for a drive. He asked Dorothy what she wanted for Christmas. Dorothy pointed out the window to a 60-foot evergreen tree outside. “That tree,” she said, “only with lights and decorations, to celebrate the magic of the holiday season.”

Her wish made an impression on Dale. After they returned home, he purchased the tree and had it decorated for his beloved Dorothy for Christmas. That first lighting soon created a tradition with the Weirs overseeing the decorating of the tree each year as a gift to the community they loved so much.

Years later, Dale worked with the Community Foundation to develop his legacy plan. Among his wishes: he wanted to do something to share the joy of the holiday season with everyone in Sioux Falls. We helped him build a plan that includes an endowment to pay for the lighting of what has become known as “Dorothy’s Tree,” located in front of First United Methodist Church on Minnesota Avenue, each year.

Today, that tree symbolizes all the love this couple had for each other, and for the community they called home.

Since 1984, the Community Foundation has had the pleasure of helping donors like Dale and Dorothy Weir think through and document the causes and organizations that mean the most to them, explore the scope of impact they wish to make after their life, and establish a plan for how to provide charitable support to these causes after they’ve passed on; a plan that honors their legacies.

If you haven’t already, we encourage you to think about how you will continue to support the causes and organizations that are important to you after your life. Having a legacy plan in place provides the maximum benefit to your community and the organizations which mean the most to you.

Once your legacy plan is established, the Community Foundation will be here to carry out your charitable vision and ensure that your philanthropic wishes are fulfilled, for good, for ever.

Andy Patterson is president of the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation where he works to connect donors, nonprofits and civic leaders to help advance ideas and strategic community investments for a vibrant future.

36 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2019

HEADLINES

Hey Sioux Falls 2019 award recipients (left to right): Melissa Johnson, Startup Champion of the Year; Jason Herrboldt for First Bank & Trust, Corporate Innovator of the Year; Jill Weisser-Pekoske for Weisser Distributing, Growth Startup of the Year; David Groenvald for Advanced Remote Sensing, Inc., New Startup of the Year; Amanda Wermers for Game Chest, Small Business of the Year; and Mark Fonder for The Barrel House, Social Impact Award.

Six honored with Hey Sioux Falls awards Six local entrepreneurs and companies were recognized for building great businesses or pushing the Sioux Falls entrepreneurial community forward at the second annual Hey Sioux Falls awards program. Recipients were selected from eighteen finalists and more than 70 nominees.

The 2019 Hey Sioux Falls award recipients are: New Startup of the Year: Advanced Remote Sensing, Inc. Advanced Remote Sensing is developing unique, robust and accurate tools for crop insurance loss adjusting and precision agriculture.

Growth Startup of the Year: Weisser Distributing Weisser Distributing started in 1978 but has reinvented itself in the last decade by offering its products on every marketplace possible and by expanding product lines. They are currently one of the fastestgrowing companies in the U.S. Startup Champion of the Year: Melissa Johnson Melissa Johnson is a mother, an entrepreneur, a writer and a storyteller. She began Oh My Cupcakes! over a decade ago with a tiny bank account and a big vision. Of all the hats she wears in a day, the one she loves to wear most is her Professional Encourager hat.

Small Business of the Year: Game Chest

Corporate Innovator of the Year: First Bank & Trust First Bank & Trust is a proud family- and employee-owned community bank. Their 600+ employees live the “Be the 1” service culture principles that guide their daily interactions and relationships with their customers.

Social Impact: The Barrel House The Barrel House opened its doors in 2016 and has consistently demonstrated a passion for giving back to the community of Sioux Falls and helping those in need. Their efforts to support first responders and end childhood hunger improve our city.

Each Hey Sioux Falls award recipient received a bronze flashlight – a nod to the role they play in shining a light on entrepreneurship.

Hey Sioux Falls is a collaborative effort of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, Zeal Center for Entrepreneurship and 1 Million Cups. It is a celebration of the trials and triumphs of local entrepreneurs, and seeks to bring together everyone from established business leaders to early-stage entrepreneurs to celebrate the vibrant entrepreneur community in Sioux Falls.

The second annual Hey Sioux Falls was sponsored by The First National Bank in Sioux Falls, Pinnacle Productions, Midco and Boyce Law Firm.

Game Chest opened in the fall of 2017 and has already outgrown several locations and accomplished five-year goals in less than 24 months. Their next adventure includes putting Sioux Falls on the map with national and world-wide game publishers.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 37

BUSINESS SENSE

Review employer/employee relationships Employment taxes, benefits determined by type of workers employed Small business remains the catalyst for the American economy. When many business owners start out, cost control is a top priority.

In today’s gig economy, reaching out to someone to work on a contract basis is a very common practice. By engaging someone on a contracted basis, the business does not need to withhold taxes nor match employment taxes as it would with employees. Thus, those workers are referred to as independent contractors. This makes the working relationship easier and less expensive for the new business owner.

The IRS lists out 20 common law factors that it will look at to determine if a worker is an employee or an independent contractor.

It is best that the business owner be aware of these tests to make sure that employment tax law is not violated at the outset. The more control the business has over the worker, the process of the work and the integration of that worker into the firm on an ongoing basis, the more likely it is that an employer/employee relationship exists and employment taxes will need to be collected.

TIM NESS

Ness Tax and Booking Service

While this practice does control costs in the short term, this could present a huge liability if there is not a true contractual relationship between the two parties. Should the relationship slip into an employer-employee relationship, dire consequences in the form of delinquent payroll tax and severe payroll tax penalties for failure to file employment tax returns and deposit withholding timely could result. The re-categorization to employees may also qualify those workers for benefits which the business owner had not planned to fund.

Defining the relationship between the business and the worker is key to handling this relationship correctly. Ask yourself a few questions about your worker: •

Do you have the right to control what the worker does and how they do the job?

•

Is the worker supplied with company tools and equipment or reimbursed for such?

•

Is the worker is paid hourly, an integral part of your company and works solely for this company?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, the company may have an employee. The Internal Revenue Service provides guidance to help determine the control over which the business may have over its workers before it must determine them to be employees. No one factor is controlling. The guidance is grouped into three categories: behavioral, financial and type of relationship.

38 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2019

Once determined, employers must remit withholding in a timely manner or face stiff penalties. Failure of employers to withhold and pay this money into the IRS has created a billion-dollar problem that the IRS must resolve. Payment arrangements can be implemented, but many owners are forced out of business when the IRS assesses the tax against the individual business owner, thereby making them personally responsible for repayment. If more than one owner is involved, IRS assesses the balance due against each owner until the tax and penalties are paid.

It is not sufficient that there is an agreement in place between the company and the employee to avoid this situation. The company must exercise due diligence to determine the employment status of its worker. This is one area where making the decision to reduce costs to increase profits cannot be the deciding factor. If necessary, seek outside assistance to make this determination. Since relationships can change over time, it is recommended that you review them on a yearly basis. Getting the decision correct at the outset could save time and money in the years that follow.

Tim Ness is the owner of Ness Tax and Booking Service. He is a former IRS tax auditor and an Enrolled Agent, which is a tax specialist designation governed by the Internal Revenue Service.

Ness is now in his 20th year as a small business owner helping families and other small business with income tax, payroll and bookkeeping services.

Share your message with the business community Advertise in Chamber News Chamber News is a direct business-tobusiness publication that reaches the decision-makers in Sioux Falls area businesses. It is mailed directly to more than 5,000 Chamber members and distributed free at select locations around Sioux Falls.

Promote your business in Chamber News.

Contact Steven Herman at (605) 351-1960 or chambernews@siouxfalls.com.

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Ribbon Cuttings

The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce holds ribbon cutting ceremonies for members to celebrate joining the Chamber, milestone anniversaries, 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.

Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc. (AE2S)

1300 W. 57TH ST., SUITE 200 ae2s.com AE2S opened its first Sioux Falls office in 2014 and is excited to continue to serve the community in a new location. L to R: Del Deboer, Jay Soukup, Tim Sturdevant, Grant Meyer (CEO), Brad Nelson, Kevin Smith, Amy O'Connor-Hoback and Charlie Vein.

NEW LOCATION

American Bank & Trust

abt.bank American Bank & Trust broke ground on their 15,000 square foot office building that will be located at the intersection of 77th and Minnesota on the south side of Sioux Falls.

L to R: Lynn Schneider, Erica Beck, Ryan Brown, Bobbi Thury, Jay Rasmussen, Doug Tribble, Tasha Lee, Donna Steele, Preston Steele and Jeff Erickson.

GROUNDBREAKING

Chef Lance’s Café and Catering

3501 N. AVIATION AVE. cheflancewhite.com Chef Lance’s Café and Catering specializes in quality, affordable food, at your place or theirs.

L to R: Josh Muckenhirn, Corbyn White, Eden White, James Payer II, Lance White (owner), Jay Soukup, Natalie Eisenberg and April Meyerink.

NEW MEMBER

Dairy Queen Grill & Chill

5001 CROSSING PLACE fourteenfoods.com Dairy Queen Grill & Chill is a quick service restaurant, serving soft-serve treats, chicken strips, burgers and all-around great “fan-food experience.” L to R: Malachi Tolliver, Stefan Szwarc, Kim Haiar, Scott Lawrence, Michael Tolliver (partner), Kristin Hoefert-Redlinger, Rhiannon Israel and Christian Tolliver.

NEW MEMBER

40 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2019

Dow Rummel Village

EXPANSION

1321 W. DOW RUMMEL ST. dowrummel.com Dow Rummel Village is the premier Life Plan Community in Sioux Falls, offering seniors independent living, assisted living, enhanced memory care, enhanced assisted living and skilled nursing care. L to R: Yvonne Mossberg, Craig Holmen, Jay Rasmussen, Bobbi Thury, Sandy Case, Darla Van Rosendale (CEO), Jay Soukup, Mike Jamison, Andrea Miller, Michelle Klobassa and Fred Sprenger.

Goodwill of the Great Plains

3401 S. DULUTH AVE. goodwillgreatplains.org Goodwill of the Great Plains is proud to have expanded their Job Center into the second level of their building. L to R: Eduardo Rojas Salvo, Sara Wevik, Jay Soukup, Shawn Fick, Dan Doyle, John Hantla (president/CEO), Kim Haiar, Christy Menning and Klari Carlson.

EXPANSION

chambernews.com | Chamber News 41

RIBBON CUTTINGS Goosmann Law Firm

2101 W. 69TH ST., SUITE 200 goosmannlaw.com Goosmann Law Firm helps business leaders win disputes, protect their wealth and spend time on what’s worth it. L to R: Cesar Juarez, Beth Roesler, Scott Lawrence, Jay Soukup, Mandi Sievers, Stefanie Engebretson, Kim Haiar, Jeana Goosmann, Brad Nelson, Alexis Konstant and Meghann Joyce.

NEW LOCATION

GreatLIFE Suburban Lanes Family Fun Center 2621 S. SPRING AVE. greatlifesuburbanlanes.com

GreatLIFE Suburban Lanes Family Fun Center remodeled their facility with all new bumpers and lanes. L to R: Renae Janssen, Elizabeth Meert, Dan Doyle, Tom Walsh (CEO), Tammy Beintema, Ryan Meert, Jay Soukup, Nick Ovenden (president), Mark Luke and Bob Elrod.

REMODEL

42 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2019

J.H. Larson Company

1201 W. 51ST ST. jhlarson.com J.H. Larson Company has moved into a new, larger facility in order to better serve its customers. L to R: Greg Miller, Nathan Stallinga, Tim Sturdevant, Luke Pahl, Brad Nelson, Mike Sprang (branch manager), Jay Soukup, Lisa Fox (general manager), Chris Filsinger and Greg Pahl.

NEW LOCATION

McCrossan Boys Ranch

47135 260TH ST. mccrossan.org The new Robert L. Nielsen McCrossan Center features a museum dedicated to displaying McCrossan’s ties to South Dakota history.

L to R: Tonya VanBriesen, Kim Haiar, Beth Nielsen, Jay Soukup, Christy Menning, Robert L. Nielsen, Steve Van Buskirk, Brian Roegiers (executive director) and Dustin Brouwer.

EXPANSION

Milliron Granite & Quartz

27068 MUELLER PLACE millirongq.com Milliron Granite & Quartz fabricates and installs custom granite and quarts countertops, as well as many other types of stones. L to R: Cole Milliron, Jay Soukup, Lynda Billars, Dr. Dave Kapaska, John Milliron (owner), Jill Melchert, Cole Robbins, Gabby Melchert and Tyler Milliron.

NEW LOCATION

Morton Buildings, Inc.

NEW LOCATION

2401 BAKKER LANDING, TEA, SD 57064 mortonbuildings.com Morton Buildings, Inc. is the industry leader in post-frame manufacturing and construction across rural America. L to R: Debbie Murphy, Tom Ries, Derrick Karsky, Roger Bauer (property and asset manager), Jason Larsen (construction center manager), Dawn Olmstead, April Meyerink and Jamie Brosnahan.

Right at Home

1400 W. RUSSELL ST. rahsesd.com Right at Home is an in-home care and assistance business providing companion, personal care and nursing services to our disabled and elderly population. L to R: Laurie Bruggeman, Mike Hauck, Tony Mau (owner), Kari Mau, Valerie Loudenback, Jay Soukup and Marshall Selberg.

NEW LOCATION chambernews.com | Chamber News 43

MEMBERSHIP

New Members Bill Earley

Associate Member (619) 517-9514

Code Ninjas

Computer Training Stephanie Lilke, (605) 679-6960 501 W. 85th St., Unit #513, 57108 codeninjas.com

Darwin Wolf, Sculptor

Sculpture Production & Sales Darwin Wolf, (605) 362-5256 wolfbronze.com

Downtown Sioux Falls Rotary Club Associate Member Angie Kuiper, (605) 743-0927 P.O. Box 93, 57101 downtownsiouxfallsrotaryclub.com

Farm Bureau Wealth Management Finance Bryce Andersen, (605) 740-7555 4804 S. Minnesota Ave., #101, 57108 bryceandersen.fbfsadvisors.com

44 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2019

New members are printed in each issue of Chamber News. Following is a list of businesses or individuals who have invested in the greater community by joining the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.

An online Membership Directory can be found at siouxfallschamber.com. Want to become a member?

Call (605) 336-1620.

FranklinCovey

Consulting-Business Process & Performance Jackie Payne, (605) 951-1577 franklincovey.com

Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce Associate Member Jeff Griffin, (309) 495-5900 403 NE Jefferson Ave., Peoria, IL 61603 peoriachamber.org

South Dakota Historical Society Foundation

Associate Member Catherine Forsch, (605) 773-6003 900 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501 sdhsf.org

The Lot LLC

Automobile Dealers Scott Johnson, (605) 213-3400 2524 S. Minnesota Ave., 57105 thelotllc.com

THRONE Publishing Group

Publishers Jeremy Brown, (605) 321-1360 2329 N. Career Ave., #215, 57107 thronepg.com

tre Ministries

Associate Member Sandy Berven, (605) 366-7142 900 W. 11th St., 57104 treministries.org

WilLiquors

Liquor-Retail Tracy Lambert, (605) 271-9463 3625 W. Avera Drive, 57108 williquors.com

MEMBERSHIP

Member Anniversaries FOUNDING MEMBERS

Josten Concrete Products Co., Inc. Concrete Products Member since 1918

55 YEARS

KMWF & Associates, PC Accountants-Certified Public kmwfcpa.com

50 YEARS

Eide Bailly LLP

Accountants-Certified Public eidebailly.com

Congratulations to the following members who are celebrating their milestone membership anniversaries this month. They are part of a continued commitment to our community through their investment in the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. To learn more about Chamber membership, contact (605) 336-1620 or sfacc@siouxfalls.com. Find a complete Membership Directory online at siouxfallschamber.com.

Dow Rummel Village Retirement Community dowrummel.com

J & L Harley-Davidson Key Real Estate

Marketing/Advertising craftwebdesign.com

Real Estate keyrealesatesiouxfalls.com

Lamfers & Maas, LLP

Accountants-Certified Public lamfersmaas.com

Riddle’s Jewelry

Air Conditioning Equipment & Systems-Parts & Service trane.com

Sioux Falls St. Patrick’s Day Extravaganza

Architecture Incorporated

Associate Member siouxfallschamber.com

South Dakota CPA Society

Architects architectureinc.com

Associate Member sdcpa.org

Bierschbach Equipment & Supply

Telephone Systems & Service, Inc.

Contractors Equipment & Supply bierschbach.com

Telephone Equipment Sales & Installation tssphones.com

Fiegen Construction Co.

Thornton Flooring

Contractors-General fiegenconstruction.com

Floor Covering thorntoncarpets.com

Kelly Services

25 YEARS

Employment Agencies kellyservices.com

30 YEARS

NorthWestern Energy Utilities northwesternenergy.com

Active Generations

15 YEARS

AMERI/STAR Real Estate, Inc. Jon Sweeter

Associate Member sdsmartwire.com

Associate Member actgen.org

Affiliate-Real Estate jonsweeter.com

Coffee King of Sioux Falls

Associate Member

5 YEARS

45 YEARS

40 YEARS

Richard W. Westhoff Mngt. Consulting

Motorcycles-Sales & Service jl-harley.com

Jewelers-Retail riddlesjewelry.com

Trane

10 YEARS

Craft & Associates Olive Garden Restaurants olivegarden.com

Time Communications Associate Member timecommunications.biz

FIRST YEAR REINVESTORS Curt Zaske

Associate Member

Dakota Moving

Moving-Commercial & Residential dakota-moving.com

Ag Resource Management Finance armlend.com

Pepper Entertainment, Inc. Entertainment pepperentertainment.com

Church of the Resurrection Associate Member resurrectionsf.com

Scandinavian Designs Furniture & Design scandinaviandesigns.com

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers-Local Union 426 PrairieGold Venture Partners Venture Capital pgvp.com

Coffee Break Service & Supply coffeekinginc.com

chambernews.com | Chamber News 45

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 Kevin Smith Kevin Smith is operations manager for Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc. (AE2S). He joined the firm following over 20 years of service in the Public Works and Planning Departments for the City of Sioux Falls. Smith holds a B.S. from South Dakota State University and M.A. from Western Illinois University. He also volunteers as vice president of district operations for Scouts BSA. Smith and his wife Lonna have three children, Kristin, Logan and Landon, and the South Dakota native says he can’t think of a better state to raise his family than here in South Dakota.

Why does AE2S choose to invest in a Chamber membership?

Belonging to the Chamber provides tremendous opportunities to network with business leaders in the community, to stay informed of legislative issues that affect the Sioux Falls area and the weekly update is a great source of up-to-the-minute events that affect the business community.

KEVIN SMITH

Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc. (AE2S)

How do you describe the Sioux Falls area to people who don’t live here?

It’s equal parts “urban vibe” and “small town friendly.” Where else can you enjoy an espresso and get an order of chislic too? That’s pure South Dakota!

Name a tool could you not live without. Why? I don’t know if this counts as a tool, but my family would tell you that I can’t live without epoxy. Other than duct tape, it’s my go-to solution to fix any problem I encounter. I have been accused of breaking things, just so I can mix some up.

What is something you are optimistic about?

I’m very optimistic about our future, mainly because I have watched my children learn new skills, use technology and access information to levels I never imagined possible. I believe the new generation of leaders will be well-prepared to face whatever challenges that come their way.

What do you think is one challenge facing our community today? And how should we tackle it?

Recognizing the need to invest wisely. There is a direct link between housing availability and affordability, transportation routes and access, employment centers, public safety and economic development. As Sioux Falls grows it will be important that we continue to acknowledge those linkages and make investments that best benefit the community as a whole.

Visit chambernews.com to see five MORE questions with Kevin Smith!

46 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2019

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