February 2016 Chamber News

Chamber News February 2016

Vol. 51, No. 5

A PUBLICATION OF THE SIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Collaboration helps drive

REGIONAL ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT

IN THIS ISSUE COVER STORY

Collaboration helps drive economic development ...................................................... 22-27

Chamber News PUBLISHER

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

FEATURES

New route planned for 2016 St. Patrick’s Day Parade. . . . . . . 30-31 Positive things happening in FSF 2021 campaign . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

CHAMBER NEWS AD SALES

ARGUS LEADER MEDIA For advertising information, call: (605) 977-3943

CHAMBER NEWS LAYOUT/DESIGN JILL BLOM

IN EVERY ISSUE:

CHAMBER NEWS EDITOR

Message from the Chair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Events Calendars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11 Economic Indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Community Appeals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Noteworthy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Faces & Places. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-21 Business Advocacy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-29 Headlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30-35

AMY SMOLIK For editorial information, call: (605) 336-1620 Chamber News is published monthly by the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 1425, 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200 Sioux Falls, SD 57104 Advertising and editorial deadlines can be found at siouxfallschamber.com under News & Publications.

Postmaster please send address changes to: Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 1425, 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200, Sioux Falls, SD 57101-1425 Phone: (605) 336-1620 • Email: sfacc@siouxfalls.com

Convention & Visitors Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

CHAMBER MISSION

Chamber Partner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

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.

Member Voice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Using Your Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Business News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42-45 Ribbon Cuttings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47-50 New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Membership Anniversaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Five Questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 From the Archives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

ON THE COVER

Sioux Falls is located in both Minnehaha and Lincoln counties. The surrounding communities in those counties have also experienced growth and development in recent years. They are assisted in their economic developent efforts by the Minnehaha County Economic Development Association (MCEDA) and the Lincoln County Economic Development Association (LCEDA).

Communicate WITH THE

CHAMBER .com/siouxfallschamber @SFAreaChamber @SFAreaAdvocate Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

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

2015-16 SIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LEADERSHIP AND STAFF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIR PAUL BRUFLAT CNA Surety CHAIR-ELECT DAVE KAPASKA, D.O. Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center VICE CHAIR STEVE VAN BUSKIRK Van Buskirk Companies TREASURER JOHN HENKHAUS The Everist Company IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR DANA DYKHOUSE First PREMIER Bank PRESIDENT/CEO EVAN NOLTE Chamber of Commerce BOARD OF DIRECTORS WENDY BERGAN JDS Industries RANDY BURY Sanford Health JULIE DARRINGTON CenturyLink GARY GASPAR Interstate Office Products MIKE HAUCK Accord Commercial Real Estate, LLC JAY HUIZENGA KELO-TV DEAN KARSKY Farmers Insurance Group/Karsky Agency MARK MICKELSON Mickelson & Co. BETTY OLDENKAMP Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota ALEX RAMIREZ USA Media TV TIM STURDEVANT Sturdevant’s Auto Parts ROB TEKOLSTE Sammons Financial Group/Midland National Life Insurance Co. BOBBI THURY Cutler Law Firm CARL WYNJA U.S. Bank

EX-OFFICIO KENT ALBERTY Sioux Falls School Board CINDY HEIBERGER Minnehaha County Commission MAYOR MIKE HUETHER City of Sioux Falls DR. BRIAN MAHER Superintendent, Sioux Falls Public School System JIM SCHMIDT Lincoln County Commission ROBERT WEHDE Sioux Falls Catholic Schools CHAMBER & CVB STAFF EVAN NOLTE President/CEO CLAY BAK CVB Sales Manager THANE BARNIER Web Development & IT Manager MATT BARTHEL CVB First Impressions/Project Manager JOAN BARTLING Finance & Accounting Director JILL BLOM Graphics & Communications Specialist MATTIE BURNHAM CVB Director of Sales SHIRLEY BUSEMAN Receptionist CINDY CHRISTENSEN Agri-Business Division Manager RACHEL CRANE CVB Host City Manager ANNA ELIASON CVB Sales Manager AMY M. FARR Membership Sales & Retention Manager JEFF FEJFAR Web Designer KATE FOLEY Small Business & Leadership Development Manager LAUREN FOSHEIM Young Professionals Network (YPN) Manager

JAY KALTENBACH CVB Services/Resale Manager MARK LEE Public Affairs & Communications Director PAT LUND Membership Development Director MIKE LYNCH Public Affairs & Research Manager BETSY McCARTY CVB Creative & Communications Manager JILL NIEDRINGHAUS CVB Sales Assistant WENDY NEUHARTH Membership Services Administrative Assistant KRISTA ORSACK CVB Director of Marketing KATHIE PUTHOFF CVB Administrative Assistant TERI SCHMIDT CVB Executive Director TERESA SCHREIER Public Affairs & Communications Assistant SUSAN SEACHRIS Administrative/Accounting Assistant LUCAS SMITH CVB Sales Manager AMY SMOLIK Marketing & Communications Manager ALEXA STEINER CVB Sales Manager VALERIE WILLSON Membership Events Manager CAROLYN WINCHELL Forward Sioux Falls Director of Investor Relations ERIN ZIMMERMAN CVB Sales Manager

chambernews.com | Chamber News 3

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

No business is an island when you’ve got your Chamber behind you No matter your business, it can be challenging to stay on top of marketing trends, tax regulations, plus take care of your day-to-day operations. For smaller businesses, that can be even more of a challenge. But that’s where the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce comes in — you don’t have to stand alone. No business is an island when you’ve got your Chamber behind you.

PAUL BRUFLAT 2015-16 Chair of the Board

... the Sioux Falls area clearly knows how banding together can multiply the power of one.

With your Chamber membership, you gain access to a network of more than 2,200 businesses and individuals representing thousands of employees in the Sioux Falls area. If you’re looking for service providers, potential clients or business resources, look to your fellow Chamber members.

No community should be an island, either, whether that community is defined as an education system, county/regional government or the growing communities surrounding the city of Sioux Falls. This issue of Chamber News looks at recent regional development successes that have taken place and plans for future growth.

Much of that success stems from collaboration and cooperation, often through the Lincoln County Economic Development Association (LCEDA) and Minnehaha County Economic Development Association (MCEDA). Through the LCEDA/ MCEDA organizations and other collaborative groups, the Sioux Falls area clearly knows how banding together can multiply the power of one. Attracting new businesses and more people, improving the quality of life and investing in education benefits one community — but also positively impacts the entire region.

Your Chamber of Commerce operates under a collaborative nature, too. The annual legislative session illustrates this quite well. Our Chamber Board approved our annual legislative platform and policy statements in December, which help give direction while in Pierre.

But our lobbying team doesn’t just head to the State Capitol for two months with no further communication with those of us back in Sioux Falls. Our Chamber participates in both formal and informal communication with other chamber and economic development organizations throughout the week. Using technology, our board leadership also participates in some of these discussions. Our various organizations may not always share the same position on an issue, but participating in discussion and education about issues is a benefit to all.

During the session, as well as other local government happenings here in Sioux Falls, the Chamber tweets (@SFAreaAdvocate), follows bills of interest to the Sioux Falls area and compiles them in our weekly Bill Tracker. We also add context to the issues we’re tracking in our weekly Chamber Advocate email.

A lot takes place during the session and our role is to represent the business interests throughout the Sioux Falls area. We take that role very seriously and I encourage you to take advantage of this membership benefit.

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 EVENTS FEBRUARY MEMBERSHIP

MIXER

TUESDAY, FEB. 9

CO-SPONSORED BY:

4:30-6:30 p.m.

TSP, Inc., 1112 N. West Ave.

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

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

SIOUX FALLS AREA LEGISLATIVE COFFEES SATURDAY, FEB. 6: Districts 10, 11 & 12 SATURDAY, FEB. 20: Districts 13, 14 & 15 SATURDAY, FEB. 27: Districts 6, 9, 16 & 25

10-11:45 a.m.

Holiday Inn City Centre, 100 W. 8th St. DETAILS: Ask questions of your Sioux Falls area legislators through a

moderator. Co-sponsored by AARP, American Association of University Women, Americans for Prosperity-South Dakota, Democratic Forum, League of Women Voters, Minnehaha County Democratic Party, Minnehaha County Republican Party, Minnehaha and Lincoln County Republican Women, Sioux Falls Education Association and Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. Each coffee will also be livestreamed at argusleader.com.

COST: Free and open to the public

MORE INFORMATION: mlynch@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2006

SIOUX FALLS DAY AT THE LEGISLATURE FRIDAY, FEB. 19

Pierre, SD Depart for Pierre: 6:15 a.m., Empire Mall parking lot Luncheon: Noon, State Capitol DETAILS: Be part of the lobbying team in Pierre for Sioux Falls Day at

the Legislature! You can listen in on committee meetings, help host a luncheon at the Capitol, attend general session and end the day hearing from Governor’s Chief of Staff Tony Venhuizen. Sponsorship opportunities are also available; contact the Chamber for details.

COST: $30 to ride the bus, $25 to attend lunch, $30 to purchase a blue, button-up Sioux Falls Day shirt RSVP: tschreier@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2050

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE SATURDAY, MARCH 12

TUESDAYS IN JANUARY, FEBRUARY & MARCH

Betty J. Ordal Conference Center, Chamber of Commerce, 200 N. Phillips Ave. Suite 200 The Business Sense Workshops are sponsored by the Chamber’s Small Business Council. The workshops deliver ongoing business and management training led by talented and engaging Chamber member presenters.

COST: $10, brown bag lunch.

RSVP: kfoley@siouxfalls.com or on siouxfallschamber.com TUESDAY, FEB. 2 Receivables: The Road to Recovery

TUESDAY, FEB. 23 Just Ask! What Can I Do to Keep You?

TUESDAY, FEB. 9 Rethink Your Hiring Process — Attract the Talent You’re Missing

Look for more details for Business Sense Workshops at siouxfallschamber.com under the Events tab.

TUESDAY, FEB. 16 Don’t Let HR Mistakes Keep You Up at Night

11:30 a.m. Painting of the Shamrock & Proclamations 9th Street & Phillips Avenue 2 p.m. Parade Starts at 13th Street & Phillips Avenue DETAILS: Celebrate the Irish at the 37th Annual Parade. Grand Mar-

shal Dr. Pat O’Brien will lead the parade in downtown Sioux Falls. See page 33 for the new parade route.

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

MARCH MEMBERSHIP MIXER TUESDAY, MARCH 15

4:30-6:30 p.m.

Avera Prairie Center, 1000 E. 23rd St. DETAILS: Sponsored by Avera COST: $5 or use your Mixer Pass RSVP: vwillson@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2010

APRIL MEMBERSHIP MIXER TUESDAY, APRIL 12

4:30-6:30 p.m.

Home Federal Bank, 225 S. Main Ave. DETAILS: Sponsored by Home Federal Bank COST: $5 or use your Mixer Pass RSVP: vwillson@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2010

chambernews.com | Chamber News 7

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

Young Professionals Network

UPCOMING EVENTS

To RSVP to any of these events, email lfosheim@siouxfalls.com or call (605) 373-2009. Visit siouxfallsypn.com for a full list of events.

YPN SOCIAL TEAM MEETING TUESDAY, FEB. 2

4-5 p.m.

Chamber of Commerce 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200 DETAILS: The Social Team meets the first

Tuesday of the month at 4 p.m. and is open to ANY member looking to get more involved. The YPN Social Team focuses on social events that showcase our community while providing a positive environment for networking, socializing and developing connections.

COST: Free

YPN MORNING BUZZ-SOUTH WEDNESDAY, FEB. 3

7:30-8:30 a.m.

DETAILS: Panera Bread, 5117 S. Louise Ave.

Network with other YPN members over a cup of coffee! Feel free to bring a friend or co-worker and don’t forget your business cards. Come for the coffee, stay for the conversation.

COST: Free to attend, coffee/breakfast on your own

YPN MORNING BUZZ-DOWNTOWN WEDNESDAY, FEB. 3 7:30-8:30 a.m.

Pappy’s, 101 S. Phillips Ave. DETAILS: Join us at our new secondary loca-

tion for Morning Buzz. Network with other YPN members over a cup of coffee! Feel free to bring a friend or co-worker, and don’t forget your business cards. Come for the coffee, stay for the conversation!

COST: Free to attend, coffee/breakfast on your own

A SEAT AT THE TABLE WITH CINDY HEIBERGER THURSDAY, FEB. 4

Noon-1 p.m.

Chamber of Commerce 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200 DETAILS: Minnehaha County Commission

Chair Cindy Heiberger has served on the commission since 2011 and has also served on a number of community boards, including the Tri-Valley School District, Siouxland Libraries Board of Directors, and the Statewide Steering Committee for the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative. A Seat at the Table allows YPN members the insights, wisdom and lessons only experienced leaders can provide. It is limited to the first 20 people to RSVP and is open to YPN members only.

COST: $10, includes lunch

YPN PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TEAM MEETING THURSDAY, FEB. 4

FEBRUARY OFF THE CLOCK THURSDAY, FEB. 25

200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200 DETAILS: The YPN Personal & Professional Development Team focuses on fostering professional relationships, career development, entrepreneurial endeavors, and civic involvement while gaining an insider’s view of our regional business scene and exposing members to a broad range of community issues, and is open to ANY member looking to get more involved and have an input on YPN events and activities.

The Personal & Professional Development Team meets the first Thursday every other month at 4 p.m. Join us!

COST: Free

join us at Golf Addiction for the Off The Clock.

Food and drinks are available for purchase and you’ll get a chance to try the golf simulator for free!

COST: Free to attend, food/drinks on your own

4-5 p.m.

Chamber of Commerce

YPN HOT YOGA CLASS TUESDAY, FEB. 9

7-8 p.m.

GreatLife Woodlake, 4600 S. Tennis Ave. DETAILS: GreatLife yoga instructor Elizabeth

Venrick will lead YPN members through a Hot Vinyasa class in the MindBodyStudio. Vinyasa yoga is a practice where postures are connected through breathing for a transformative and balancing effect. Vinyasa is a dynamic practice that offers the full spectrum of yoga benefits: endurance, flexibility and strength. Stick around afterward for a “healthy happy hour” and grab a smoothie from the enerGbar.

COST: $20, includes class and smoothie

4-7 p.m.

Golf Addiction, 5301 W. 57th St. DETAILS: Grab your friends and coworkers and

YPN FOCUS WORKSHOP: LINKEDIN TIPS & TRICKS FRIDAY, FEB. 26

Noon-1 p.m.

Chamber of Commerce 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200 DETAILS: LinkedIn is a widely-used tool in to-

day’s working culture. But what exactly is LinkedIn and why should we use it in business? Use LinkedIn the right way and you can boost your career, generate leads, connect with influencers and use it as a learning tool.

Wendy Alexander will present this casual workshop and show you some easy tips that will help you get the most from your LinkedIn profile, whether you are a beginner or an expert user.

COST: $5 to attend, bring your own lunch

YPN POWER LUNCH FRIDAY, FEB. 12

Noon-1 p.m.

The Pub at Callaways, 500 E. 69th St. DETAILS: YPN Power Lunches are a great way to network and expand your professional contacts. There’s no program or agenda, just good conversation among YPN members.

COST: Free to attend, lunch is on your own

Connect WITH THE

YPN

Sioux Falls Young Professionals Network .com/siouxfallsypn @siouxfallsypn

Find us on social media or visit siouxfallsypn.com

chambernews.com | Chamber News 9

FEBRUARY 4 Tonic

Events listed are compiled from siouxfallsevents.com and visitsiouxfallsevents.com.

Siouxfallsevents.com is the community’s free, comprehensive community events calendar. Anyone can post an event happening in the Sioux Falls area. It’s free and it’s a great way to promote your event.

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

By combining the calendars, you can see when there’s going to be a large number of visitors in the community and learn about events and activities you want to attend.

For more information about visitor-related activities, contact the Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau at (605) 275-6060. Learn more details about any of the following events by logging on or contact the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce at (605) 336-1620.

10 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2016

5

Free First Friday

5-7

Winterfest of Wheels

6

Sioux Empire on Tap

9

LA Theatre Works: Dracula

11 KISS 11

Volunteer Sioux Falls – 211 Day

11

American Heart Association Live Stream Fashion Show

12-14

Neil Simon’s Lost in Yonkers

13-14

Million Dollar Quartet

19

Form + Fashion Meets Function Show

19-21

Neil Simon’s Lost in Yonkers

23

SME Excellence Awards

23

Presidio Brass

25 Disturbed 26

Peter Gros – The Original Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom

26-28

Sioux Empire Wacipi

27-28 Once

MARCH

APRIL

1

Lil’ Wayne

1

The Young Irelanders

4

Cyrille Aimee

1

Natalie Nowytski

4-6

Sioux Empire Home Show

2-3

PBR: Built Ford Tough

5-8

Summit League Basketball Tournament

3

Augustana Choir

10-13

Sioux Empire Sportsmen’s Show

13

The Original Harlem Globetrotters

10-13

The Giver

14

Comedian Red Green

11-12

Men are from Mars – Women are from Venus Live!

15

Guy Davis

11-12

NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships

20

Under the Streetlamp

11-13

Sioux Falls Lawn & Garden Show

21-24

El Riad Shrine Circus

12-13

Bullets Over Broadway

23 Annie

12

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

23

Downtown Sioux Falls Jazz Crawl

13

Up With People

23

Jeff Dunham: Perfectly Unbalanced Tour

17-19

State AA Boys Basketball Tournament

23

Party for the Planet

17-19

State AA Girls Basketball Tournament

17-20

The Giver

MAY

22-23

NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Tournament-Elite 8

4

Disney’s Beauty & The Beast

25-28

NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championships Regional Round

5

Joe Bonamassa

6

Art & Wine Walk

26

Pancake Feed & Easter Egg Hunt

6-8

Mary Poppins

29-31

Central Plains Dairy Expo

7

Avera Race Against Breast Cancer

chambernews.com | Chamber News 11

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

City of Sioux Falls Building Permit Data

Regional Unemployment Rates

JANUARY-DECEMBER 2015 2013

NOVEMBER 2015

7,953 PERMITS 14,945 PERMITS

2014 2015

12,091 PERMITS Fargo 1.9%

Source: City of Sioux Falls

City of Sioux Falls Total Construction Value JANUARY-DECEMBER 2015 $700

Rapid City 3.0%

Total Construction Value

$650

Rochester 2.4%

Sioux Falls 2.2%

Des Moines 2.9%

Omaha Lincoln 2.7% 2.1%

New Non-Residential Construction Value

$600

Minneapolis/ St. Paul 2.7%

$550 $500

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

$450

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

$400

Agriculture Trends

$350

NOVEMBER 2015

$300 $676.3 million $250.8 million

$250 $200 $588.2 million $157.6 million

$100 $50

(IN MILLIONS)

$150

SOYBEANS (PER BUSHEL) U.S.

$15 $14

2014

SOUTH DAKOTA

$13

$619.5 million $86.5 million

2013

$16

$12 2015

Source: City of Sioux Falls

$11 $10 $9

$10.20 $9.59

$8.81 $8.68

$8

$8.51

$8.43

$7

Sioux Falls Region Housing Overview DECEMBER 2015

New Listings: 254 Days on the Market Until Sale: 95 Median Sales Price: $165,313 Inventory of Homes for Sale: 1,119 Source: RASE (Realtor Association of the Sioux Empire)

CORN

$6

(PER BUSHEL) U.S.

$5 $4 $3 $2

$3.60

$3.67

$3.27

$3.37

SOUTH DAKOTA $3.60 $3.28

November 2014

October November

2015

2015

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

chambernews.com | Chamber News 13

COMMUNITY APPEALS SIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Community Appeals Scheduled Fund Drives The purpose of the Community Appeals Committee is to qualify and provide orderly scheduling of capital fund drives.

The committee has a responsibility to discourage unnecessary or overlapping drives, to assess funds available in the Sioux Falls business community, and to provide input on realistic drive goals.

Capital fund drive applications will be accepted by the committee until Aug. 1 of any one year and the suggested solicitation amount and time slot for approved drives will be determined and scheduled by the committee no later than February of the following year.

For more information on the Community Appeals Committee, call Mike Lynch at (605) 373-2006.

LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES APRIL 1-JULY 31, 2016 $1.25 MILLION To create “The Campus on East Bank”

LEVITT AT THE FALLS NOV. 1, 2016-MARCH 31, 2017 $1.06 MILLION Create an outdoor concert venue in Sioux Falls, partnering with non-profit Levitt Pavilions

SERTOMA BUTTERFLY HOUSE & MARINE COVE APRIL 1-JULY 31, 2017 $1.26 MILLION Expand public aquarium exhibits in the Marine Cove

chambernews.com | Chamber News 14

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 is important to chambers of commerce The U.S. Chamber of Commerce conducted an annual advocacy survey, using its database of more than 5,600 chambers of commerce. The responses allow chambers of commerce to benchmark themselves against their peers.

The response rate was 8.4 percent, an acceptable representation of the industry based on the size and scope of the survey. Following are some of the findings: Of those chambers with a public policy program,

40 percent have a full-time staff devoted to policy; more than 80 percent of organizations with more than $1 million in revenue have full-time staff devoted to policy. The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce falls into this larger category and has staff dedicated to policy.

advance the chamber’s advocacy and policy agenda Activities undertaken to

(items the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce takes part in are marked with an asterisk):

90%

Public Policy or Government Affairs Committee*

78%

For chambers with public policy programs, activities undertaken by your chamber involving

candidates or other campaigns (items the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce takes part in are marked with an asterisk):

68%

Candidate Debates/Forums*

Use Social Media*

67%

Take Positions on Ballot Proposals*

63%

Utilize Coalitions*

65%

Host Candidate Event/Meet & Greet

45%

Monitor/Publish Voting Records*

48%

Candidate Questionnaire*

44%

Make Recommendations for Appointments to City/State Commissions and Boards

38%

Monitor/Publish Voting Records

31%

Get Out the Vote (GOTV) Programs

41%

Full-Time Staff Devoted to Policy*

30%

Political Action Committee

38%

Earned Media*

28%

Candidate Recruitment

36%

Media Partnerships*

20%

Candidate Endorsement by PAC

19%

Part-Time Staff Devoted to Policy

18%

Candidate School

18%

Paid Media

17%

Independent Expenditures

12%

Demonstration Projects and Pilots

16%

Candidate Endorsement by Chamber

15%

Release Annual Voter’s Guide

12%

Candidate Fundraising

Most common issues advocated for:

TRANSPORTATION, EDUCATION, WORKFORCE.

75 percent of all respondents have some type of public policy/government affairs program.

Nearly

The nature and level of service sophistication varies greatly.

Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce 2015 Advocacy Survey chambernews.com | Chamber News 15

FACES & PLACES

Faces & Places

MARK LUKE

Luke Construction, LLC

JULIE NELSON

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.

ERIC ANDERSON

JACKIE STRATMAN

JACK DYVIG

CINDI JOHNSON

Home Federal Bank

Sioux Falls Morning Optimists Club

LifeScape

DEAN KARSKY

Farmers Insurance Group/ Karsky Agency

Spectrum Marketing Services

Recognition of Chamber Volunteers The Ambassador Team of the Month for December was Team Luke: Mark Luke, Mark Luke Construction, LLC; Eric Anderson, Home Federal Bank; and Jackie Stratman, LifeScape. Dean Karsky, Farmers Insurance Group/Karsky Agency, won the Top Sales Award.

Julie Nelson was awarded Diplomat of the Month honors for December. Second place honors went to Jack Dyvig, Sioux Falls Morning Optimists Club, and third place honors went to Cindi Johnson, Spectrum

Marketing Services. Dyvig was also the recipient of the Ribbon Cutting Attendance and Reinvestment Awards. The Diplomat Team of the Month for December was: Captain Daren Anderson, Big D Technology Solutions, Inc.; Duane Noerenberg, Anderson Group CPA; Angie Wahl, All-Star Travel; Dustin Brouwer, Sioux Falls Seminary; and Cindi Johnson, Spectrum Marketing Services.

Diplomat Janel Cole, Cole Notary, was recognized for 10 years of service to the Diplomat Committee.

Faces & Places is great way to use your membership to be seen. This column appears each month in Chamber News and features information about Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce members and volunteers. Submissions may include grand openings, changes in management, moves, expansions, major developments and award recognition. Submit news using the Faces & Places form at chambernews.com or email asmolik@siouxfalls.com.

16 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2016

FACES & PLACES

New Faces & Promotions Hegg Hospitality promoted Sara Lussman to General Manager of the Hilton Garden Inn-South in Sioux Falls. Lussman was the General Manager for Courtyard by Marriott and SpringHill Suites by Marriott for the almost four years and will continue to oversee these hotels in an expanded area portfolio manager role. Rashel McCue was promoted to Front Office Manager at the Hilton Garden Inn-Downtown. She previously worked as the Front Desk Lead at the Hilton Garden Inn-South. Diane Hanisch was promoted to General Manager of the Courtyard by Marriott and SpringHill Suites by Marriott. She most recently held the position of Assistant General Manager for the properties. Randy Keith was promoted to Assistant General Manager of the Courtyard by Marriott and SpringHill Suites by Marriott. Previously, Keith worked as the Assistant General Manager at the Hilton Garden Inn-South. Eric Schumacher was promoted to Front Office Manager at the Hilton Garden Inn-South. Schumacher was most recently the Front Office Manager at the Hilton Garden Inn-Downtown.

Abby Parker joined the South Dakota Technology Business Center (SDTBC), an entrepreneurship organization serving emerging businesses, as client care specialist. Parker handles the day-to-day activity of the center.

Prior to the SDTBC, Parker spent five years at the Sioux Falls Federal Credit Union.

Epicosity has added two staff members. Luke Tatge is a copywriter, as well as

traditional and digital marketing creative. He previously worked as an editor for the Argus Leader and as copywriter for MetaBank. Ruth Anne Sturm was hired as a digital strategist, developing content, search-engine optimization and social media strategy, as well as digital reporting. She previously worked as a digital marketing strategist at 44Interactive.

Credit Collections Bureau promoted Sandy Ellis to collection representative.

Jared Nesje is the new CEO at TSP. Nesje, a Principal and Senior Architect with the group, is only the fifth CEO to lead the firm, and the first architect in the position since Harold T. Spitznagel founded the company in June 1930. Nesje is a Sioux Falls native and Washington High School graduate. TSP promoted the following team members to expanded leadership roles in the company’s Sioux Falls office: Brian Heidbrink, Assoc.

AIA: Senior Project Manager promoted from Associate to Principal; Michelle Klobassa, AIA, LEED AP BD+C: Architect promoted from Associate to Principal; Elizabeth Schulze, AIA, LEED AP BD+C: Architect promoted from Associate to Principal; Rex Hambrock, AIA, LEED AP: Senior Architect promoted from Shareholder to Associate; and Tadd Holt, PE: Senior Structural Engineer promoted from Shareholder to Associate.

Erica Kale joined Caliber Creative as an Account Coordinator. Kale graduated in 2015 from North Dakota State University and has

previous experience in publishing, marketing and co-working spaces.

AmesburyTruth hired Michael Anderson as a Senior Project Engineer. Anderson has a bachelor’s of science degree in Electrical Engineering from LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas, and has more than 19 years of experience. Amy Kennedy joined the team as a Payroll Analyst and will be involved in the processing of corporate wide payroll and all related activities Kennedy has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Kennedy has previous work experience in HR, most recently at Raven Industries, Inc. Craig De Jager joined Security National Bank of South Dakota as a Wealth Management Specialist. Prior to joining Security National Bank, De Jager was employed

by Bank West in Rapid City. He has 28 years of experience in the financial service industry.

De Jager holds a bachelor’s of arts degree in Business Administration and Accounting from Yankton College. He received his MBA from the University of South Dakota and later graduated from Metropolitan State College of Denver-The College of Financial Planning.

Denise Lee joined Sullivan, Inc. as the new Vice President of Product Development. Lee’s career in design and development spans more than 30 years. She has more than 15 years’ experience in hands-on product development.

Lee will head Sullivan’s product development team.

Good Deeds Land O’Lakes donated 40,000 pounds of frozen macaroni and cheese to Feeding South Dakota. This is Land O’Lakes First Run Program’s 96th donation nationwide since it was established in 2010. The program is committed to donating truckloads of fresh product yearround, made specifically for food banks to help alleviate hunger nationwide.

High Point Networks employees contributed $48,750 to more than 34 charitable organizations of their choice as part of the company’s Pay IT Forward employer/employee matching contribution program.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 17

FACES & PLACES

Honors & Awards Amanda Barton obtained certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), making her one of two dually certified BCBA and school psychologists at LifeScape. Barton has worked at LifeScape for five years. Darcie Knight obtained certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), making her one of two dually certified BCBA and school psychologists at LifeScape. Knight has worked at LifeScape as a school psychologist/ behavior therapist for the past nine years. Erin Stabnow recently obtained her Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) in the area of Curriculum and Instruction from the University of South Dakota. Stabnow works as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and the curriculum and assessment coordinator at LifeScape.

Epicosity was awarded 11 statues in the annual MarCom Awards competition and recognized as a winner of four of this year’s International Davey Awards. These recognitions were awarded for services including web design, advertising and collateral design.

Hegg Companies was honored by hotel trade publication Hotel Business for excellence in hotel management. The company was named one of the Top 125 Management Companies for 2015. Hotel Business’ management company survey highlights gross annual revenue, number of properties managed, number of rooms managed, number of third-party properties managed and ownership stake of each company, with comparisons to the previous year’s

numbers. Hegg Companies ranked No. 121 with 534 rooms and five managed hotels at the end of 2014. Hegg Companies owns and operates hotels located throughout the Midwest, comprised of mid- to upscale hotels. The properties are managed by their hotel management subsidiary Hegg Hospitality. The company’s portfolio of nationally branded hotels includes Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt and IHG families of brands, including Courtyard, SpringHill Suites, Hyatt Place, Hilton Garden Inn, and Holiday Inn Express & Suites.

The Hilton Garden Inn-Downtown Sioux Falls received the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards 2016. The award recognizes the top 5 percent of local wedding professionals from the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism. Winners of the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards are determined by recent reviews from more than 1 million WeddingWire newlyweds.

Credit Collections Bureau named Rose Benson and Megan Wehrkamp Client Services Representatives of the Month for December 2015.

The Sioux Falls Skyforce were crowned champions at the NBA Development League Showcase 2016 presented by Samsung. The five-day event featured each of the league’s 19 teams playing two regular season games.

Craig Doeden, Century Business Products, won the “Best Technician in the Country” contest for Kyocera. This competition was open to any dealer in the country selling Kyocera products. There are roughly 2,000 technicians eligible to compete in the three-stage process.

Doeden won the first contest Kyocera had in 2009. Century Business products has had three Kyocera national winners and a top five finish every year but one since the inception of the contest.

Several Sioux Falls U.S. Bank employees earned the company’s third Quarter Pinnacle Award, which recognizes the top 20 percent of performing employees nationwide: Samantha Hopf, Branch Manager in Hartford; Jenne VanWesten, Branch Manager at 41st Street/ Marion Road; Michele Hawk, Branch Manager at 33rd Street/Minnesota Avenue; Chad Kriech, Private Banking Manager at 8th Street/Main Avenue; Marie Fredrickson, Relationship Manager at 8th Street/Main Avenue; David O’Hara, Ag Relationship Manager at N. Minnesota Avenue; Tom Schroeder, Ag Relationship Manager at N. Minnesota Avenue; Jim Sage, Senior U.S. Bancorp Financial Advisor at 8th Street/Main Avenue; Dan Freeze, Senior U.S. Bancorp Financial Advisor at 8th Street/Main Avenue.

Mortgage Award winners were Jen Albers, Presidents Circle, and Audrey Kloster, Presidents Club and Presidents Circle.

Leadership Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sioux Empire named its 2016 board of directors.

BBBS officers are President Dave Geiver, Vice President Rick Huffman, Secretary Adam Hoier, Treasurer Bryan Whitesel and Past President Stacy Wrightsman. Joining the board are Corey Heaton, Tom Johnson and Elizabeth Duffy.

Members of the 2015 Leadership LifeScape Class include: Amanda Barton, School Psychologist/Behavior Specialist; Brittany Kroon, Lead Support Professional; Chade Koletzky, Admissions Specialist; Cheray

18 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2016

Christiansen, Case Manager Coordinator; Dustan Bourassa, Residential Services Manager; Faron Lais, Executive Assistant; Jamie Winklepleck, Aquatics Coordinator; Michelle Treasure, Administrative Assistant; Miranda Petersen, Public Relations Assistant; and Sarah Wold-Hanson, Occupational Therapist. Leadership LifeScape is a free, year-long program that meets monthly JanuaryDecember. It involves discussion on a particular theme each month such as leadership style, strategic planning, budgeting, and understanding the perspective of LifeScape clients

and their families. Those selected will have the opportunity to develop leadership skills, advance the mission of LifeScape, and further their careers. The group is mentored by Chief Executive Officer Anne Rieck McFarland.

The Co-op Natural Foods elected officers for 2016, re-electing four incumbents: President Alex Halbach, Cutler Law Firm LLP; Vice President Dan Doyle, Cutler Law Firm LLP; Treasurer Jill McManus, CNA Surety; and Secretary Cory Myers, Argus Leader Media.

FACES & PLACES

Be Seen

1 1, 2, 3 Winter Wonderland at Falls Park concluded in mid-January, bringing thousands of visitors to the site of the city’s namesake during its holiday run. Following are a few fun statistics about what it takes to create the light show: • 132,500 feet of light strings (25 miles) • 5,553 feet of garland (1.05 miles) • 9 animated trees with 1,600 feet of light strings (.3 miles) • 13 five-foot diameter LED lighted wreaths • 3 six-foot diameter color-changing wreaths • 28 small lighted wreaths • 50 animated snow tubes • 1 animated snowman (10 feet tall) • 12 animated snowflake arches • 1 animated leaping reindeer arch (6 deer) • 6 animated leaping arches • 8 animated candy canes • 3,000 feet of rope lights (.57 miles) • 350,806 total lights & LEDs • 271 trees decorated • 273 light poles decorated

2

3 chambernews.com | Chamber News 19

FACES & PLACES

5 4, 5 Media One and Great Bear Recreation Park hosted the January

4

Membership Mixer. Approximately 250 people attended the event, which was held at Great Bear Recreation Park. Included among the door prizes were items for the Media One Fun Ski, which was held in late January as a fundraiser for Children’s Inn. 6, 7 More than 50 new members attended the semi-annual New Member Mixer. This event brings together new members, Chamber volunteers and staff to help new members learn how to better use their Chamber investment and to network with other members. 8 Volunteer Janel Cole celebrated 10 years as a member of the Chamber’s Diplomat Committee; she’s pictured with Diplomat Chair Stacy Wrightsman, Sanford Health (left), and Chamber Membership Development Director Pat Lund (right).

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7 20 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2016

8

FACES & PLACES

9 Sanford Hospital & USD Medical Center President Paul Hanson spoke to YPN members at “A Seat at the Table.”

This luncheon allows YPN members to hear from seasoned professionals who share their stories.

The annual Legislative Good Morning Sioux Falls Breakfast introduced approximately 20 new CEOs and attendees were able to hear from 20 Sioux Falls area legislators; pictured, clockwise: 10 Rep. Karen Soli, District 15; 11 former Senate Majority Leader and Speaker of the House Tim Rave, Sanford Health, served as moderator; 12 Rep. Alex Jensen, District 12; 13 Rep. David Anderson, District 16.

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chambernews.com | Chamber News 21

COVER STORY

Collaboration helps drive

REGIONAL ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT

BY AMY SMOLIK

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

Sioux Falls had another record construction year in 2015, with more than 12,000 permits issued valuing more than $676 million. The communities surrounding Sioux Falls also continue to grow, adding more housing and commercial development projects in the past year at a value of nearly $180 million.

Regional communities surrounding Sioux Falls have worked together formally for 25 years to promote economic development. Their advantages include access to Sioux Falls and its amenities — entertainment, education and quality of life opportunities — coupled with the benefits of living and working in a smaller community. They also offer their own industrial parks and economic assets.

REGIONAL PLANNING A unique regional development effort began in 1991 with the creation of the Minnehaha County Economic Development Association (MCEDA, pronounced mah-keeda), which started from what was then known as the Rural Mayors Association.

The group, made up of communities in Minnehaha County, wanted to collaborate in promoting their various communities and collectively raised funds to do so. An executive director was hired, who was located out of the Sioux Falls Development Foundation offices in downtown Sioux Falls.

The communities included: Baltic, Brandon, Colton, Crooks, Dell Rapids, Garretson, Hartford, Humboldt, Sherman and Valley Springs. In 1997, the Lincoln County Economic Development Association (LCEDA, pronounced lah-keeda) was formed. The communities included: Beresford, Canton, Harrisburg, Lennox, Tea and Worthing.

Brandon Assistant City Administrator Dennis Olson said he is one of the only original members of the MCEDA organizing group still involved in economic development. He’s seen the community of Brandon grow from a population of 3,159 in 22 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2016

COLTON Population: 700 School District:

Tri-Valley School District*

Commute to Downtown Sioux Falls: 35 minutes More Information: coltonsd.com 446-3811

HUMBOLDT Population: 597 School District:

West Central School District*

Commute to Downtown Sioux Falls: 28 minutes More Information: humboldt.govoffice.com 363-3789

HARTFORD Population: 2,926 School District:

West Central School District*

Commute to Downtown Sioux Falls: 22 minutes More Information: livinghartford.com hartfordsd.us 528-6177

MINNEHAHA COUNTY BUILDING PERMIT DATA (FY 2015) 1,855 Total Permits $87.0 million Construction Value 126 New Homes

MINNEHAHA COUNTY DELL RAPIDS Population: 3,728 School Districts:

SHERMAN

Dell Rapids Public School District, St. Mary Catholic Schools

Population: 78 School District:

Commute to Downtown Sioux Falls: 28 minutes More Information:

BALTIC Population: 1,147 School District:

Garretson School District

Commute to Downtown Sioux Falls: 33 minutes More Information:

cityofdellrapids.com dellrapids.org 428-3595

shermansdak.com

Baltic School District

Commute to Downtown Sioux Falls: 15 minutes More Information: baltic.govoffice.com 529-5497

GARRETSON Population: 1,216 School District:

Garretson School District

CROOKS Population: 1,334 School District:

Commute to Downtown Sioux Falls: 27 minutes More Information: visitgarretson.com 594-6721

Tri-Valley School District*

Commute to Downtown Sioux Falls: 20 minutes More Information: cityofcrooks.net 543-5238

BRANDON Population: 9,532 School District:

Brandon Valley School District*

Commute to Downtown Sioux Falls: 15 minutes More Information: brandonvalleychamber.com brandonsd.com 582-6515

SIOUX FALLS

VALLEY SPRINGS Population: 781 School District:

Brandon Valley School District

Commute to Downtown Sioux Falls: 20 minutes More Information: cityofvalleysprings.com 757-6555

*School district also includes areas inside the Sioux Falls city limits.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 23

SIOUX FALLS HARRISBURG Population: 4,861 School District:

Harrisburg School District*

Commute to Downtown Sioux Falls: 15 minutes More Information:

chamberofharrisburgsd.com harrisburgsd.gov 582-6515

TEA Population: 4,427 School District:

Tea Area School District*

Commute to Downtown Sioux Falls: 20 minutes More Information:

CANTON Population: 3,274 School District:

teasd.com 498-5191

Canton School District*

Commute to Downtown Sioux Falls: 30 minutes More Information: cantonsd.org 987-2881

LENNOX Population: 2,234 School District:

Lennox School District

Commute to Downtown Sioux Falls: 25 minutes More Information: cityoflennoxsd.com 647-2286

WORTHING Population: 930 School District:

Lennox School District

Commute to Downtown Sioux Falls: 24 minutes More Information: cityofworthing.com 372-4113

LINCOLN COUNTY LINCOLN COUNTY BUILDING PERMIT DATA (FY 2015) 956 Total Permits $93.6 million Construction Value 167 New Homes

BERESFORD Population: 2,033 School District:

Beresford School District

Commute to Downtown Sioux Falls: 39 minutes More Information: beresfordsd.com 763-2008 763-2021

*School district also includes areas inside the Sioux Falls city limits.

24 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2016

COVER STORY

OPPOSITE PAGE: Legacy Electronics purchased their building in Canton in 2015. THIS PAGE: Across both Lincoln and Minnehaha county communities, housing has seen huge growth numbers. Pictured is a new neighborhood in Lennox.

1986 when he first started working there to today’s estimated population of 9,884, making it the 12th largest city in South Dakota and the growth in those years alone larger than 97 percent of the rest of the state’s communities, he said.

MCEDA/LCEDA Executive Director Nick Fosheim. “So when you have a group whose focus and dedication is creating and promoting the local business community, that’s important.”

“I left that first meeting thinking to myself, ‘I’m good with new things, but this won’t work,’” Olson said. “But it did.

And it’s been very helpful, especially for Brandon.”

In the next month, these organizations will kick off a yearlong strategic planning process. By March, Fosheim anticipates the groups will be holding meetings across the region.

Residents, businesses and MCEDA/LCEDA representatives will all be able to participate. The goal is not to make a list of what the groups are doing right or doing wrong, Fosheim said.

The formation of these organizations has led to a heightened degree of economic growth for the region by drawing attention to the assets available to businesses and industries looking for long-term sustainable growth options. The LCEDA and MCEDA Executive Director partners with the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and other economic development organizations to create a strong regional economy. LCEDA and MCEDA are funded by the communities and counties served, as well as by support from banks, utility companies and other businesses serving the member communities.

The MCEDA/LCEDA concept is not unusual — there are other regional economic development organizations across the country; in some cases the regional base is larger, depending on the size of the metro area. MCEDA and LCEDA serve different roles in the community from chambers of commerce and development organizations, with all working together to elevate communities and promote positive growth. Some of the communities in each of those organizations have a chamber of commerce or development organization or both.

“The importance of having those chambers and development foundation groups is that as our region is growing fast, you have to work harder to create a sense of community,” said

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

“The question is, ‘what kind of community do you want to be?’ followed up by ‘how can we help you get there?’” he said.

The community engagement process will rely on input from stakeholders across the region. After 25 years, it’s important for MCEDA/LCEDA to see if the organizations are meeting the needs of their member communities. Fosheim sees his role as assisting the communities but they need to be the ones who carry out the actions. Olson agrees with Fosheim and credits Brandon community leaders for the foresight to be pro-growth.

“City fathers at that time were astute enough that communities with residential housing only don’t pay enough to school system — you need the other side of the equation,” Olson said. “If you want to build communities, first you need to provide the primary jobs, eventually you’ll have workers build houses and after that the retail will come. What we have now (in Brandon) is absolutely amazing.”

Jenni White with the City of Tea and President of LCEDA is looking forward to seeing what the people who live in the chambernews.com | Chamber News 25

COVER STORY

LCEDA communities want for their respective communities in order to better help the organization plan. Being a part of LCEDA has assisted Tea in having a representative serve as a go-to for projects outside the city limits, she said. Much of the industrial business in the Tea area is actually outside the city limits. White is hopeful that the city borders will reach those areas in the next five years and that building relationships now, through LCEDA, will benefit down the road.

Airport and full service by the BNSF railroad, the new development park is at a regional transportation crossroads.

“Those businesses are a huge plus for our community. The people who work there may shop here or live here and they are a part of our community,” she said.

The Development Foundation continues to lay the groundwork to get the park up and running, with planning for infrastructure underway and several companies solidifying their intent to locate at the site. Regional communities will benefit from this park, too, as the companies that locate at the park will need support services, supply chain vendors, logistics and other businesses to flesh out their operations. In addition, those workers may choose to live in some of the regional communities rather than in Sioux Falls.

Fosheim hopes the planning process will develop both shortand long-term goals for the region. In the meantime, MCEDA and LCEDA will keep doing what they’ve been doing.

“It’s sometimes hard when people think of regional development because communities are perceived to be competing with one another for the same business,” Fosheim said.

PROSPECTING

White looks at economic development as a learning opportunity for all communities rather than a competition.

What they do is really about partnerships, Fosheim said.

“We need to leverage our resources so we can be on the radar of more companies, collectively. And part of that leverage includes working with Sioux Falls,” Fosheim said.

For many companies outside the region looking to expand or move here, the natural place to start in this area is Sioux Falls, Fosheim said. But sometimes, Sioux Falls isn’t the best fit for a company’s needs. A regional community may meet those requirements while also offering the benefits of being near Sioux Falls, he said.

In the summer of 2015, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation announced the creation of Foundation Park, the state’s first megasite. Created in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, the City of Sioux Falls and Forward Sioux Falls, the 800-plus acre Foundation Park lies at the intersection of Interstates 90 and 29. Located within minutes of the Sioux Falls Regional

26 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2016

“We talk about what business’ needs are and what they want in a site. When a business chooses a community, it’s because that community had something we don’t and that’s why they picked it,” she said. “We can all learn from each other. It’s enlightening hearing from other communities about things we can try in our community.”

PARTNERSHIPS The MCEDA/LCEDA organizations aren’t the only collaborative groups in the region. The South Eastern Council of Governments (SECOG) is one of six Planning and Development Districts in South Dakota. For more than 40 years, these districts have promoted regional cooperation and economical delivery of services. SECOG serves Clay, Lincoln, McCook, Minnehaha, Turner, and Union counties as well as the municipalities within those counties. It provides a range of services to its members to promote community planning and economic development in the region including land use

OPPOSITE PAGE: The monthly “Breakfast Club” meetings gather regional city, county and school representatives together to discuss issues. A recent meeting touched on the K-12 Blue Ribbon Task Force and pending legislation.

THIS PAGE: Area school districts are also growing as part of the economic development activities; the Tea Area School District opened Frontier Elementary in Sioux Falls for the 2015-16 school year. Across MCEDA/LCEDA communities, enrollments are up with 566 more kindergarteners than the expected 2016 graduating classes in those schools.

planning and zoning, project funding, and GIS. SECOG also serves as the Governor’s House Sales Representative for homebuyers in the region.

In addition, through the Urbanized Development Commission (UDC), SECOG is the designated Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) for the Sioux Falls urbanized area. Federal law requires that all urbanized areas in the U.S. with populations of more than 50,000 establish an MPO responsible for area transportation planning and programming activities. The metropolitan planning process establishes a continuous, comprehensive and cooperative framework for making transportation investment decisions in metropolitan areas. Program oversight is a joint responsibility of the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration. SECOG operates the South Eastern Development Foundation (SEDF), a regional revolving loan fund designed to strengthen communities and stimulate economic development by assisting individuals that want to create or expand a business in the region. SECOG also operates Dakota BUSINESS Finance (DBF), a certified development company that offers the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 504 loan program statewide as well as to numerous counties in Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska. SECOG serves as staff for both SEDF and DBF.

COVER STORY

share information with others in the region. A recent meeting in January discussed various school districts’ perspectives on the work of the K-12 Blue Ribbon Task Force and potential action that could take place during the legislative session.

From sharing of information to collaboration on things like lobbying or marketing materials, working together is the way to go to ensure a brighter future for all, Fosheim said.

“We’re still small towns,” Fosheim said of the regional communities. “But collectively, we have a bigger impact.”

Olson may have been skeptical of MCEDA’s beginnings but feels good about where Brandon is today because of concentrated economic development efforts. When people would ask him how Brandon has been able to be so successful, he would attribute it to luck. But he was corrected by someone who told him that people make their own luck. When carried a step further, the community of Brandon didn’t rely on luck — they worked for their success, Olson said.

“We provided good land, had utilities, made some efforts in marketing, built some stick buildings, had an active development foundation — there’s a number of things to do. No one thing will assure a company will come. But if you put an atmosphere together to do that, then you can get lucky,” he said.

On a more informal basis, representatives from area school districts and government entities get together monthly for a “Breakfast Club” meeting. This meeting, which the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce also regularly attends, is a way to

GROWTH = MORE REVENUE (FY 2015) 113 new jobs created $20 million invested by companies 187,000 square feet of commercial space constructed 7 projects completed/under construction in the two counties $269 million Minnehaha County Total Taxable Sales $201 million Lincoln County Total Taxable Sales In Lincoln County, Tea led the taxable sales growth with a 21 percent increase over 2014, followed by Worthing, which was up 14.6 percent.

In Minnehaha County, Baltic led the growth with a 10.6 percent increase over 2014, followed by Humboldt, which was up nearly 6 percent.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 27

BUSINESS ADVOCACY

Enjoy a cup of Legislative Coffee

MIKE LYNCH

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

Legislative Coffees are an integral part of the democratic process as they establish an important link between constituents and lawmakers.

One of the most important responsibilities of Chamber public affairs/communications staff is to help members stay current on advocacy and convey how the decisions of elected officials may affect their business.

Beyond following us on Twitter @SFAdvocate, reading articles such as this in Chamber News as well as a weekly calendar of upcoming events in Quickly, members also have an opportunity to attend several events firsthand.

LEGISLATIVE COFFEES Holiday Inn City Centre, 100 W. 8th St. 10-11:45 a.m.

Saturday, Feb. 6 Districts 10, 11 & 12 Saturday, Feb. 20 Districts 13, 14 & 15

During the legislative session, these Saturday, Feb. 27 events include the Good Morning Sioux Districts 6, 9, 16 & 25 Falls breakfast, held annually in January, and Sioux Falls Day at the Legislature, scheduled for Friday, Feb. 19. Your Chamber has also scheduled three Legislative Coffees to provide a forum where constituents can hear about current bills and communicate with their elected officials.

Legislative Coffees provide a great opportunity to learn more about legislators’ positions and also allow citizens to ask questions and formulate a better understanding of the impact that a prospective law would have upon them. The format includes a moderator who will provide pace and organization to the sessions, as well as take written questions from the audience.

We once again are partnering with several organizations to sponsor these Coffees free to the public. Dates this year are Saturday, Feb. 6 (Districts 10, 11 and 12); Saturday, Feb. 20 (Districts 13, 14 and 15); and Saturday, Feb. 27 (Districts 6, 9, 16 and 25). They will be held at the Holiday Inn City Centre from 10-11:45 a.m.

The dates for these legislative coffees are deliberate. Feb. 6 follows the day that all bills must be introduced and when committee work is at a high pitch. Feb. 20 precedes “Crossover Day” when all bills need to be out of their house of origin so committee and floor action is at a peak.

At the conclusion of the 2015 session, 260 bills had been passed from 429 introduced, which was the highest percentage (61 percent) of bills passed into law within the past several years. Ultimately, an $85.8 million highway, bridge and road funding bill was passed. This year, K-12 education funding and Medicaid expansion are taking center stage though many other issues important to South Dakotans will continue to be vetted until session ends in March.

The Chamber’s Legislative Coffee partners this year include the League of Women Voters, AARP, Minnehaha County Republican Party, Minnehaha County Democratic Party, Democratic Forum, Sioux Falls Education Association, American Association of University Women, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), Americans for Prosperity-South Dakota, and Minnehaha

and Lincoln County Republican Women.

Coffee communiqués, distributed to the Legislative Coffee sponsors before and after the events and subsequently throughout their constituencies, provide a summary of issues as well as a look ahead. The intent behind the communiqués is to help inform constituents of the most timely and relevant issues being discussed by their elected officials.

Legislative Coffees are an integral part of the democratic process as they establish an important link between constituents and lawmakers. These are your legislators and you deserve to know their stance on topics that interest and affect you. We hope you are able to attend these Coffees to become more engaged in the lawmaking process.

28 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2016

BUSINESS ADVOCACY

SIOUX FALLS DAY AT THE LEGISLATURE FRIDAY, FEB. 19, 2016 ABOUT SIOUX FALLS DAY

Network with your fellow Chamber members on this informative all-day trip to South Dakota’s Capitol! You’ll have the opportunity to visit with your elected officials, listen in on committee discussions and the afternoon session, plus hear from Gov. Dennis Daugaard.

We want to have a great showing from South Dakota’s largest city. You can ride the bus with other members or meet us in Pierre. Register today to be a part of the Sioux Falls area delegation.

AGENDA 6:15 a.m..........Bus loads in Sioux Falls at The Empire Mall

.

Complimentary coffee, fruit and donut holes will be available on the bus.

6:30 a.m.........Bus departs for Pierre 10 a.m.............Arrive in Pierre at State Capitol

Listen in on any of the following committees in progress: Senate Health & Human Services, Senate State Affairs, Senate Taxation, House Commerce & Energy, House Judiciary

11:15 a.m.........Lunch with Sioux Falls Area Legislators

Inside the State Capitol

Sioux Falls will host the luncheon inside the Capitol for legislators, state employees and other guests. Sioux Falls area legislators will attend as they are able prior to heading to their respective caucuses.

11:55 a.m........Group photo 1 p.m................Session starts 1:45 p.m..........Hear from Chief of Staff Tony Venhuizen

THANK YOU TO OUR MAJOR SPONSORS: GOLD SPONSORS:

Pierre Lutheran Memorial Church (walking distance from the Capitol)

3 p.m...............Bus departs for Sioux Falls SILVER SPONSORS:

chambernews.com | Chamber News 29

HEADLINES

New route for 2016 St. Patrick’s Day Parade The 37th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held in downtown Sioux Falls on Saturday, March 12, featuring a new parade route.

The parade route will now start at 13th Street and Phillips Avenue. Participants will be able to start lining up at 12:30 p.m. along Main and Dakota avenues off of 13th Street.

Vehicles will be lined up on a first-come, first-served basis at the discretion of parade officials. Pre-registration is highly encouraged. The official parade packet can be found on the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce website: siouxfallschamber.com/ stPatricksDay.cfm.

The traditional reading of the proclamations and Painting of the Shamrock will take place at 9th Street and Phillips Avenue at 11:30 a.m. to officially kick off the day’s events. The parade will begin at 2 p.m.

The annual parade is organized by the St. Patrick’s Day Extravaganza committee, along with support from Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce staff. In 2009, the parade date was moved permanently to the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day in order to better accommodate visitors and families who

30 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2016

come to Sioux Falls to celebrate the holiday.

A new parade route is being implemented this year to reflect the growth of businesses and residents downtown. The new route is consistent with all other parades that take place downtown. The intent is to streamline the number of streets that need to be closed for the parade.

Each year the parade is led by a Grand Marshal; the 2016 parade will be led by Dr. Charles “Pat” O’Brien, who recently retired from Sanford Health. Sponsorships from Avera Health, Holiday Inn City Centre, Sanford Health and Xcel Energy help underwrite the costs of bringing the Khartum Temple Pipes and Drums, a Shine unit from Winnipeg, Manitoba. They have performed in the parade almost since its inception and make guest appearances in local schools, nursing homes and hospitals in the days leading up to the parade.

There is no entry fee to participate in the parade. The only requirement is that each adult (age 16 and older) participating in the parade must purchase and wear an official St. Patrick’s Day Parade button. The cost is $3 per button, the proceeds of which help

cover the costs of the parade and support Special Olympics South Dakota and other organizations. Buttons are available in advance at the Chamber of Commerce office (200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200), numerous businesses throughout the community and from Special Olympics volunteers. They can also be purchased the day of the parade at the start of the parade. Since 1982, more than $125,000 has been raised for Special Olympics of South Dakota.

Per Sioux Falls City Council Ordinance (Section 38-143), absolutely no candy can be distributed: “It is unlawful for any person conducting, managing or participating in any parade to distribute or permit the distribution of any candy or balloons to persons in attendance during the parade.”

The Sioux Falls Irish Club is also sponsoring a Miss Shamrock contest in correlation with St. Patrick’s Day. For an information packet and application form, contact Patrick M. Murphy at (605) 201-1158. The deadline to apply is Feb. 20. Miss Shamrock will be crowned during the reading of the proclamations on March 12.

2016 Saturday, March 12, 2016 St. Patrick’s Day Parade

HEADLINES LEGEND PARADE ROUTE ROAD CLOSED AT 1:30 P.M. ADA PORTA-POTTY TRASH CAN

DESTAGING AREA

4th Street

TRASH DUMPSTER

5th Street

PAINTING OF THE SHAMROCK LOCATION

Phillips Avenue

Main Avenue

STAGING AREA

8th Street

Dakota Avenue

7th Street

STAGING AREA

Minnesota Avenue

6th Street NO PARKING ON PHILLIPS AVENUE AT ANY TIME ADA Parking is available at the corner of 8th Street & Phillips Avenue PAINTING OF THE SHAMROCK 11:30 a.m., 9th Street & Phillips Avenue

9th Street

12th Street

13th Street

14th Street

2016

DETAILS

START: 2 p.m.

2nd Avenue

11th Street

1st Avenue

10th Street

SATURDAY, MARCH 12 • Parade line-up: 12:30 p.m., 13th & Phillips Painting of the Shamrock: 11:30 a.m., 9th & Phillips • Parade start: 2 p.m.

More details: siouxfallschamber.com/stPatricksDay.cfm chambernews.com | Chamber News 31

32 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2016

Positive things happening in FSF 2021 campaign Every five years the Forward Sioux Falls program is re-evaluated to meet the everchanging community challenges and explore new economic opportunities for the Sioux Falls region. Forward Sioux Falls is the vehicle that transforms visions into regionwide initiatives that make a difference in how Sioux Falls can keep pace with peer cities and regions. It is through the visions of public and private sector leaders, plus the expertise of staff at the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and Sioux Falls Development Foundation, that this vision becomes a reality and is then executed on a daily basis.

Forward Sioux Falls has demonstrated a “will-do and can-do” attitude in this community for more than 29 years. Since 1987 and over the course of six previous programs, Forward Sioux Falls has raised more than $37.5 million that has facilitated a shared vision, goals and collaboration between the public sector and the business community.

A new five-year initiative, a seventh Forward Sioux Falls program — Forward Sioux Falls 2021 Momentum, is ready to begin.

The initiatives laid out in the Forward Sioux Falls 2021 plan include opportunities to implement strategic tactics in from the Workforce Action Agenda. This strategy provides ways to leverage current programs and create new partnerships to grow the region’s talent force.

While workforce challenges are certainly pressing, moving Sioux Falls forward has never been about just one agenda item. In fact, you could argue that the success of Forward Sioux Falls is due to the steady building of diversified initiatives that over time impact the entire region. Forward Sioux Falls lays out the strategy and provides the skills, resources and expertise to carry out initiatives approved by investors. More than ever before, the 2021 programs provide opportunities that intertwine to positively impact people, prosperity and place with collaborative actions that will take this region to new levels of success.

It should also be noted that the current program, Forward Sioux Falls 2011-2016, returned $10.97 to the region in average corporate profits for every $1 invested. This represents more than 8,400 new jobs created, which led to $1.6 billion in new economic output for Sioux Falls and the region.

The Forward Sioux Falls 2021 fundraising campaign started Nov. 1, 2015. Since then more than 30 leaders were recruited and more than 50 volunteers were trained and are now calling on the business community in a quest to raise $15.5 million for the new fiveyear program. So far, 55 percent of the goal has been raised. Each pledge is made one ask at a time and one company at a time. Large or small, every pledge makes a difference.

With more than 400 investors in the Forward Sioux Falls 2011-2016 program, the first step in the campaign is to ask current investors to invest again. Over the course of five years many new companies have moved or expanded into the region and these newcomers are also invited to become investors in the FSF 2021 program.

To become an investor or for more information, contact Forward Sioux Falls Director of Investor Relations Carolyn Winchell at (605) 373-2008, cwinchell@siouxfalls.com or visit forwardsiouxfalls.com.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 33

HEADLINES

Sioux Falls is one of MyVA Communities The VA is working to engage with existing community veterans groups to improve outcomes for service members, veterans and their families. In areas where there are no existing community veterans groups, VA is facilitating the development of veteranfocused community networks, using a model called MyVA Communities.

MyVA Communities have been started in all 50 states and U.S. territories. Sioux Falls was chosen as one of the first 50 sites because of the strong and longstanding VA leadership presence in the community. The Sioux Falls Area MyVA Community is a subgroup of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Military & Veterans Affairs Committee.

Local co-chairs are Steve Ennis, Home Federal Bank, and Jill Baker, teacher and a service-connected disabled Army veteran.

These community leaders will work with Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Benefits Administration, and the National Cemetery Administration to expand area community partnerships to help coordinate veteran-related issues.

The MyVA Communities model enables veteran advocates, service providers, veterans and stakeholders to have a voice in identifying their community goals and work to improve service delivery for veterans, service members and their families.

MyVA Community objectives are to bring together local resources and advocates to improve outcomes for veterans, transitioning service members and their families; to enable veterans to easily identify and reach resources available to them, voice their opinions, and provide valuable input; and to resolve concerns at the local level and improve service delivery methods. The program is inclusive; it’s open to all veterans, service members, their families, stakeholders, resources, advocates and existing community engagements/ efforts.

The first meeting of the Sioux Falls MyVA Community took place in December 2015.

The group discussed their responsibility to share understanding of the challenges veterans and service members transitioning to civilian life face — and to use their collective strengths and abilities to improve those experiences. MyVA Community will strengthen VA’s local collaboration with

34 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2016

community providers by connecting public and private resources, creating forums where the entities can learn about each other and work together on behalf of veterans, plus enable veterans to easily identify and reach the resources available, and for them to share opinions and input. The MyVA Community will also create and strengthen open lines of communication within the community.

Local Sioux Falls VA leadership will provide support as necessary for MyVA Community efforts. However, the MyVA Community is not managed nor controlled

by VA. VA’s role is to engage with the community, to educate the community about VA benefits and health care services, improve outcomes, and address concerns/issues at the local level.

VA provided a community snapshot of veteran demographics for the Sioux Falls metro area: 8 percent are 18-34 years of age; 28 percent are 35-54; 26 percent are 55-64; 18 percent are 65-74; and 20 percent are 75 years or older. The largest number of veterans in the area are Vietnam-era (36 percent). Female veterans make up 8 percent of the population.

Once the MyVA Community is up and running, public forums will take place for veterans, their family members and community residents. Interaction with existing community boards will vary depending on the needs of the community and mission of the pre-existing boards. MyVA will not replace any of these boards but may seek a partnership to promote collaboration, which may be an opportunity to merge the efforts of the groups.

Celebration and observance of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War is the first project the local MyVA selected, and the group has applied to become a commemorative partner to help recognize and support Vietnam veterans who served on active duty from Nov. 1, 1955-May 15, 1975. March 29, 2016 has been designated the official beginning of this ongoing effort although the commemoration extends by presidential proclamation through Veterans Day 2025.

For more information, contact Co-chairs Steve Ennis (steveennis@hotmail.com or (651) 208-8366) or Jill Baker (jillbaker3@ sio.midco.net or (605) 361-8501.

HEADLINES

Walsh to be honored by SME Tom Walsh, Sr. is the 2016 South Dakota Sales and Marketing Executive of the Year, sponsored by Sales & Marketing Executives (SME). Walsh will be honored at the SME Excellence Awards event on Feb. 23 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center Midco Ballroom. The social is at 5:30 p.m. and dinner is at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person or free for SME members. For more information, visit smesiouxfalls.org or (605) 336-5626.

including the “Operation Excellence” award, the “Restaurant Excellence” award and the “Community and Local Store Marketing” award.

TOM WALSH, SR. Dakota King/GreatLIFE

Walsh has called Sioux Falls home for more than 40 years. Since graduating from Augustana College in 1971, Walsh has contributed much to the community that gave him endless opportunities. In 1975, he opened South Dakota’s first Burger King restaurant. Since then, he has developed more than 50 Burger King restaurants in South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Under his leadership, Dakota King Restaurants has earned many awards,

In addition, Walsh tirelessly shares his love and compassion for children through a variety of humanitarian efforts. He founded the Los Cabos Children’s Foundation in 2002, an organization dedicated to providing medical, educational and humanitarian assistance to children and families in Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Under Walsh’s leadership, South Dakota’s “Make-A-Wish” Foundation became the No. 5 chapter in the U.S. Walsh started GreatLife in 2014, which at the time had two golf courses and two fitness centers. The GreatLife mission is to enrich the lives of individuals and families through golf, fitness and healthy lifestyles. Today, GreatLife has 20 golf courses and 15 fitness centers with more than 11,000 memberships sold and 22,000 members.

Walsh was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2009.

He and his wife, Kathy, have four children and nine grandchildren.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 35

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

“Million Dollar Arm” creator to speak at visitor luncheon May 10 Sports marketing expert J.B. Bernstein will be the featured speaker at the Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau’s 2016 Visitor Industry Luncheon on May 10. Bernstein created the The Million Dollar Arm contest in India, which was a reality TV contest to find new baseball talent. The two winners were the first two Indian men to sign pro sports contracts in the U.S. The story was later turned into a film by Disney, called The Million Dollar Arm. Jon Hamm portrayed Bernstein in the film.

Prior to his career in sports, Bernstein worked as a brand manager for Proctor & Gamble, where he helped increase consumer demand and market share for a number of their key product lines. It was in his next role, as the Director of Development for The Upper Deck Company, that he was able to marry his marketing expertise with his passion for sports. Bernstein’s successful marketing initiatives, including creating record-chasing campaigns for Wayne Gretzky and Dan Marino securely established him as an expert in the field.

Today Bernstein is the President and CEO of Access Group and the Managing Director and co-founder of Seven Figures Management. He’s represented some of the greatest athletes of all time, including Barry Sanders, Emmitt Smith and Barry Bonds.

He is responsible for several ground-breaking marketing campaigns with these and other clients.

SAVE THE DATE:

2016 VISITOR INDUSTRY LUNCHEON

May 10 Tickets will be available in March; call (605) 275-6060 for more information

J.B. Bernstein

A firm believer in loyalty, integrity and the power of relationships, Bernstein captivates audiences with valuable insight on business, marketing, selling and achieving success in unpredictable and unprecedented circumstances.

Ticket information will be available in March. Mark your calendars for this can’tmiss speaker and event!

Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau Mission To market the city of Sioux Falls as a one-of-a-kind visitor destination, and to provide premier visitor services, and increase visitor spending in order to enhance economic impact throughout the community.

The Sioux Falls Promise The CVB stands committed to exceeding visitor’s expectations. We will provide superior visitor hospitality in the city best recognized as “The Heart of America.”For all your convention, meeting and event needs, contact the Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau: (605) 275-6060, email sfcvb@siouxfalls.com or visit visitsiouxfalls.com; for more updates about the visitor industry, go to pg. 42.

36 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2016

na o g n i v a e L

e n a l Jet p

The Sioux Falls CVB sales team is heading to Washington, D.C. March 14-18 to sell the best city in the Midwest. Do you know of an organization or association headquartered in DC? Let the sales team know and they will connect with the office to set up a meeting!

Contact us today with your lead at sales@siouxfalls.com or 373.2024.

Show Your

Sioux Falls

LOVE

Shop the largest selection of Sioux Falls memorabilia at the Falls Park Visitor Information Center.

Winter Hours: Saturday-Sunday 10am-5pm 605.367.7430

Managed by

chambernews.com | Chamber News 37

CHAMBER PARTNER

A rising tide lifts all boats You may have heard the phrase “A rising tide lifts all boats.” Many attribute this quote to John F. Kennedy, but did you know that this thoughtful slogan was actually borrowed from a regional chamber of commerce? Through training in my eight years of work at the Brandon Valley Area Chamber of Commerce I have heard time and time again: If you’ve seen one chamber of commerce, you’ve seen one chamber of commerce. Every community has different attributes and challenges making each chamber of commerce unique. One thing that chambers can all agree on is the overarching reason for our inception: to strengthen the community by guiding the power of business and enhancing the quality of life.

KIM CERWICK

Brandon Valley Area Chamber of Commerce

... if great things are happening for Sioux Falls, great things are happening for all the communities in the region.

One thing I’m often asked is how do we “compete” with the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and my immediate response is that we don’t. It doesn’t work for a chamber to operate in a vacuum any more than it does for a small business. By collaborating with one another, the Sioux Falls, Brandon Valley and other area chambers of commerce can better serve our region as a whole.

So how do we do that? The Brandon Valley Chamber has made it a priority to know the happenings not only from within the cities of Brandon and Valley Springs, but also what is happening in Sioux Falls and other surrounding communities as well. From local zoning regulations to regional wastewater partnerships, it is the job of the chamber to have our finger on the pulse of the entire region. We work with local district legislators; city, county and state government officials; multiple school district superintendents; economic development agencies; and the list goes on.

It is no surprise the community of Brandon continues to grow. Brandon city officials have created a great balance between residents and businesses through common sense governance.

The Brandon Valley School District has been one of the best in South Dakota for many years with no end in sight. The industrial parks in our community have access to both the Interstate and rail while also having a workforce pool large enough to sustain their growth.

Without the population of Sioux Falls and the surrounding areas, businesses such as Marmen Energy and Midwest Railcar Repair would not have had the ability to put their businesses here in the first place. Residents in Brandon also have access to some of the best healthcare facilities in the nation because of our proximity to Sioux Falls. So what is it that makes Brandon so appealing? Brandon is not growing in spite of but because of our proximity to Sioux Falls. Having the choice to live in a smaller community while also having the convenience of big city amenities is a key ingredient to the growth of Brandon!

The Sioux Falls region continues to receive many accolades for innovation and exceptional collaboration. We celebrate these successes together because if great things are happening for Sioux Falls, great things are happening for all the communities in the region. We have more to offer together than we do individually. Why you ask? Because a rising tide lifts all boats!

Kim Cerwick is the President/CEO of the Brandon Valley Area Chamber of Commerce.

38 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2016

HEADLINES

YPN to offer peer mentoring program this year

BY LAUREN FOSHEIM

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

Planning is underway for the Young Professionals Network (YPN) peer mentoring program, which will launch later this summer. YPN members who have a hunger for personal development are encouraged to apply.

This mentoring program is an adaptation of the YPN Mentoring Program started in 2014. Its sole purpose is personal development facilitated by young professionals for young professionals.

Groups of five will be led by a fellow YPN member through a year of monthly discussions, concentrated on four focus areas: building relationships; problem solving and goal setting; emotional intelligence; and mindset.

Three months will be dedicated on each of the focus areas, taking participants through an intensive, but well-balanced series of complimentary topics that can be applied to everyone’s life, independent from participants’ current industry or career level.

“We’re confident we selected a strong set of focus areas young professionals need in order to continue to grow and apply to their personal or professional life, and are excited for everyone who gets to go on this journey. The young professionals serving as the mentors completely designed this program for other young professionals, and wanted to create an impactful experience that facilitates growth

in someone’s life,” said Tara Allen, Keller Williams, member of the planning committee.

Groups will meet monthly for 60-90 minutes. There are no qualifications needed to apply, just that you’re a current YPN member.

Expectations are minimal — participants must attend the monthly meetings and be prepared for your group’s session.

“Keeping the group size small for a program like this will be important. We want everyone to feel comfortable opening up to their group, and have the opportunity to really have a voice and share their thoughts at each meeting,” said Dan Menke, Pride Neon, also serving on the planning committee. “We believe that’s really when the most personal growth will happen.”

The application process will begin in the next few months with information about the process shared on siouxfallsypn.com, via email to YPN members and through the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.

The mentoring program will be limited to only 20 YPN members and the participants will be chosen by a selection committee. There is no application fee but there will be a small fee to participate in the program, which will cover all materials.

For more information, email lfosheim@siouxfalls.com or call (605) 373-2009.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 39

MEMBER VOICE

We are all in this together We have so much to be proud of and thankful for in the Sioux Falls region. The vision, hard work and results of leaders who have come before us have laid a solid foundation for our future success. To ensure that success, we need to continue to collaborate and view ourselves as “all in this together.”

JULIE BURKE-BOWEN Virtuoso, Inc./City of Harrisburg

... volunteering offers us the opportunity to help make the difference that we would like to see in our communities.

While Sioux Falls serves as the nucleus of the region, smaller communities surrounding Sioux Falls benefit from economic development, growth, diversity, employment opportunities as well as access to excellent healthcare and a myriad of entertainment options. In turn, these surrounding communities offer residential and quality of life alternatives for those who choose not to live in a larger city setting. Understanding and utilizing these complementary offerings is exactly why it is so important to recognize and embrace regionalization.

At the individual municipal level, I personally believe that one of the most important elements of feeling like a community is an active chamber of commerce. The chamber serves as the external connection and appearance of the community. Equally important, to chamber members, the opportunities to network, support each other’s businesses, give back to the community as well as grow their businesses are invaluable. The Harrisburg Chamber was formed about five years ago and the leadership of this group has been on fire since then. They have grown from a handful of businesses at the start to more than 100 businesses that hold monthly networking lunches, quarterly community events and regularly participate in community activities. As a small business owner, I value my memberships to both the Sioux Falls Area and Harrisburg Chambers greatly!

One of the best benefits of being part of a chamber is simply getting involved in the community. South Dakota is blessed that over one-third of our population formally volunteers and over 70 percent volunteer in some other informal fashion which totaled more than 21.5 million hours in 2014. As Mayor of Harrisburg, I continuously encourage residents to serve on boards, committees, the Chamber and through other opportunities for a number of reasons. First and foremost, volunteering has positive effect on one’s attitude and even creates a sense of gratitude for what others have done before us. It also lets one gain an understanding for how things work, such as the government process. Volunteering also allows one to pursue a passion or cause where one is united with people from diverse backgrounds to work toward a common goal and participate in teamwork. But most important of all, volunteering offers us the opportunity to help make the difference that we would like to see in our communities.

Being an active member of a chamber of commerce accomplishes all those.

By embracing and practicing the regional concept, our chambers and other volunteer organizations are blessed with an economy of scale type model where they share their lessons learned and optimize their successes. If we truly plan to continue to be one of the best places to live and work, then we also need to continue to function as though we really are “all in this together.”

Julie Burke-Bowen is the owner and President of Virtuoso, Inc., a project management and business consulting company. She is also the Mayor of Harrisburg and is a graduate of Leadership Sioux Falls-Class 26.

40 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2016

USING YOUR MEMBERSHIP

Get on the bus for Sioux Falls Day at the Legislature

BY PAT LUND

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

Each year, the Chamber surveys its membership to see what services or programs they find most beneficial for their business and professional development. And each year, networking finishes among the top for benefits most appreciated by the membership. Attendance at Membership Mixers, committee meetings and other events offer great opportunities to meet new people and share the great story of your business or organization. You should also consider the many networking opportunities available when you attend the annual Sioux Falls Day at the Legislature, which will be held Friday, Feb. 19 in Pierre.

The day begins bright and early at 6:15 a.m. when approximately 100 people will board two chartered buses from the Empire Mall parking lot. You’ll be traveling and visiting with a group of likeminded people from the area business community who are dedicated to the success of the Sioux Falls community.

Once in Pierre, attendees will be able to listen in on any of the following committees in progress: Senate Health & Human Services, Senate State Affairs, Senate Taxation, House Commerce and Energy, and House Judiciary. All are legislative areas that may affect the bottom line of your business or organization. If you’ve never been to the State Capitol or even if you’re seasoned visitor, you should take a few moments to stroll through the building and learn more about the rich history of South Dakota through the many exhibits on display.

Next, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and network with some of the Sioux Falls area legislators at a luncheon hosted by Sioux Falls at the Rotunda inside the State Capitol, along with other representatives of state government. Attendees will gather on the historic marble staircase inside the Rotunda for a large group photo to commemorate the day.

SIOUX FALLS DAY AT THE LEGISLATURE Friday, Feb. 19 6:15 a.m.-6:30 p.m. $30/per person to ride the bus $25/per person to attend lunch in the Capitol Register/pay online: siouxfallschamber.com under Upcoming Events Contact Teresa Schreier for more information: (605) 373-2050 or tschreier@siouxfalls.com

The day concludes with an address from Tony Venhuizen, the Governor’s Chief of Staff. From there, the bus loads up to head home to Sioux Falls, with more networking opportunities on the ride home.

You can register and pay online to attend at siouxfallschamber. com under the Upcoming Events tab. For more information, contact Teresa: tschreier@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2050.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 41

BUSINESS NEWS

Visitor Industry Updates CVB TARGETS NEW INTERNATIONAL MARKETS

The Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) developed a new strategic marketing campaign targeting international markets, with a focus on Germany, France, Spain and Central America. These markets were selected based upon local, state and national research of the international markets most likely to travel to the U.S., South Dakota and Sioux Falls.

In January the CVB started the campaign with predictive display, social and remarketing awareness campaigns in Germany, France and Spain. Last year the CVB developed three international pages translated specifically for German, French, and Spanish markets.

Driving international visitors to website content written in their native language will result in better engagement.

In cooperation with Brand USA and the South Dakota Department of Tourism, the CVB will implement two campaigns to target the French and German markets. In February the French market will be targeted through a Rocket Fuel In-Language Content program reaching a minimum of 250,000 people. A thirty-second pre-roll video ad will be created in the French language and be directed to fr.visitsiouxfalls.com.

In April the Brand USA German Multi-Channel Program will launch driving 41 million media impressions. The program will include a print advertorial feature, social and digital media, and co-branded Expedia display ad campaigns.

CVB TO ATTEND DMAI IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

The Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) will be exhibiting at the Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) Washington, D.C. Destinations Showcase Feb. 9, 2016 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The DMAI Destinations Showcase has grown to be named North America’s largest one-day event exclusively bringing conference, convention and trade show professions together with destinations. The show will attract more than 500 pre-qualified, senior level meeting professionals with 94 percent of the individuals having single responsibility or key influence on decision-making. CVB Director of Sales Mattie Burnham and Sales Manager Anna Eliason will represent Sioux Falls at this year’s DMAI showcase.

Eliason will complete the DMAI Sales Academy I on Feb. 10.

DMAI offers Sales Academy I and II two times annually, in February/ March or November. The workshop will incorporate Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) landscape and culture, difference among DMOs based on budget, resources, geography, local industry and stakeholder interests and go through meeting planners’ objectives, perspectives and expectations as well as hotelier and local attraction relationships with a DMO.

NEW SUMMIT PROVIDES NEW BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR CVB

The Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) will travel to Philadelphia Feb. 10-12 for the Global Pharma & Medical Meetings Summit.

2016 will mark the 4th Annual Summit that gathers senior pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device and healthcare meeting executives.

This will be the first time the CVB will attend the summit. The Global Pharma & Medical Meetings Summit is produced by World Congress, a conference and event organizing company that specializes in healthcare, legal and IP, pharmaceutical and HR, benefits and wellness industries. The Sioux Falls CVB is the official sponsor of the summit registration bags, has access to all convention workshops and will have a booth on the networking floor.

CVB BIDS ON ASA STATE SOFTBALL TOURNAMENTS

Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) Sales Manager Lucas Smith represented Sioux Falls at the South Dakota Amateur Softball Association (ASA) State Convention in Pierre Jan 29-30.

The Sioux Falls CVB submitted bids to host three separate ASA state tournaments in an effort to boost adult softball opportunities in Sioux Falls.

ASA officials across the state were in attendance to award host cities with state tournaments for all ages, varying softball types and levels of play. Members of Sioux Falls People for Youth, Sioux Falls ASA league officers and Sioux Empire Fastpitch Softball Associations were also in attendance representing Sioux Falls.

Sioux Falls hosted the Men’s E East State tournament last summer and it was the largest adult softball tournament in Sioux Falls for 2015. Tournament host cities will be announced by mid-February.

CVB PROMOTES #ROADTOSIOUXFALLS

In March and April, Sioux Falls will host a number of premier athletic events back-to-back-to-back-to-back. The Denny Sanford PREMIER Center and Sanford Pentagon will play host to players, families and fans of the NCAA, Summit League, Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC), Professional Bull Riders (PBR) and more.

The Sioux Falls CVB will implement strategic marketing efforts to promote these sports events through their “Road to Sioux Falls” sports leisure tourism brand. The Summit League will help the CVB engage with teams throughout the regular season to share moments using the hashtag #roadtosiouxfalls during their regular season, the conference championships in Sioux Falls and during the event while in Sioux Falls. Social media content and advertising will drive this effort.

The message will target and seek to engage fans of each sport encouraging them to think of Sioux Falls as a sports destination, to visit, and potentially extend their stay.

The CVB will reach out to each event contact and encourage their partnership in spreading a warm welcome and ensuring visitors have the resources to enjoy Sioux Falls and leave with a memorable experience.

42 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2016

BUSINESS NEWS

MARKETING HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2015

The Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau’s marketing initiatives in 2015 achieved great successes and set the stage for an exciting 2016. The launch of a new website in the first quarter allowed strategies to be aligned with industry trends, combining a comprehensive set of goals to increase engagement, visitor travel and group sales bookings for Sioux Falls.

The year began with continuation of the 2014-15 “You Deserve It” Winter Campaign. After three years of cooperative winter campaigns with the South Dakota Department of Tourism, last year was the most innovative and best yet. The strategy was fine-tuned in a number of ways, which resulted in nearly 50 million impressions and a 56.74 percent increase in sign-ups or lead generation. Programmatic and predictive digital marketing was the main media channel utilized, inserts were dropped in southwest Minnesota, northwest Iowa, northeast Nebraska and Minneapolis newspapers. To drive engagement, a Sioux Falls personality quiz was developed and custom guides were emailed with specific itineraries that matched visitors’ interests based on the quiz. More than 4,500 people completed the quiz and more than 2,700 personalized guides were emailed out. People who took the quiz stayed on the website for more than 11 minutes.

A new, fully-responsive website was launched at the end of March 2015. A few highlights of the new site included: mobile-first responsive web design, booking engine, real-time Instagram integration, Google Street View, dynamic and related content strategy, visitsiouxfallsevents.com enhancements, custom itineraries, video integration and international visitor landing pages. Sessions in 2015 were up nearly 13 percent from 2014, users were up more than 14 percent, page views were up nearly 5 percent, and new sessions were up more than 2 percent. The online booking engine converted 276 room nights, which generated nearly $32,000, emails collected were up nearly 33 percent, and planner guide engagements were up more than 73 percent. Visitor guide engagement was up more than 6 percent.

Throughout the year the CVB promoted the free site visit offers for meeting planners and sports events organizers called the “BRVIP” (meetings) and “See for Free” (sports events) programs. A highimpact, 10-page insert for the “BRVIP” program was placed in 13 publications and handed out at tradeshows for a total distribution of 330,000. The “See for Free” insert was placed in four publications and handed out at sports tradeshows for a total distribution of 60,700.

A new campaign was designed in May 2015 to help the sales team blitz Washington, D.C. Marketing efforts included Pandora audio everywhere/display ads, 20 metro bus billboards, direct mail and email. More than 21.4 million people were reached as part of this campaign.

VISITOR NUMBERS INCREASE AT FALLS PARK VIC

The Falls Park Visitor Information Center finished the year with a total of 197,065 visitors, which is an increase of 5 percent compared to 2014 and a 14 percent increase from 2013 visitor traffic.

In 2015 there were visitors from all 50 states and 43 foreign countries.

TOP 10 STATES:

1. Minnesota 2. Iowa 3. Wisconsin 4. Nebraska 5. Missouri 6. South Dakota 7. Illinois 8. California 9. Michigan 10. Florida

TOP 10 COUNTRIES: 1. Canada 2. Germany 3. Norway 4. Australia 5. England 6. Ireland 7. United Kingdom 8. Netherlands 9. Italy 10. Mexico

For the first time the South Dakota Department of Tourism provided matching funds for a peak (summer) marketing campaign.

Primary markets included Chicago, Winnipeg, Kansas City, Madison, Milwaukee, Eau Claire and La Crosse. Creative components were delivered through banner ads (display, remarketing), social engagement (Facebook posts, Instagram photos), search ads, video (pre-roll video), inspirational content placements, website updates (banner images, copy updates), campaign landing page, Sioux Falls quiz and new campaign email template. Pageviews, new visits, quiz submits, time on site and hotel bookings all set new records for that time of year.

A completely new sports leisure tourism initiative took shape in 2015 called “Road to Sioux Falls.” The primary goal of the initiative was to position Sioux Falls as the premier sports destination in the upper Midwest. It included a Midco Sports Network Summit League Television Sponsorship, organic and paid social media efforts, direct e-blasts and partnerships with some of the premier sports events that took place in Sioux Falls in 2015, reaching nearly 3 million people.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 43

BUSINESS NEWS

Businesses can learn about internships available through Forward Sioux Falls Forward Sioux Falls has supported internships in the Sioux Falls area for more than 12 years. Businesses that are interested in learning more about how to leverage Forward Sioux Falls’ Interns in Industry program should attend an informational workshop on Tuesday, Feb. 9 or Tuesday, Feb. 16. Each workshop will be held at the Sioux Falls Development Foundation at 7:30 a.m. and lasts for 45 minutes.

In 2016, Forward Sioux Falls will partner to offer 50 internships. Each internship is eligible for a $500 scholarship from Forward Sioux Falls. In its 12 year history, Forward Sioux Falls has partnered with more than 70 Sioux Falls area businesses. The Workforce Development office can assist in contacting area campuses to promote intern opportunities and connect businesses with qualified candidates.

Offering internships can be the most effective talent development tool in any company’s toolbox. But whether or not you are looking to identify potential new staff for your business, there are plenty of other benefits of internship as well.

For more information about participating in Interns in Industry, contact Workforce Development Director Mary Medema: marym@siouxfalls.com or (605) 339-0103.

INTERNS IN INDUSTRY

INFORMATIONAL WORKSHOPS FOR BUSINESS

Feb. 9: 7:30-8:15 a.m.

Feb. 16: 7:30-8:15 a.m.

Sioux Falls Development Foundation, Briefing Center 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 101

Spring election set for city council, school board Voters who live in the City of Sioux Falls and within the Sioux Falls School District will vote for several open seats on both bodies on April 12. Petitions are now available and candidates have until Feb. 26 to file.

Four seats are open on the City Council.

Three councilors are term-limited: Northwest District, Dean Karsky; Southwest District, Greg Jamison; and Northwest District, Kenny Anderson, Jr. Kermit Staggers, who currently serves an At-Large

position, is eligible to run for re-election.

Candidates for an at-large position need to collect a minimum of 200 signatures from Sioux Falls residents who are registered voters. District candidates need signatures from at least 50 registered voters living within the district.

The elections will be held jointly; voters will cast ballots at precincts. The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce will hold candidate forums for both the School Board and City Council and dates will be announced in the coming weeks; check siouxfallschamber. com for more details.

School board member incumbents Kent Alberty and Carly Reiter both said they plan to run for re-election.

BIG Job Fair March 15 Students, graduates and alumni from colleges and technical institutes throughout South Dakota and the region are invited to attend the 2016 B.I.G. (Business Industry and Government) Job Fair on Tuesday, March 15.

Register at getgrads.com. For more information, contact Dr. Marie Lohsandt at marie.lohsandt@dsu.edu. The South Dakota BIG Job Fair is sponsored by the South Dakota Association of College Career Centers with support from Forward Sioux Falls and others committed to the marketing and placement of the region’s graduates.

44 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2016

SOUTH DAKOTA BIG JOB FAIR getgrads.com March 15 Sioux Falls Convention Center

BUSINESS NEWS

Form + Fashion Meets Function event to create awareness about human trafficking The Institute of Design & Technology of South Dakota (ITDSD) will presents collaborative efforts of their students’ fashion and interior creations at the annual Form + Fashion Meets Function. It will be held on Friday, Feb. 19 at the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown. The evening includes a silent auction starting at 6 p.m. and the runway show at 7:30 p.m.

This year’s colorful palette of inspiration features the first-time runway debut of Jonathan Adler fabric for Kravet Collections.

His innovative patterns and colors will be in the runway show, a first in including these new textiles in interior design collaborated into fashions. Each ITDSD student had the opportunity to create projects with Adler’s fabrics for the show.

This year’s show again features a design mentor from Lifetime Network show, Project Runway. Liberian-born fashion designer and stylist Korto Momolu (pronounced Cut-toe Mo-Mo-Lu) will be attend following New York’s Fashion Week. She is a two-time Project Runway/All Stars runner-up and is supporting IDTSD fundraising efforts by presenting a special 30-piece collection to the Awareness to Human Trafficking campaign as the evening’s grand finale.

will support both the Institute of Design & Technology Scholarship & Design Camp Programming and the Junior League of Sioux Falls Awareness Campaign of Human Trafficking.

General admission tickets are $25, reserved seat tickets are $50 and VIP tickets are $75. Order tickets online at the IDTSD Facebook page or from Junior League of Sioux Falls members.

The Junior League of Sioux Falls is supporting the annual IDTSD Form + Fashion Event with volunteers and the Institute of Design & Technology is supporting the Junior League’s Awareness to Human Trafficking campaign with their special guest and theme. Proceeds from all ticket sales

chambernews.com | Chamber News 45

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Ribbon Cuttings

The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce holds ribbon cutting ceremonies for members to celebrate joining the Chamber, milestone anniversaries, grand openings, expansions or remodelings. Ribbon cutting ceremonies are organized free of charge for members and are held Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The public and all Chamber members are invited to share in the celebration. Call (605) 336-1620 for more information or to schedule your event.

Groundbreaking ceremonies are coordinated by the Sioux Falls Development Foundation. Call (605) 339-0103 for more information or to schedule your event.

AveraNow Clinic

NEW LOCATION

3000 S. MINNESOTA AVE. avera.org AveraNow Clinic is an added convenience when you don’t have time for a traditional clinic visit; it is open in four locations with two more opening this spring. L to R: Ryan VandenBosch, David Johnson, Nathan Stallinga, David Flicek (Senior VP Clinic Operations, Avera Medical Group), Tom Hackl, Tad Jacobs (DO, Senior VP Chief Medical Officer, Avera Medical Group), Aaron Clayton, Jesse Patrick, Steve Tappe (VP of Mission, Avera Medical Group), Mike Hauck and Billie Jo Baxa.

Bishop Dudley Hospitality House

NAME CHANGE

101 N. INDIANA AVE. bdhh.org Bishop Dudley Hospitality House is a coordinated community approach to assist the homeless and others needing a helping hand in Sioux Falls. L to R: Bob O’Connell, Katie Riffel, Daryl Thuringer (board president), Maria Krell, John Henkhaus, Jim Bellas, Chad Campbell (executive director), April Meyerink, Amy O’Connor Hoback, Stefanie Engebretson, Carrie Johnson and Erika Stoeser.

Escape 605

NEW MEMBER

3718 S. WESTPORT AVE. escape605.com Escape 605 is a real life adventure game where guests have 60 minutes to figure out all the codes, riddles, puzzles and clues to escape in time; it’s perfect for team building. L to R: Amy Stockberger (co-owner), Lucas Fiegen, Stacy Hoffman (co-owner), Amy O’Connor Hoback, Dustin Hoffman (co-owner), Cindi Johnson, Adam Cooper, Gary Gaspar and Adam Stockberger (co-owner).

Great Bear Recreation Park, Inc

REMODEL/EXPANSION

5901 E. RICE STREET greatbearpark.com Great Bear Recreation Park, Inc. is the largest park in the Sioux Falls Parks system and offers skiing, tubing and snowboarding in the winter months and hiking, weddings and picnics in the summer months. L to R: Dan Grider, Mayor Mike Huether, Julie Darrington, Amy O’Connor Hoback, Steve Stanford (board president), Adam Cooper, Carrie Dragt, Brittany Kelley and Jim Whitcomb. chambernews.com | Chamber News 47

RIBBON CUTTINGS LOL Photo Booth, LLC

lolphotobooth2.com LOL Photo Booth, LLC is the area’s largest enclosed photo booth; they bring the props and pictures are printed instantly. L to R: Amy O’Connor Hoback, Alex Ramirez, Chris Filsinger, Jodi Gross (co-owner), Kim Helgerson (co-owner), Stefanie Engebretson, Joey Rotert and Ann Metli.

NEW MEMBER

Mainstream BoutiqueSioux Falls West 2310 S. MARION RD. #130

Mainstream Boutique-Sioux Falls West is a fashion-forward, multi-generational women’s boutique with one-of-a-kind merchandise.

L to R: Brandy Nielsen, Angie Wahl, Dean Karsky, Nannette Johnson (owner), April Meyerink, Emma Smith, Amy O’Connor Hoback and Heather Nielsen.

NEW MEMBER

OLLI-Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

4801 N. CAREER AVE. olliuc.org OLLI-Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is a vibrant non-profit offering non-credit courses to seniors (50-plus) who love continuing to learn.

L to R: Suzanne Fuller, Daren Anderson, Nancy Wehrkamp (director), Lora Fejfar, Jackie Stratman, Larry Ayres, Bobbi Thury and Deb Taufen.

NEW MEMBER

Professional Image

professionalimagesf.com Professional Image is a modeling school, talent agency and salon that has participated in trade shows for more than 30 years in Sioux Falls. L to R: Leah Gath, Mark Luke, Tawny Kaup (co-owner), Dean Karsky, Bobbi Jo Britt, Dee Johnson (co-owner), Tim Sturdevant, Gita Hendricks and Kristi Hay. NEW MEMBER

Showplace Kitchens

420 N. CLIFF AVE. showplacekitchens.com Showplace Kitchens has expanded their showroom by 2,700 square feet to accommodate the new Showplace EVO cabinetry line.

L to R: Tony Bour, Lexi Frankman, John Henkhaus, Lynda Billars, Paul Sova (president), Tammy Beintema, Nathan Stallinga and Kathy Meyer.

REMODEL/EXPANSION

48 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2016

chambernews.com | Chamber News 49

RIBBON CUTTINGS Sioux Wheeler Adaptive Sports

3401 E. 31ST ST. siouxwheelers.com Sioux Wheeler Adaptive Sports is an adaptive sports program for physically challenged youth and adults. L to R: Emilea Rubio, Tom Hackl, Jim Slater, Liz Lloyd, Richard Neu (president), Jeanne Stoakes, Alex Remirez and Mark Mortenson.

NEW MEMBER

Woltman Group, PC

7001 S. LYNCREST PL. STE. 200 siouxfallscpa.com Woltman Group, PC is a public accounting firm that provides tax and assurance services.

L to R: Trent Prins, Paul Bruflat, Mike Hauck, Heath Kooiman, Tim Stotz (president), Amy O’Connor Hoback, David Johnson, Mayor Mike Huether and Eric DeHaan.

NEW LOCATION

50 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2016

MEMBERSHIP

New Members Escape 605 Amusement, Entertainment, Attraction Amy Stockberger, (605) 731-9597 3718 S. Westport Ave., 57106 escape605.com

Granite Springs Lodge Associate Member Kristy Berg, (605) 770-4211 25840 422nd Ave., Alexandria, SD 57311 granitespringssd.com

H-Visa Solutions Human Resource Consulting John Bedell, (605) 940-2521 101 S. Reid St., Suite 307, 57105 hvisasolutions.com

Hegg Realtors-Ryan Jewett Affiliate-Real Estate Ryan Jewett, (605) 274-0750 2804 E. 26th St., 57103

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 or by using the Chamber’s App, available in the iTunes and Google Play stores. Want to become a member? Call (605) 336-1620.

Keller Williams Realty Sioux FallsCissy Buhler Affiliate-Real Estate Cissy Buhler, (605) 261-7564 5915 S. Remington Pl., 57108

Logistics Buddy LLC Fruit Warehouse Scott Kear, (605) 271-7776 515 N. Garfield Circle, 57104

Marco’s Pizza Restaurants Josh Holdinghausen, (605) 275-9696 3320 S. Sycamore Ave., 57110 marcospizza.com

Reliabank Mortgage Mortgages Jeremy Vis, (605) 444-4080 2333 W. 57th St., Suite 105, 57108

Ritch Noble for City Council Associate Member Ritch Noble, (605) 214-2359 facebook.com/KeepSiouxFallsGreat/

Z’Mariks Noodle Cafe Restaurants Joanne Martinez 2300 S. Minnesota Ave., 57105 zmariks.com

Partners Funding, Inc. Associate Member Brad Connor, (507) 235-3456 923 N. State St., Fairmont, MN 56031 partnersfundinginc.com

chambernews.com | Chamber News 51

MEMBERSHIP

Member Anniversaries FOUNDING MEMBERS

Coca-Cola Bottling Company Beverages-Wholesale Member Since 1907

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 or on your smartphone using the Chamber’s app — search “Sioux Falls Chamber” in the Google Play or iTunes stores.

40 YEARS

The Empire Mall/Empire East Shopping Centers simon.com

George Boom Funeral Home & Cremation Services

30 YEARS

Funeral Directors georgeboom.com Member Since 1919

Independent Living Choices Associate Member ilcchoices.org

Getty Abstract & Title Company

North Central Insurance Center, Inc.

Title Insurance, Escrows, Abstractors getty-midwest.com Member Since 1919

Insurance northcentralins.com

Kreisers, Inc. Medical Supplies kreisers.com Member Since 1907

Minnehaha Country Club Country Clubs minnehahacc.com Member Since 1907

Parker Transfer & Storage, Inc. Moving & Storage parkertransfer.com Member Since 1924

Schoeneman Brothers Company Lumber-Retail schoenemans.com Member Since 1907

Shipley’s Garment Spa Cleaners & Launderers Dry Cleaners shipleysgarmetspa.com Member Since 1907

Travel Partners, Inc. Travel Agencies & Bureaus travelpartners.tv Member Since 1920

55 YEARS

Cummins Central Power, LLC Generators-Rental centralpower.cummins.com

50 YEARS

Howes Oil Company, Inc. Oils-Fuel fuelholler.com

52 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2016

25 YEARS

10 YEARS

Prairie Berry Winery Wine prairieberry.com

ABC Supply Co., Inc. Construction Supplies abcsupply.com

Cru City SF Associate Member prioritysiouxfalls.com

5 YEARS

Kwik Kerb by Spronk, Inc.

CHS

Concrete Contractors kwikkerbbyspronk.com

Agri Business chsinc.com

Reichel Insulation

Institutions Services, Inc.

Insulation Contractors reichelinsulation.com

Restaurant Equipment & Supplies isdakota.com

FASTSIGNS

South Dakota Fellowship of Christian Athletes Associate Member www.southdakotafca.org

20 YEARS

Western Mall Shopping Centers

South Dakota Public Universities & Research Center (University Center) Schools, Colleges, Universities sduniversitycenter.org

15 YEARS

Avera Heart Hospital of South Dakota Hospitals avera.org/heart-hospital

Avera Health Health Care Management avera.org

Dakota Allergy & Asthma Physicians & Surgeons-M.D.-Allergists dakotaallergy.com

Signs fastsigns.com/415

Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation Associate Member sfeducationfoundation.org

FIRST-YEAR MEMBER WHO REINVESTED DURING THEIR DECEMBER ANNIVERSARY MONTH

Time Communications Associate Member timecommunications.biz

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 Sharon Hasselhoff Sharon Haselhoff is the General Manager of the Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort in Larchwood, Iowa. She grew up on a farm in Quimby, Iowa, and graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in political science. She was involved in politics at the local (Des Moines, Iowa), state (Iowa) and national (D.C., Washington, California, Illinois and Arkansas) levels after graduation. She finally found her “real job,” her father would say, when she became the Public Relations Director at Riverside Casino & Golf Resort in Riverside, Iowa. Hasselhoff ran the election for the casino resort referendum to build Grand Falls in 2008 and was part of the construction process. She lives in Lyon County, Iowa. Grand Falls has been a Chamber member for more than five years. Hasselhoff is also a Chamber Diplomat.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT SIOUX FALLS? The people! I have lived all over the East Coast and West Coast and there is absolutely nothing like people from the Midwest.

WHAT IS ONE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT YOU SUPPORT AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO YOU? SHARON HASSELHOFF

Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort

The first one is United Way because they support so many great organizations in our community. I have been a Heart level supporter since I was first asked. It is so important to give back; a very important lesson my parents instilled in me at a very young age. The second one is Forward Sioux Falls because this entity is the economic arm that helps our community grow and plans for our future. As a business in the area it is important to get behind this five-year campaign and I encourage every business to do the same.

DESCRIBE SIOUX FALLS IN THREE WORDS. Beautiful, booming and a treasure!

WHAT IS ONE OF SIOUX FALLS’ BEST-KEPT SECRETS? Downtown, but it is starting to get out! Really it is a fun place to go out, so much going on down there. Can’t wait to see what it looks like in five and 10 years from now.

WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED? Plan your work and work your plan! Repeat.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 53

FROM THE ARCHIVES

As a membership organization with a history spanning more than a century, the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce has influenced progress across the community in a number of ways throughout the decades.

Momentum: Forward Sioux Falls promotes region for nearly three decades Nearly 30 years ago, community leaders asked the question: What must we do today to ensure the vitality of tomorrow?

The answer was Forward Sioux Falls. Six programs and three decades later, this successful joint venture between the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and the Sioux Falls Development Foundation has spurred job growth, community investment, business recruitment and expansion and stories and recognition at the national level about the business community across the region.

In November last year, a seventh campaign began to promote the next phase of the program: Forward Sioux Falls 2021. Volunteers are currently visiting with businesses and individuals asking for their investment in this next program. The theme of this campaign is “Momentum,” which highlights the urgency to continue planning for today and long into the future — just as community leaders did in 1987 when they developed this “bold new initiative.”

For more information about the program or becoming an investor, visit forwardsiouxfalls.com.

Pictured are some of the marketing materials for each of the past Forward Sioux Falls programs. TOP: FSF (1987-1991) and FSF II (1992-96); BOTTOM: FSF III-Into the Next Century (1997-2001), FSF IV (200206), FSF V (2006-11), and FSF 2011-2016.

54 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2016