October 2021 Chamber News by Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce

Chamber News Vol. 57, No. 1

October 2021

A PUBLICATION OF THE GREATER SIOUX FALLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

EMBRACING CHANGE

Alex Ramirez becomes Chair of the Board of Directors

In this issue Feature

Embracing Change

Alex Ramirez becomes Chair of the Board of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-31

Chamber News Publisher

Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce

Top stories New volunteer leadership. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32-33 Forward Sioux Falls exceeds fundraising goal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 In this issue

Chamber News Ad Sales

For advertising information, call Steven Herman at (605) 373-2013 or email chambernews@siouxfalls.com

Chamber News Layout/Design Jill Blom

Photography

Lisa Aust Photos

Message from the Chair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Chamber News Editor

Event Calendars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11

For editorial information, call: (605) 336-1620

Economic Indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Faces & Places. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-24 Community Appeals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Headlines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32-33, 36-40 Business Advocacy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34-35 DE&I Feature Series. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Ribbon Cuttings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45-47 Member Anniversaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Five Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Jennie Doyen

Chamber News is published by the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 Postmaster please send address changes to: Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 Phone: (605) 336-1620 • Email: gsfcc@siouxfalls.com

Chamber Mission As the leading Sioux Falls area business advocate, the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce represents its members by advancing and promoting the economic health and quality of life of the region.

FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA OR VISIT siouxfallschamber.com /siouxfallschamber

ON THE COVER

Alex Ramirez, USA Media TV, is the new Chair of the Board of Directors for the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce.

Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce @GreaterSFCC @SF_Advocate siouxfallschamber

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

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

chambernews.com | Chamber News 3

Message from the Chair

Message from the Chair Three years ago, I answered a phone call from Dr. Dave Kapaska. He was calling to ask me if I would be willing to serve as Treasurer for the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce. I accepted wholeheartedly. I felt humbled that the Chamber would want me in this role, and I was so happy to be able to serve our chamber and community in any way I could.

Alex Ramirez 2021-22 Chair of the Board

These unprecedented times present an opportunity to reimagine ourselves as a community.

When I realized that the role of Treasurer was the start of a path to eventually becoming Chair of the Board of Directors for the Chamber, I started to feel the true significance of that first phone call. So, I dove into the Treasurer position, and subsequently, into the Vice Chair and Chair Elect duties. In these last few years, I have learned so much more about the Chamber and the vital role it serves in our community of the greater Sioux Falls region. Today, with about 18 months of a pandemic behind us, we know all too well that the only constant is change. These unprecedented times present an opportunity to reimagine ourselves as a community. As our city and region grows and changes, we can set the course for the type of place we want to be in the future - one year, five years or ten years from now. It is also our responsibility to cultivate new leaders who will be visionary and brave in the face of change. In that spirit, Leadership Sioux Falls begins another year of training and developing community leaders this month. This valuable program is a signature of the Chamber and is one way we seek to develop future leaders. There are many people who lead in our Chamber in other ways too. So many people voluntarily give their time and talents. The attitude of service and investment in community is one of the things that we just do – it is part of our culture and can-do attitude. The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce has hundreds of committed volunteers and a dedicated staff working to build community. In addition, we have almost 2,000 member businesses who represent over 70,000 employees. By joining the Chamber, our members show that they are invested in making Sioux Falls a great place to live, work, learn, play and grow. The Chamber is strong because we are a diverse group of leaders working together for the betterment of our community. I am excited for the opportunity to serve this amazing group of leaders and to be a part of a collaborative effort to continue strengthening our ever-changing community. Please join me in celebrating Sioux Falls at the Chamber’s 115th Annual Meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 19. For the health safety of our entire community, we have limited seating and encourage attendees to wear face masks. I look forward to seeing you at the event or soon thereafter! The change in Chamber volunteer leadership is a predictable one – it happens every October. I extend thanks to past Chair Dan Doyle, Lloyd Companies, and to all the retiring board members and committee chairs for their service. I look forward to serving you for 2021-22.

2021-22 GREATER SIOUX FALLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LEADERSHIP AND STAFF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chair Alex Ramirez, USA Media TV Chair-Elect Paul Hanson, Sanford Health Vice Chair Scott Lawrence, Lawrence & Schiller, Inc. Treasurer Miles Beacom, PREMIER Bankcard Immediate Past Chair Dan Doyle, Lloyd Companies Chamber President & CEO Jeff Griffin BOARD OF DIRECTORS Joe Bunkers, Gage Brothers Kim Burma, Midco Tamien Dysart, Think 3D Solutions Natalie Eisenberg, Click Rain, Inc. Kayla Eitreim, Junior Achievement of South Dakota Dr. José-Marie Griffiths, Dakota State University Jason Herrboldt, First Bank & Trust Angela Lammers, Cetera Services Valerie Loudenback, Grand Prairie Foods Tolcha Mesele, Smithfield Foods Nancy Savage, Child’s Play Toys Nathan Stallinga, DakotAbilities Bob Sutton, Avera Health Tony Venhuizen, Standard Services, Inc.

EX-OFFICIO Kyle Groos, Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools Kristin Hoefert-Redlinger, Northwestern Mutual Cindi Johnson, Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort Dean Karsky, Minnehaha County Commission Cynthia Mickelson, Sioux Falls School Board Jim Schmidt, Lincoln County Commission Dr. Jane Stavem, Sioux Falls Public School System Mayor Paul TenHaken, City of Sioux Falls

CHAMBER & ESF STAFF Jeff Griffin, President & CEO Diane Balk, Accounting Manager Matt Barthel, ESF Communications Manager Joan Bartling, Vice President of Finance & Accounting Justin Bentaas, Public Affairs & Research Manager Jill Blom, Graphics & Communications Manager Casey Boerger, Events Coordinator Patrick Daschel, ESF Sales Manager Peyton DeJong, Agribusiness Manager Anna Derry, ESF Sales Manager Erin DeWitt, ESF Sales Manager

Jennie Doyen, Vice President of Member Services Becky Griebel, Administrative Assistant Melea Harris, ESF Host City Manager Elizabeth Heidinger, Member Services Specialist Steven Herman, Sales Manager Mary Hublou, ESF First Impressions Manager/Project Assistant Jay Kaltenbach, ESF Services/Resale Manager Pat Lund, Member Relations Manager Mike Lynch, Executive Director of Investor Relations, Forward Sioux Falls Krista Orsack, ESF Director of Marketing Debra Owen, Vice President of Government Relations Kathie Puthoff, ESF Administrative Assistant Holly Rader, Vice President of Member Relations Emily Schaffer, ESF Creative Development Manager Teri Schmidt, ESF Executive Director Teresa Schreier, Member Services Specialist Susan Seachris, Administrative/Accounting Assistant Jackie Wentworth, ESF Sales Manager

chambernews.com | Chamber News 5

Calendars

CHAMBER

Events Calendar

Dates, times and locations are subject to change. For a current listing of all Chamber events, visit siouxfallschamber.com, read the weekly edition of Quickly, or call (605) 336-1620. You can register and pay for events online at siouxfallschamber.com.

National Farmers Day at the Barn Friday, Oct. 15 4–7 p.m. Stockyards Ag Experience Barn 301 E. Falls Park Dr.

OCTOBER MEMBERSHIP

DETAILS: Celebrate the hard work of farmers in our region at the Chamber’s 3rd annual National Farmer’s Day at the Barn! This family-friendly event features a pick-and-take pumpkin patch, fun exhibits, treats, and the opportunity to learn how agriculture affects us all! National Farmer’s Day at the Barn is free and open to the public!

Tuesday, Oct. 14

115th Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting Tuesday, Oct. 19

FEATURED EVENT

MIXER

SPONSORED BY:

4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Ramada Hotel & Suites, 1301 West Russell Street

Complimentary hors d’oeuvres & cash bar $5 admission or use your Mixer Pass

Business Sense Workshop: The ADA and your business Tuesday, Oct. 12 11 a.m.–Noon Zoom

DETAILS: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) includes a range of requirements for private businesses in terms of how they interact with their employees and patrons. Sharla Svennes, assistant city attorney for the City of Sioux Falls, will present an overview of the ADA requirements, including which private businesses are covered by ADA, general standards used to determine ADA compliance and the areas where ADA concerns most frequently arise for businesses. COST: $10

DE&I Activator Series: How to take assessment results to craft your DE&I strategy and scorecard Wednesday, Oct. 13 8:30–9:30 a.m. Zoom

COST: Free

Sioux Falls Convention Center 1201 N. West Ave.

DETAILS: Celebrate our community with fellow chamber members at the 115th Annual Meeting. See pages 38-39 in this issue for more information. COST: $100 per person, tables of six available

Business Sense Workshop: The multiplier effect: How shifting your leadership behavior can ignite the brilliance of your team Tuesday, Oct. 26 11 a.m.–Noon Zoom

DETAILS: According to research, the majority of today’s business leaders fall into one of two categories: Multipliers and Diminishers. Studies have shown that Multipliers get more from their teams — more intelligence, more creativity, more capability — which in turn leads to higher engagement and greater overall business success. This dynamic workshop, presented by Jackie Payne, FranklinCovey, will teach you how to become a Multiplier by implementing key behavior shifts designed to foster an environment in which people are energized, engaged and willing to give their best. COST: $10

Morning Mingle Thursday, Oct. 28

7:30–9 a.m. Cornerstone Financial Solutions, Inc. 7408 S. Bitterroot Pl.

DETAILS: Start your day by networking with other Chamber members. Drop by as your schedule permits for a cup of coffee and great conversation at October’s Morning Mingle, hosted by Cornerstone Financial Solutions, Inc.. COST: Free

chambernews.com | Chamber News 7

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

Promote your business in Chamber News. Contact Steven Herman at (605) 373-2013 or chambernews@siouxfalls.com.

GREATER SIOUX FALLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

UPCOMING EVENTS

To RSVP to any of these events, visit siouxfallsypn.com.

Reservations for Six Tuesday, Oct. 5

Noon–1 p.m. Original Pancake House 2715 W. 41st St. DETAILS: Get to know other young professionals in the community in a small setting and support a Chamber member restaurant at the same time! Reservations for Six is a networking lunch with no agenda, just a meal out with your peers. Limited to the first six to register! COST: Free, food & drink on your own.

Morning Buzz Thursday, Oct. 7

7:30–9 a.m. First Bank & Trust / Coffea Roasterie 500 S. Highline Place DETAILS: Join other YPN members at First Bank & Trust/Coffea for networking while getting your morning buzz (coffee). Morning-minded young professionals are invited to come enjoy coffee and conversation with other YPN members at our October Morning Buzz.

A Seat at the Table with Tom Slattery Wednesday, Oct. 13

Noon–1 p.m. Chamber of Commerce 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200 DETAILS: Get to know Tom Slattery, owner of JJ’s Wine & Spirits, at this A Seat at the Table event. Advanced registration is required. COST: Free

Off the Clock Thursday, Oct. 21

4–7 p.m. CO-OP Architecture 440 E. 8th St., Suite 221 DETAILS: This month’s Off the Clock is sponsored by CO-OP Architecture. Come check out their brand new space in the Railyard Flats building! Enjoy complimentary appetizers and drinks. This is an event you will not want to miss. Feel free to bring a co-worker or friend!

Find us on social media or visit siouxfallsypn.com

Action Team Meetings You can help shape key areas of YPN programming by joining an Action Team. All team meetings are held at the Chamber office and are open to any YPN member who would like to get involved. Volunteering with an Action Team is a great way to strengthen professional connections and exercise your skills in collaboration, facilitation and project management. For more details on the responsibilities of each team, visit siouxfallsypn.com.

Social Action Team

Tuesday, Oct. 5, 4–5 p.m.

Personal & Professional Development Action Team

Thursday, Oct. 7, 4–5 p.m.

COST: Free

chambernews.com | Chamber News 9

Collaboration OCTOBER

you can bank on.

This calendar is a sampling of local events, concerts, fundraisers, seminars and more compiled from siouxfallsevents.com and experiencesiouxfalls.com/events. Visit these websites for a complete listing of events happening in the Sioux Falls area, or for more details on the events listed here.

Fall Art & Wine Walk in downtown Sioux Falls

Rockestra Sioux Falls at El Riad Shrine

1-2

Toughest Monster Truck Tour at Denny Sanford PREMIER Center

1-3

Fall Festival at Country Apple Orchard

1-3

SiouxperCon 2021

SDSO: Maya Buchanan Plays Beethoven

Harvest Festival at Wilde Prairie Winery

2-3

Showcase of Remodeled Homes & Outdoor Living Showcase

2-3

Pumpkin Festival at Riverview Christmas Tree Farm

2021 NDEAM Virtual Workshop

Raise Your Innovation Expectations 7 Expo at Hilton Garden Inn Downtown

All events are subject to change. 7-10 Friends! The Musical Parody at Orpheum Theater Please check the online events 9 Sioux Falls Stampede vs. Lincoln Stars calendars for the most recent updates. Jennifer Johnson 9

Vice President 10 Branch Manager 13 NMLS 47075814

(605) 444-4058

10 Chamber News | OCTOBER 2021

Harvest Festival at Strawbale Winery

SD Symphony: Stained Glass Concert REO Speedwagon at Washington Pavilion Jackyl at The Alliance

Slim Man at Orpheum Theater

15-16

etc. Expo for her

ID 405612

Chris Stapleton at Denny Sanford PREMIER Center

Trace Adkins at The Alliance

The Sinatra Experience with Dave Halston

12-14

Dakota Angler Ice Institute

The Abbey Road Band - A Live Tribute to the Beatles at El Riad Shrine

3rd Annual Yogafest at Sioux Falls Convention Center

America: 50th Anniversary Tour

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony at The District

The Struts at The District

David Mercer in Concert Performing Original Works at Washington Pavilion

Lauren Daigle at Denny Sanford PREMIER Center

Sioux Falls Stampede vs. Omaha Lancers

Victory Songs: SDSO Lakota Music Project

Nike Cross Regionals Heartland at Yankton Trail Park

Trick or Treat in downtown Sioux Falls

SD Symphony: Stained Glass Concert

All Time Low at The District

Sioux Falls Stampede vs. Sioux City Musketeers

27-30

USF Theatre Presents: The Addams Family

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band at The District

Dude Perfect at Denny Sanford PREMIER Center

19-21

Autumn Festival, An Arts and Crafts Affair at Sioux Falls Convention Center

NOVEMBER

Blue Heaven at Washington Pavilion

Rockestra at El Riad Shrine

Aretha: A Tribute at Washington Pavilion

Lanco: Honky-Tonk Hippies Tour 2021 at The District

Summer Fest 2021 at Denny Sanford PREMIER Center

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis at Washington Pavilion

5-7

Menopause The Musical at Orpheum Theater

22-24

Crossover Classic at Sanford Pentagon

Sioux Falls Stampede vs. Waterloo Black Hawks

29th Annual Parade of Lights in downtown Sioux Falls

Veterans Day Program at The Alliance

The Invitational at Sanford Pentagon

26-28

Beautiful - The Carole King Musical at Washington Pavilion

chambernews.com | Chamber News 11

Economic Indicators

Tracking trends in business is just one way that the Greater Sioux Falls 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

August 2021

July 2021

CUMULATIVE YEAR TO DATE

2019

5,075 permits

2020

4,971 permits

BISMARCK

3.1%

4,878 permits

2021 0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

FARGO

2.7%

6000

MINNEAPOLIS/ ST. PAUL

Source: City of Sioux Falls

3.5%

RAPID CITY

2.6%

City of Sioux Falls Total Construction Value August 2021

SIOUX FALLS

ROCHESTER

2.8%

2.2%

CEDAR RAPIDS

CUMULATIVE YEAR TO DATE

4.7%

800

OMAHA

DES MOINES

2.6%

3.9%

LINCOLN

700

1.9%

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

600

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

500

Agriculture Trends July 2021

400 $724.8 million $300.5 million

300

200

$14.30

2020

Source: City of Sioux Falls

2021 New Non-Residential Construction Value

Corn

$8.50

Total Construction Value

$13.80

(per bushel) U.S. South Dakota

$410.3 million $135.2 million

2019

$14.10

Soybeans

$488.5 million $188.7 million

(IN MILLIONS)

100

$14.50

(per bushel) U.S. South Dakota

$8.22 $6.00

6 $5.99

$6.21 $6.12

Sioux Falls Region Housing Overview August 2021

$3.21

New Listings: 613 Days on the Market Until Sale: 67 Median Sales Price: $274,900 Inventory of Homes for Sale: 1,104 Source: RASE (Realtor Association of the Sioux Empire)

$2.94

July June

2020

2021

July

2021

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

chambernews.com | Chamber News 13

Faces & Places

Faces & Places Our members do more than follow the news. They make the news. Job promotions and hirings. New projects. New partnerships. Awards. Every day we hear about exciting accomplishments, historic milestones and other positive aspects of our member businesses that deserve to be shared. Submit news to jdoyen@siouxfalls.com.

Kristin HoefertRedlinger Northwestern Mutual

Julie Nelson

American Bank & Trust

Joey Rotert

Doug DeGroot

Angie Wahl

Jay Rasmussen

Levo Credit Union

J. Wahl Home Inspection

Paystubz

Christy Menning McCrossan Boys Ranch

Journey Group Companies

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

14 Chamber News | OCTOBER 2021

Featured ambassadors and diplomats this month are: Kristin Hoefert-Redlinger, Northwestern Mutual, five years as an ambassador; Joey Rotert, Levo Credit Union, seven years as an ambassador; Doug DeGroot, Paystubz, two years as a diplomat; Christy Menning, McCrossan Boys Ranch, three years as a diplomat; Julie Nelson, American Bank

& Trust, 29 years as a diplomat; and Angie Wahl, J. Wahl Home Inspection, 11 years as a diplomat. The ACE Award is given monthly to one ambassador in recognition of their sales efforts. Jay Rasmussen, Journey Group Companies, was the August ACE Award winner.

New Faces & Promotions First International Bank & Trust welcomed Jason Appel as Community President for the Sioux Falls region. Appel has nearly 20 years’ experience in financial services, with the last 15 years being in Sioux Falls. He was recently recognized by the South Dakota Bankers Association as an Emerging Leader. Appel holds a degree in Business Administration and Public Accounting from the University of Sioux Falls. MarketBeat has hired Arin Gonseth as its new Vice President of Finance. In her new role, Gonseth will oversee the company’s finance, accounting and human resources functions. She most recently served as the Chief Financial Officer for Journey Group. KLJ Engineering LLC announced that Martin Fritz has been named the company’s chief administrative officer. In this role, Fritz is responsible for overall operations of the company, including the company’s safety programs and procedures, strategy development, legal, risk management, insurance, office/facilities leasing and construction, and related administrative management. Fritz earned his Juris Doctorate degree from The Dickinson School of Law of the Pennsylvania State University and previously

practiced corporate law. Fritz also earned a bachelor’s degree in business/economics from University of Pittsburgh and began his career with Ernst & Young, where he earned his CPA.

at the Brookings Chamber of Commerce, as well as the founder of a Brookings-based small business. She brings 20 years of business development experience to SD CEO.

Caliber Creative has hired Kinley Rausch as digital marketing associate. Rausch will help clients with social media account strategy and management; digital media placement; copywriting and content marketing.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire promoted Kassidi Smith to Director of Operations–Early Learning Academy. Smith will oversee both Sioux Falls Early Learning Academy sites. Elizabeth Steffen was promoted to Early Learning Empower Campus Site Director. Naomi Blank joined the team in a new role as Behavior Manager serving the Boys & Girls Clubs’ K-5 program. Blank most recently served as a ELL Teacher in the Sioux Falls School District.

KLJ Engineering LLC promoted Cody Aldinger to vice president of Information Technology. Aldinger will work to provide strategy development, leadership and management oversight of KLJ’s information technology and facilities teams, including infrastructure, support, system and software integration, overall technology optimization, as well as fleet and facility management. He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems, with a minor in computer science from Minnesota State University Moorhead. Ashley Biggar is the first director of SD CEO East Women’s Business Center, a program of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Previously, Biggar was the Director of Key Operations and Development

Marcie Lalim joined Alternative HR as accountant/administrator. She has 18 years of experience in accounting, human resources and general office management. Her areas of expertise include payroll and benefits management; accounting/bookkeeping; communication/interpersonal relations; and employee relations. She holds a bachelors degree in finance from Minnesota State University.

Good Deeds Black Hills Federal Credit Union donated nearly 100,000 school supplies to more than 70 schools, sending thousands of students across South Dakota back to school prepared. The BHFCU 25th Annual School Supply Drive relies on donations from members, the

community and businesses across the state. In preparation for the 2021-22 school year, BHFCU employees spent hours collecting, sorting and packaging supplies for area schools.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 15

Faces & Places

Honors & Awards The Sioux Falls community brand identity project was honored with an Award of Excellence by the City-County Communications & Marketing Association as part of the 2021 Savvy Awards Competition. The Savvy Awards recognize outstanding local government achievements in communications, public-sector marketing and citizen-government relationships. The Savvies salute skilled and effective city, county, agency or district professionals who have creatively planned and carried out successful innovations in communications and marketing. Launched in the spring of 2020, the Sioux Falls brand identity was the result of a collaboration between the City of Sioux Falls, Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce and the Sioux Falls Development Foundation. Great Place to Work® and Fortune magazine have honored Raven Industries, Inc. as one of the 2021 Best Workplaces in Manufacturing & Production™. The award is based on analysis of survey responses from more than 220,000 current employees. In that survey, 85% of Raven’s team members said Raven is a great place to work, versus 59% at the average U.S. company. The Best Workplaces in Manufacturing & Production list is highly competitive, this is the first time Raven appeared on the list, ranking 17th. Raven was also Certified™ by Great Place to Work® for the second year in a row. The prestigious award is based entirely on what current team members say about their experience working at Raven. The International Downtown Association recognized Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc. with the Downtown Achievement Award of Excellence for its resourceful approaches related to the 2021 Downtown Burger Battle. The

16 Chamber News | OCTOBER 2021

Award of Excellence acknowledges an excellent response to an urban place management challenge, demonstrating application of industry knowledge and exceeds the jury criteria. In 2021, at 24 restaurants over 31,000 burgers at were sold in the Downtown Burger Battle compared to over 19,000 in January 2020. The estimated total economic impact from Burger Battle neared $1 million based on the Arts & Economic Prosperity Study for Sioux Falls. Goosmann Law Firm attorney Matthew Abel was featured in the 2022 Edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America. He was recognized for his work in Trust and Estates Litigation. Abel is a former prosecutor, with experience successfully defending family trusts before the South Dakota Supreme Court. He is a member of the American Bar and South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association. Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch recognizes exceptional lawyers who have been in private practice for less than 10 years in the United States. The recognition is based entirely on peer review. Several attorneys with Woods, Fuller, Schultz & Smith, P.C. were recently recognized in the 28th edition of the Best Lawyers in America. The publication recognizes attorneys across multiple practice areas, as voted on by peers in the region. Those recognized and their practices areas are: Melanie L. Carpenter, Employment Law–Management; Roger W. Damgaard, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Litigation–Bankruptcy; Bradley C. Grossenburg, Corporate Law, Tax Law, Trusts and Estates; J. Vincent Jones, Real Estate Law; David C. Kroon, Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Health Care Law; Troy N. Leonard,

Litigation-Intellectual Property, Trademark Law; Elizabeth A. Lewis, Commercial Transactions/ UCC Law, Corporate Law, Real Estate Law; James E. Moore, Insurance Law; J.G. Shultz, Employment Law–Management, Labor Law–Management, Workers’ Compensation Law–Employers; Ryan W. Snell, Commercial Finance Law, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law; Heather R. Springer, Employment Law-Management, Health Care Law; Gregory Starnes, Corporate Law, Real Estate Law; Gary P. Thimsen, Bet-theCompany Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Employment Law–Management, Personal Injury Litigation–Defendants, Labor Law– Management; and James M. Wiederrich, Administrative/Regulatory Law, Banking and Finance Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Corporate Law. Best Lawyers® in America recognized three Woods, Fuller, Schultz & Smith, P.C. lawyers with Lawyer of the Year awards. Heather R. Springer was recognized as the 2022 Health Care Law Lawyer of the Year, J.G. Shultz as the 2022 Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers Lawyer of the Year and James M. Wiederrich as the 2022 Administrative/Regulatory Law Lawyer of the Year. In addition, Jordan J. Feist was recognized by Best Lawyers® in America: Ones to Watch in the Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law practice area and Jordan D. Veurink was recognized Best Lawyers® in America: Ones to Watch in the practice area of Trusts and Estates.

Be Seen

1 1-2 Chamber members gathered for coffee

and conversation during a recent Morning Mingle hosted by SEAM (Secure Enterprise Asset Management). Attendees had the opportunity to tour the facility for a first-hand look how technology is recycled.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 17

Faces & Places

Be Seen

3-7 The September Membership Mixer

was hosted by American Bank & Trust at their new Grand Prairie branch location on South Minnesota Avenue. President Ryan Brown welcomed guests, who enjoyed refreshments and networking with other Chamber members.

6 18 Chamber News | OCTOBER 2021

chambernews.com | Chamber News 19

Faces & Places

Be Seen

8 8 YPN members started the day with coffee and networking at a recent Morning Buzz, hosted by Hilton Garden Inn Downtown.

Maximize your Member Directory listing Chamber members like to do business with other members! Maximize your company listing in the Chamber Member Directory.

Add your logo Enhance the description of your business Link to your social media channels Offer a coupon or discount code Visit siouxfallschamber.com and click on Member Login in the upper right to get started. View the full Member Directory at siouxfallschamber.com/members 20 Chamber News | OCTOBER 2021

9 The Young Professionals Net-

work’s annual Golf Tournament is one of the year’s most popular events. Participants enjoy a day of networking on the course.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 21

Faces & Places

Be Seen

10-15 Investors in Forward Sioux Falls

gathered on Sept. 9 to hear the results of the 2026 campaign. Campaign co-chairs Dave Flicek, Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center; Paul Hanson, Sanford Health; and Dave Rozenboom, First PREMIER Bank, addressed the audience. More than $16.79 million in cash and in-kind was pledged for the economic development projects over the next five years.

14 22 Chamber News | OCTOBER 2021

it’s

chambernews.com | Chamber News 23

Faces & Places

Be Seen

16-19 The Chamber’s Annual Inside

Washington series gives members the opportunity to hear from South Dakota’s federal representatives about activity taking place in Washington D.C. Chamber board chair Dan Doyle, Lloyd Companies, interviewed U.S. Senator John Thune and board member Kayla Eitreim, Junior Achievement of South Dakota, interviewed U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson. In addition, YPN members had the opportunity to ask questions of both Thune and Johnson in small group settings.

19 24 Chamber News | OCTOBER 2021

Community Appeals

GREATER SIOUX FALLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Community Appeals Scheduled Fund Drives The purpose of the Community Appeals Committee is to qualify and provide orderly scheduling of capital fund drives to the business community. By vetting capital fund drives, the objective of Community Appeals is to affirm the project is a sound community investment and worthy of donor consideration. It is the intent of the Chamber to encourage every business to carefully consider such requests. However, we also acknowledge that many businesses have limited resources for capital fund drives, both in an ability to properly evaluate them and a sufficient budget to contribute. Our Community Appeals process is intended to provide our members with assurance that a Community Appeals campaign is worthy of investment.

SIOUX FALLS SKATEPARK ASSOCIATION NOV. 1, 2021–MARCH 31, 2022

To create a high-quality, multi-purpose, concrete skatepark/plaza in the core of Sioux Falls at Nelson Park. Once built, the skatepark will become part of the Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation Department.

THE FURNITURE MISSION OF SOUTH DAKOTA APRIL 1, 2022–JULY 31, 2022

MCCROSSAN BOYS RANCH NOV. 1, 2022–MARCH 31, 2023

To expand/renovate the McCrossan School and construct an outdoor athletic complex.

ACTIVE GENERATIONS APRIL 1, 2023–JULY 31, 2023

To add a second Active Generations location on the east side of Sioux Falls.

To build a new and larger Furniture Mission facility on the Empower Sioux Falls Campus (previously the School for the Deaf Campus).

chambernews.com | Chamber News 25

26 Chamber News | OCTOBER 2021

Cover Story

EMBRACING CHANGE Alex Ramirez becomes Chair of the Board of Directors

By Jennie Doyen, Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Most people are familiar with the phrase “change is the only constant in life.” It is attributed to Heraclitus, an ancient Greek philosopher. Change is something everyone experiences, but not everyone welcomes. Alex Ramirez is one of those individuals who chooses to embrace change. During his 50+ years, he has changed cities three times, reinvented his career, and built then rebuilt his own business. Each major life change, says Ramirez, was a transformative opportunity. “You can’t be afraid of transforming yourself. It is all about learning and improving – changing into something better so that you can make your future what you want it to be.” Ramirez maintains this optimistic approach to change in all situations, from his day-to-day interactions to long-term planning. It’s an attitude he plans to put to work in the year ahead as he serves the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce as Chair of the Board of Directors. On October 1, Ramirez began his 12-month term in the Chamber’s top volunteer leadership position. The community continues to wrestle with challenges from the global pandemic, and Ramirez expects ongoing support for small businesses to be one area of focus for the coming year. In addition, he hopes to do his part to encourage more people and businesses to become involved in the Chamber. “Joining the chamber is the first thing, and we do want to grow our membership,” he said. “But also, I’d like more people to engage in the work we are doing, join the conversation and then move to action.”

The road to Sioux Falls Ramirez was born and raised in Uruapan, Mexico, a city he describes as similar to Sioux Falls. “It was a safe place, with friendly people. Growing up, I roamed the neighborhood with my friends,” he said. Ramirez’s mother and sister immigrated to the United States when he was just three years old. His grandparents raised Alex and his three brothers while his mother worked toward her goal of bringing the boys to the U.S. “It took my mom 15 years to get the legal papers to bring me to California. So, I left Mexico at 17. It was really hard to leave my friends, my grandparents and all the things I loved behind. But I wanted to attend college in the U.S. and more than anything I wanted to be with my mom again.” The move to a new country was the first of several changes that Ramirez calls transformational. During his early years in California, he worked hard to pay for his college courses and earn enough to move his family out of project housing. He eventually rose to a stable position as an operations manager for a pharmaceutical company. He describes it as a good job that he learned a lot from doing. “But then I started to feel stuck,” he said. “I wanted more interactions with other people.” Ramirez put in his notice without knowing for sure what he would do next. He had long been a hobby musician, so he decided to put his equipment to more use and turn it into his job, launching USA Media TV as a media production business.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 27

Alex Ramirez 2021-22 Chair of the Board of Directors, Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Hometown: Uruapan, Michoacan, Mexico Education: Network Communications, Contra Costa College, San Pablo, CA Family: Wife, Andrea, sons Aleksandros (14) and Alonso (12), and adult daughters Alejandra, Adriana and Sylvia. Community involvement: Alex currently serves on the boards for Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center, Downtown Rotary and Sioux Empire United Way, among others. He previously served as chair of the Sioux Falls Human Relations Commission and as a member of the Sioux Falls Affordable Housing Advisory Committee.

At its start, the business was primarily a recording studio for musicians. To cut down on expenses, Ramirez taught himself how to edit too, and soon expanded into making music videos. That led to commercial video work for companies like eBay and PayPal. One of the most important lessons he learned early in his days of entrepreneurship was the importance of relationships. “I had to learn patience. I had to learn how to work with a lot of different types of people,” he stated. “Because even if you are the best at the work you do, you need a good relationship to keep the customer.” When the opportunity came to move to Sioux Falls in 2011, Ramirez felt confident in the face of another major change. “I knew it would be a little hard, but I knew it was going to be better for my family. And so, you can’t be afraid of change – you just need to find the good in it,” he said. His move to South Dakota marked a personal transformation for Ramirez. He shares that while living in California, he was not involved in the community at all. He made the decision to change that in his new community.

28 Chamber News | OCTOBER 2021

“My kids were going to be raised here, and maybe even choose to stay here. So, I wanted to be part of making their future. And that meant I needed to get involved and contribute what I can,” he stated. Getting involved As he began working to rebuild his business in Sioux Falls, Ramirez initially felt that he didn’t fit in, so he explored the possibility of starting a Hispanic chamber of commerce. He approached former Chamber executive Evan Nolte to ask about the possibility of a partnership. “After one meeting with Evan, I saw that I had the wrong idea in being separate. He wanted to build bridges with the minority communities, and I thought maybe I could help,” Ramirez said. So, he joined the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce and set about getting involved in any way he could. “The reason I volunteer so much is because I want others in the Hispanic community to see it and know that they can too – they have a voice.” Ramirez champions the importance of networking. He says it is not just about meeting new people, but about sharing

Cover Story

ideas and experiences. In this way, you can learn from others and possibly grow your business at the same time. He acknowledges that it is not always easy to network. “You need to work at it. You need to put yourself out there a bit.” He recommends attending an event with a friend or colleague who can help by introducing you to new people. At one of his first Chamber Mixers, Ramirez was approached by Jim Schmidt. He recalls, “He extended his hand, then he took me around and introduced me to everyone else! Everyone needs someone like Jim to help you connect.” (Any member can contact the Chamber office and ask about help with networking at an upcoming event.) Schmidt, who is the President of the Sioux Empire Housing Partnership, remembers meeting Ramirez for the first time and being impressed by him. Schmidt said, “He struck me as a very talented young man with a lot to offer. He was sincere and straightforward, and he always wanted to learn and improve himself and those around him.” Ramirez said he was drawn into the Chamber by the networking opportunities, but he stayed for the depth of work and programming. “I learned that the Chamber does so much more than Mixers and ribbon cuttings…though I do love the ribbon cuttings!” he said. “They do so much for the business community and our whole city.” According to Ramirez, there are many residents in our community who may not be aware of the Chamber or understand what it does. However, those same residents do see the impacts of the programming. Ramirez wants to help educate people, particularly those in minority communities, about the value of the chamber. “We need to work on making the connection for people. The success of Sioux Falls is due in part to the work of the Chamber and our partner organizations, and the initiatives of Forward Sioux Falls,” he said. “The Chamber is working for them, even if they are not a member.” As an example, Ramirez points to the Chamber’s successful efforts to make the driver’s license written exam and study materials available in Spanish. “Driver’s licensing was critical for so many reasons – employers, people wanting to work, safety reasons, and more,” he said. Ramirez helped the effort by testifying to legislative committees in Pierre on more than one occasion. He doesn’t take credit for the law’s passage, but says he is proud to have been one representative of the Hispanic voice on the topic. “I want to assist in whatever way I can. I am most interested in being part of the conversation.”

Top to bottom: The ribbon cutting ceremony for USA Media TV. Alex Ramirez runs the camera while filming an episode of Al Dia, his Spanish language television program. Ramirez with the production crew from of Al Dia. The program airs on MyUTV each Saturday at 11:30 a.m.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 29

Building community His term as chair of the board coincides with the start of a new five-year program of work for Forward Sioux Falls. Ramirez says he is looking forward to working with others on these programs and initiatives that help our community continue to grow. “People all over the world are starting to notice our little city. And that is a great thing,” stated Ramirez. He predicts that in the next decade the city will grow significantly, attracting new businesses who wish to build here and a much larger population. Though Sioux Falls continues to wrestle with increasing the size of its workforce, Ramirez is optimistic about the future. “I see more people being drawn here because they find a community that is peaceful and welcoming, and is a good place to live.” Ramirez recalls the first few months after moving his family to Sioux Falls from northern California. They were illequipped for the weather. At the first major snowfall, one of the family’s new neighbors – a bearded man in a leather jacket – knocked on their door and offered some help and advice. “He shared with us the rules about sidewalk cleaning and how you can’t park on some roads while the plows are out. We did not know any of that. Then he cleared our sidewalk for us, then offered to let me use his shovel next time,” said Ramirez. The story illustrates the welcoming community that the Ramirez family found when they moved here. That neighbor became a friend that they trusted for advice and 30 Chamber News | OCTOBER 2021

Cover Story

Five things you probably didn’t know about Alex Ramirez: 1. Alex loves to cook and enjoys experimenting to craft new dishes. While living in California, Alex made a video of himself preparing grilled shrimp enchiladas and submitted it to the producers of Grill It! With Bobby Flay. He ended up being flown to New York City and appeared on the show. 2. Alex is a skilled musician and can play almost any instrument you give him. He has played in bands in each place he has lived. Most recently, he formed an impromptu performance group, Sur y Norte, with his friend Hector Curriel and they played a show at Levitt at the Falls. Above: Ramirez and chef Bobby Flay film an episode of the TV show Grill It! With Bobby Flay. Opposite page, top to bottom: Alex and Andrea Ramirez with their sons Aleksandros and Alonso on a recent family vacation. A group of citizens, including Alex Ramirez, that lobbied for the passage of a state law permitting driver’s licensing materials in Spanish poses for a photo in the Capitol building in Pierre. Alex Ramirez with his guitar.

recommendations on services, restaurants and shopping as they settled into their new city.

3. Alex knows how to rebuild a car engine. 4. Alex has traveled extensively, the list of places he has visited includes Italy, Greece, United Kingdom, Germany, France and more. 5. Alex’s favorite thing to do in Sioux Falls is to climb the observation tower at Falls Park and look out over the city. Though he has lived here for a decade, he enjoys viewing Sioux Falls through the eyes of a tourist.

Thousands of people move to Sioux Falls each year, and our community is increasingly becoming more diverse. Creating a community that is welcoming to all is something that Ramirez sees as an ongoing effort. He stated, “If we reach out and support others, we can continue to keep our community safe and strong and create a bright future for everyone.” The Chamber seeks to foster an open and welcoming environment, and to provide businesses with tools they need to create that environment in their workplaces. This past year, it launched a DE&I Activator Series in partnership with Pathways to Inclusive & Equitable Workplaces. Ramirez says this program is a good example equipping people to take the step from talk into action. Schmidt believes that Ramirez’s personal and professional journey demonstrates the importance of reaching out to new people and learning from others. He stated, “To see Alex aspire to leadership roles speaks volumes about him and his family. But it also says something about our business community. We can and do embrace the contributions of all individuals in our community.” Ramirez will be formally introduced as the Chair of the Board at the Chamber’s 115th Annual Meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 19, when he will share some of his vision for the coming year. The evening will be a celebration of the success and opportunities in our community, and a chance to imagine our future transformations. More information on the event is available at siouxfallschamber.com.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 31

Headlines

Community leaders join Chamber Board of Directors As directed by the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce bylaws, each year, five individuals are nominated to serve three-year terms on the Board of Directors. A nominating committee is formed to identify and recruit the new board members, who are then reviewed and approved by the current board. The following Chamber members have been elected and began their term of service October 1, 2021: Joe Bunkers is the president of Gage Brothers. He is an active member of the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) Leadership Committee. He is Chair of the Architectural Services Committee and Vice Chairs on both PCI’s Marketing Communications Committee and Architectural Certification Committee. Bunkers holds a degree in Business Management from the University of South Dakota. Dr. José-Marie Griffiths is the president of Dakota State University. She is a member of the Chamber’s Business Leadership Council and is also involved in a number of civic groups around the region. Dr. Griffiths is currently appointed to the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence and to the Center for New American Security Task Force on Artificial Intelligence and National Security. Jason Herrboldt is the market president and chief retail officer for First Bank & Trust. He was a member of the Forward Sioux Falls 2026 Campaign Cabinet, and previously served the Chamber as a diplomat for several years. Herrboldt is also a board member and the immediate past president of Sioux Falls Downtown Rotary Club.

Joe Bunkers Gage Brothers

Dr. José-Marie Griffiths

Jason Herrboldt

Dakota State University

Nancy Savage Child's Play Toys

First Bank & Trust

Bob Sutton Avera Health

Nancy Savage is the owner of Child’s Play Toys. She is a member of the Chamber’s Business Leadership Council. Her other recent service includes terms on the city’s Public Parking Advisory Board and on the Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc. Board of Directors. She currently is a board member for the South Dakota Retailer’s Association.

The Chamber’s Board of Directors is rounded out by the following members: Kim Burma, Midco; Tamien Dysart, Think 3D Solutions; Natalie Eisenberg, Click Rain, Inc.; Kayla Eitreim, Junior Achievement of South Dakota; Angela Lammers, Cetera Services; Valerie Loudenback, Grand Prairie Foods; Tolcha Mesele, Smithfield Foods; Nathan Stallinga, DakotAbilities; and Tony Venhuizen, Standard Services, LLC.

Bob Sutton is the president & CEO of Avera Health. He is a lifelong South Dakotan and has proudly served a number of statewide organizations, including the South Dakota Board of Regents, South Dakota Community Foundation, the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the USD Discovery District. He was also previously a member of the Chamber’s Community Appeals Committee.

The following representatives also serve as ex-officio members: Mayor Paul TenHaken, City of Sioux Falls; Dean Karsky, Minnehaha County Commission; Jim Schmidt, Lincoln County Commission; Dr. Jane Stavem, Sioux Falls School District; Cynthia Mickelson, Sioux Falls School Board; Kyle Groos, Bishop O'Gorman Catholic Schools; Kristin Hoefert-Redlinger, Ambassador Committee Chair; and Cindi Johnson, Diplomat Committee Chair.

The following Board members were also elected to serve one-year terms on the Chamber's Executive Committee: Chair Alex Ramirez, USA Media TV; Chair-Elect Paul Hanson, Sanford Health; Vice Chair Scott Lawrence, Lawrence & Schiller, Inc.; Treasurer Miles Beacom, PREMIER Bankcard; and Immediate Past Chair Dan Doyle, Lloyd Companies. Chamber President & CEO Jeff Griffin is also a member of the Chamber’s Executive Committee, serving as its Secretary.

The following retiring directors will be recognized at the Chamber’s 115th Annual Meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 19: Immediate Past Chair Bobbi Thury, Legacy Law Firm, P.C.; Marty DesLauriers, UBS Financial Services, Inc.; Dave Flicek, Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center; Dr. Pam Homan, Augustana University; and Chris Houwman, Malloy.

32 Chamber News | OCTOBER 2021

Leaders selected to serve as committee chairs for 2021-22 Volunteers are critically important to the work of the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has 13 formal committees, plus many more volunteer groups and action teams. Each is filled with members who volunteer their time to serve their community. Each committee has a different purpose, but all support the Chamber’s mission. Through their activities, they are helping our community thrive by promoting economic health and quality of life in the Sioux Falls area. Thank you to these leaders who are volunteering their time to serve as Chair of Chamber committees in the coming year.

Vernon Brown

Tiffany Miller

SDN Communications

Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith LLP

Business Leadership Council

Community Appeals Committee

Casey Hatch

Ret. Brig. Gen. R.J. Clifft

Keller Williams Realty Sioux Falls

Military & Veterans Affairs Committee

Cindi Johnson Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort

Diplomat Committee

Ret. Brig. Gen. Ron Mielke TSP, Inc.

Military Task Force

Tyler Urban

The First National Bank in Sioux Falls

Agribusiness Division Advisory Council

Jan Grunewaldt Best Western Plus Ramkota Hotel

Kristin HoefertRedlinger

Miles Beacom

Ambassador Committee

Budget & Finance Committee

Brittany Kelley Elsasser

Sarah Larson

Northwestern Mutual

MetaBank & Meta Financial Group

Experience Sioux Falls Advisory Council

Investment Committee

Kim Burma

Josh Muckenhirn

Sports & Recreation Committee

Young Professionals Network Steering Committee

Midco

PREMIER Bankcard

Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith LLP

Issues Management Council

ISG

chambernews.com | Chamber News 33

Business Advocacy

Six ballot measures possible for 2022 Don’t you just love this time of year when you are approached by folks with clipboards asking you to sign their petition? Some South Dakotans would answer “Not really.” Others would say, “Yes!” Either way, we have entered the high season of ballot measures! Exciting times to be sure. Did you know South Dakota was the first state to allow citizen engagement through the initiative and referendum on a statewide level? In 1898, our state allowed citizens to propose initiated state statutes. However, the right to amend the South Dakota Constitution through the ballot initiative process was not extended to South Dakota voters until 1972. As a whole, South Dakotans love voting on initiated measures. Debra Owen

Consider this research reported by South Dakota News Watch: According to a recent statewide poll conducted in late April through a partnership between South Dakota News Watch and the Chiesman Center for Democracy at the University of South Dakota, a wide majority of South Dakota residents support the citizen-led ballot initiative process as a way to make laws or change the state constitution, and a significant majority said they don’t want the state legislature to make the process more difficult.

Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce

As a whole, South Dakotans love voting on initiated measures.

Specifically, the statewide telephone poll of 500 South Dakota residents from across the state, indicated that 74.8% of respondents said they agreed or strongly agreed that “citizen ballot initiatives are an important part of the democratic process.” On a follow-up question, 62.6% of respondents said they disagreed or strongly disagreed that “the South Dakota Legislature should make it more difficult for citizen initiatives to get onto the ballot.” South Dakotans will have another opportunity to weigh in on ballot measures next year. There are six ballot measures being circulated for the 2022 election cycle. These ballot measures include: • An initiated measure expanding Medicaid eligibility. • An initiated amendment to the South Dakota Constitution expanding Medicaid eligibility. (v.1) • An initiated amendment to the South Dakota Constitution regarding establishing a redistricting commission. • An initiated amendment to the South Dakota Constitution expanding Medicaid eligibility. (v.2) • An initiated amendment to the South Dakota Constitution expanding Medicaid eligibility. (v.3) • An amendment to the South Dakota Constitution establishing top-two primary elections. Note: you can find detailed information for each measure on the South Dakota Secretary of State’s website (sdsos.gov). In addition, the state legislature has placed a ballot measure, HJR 5003, on the ballot in 2022 as well. HJR 5003, now Constitutional Amendment C, proposes and submits to the voters a new section to Article XI of the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, requiring a three-fifths vote (rather than a simple majority vote) for certain initiated or legislature-proposed constitutional amendments and initiated or legislaturereferred measures that may increase taxes or fees that obligate the state to appropriate funds of ten million dollars or more in any of the first five fiscal years after enactment. Unlike the other ballot measures listed above, Amendment C will not be on the general election ballot in November of 2022. Rather, the legislature chose to place Amendment C on the June 2022 primary ballot through a last-minute procedural maneuver in the Senate. The Senate vote to move Amendment C to the June primary passed by the slimmest of margins with a 18/17 vote. Why would the Senate place Amendment C on the June primary election? There are several theories. You may have noticed four out of the six petitions ballot measures that are being circulated are focused on expanding Medicaid eligibility to ensure essential health services are available to all communities in South Dakota. South Dakota is one of 14 states that has resisted Medicaid expansion efforts. If Amendment C passes in June, any ballot measure seeking to appropriate funds of ten million dollars or more in any of the first five fiscal years after enactment will require a higher voter threshold of 3/5th voter approval. In other words, moving Constitutional Amendment C to the primary election opens the door to create a higher voter approval rate of a general election ballot measure seeking to expand Medicaid.

34 Chamber News | OCTOBER 2021

Another theory as to why Amendment C was moved to the June primary is the impact of lower voter engagement. South Dakota voter turn-out is substantially lower in the primary election than in the general election. Consider voter turn-out data from the past several years: • 2020 Election: Primary 28.22%: General Election 73.88% • 2018 Election: Primary 26.57%; General Election 64.89% • 2016 Election: Primary 21.94%; General Election 69.62% • 2014 Election: Primary 19.22%; General Election 54.18% What reaction will the voters have to Amendment C? We will know this answer next June after the voters weigh-in with their vote. However, if history is any indication, asking the voters to approve a higher voter threshold has not been seen favorably. After all, Amendment C is not the first attempt of the legislature to raise the voter approval threshold on ballot measures. Remember Constitutional Amendment X? In November of 2018, the voters rejected Amendment X with a 55%/45% vote. Amendment X would have required a 55% supermajority voter approval rather than 50% +1. Although voters won’t weigh in on any ballot measures until 2022, they are being asked to sign petitions to place citizen-initiated measures on the ballot. Keep an eye out for those circulators and ask questions about the proposed laws. Those petition circulators will only be around for a short time as all petitions must be turned into the Secretary of State on November 8, 2021. Note: The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce does not take a position on any measure until after it has qualified for the ballot.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 35

Headlines

Campaign co-chair Dave Flicek, Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center, speaks at the Forward Sioux Falls 2026 Campaign Celebration.

Forward Sioux Falls exceeds fundraising goal By Mike Lynch, Forward Sioux Falls

More than $16.79 million has been pledged by over 300 investors to the Forward Sioux Falls 2026 campaign. The funds will be used for community economic development initiatives over the next five years. Forward Sioux Falls, the premier economic development program in the Sioux Falls region, announced in early September that $16,129,267 had been raised to fund the next five-year program, surpassing the cash goal of $15 million that had been set in February. When combining cash with in-kind investments of $667,368, the total amount raised is currently $16,796,635. Investments will be used to fund both longstanding and new initiatives within the program pillars of talent and business attraction/ retention/development; innovation and entrepreneurship; business advocacy; airport marketing; and quality of place. At the celebration event held on Sept. 9, investors and campaigners alike were thanked for their participation and financial commitment to the Forward Sioux Falls 2026 program. Co-chairs for the campaign included Dave Rozenboom (First PREMIER Bank), Dave Flicek (Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center) and Paul Hanson (Sanford Health). City of Sioux Falls mayor Paul TenHaken served as honorary co-chair. Over 120 individuals volunteered as campaigners, including forty-three leaders from both the private and public sectors who served as cabinet members. “We experienced significant and broad-based support from our investors from both the public and private sectors despite the challenges of the pandemic” Rozenboom said. This is a testament to our outstanding community and the high level of confidence in Forward Sioux Falls to continue to lift up our area’s economy.” Flicek emphasized that Forward Sioux Falls has a profound and direct impact as the centralized economic engine to capitalize on opportunities and assist with problem solving at the community level. “It is truly amazing to see how investors come together as one to support prosperity for all.” 36 Chamber News | OCTOBER 2021

Forward Sioux Falls 2026 Goal: $15 million Raised: $16.79 million (cash and in-kind)

The notion of putting competitive differences aside for the overall good has resonated since inception of the Forward Sioux Falls program in 1987; however, with leaders from both Avera and Sanford as campaign co-chairs, it resonates even more profoundly. “This journey has been special for Dave Flicek and me to join forces and become campaign leaders,” Hanson said. “We both understand that in order for our individual health care systems to prosper, the entirety of the Sioux Falls region needs to do so; this aligns perfectly with the Forward Sioux Falls mantra, ‘a rising tide lifts all boats.” Projected program goals and outcomes through 2026 include: • 4,500 new direct jobs at or above median wage • 1,000 new housing units • 25,000 new residents • $500 million new capital investments • $250 million new property tax revenues Mayor TenHaken acknowledged that the collaborative effort between the City of Sioux Falls and Forward Sioux Falls is pervasive. “Working together, we have positively impacted virtually every resident and business in our community. That’s powerful.” Since the inception of the Forward Sioux Falls program in 1987, more than $68 million has been raised to enhance economic development and improve the quality of life in the region. Organizations who would like more information or would like to invest in Forward Sioux Falls, are encouraged to visit forwardsiouxfalls.com.

YOU. US. THAT’S WHAT WE CALL COMMUNITY.

Our commitment to this community is about more than putting energy into transmission lines. We’re into buying local. Investing here. Supporting carbon-free initiatives. Delivering energy you can count on to be cleaner, safer and less expensive. We’re here to keep living room lamps lit. And futures as bright as we can make them. Because doing our part for the places we live and work is good energy.

Headlines

Chamber Annual Meeting to be held Oct. 19 The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce will hold its 115th Annual Meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 19 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. The event is the premier gathering of the year of local business leaders and is a celebration of all that has been accomplished in our businesses and community. The Chamber’s Annual Meeting typically draws approximately 1,700 people together for an evening of networking, entertainment and celebration. This year, in-person attendance is limited to less than half of the venue’s capacity to allow for social distancing during the program. The 115th Annual Meeting will feature keynote speaker Mike Walsh. Walsh is a futurist and the CEO of Tomorrow, a global consultancy on designing companies for the 21st century. He advises leaders on how to thrive in the current era of disruptive technological change. Constantly traveling the world for the best ideas, Walsh spends more than 300 days a year on the road interviewing innovators, entrepreneurs and corporate revolutionaries to provide his audiences with a fresh and compelling vision of tomorrow’s opportunities. Alex Ramirez, USA Media TV, will be introduced as the 2021-22 Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Ramirez will share his vision and the Chamber’s priorities for the coming year.

Mike Walsh is the keynote speaker for the 115th Annual Meeting.

Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce 115th Annual Meeting Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021 Sioux Falls Convention Center

The 115th Annual Meeting is supported by Champion Sponsors Avera Health and Sanford Health. Advocate sponsors are Eide Bailly LLP; First PREMIER Bank/PREMIER Bankcard; The First National Bank in Sioux Falls; ISG; Lawrence & Schiller, Inc.; and Xcel Energy. HenkinSchultz Creative Services is the Creative Partner for the event.

Special thanks to the volunteer members of the Ticket Committee Ticket Sales Chair April Meyerink

Black Hills Federal Credit Union

Katie Ashmore

Schemmer

Candice Menke

Black Hills Federal Credit Union

Kim Burma

Midco

Laura Mitchell

Lawrence & Schiller, Inc.

Andrea Carstensen

Minnwest Bank

Josh Muckenhirn

ISG

Peter Hauck

Start Up Sioux Falls

Julie Nelson

American Bank & Trust

Jennifer Hoesing

DakotAbilities

Joey Rotert

Levo Credit Union

Sheila Hoff

Keller Williams Realty

Sarah Schulte

Schulte Subaru

Cindi Johnson

Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort

Brian Sittig

CNA Surety

Kevin Kuphal

Canfield Business Interiors

Nathan Stallinga

DakotAbilities

Micki Lundin

Avera Health

Stacy Wrightsman

Sanford Health

38 Chamber News | OCTOBER 2021

Our transformation into tomorrow

1 1 5 th A N N U A L M E E T I N G

Tuesday, October 19, 2021 5:30 p.m. – Doors Open 6:15 p.m. – Dinner 7:00 p.m. – Program Sioux Falls Convention Center 1201 N. West Ave., Sioux Falls

Champion Sponsors

Creative Partner

Introducing

2021-22 CHAIR OF THE BOARD

Alex Ramirez, USA Media TV

Featuring Keynote Speaker

MIKE WALSH Advocate Sponsors

Headlines

Leadership Sioux Falls begins 36th year Thirty-seven participants selected for this year’s class The 36th class of the Evan C. Nolte Leadership Sioux Falls program meets for the first time this month. Thirty-seven individuals representing a variety of businesses, industries and non-profits comprise this year’s class. A signature program of the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Sioux Falls uses the community as its classroom and is designed to meet the community’s need for active participation of informed and dedicated community leaders. The goal of the program is to inform, challenge and motivate participants by providing information on community resources, discussing community concerns, interacting with community leaders and building a sense of community trusteeship. More than 1,000 participants have graduated from the program. Graduates have gone on to serve the community and the region in a number of public and private leadership positions. The class runs October through May each year. Due to the nature of the program, class size is limited each year. Congratulations to the class members and their sponsors. For more information on the program, contact the Chamber at (605) 336-1620.

Leadership Sioux Falls 36 Milana Arambasic Profile by Sanford

Wendy Mamer Augustana University

Marissa Begley JRA Enterprises (SEAM and Millennium Recycling, Inc.)

Terrance Matia Sioux Falls Police Department

Taly Bialostocki Self-Employed

Alissa Matt University of South Dakota Alumni Association

Casey Boerger Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce

Joe Miller The First National Bank in Sioux Falls

Cory Buck Sioux Falls Development Foundation Vinson Danh Vincent Gene / 4front Studios

Amy Helen Nachtigal Dorsey & Whitney Trust Company LLC

Zach DeBoer Self-Employed

Maureen Ohm MarketBeat

Bill DeNet Tessier’s Inc.

Teresa Pick Children’s Home Society

Carrie Dragt Midco

Chelsea Schull Rep. Dusty Johnson's Office

Brandon Hanson Washington Pavilion Management Inc.

Alex Soundy Bender Commercial Real Estate Services

Brittany Hanson University of Sioux Falls

Juliann Stolle Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center

Nolan Hazard Koch Hazard Architects Elliot Hitt Eide Bailly LLP Jennifer Hoesing DakotAbilities Cody Ingle Center for Family Medicine Taylor Jacobsen McKinneyOlson Insurance Alex Jensen First PREMIER Bank Kristy Laue Lawrence & Schiller, Inc. Jonathan Leddige Minnehaha County Public Defender Office

40 Chamber News | OCTOBER 2021

Maria Munkvold Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office

Natalie Story Central Bank Sadie Swier Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc. Briana Vande Pol Think 3D Solutions Rachel Wagemann Sanford Health Wendy White Face It TOGETHER, Inc. Garrett Wilson Midco Matt Wittrock Weisser Distributing

COLLABORATING FOR GOOD In partnership with our growing community of donors, we’re proud to say we granted more than $24 million to local nonprofits and causes during our last fiscal year, creating meaningful change and enriching the lives of people and families across our area. See the impact of charitable giving in our community in our 2021 Annual Report at sfacf.org.

We’ve been helping people do good things through philanthropy for nearly four decades. Let’s work together to make your charitable giving more impactful.

The cover of the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation’s 2021 Annual Report features an interpretation of sculptor Clark Martinek’s “Beacon.” This collaborative art project was led by local muralist Zach DeBoer, with photographer Paul Schiller and paintings by Children’s Inn staff and guests. Learn more about the project in our Annual Report at sfacf.org.

S FA C F. OR G

DE&I Article Series

A continuous journey: CNA's DE&I program endures

DE & I

FEATURE SERIES

by Elizabeth Duffy As a nationwide company, CNA Surety recognized the importance of diversity and inclusion long ago. That long-held belief became an official part of CNA’s strategic imperatives in 2016 when Dino Robusto became Chief Executive Officer. “[I]n the years since, he, our Board of Directors, and our colleagues around the world have truly embraced that call to action,” said Heather Giordano, Vice President, Human Resources. CNA’s diversity and inclusion vision is “to cultivate an inclusive culture that celebrates individuals’ difference, attracts diverse talent and inspires a work environment that enables all employees to do their best work.” With their vision guiding them, CNA has worked through various iterations of their Diversity and Inclusion program, ultimately forming a council to lead the effort. Giordano serves as Chair of CNA’s Diversity and Inclusion Council, a group that includes senior leaders representing almost every part of the business organization.

Heather Giordano CNA Surety

A recent webinar in the Chamber’s DE&I Activator Series highlighted the importance of seeking participation from trusted employees and influential stakeholders as important first steps in developing a successful DE&I program. Developing a council or advisory group with broad representation is one way to accomplish this and is a proven strategy for implementing DE&I initiatives. While the commitment to DE&I must be championed by the top of the organization, the program’s impact comes from being integrated into the fabric of the organization. “There are many ways our colleagues around the world can engage in our diversity and inclusion efforts,” said Giordano. “In fact, we provide them with a number of choices, something we believe makes this journey as meaningful to them personally as it does to us organizationally.” Some of those options have become familiar in recent years, such as company-wide panel discussions about race, sexual orientation and

42 Chamber News | OCTOBER 2021

what it means to be an ally, volunteer opportunities, or ongoing awareness training. Others are more unique, like their reverse-mentoring program where junior level employees mentor senior level employees. This creates opportunities for the junior level employee to share new perspectives and feedback with a decision-maker within the safety of a trusting relationship. Employee resource groups are a popular way for larger organizations to provide support to groups who share a certain characteristic like gender, ethnicity, lifestyle or special interests. CNA offers eight different groups that are open to all employees, not just those who identify with the specific characteristic. Amidst the social unrest throughout 2020, participation in CNA’s employee resource groups grew by 37%. Paul Bruflat, Vice President, Commercial Surety, experiences diversity and inclusion as a personal journey that is more successful when we work on it together. “We need to share, we need to listen, we need to reflect and learn to relate to each other with mutual respect and celebrate what makes us unique,” he said. Bruflat believes that diversity and inclusion Paul Bruflat efforts will make businesses stronger and more CNA Surety vibrant, and give them a better understanding of their customers. “They are the reason we are in business, and we need to know best how to meet their needs and expectations.” CNA has been on their DE&I journey for many years, earning a 100% score on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index for the past six consecutive years. While they may be ahead of the curve, they are not taking it for granted. “We’re proud of our progress, but it is our progress that inspires us to pursue more,” said Giordano. “Diversity and inclusion is an ever-evolving journey that by design will never be complete.”

Thank you. Being in business is never easy. But it seems even more difficult these days. Thank you for doing business in our community. It matters.

SNBSD.com

9057_SNB_ThankYou_7.25x9.875_SF Chmbr_Color_SNBSD.indd 1

PREMIUM SPONSORED CONTENT

The future is fiber

Midco leaps ahead with Fiber Forward Networks bring the world closer together. Connection shrinks the distance between each other and promotes collaboration. Every day, Midco’s fiber network connects more businesses, mobile providers, remote workers and farmers to their neighborhoods, family, coworkers and beyond. And now, Midco is moving forward to build a more robust and future-proof network. With a $500 million investment, Midco is paving the way for communities across South Dakota and North Dakota to experience the fastest internet speeds available. Its Fiber Forward initiative sets the goal of bringing 10 Gig (10G) speeds to homes and business by 2030, allowing for incredible reliability and increased online performance. “Just a few short years ago, a 100 Mbps internet connection was considered amazingly fast,” said Jon Pederson, Midco’s Chief Technology Innovation Officer. “Yet, we continued to innovate, deploying gigabit to our Midco footprint.” “The pandemic then turned the world upside down, forcing people to work and learn from home. It created an intense need for video conferencing and other high demand applications,” continued Pederson. “Our network performed remarkably well, due in large part to that gigabit upgrade. We know technical innovation will accelerate. Fiber Forward ensures our network can support whatever revolutionary technology comes our way.” Opening new possibilities

Midco is part of a global partnership of providers aimed at helping networks stay ahead of the digital progress underway in the world. Introducing 10G is a step into the future for those living and working in the Midco footprint. Midco has committed to all new builds being fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) – and all upgrades will be fiber-focused, as well. This move to next-gen fiber technology will bring real-world benefits, including:

Midco announces their $500 million fiber investment on July 6, 2021, in Sioux Falls.

fiber initiative, Midco is expanding the fiber portion of the infrastructure to all our business subscribers.” Strengthening our communities

Not only is this an investment in Midco’s fiber network – which will double to 22,000 fiber miles during this upgrade – this is a true investment in the communities it serves. “Fiber Forward is an investment in people,” stated Pat McAdaragh, Midco President and CEO. “This transformative fiber upgrade will benefit the many folks we serve. It will provide fast symmetrical speeds, unmatched reliability and rock-solid security.” This state-of-the-art fiber network will lead to greater economic development, education opportunities and quality of life. It will help improve connections within each area and help better connect these communities to the world as new technologies advance and become available. Starting in South Dakota

Technological innovations are endless – and ever-evolving. Meeting these needs with a state-of-the-art fiber network is an expansion of Midco’s already advanced network architecture.

Midco has kicked off this ambitious fiber project and has plans to upgrade 150,000 homes and businesses in South Dakota communities, including: • Brandon • Lennox • Baltic • Madison • Canton • Renner • Colton • Sioux Falls • Crooks • Tea • Elk Point • Worthing • Harrisburg

“We use fiber as a backbone transport – known as internet highways – when aggregating internet traffic from one side of the network to the other,” explained Eyabane Patasse, Vice President of Technology. “This practice leverages the super speed, high-capacity, resiliency, low-latency attributes of the fiber medium. With this latest

Learn more about Midco’s fiber investment at Midco.com/ FiberForward.

• Remote diagnostics and more advanced medical care • High-resolution and responsiveness for video streaming and gamers • A virtual world of holodecks and interactive video walls • Augmented reality for businesses The business of fiber

44 Chamber News | OCTOBER 2021

Construction has already begun, with the first upgrade to come online later in 2021. Eventually, all communities served by Midco will be upgraded with fiber.

Ribbon Cuttings

The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce offers a ribbon cutting ceremony or member spotlight video for members to celebrate joining the Chamber, milestone anniversaries, expansions or remodels. 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.

Ben Reifel Middle School

6700 E. 41st St. Ben Reifel is the Sioux Falls School District’s sixth middle school, serving students in southeastern Sioux Falls. L to R: Shane Hieronimus (principal), Dr. Jane Stavem, Carly Reiter, Kate Parker, Marc Murren, Cynthia Mickelson, Nathan Stallinga and Nan Baker.

NEW MEMBER

First United Methodist Church

401 S. Spring Ave. sfumc.org First United Methodist Church celebrated their 150th anniversary. L to R: Dave Eiesland, Brian Sittig, Amy O’Connor-Hoback, Pastor Sara Nelson, Pastor Andrea Johnson, Angela Lammers, Pastor Jordan Louks, Josh Muckenhirn and Carol Flynn.

MILESTONE ANNIVERSARY

Friends of the Big Sioux River

400 N. Main Ave., Suite 205 friendsofthebigsiouxriver.org Friends of the Big Sioux River celebrated the opening of their new office in downtown Sioux Falls. L to R: Dana Loseke, Anna Heeney, Ryan Donovan (board chair), Josh Muckenhirn, Rachel Kloos, Jay Rasmussen, Steve Herman and Travis Entenman.

NEW LOCATION

Glacial Lakes Distillery & Brewhouse

NEW MEMBER

200 S. Main Ave. glaciallakesdistillery.com Glacial Lakes Distillery & Brewhouse expanded into Sioux Falls. Their new location is at the corner of 10th and Main in downtown Sioux Falls. L to R: Rachel Begeman, Joey Rotert, Jodi Robertson, Corey Weeden, Quentin Robertson (owner), Doug DeGroot, Phillip Klein (owner), Jay Rasmussen, Kayla Eitreim and Cindee Klein.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 45

Ribbon Cuttings

Jefferson High School

1600 N. Marion Rd. Jefferson is the fourth comprehensive public high school for the Sioux Falls School District. It was built to accommodate growth in western Sioux Falls. L to R: Dan Conrad (principal), Dr. Jane Stavem, Cynthia Mickelson and Kate Parker.

NEW MEMBER

Lost&Found

301 E. 14th St. resilienttoday.com Lost&Found facilitates comprehensive suicide prevention programs in South Dakota and the surrounding region, focusing on young adults ages 15-34. L to R: Tom Paker, Megan Jansick, Dr. Anne Kelly, Erik Muckey (CEO/executive director), Jay Soukup, Derrick Karsky, Cody Papke and Susan Kroger. NEW MEMBER

The Coverage You Want. The Commitment You Need. Business | Home | Health | Life We all need insurance to protect our homes and businesses. You also need the support of professionals who stand by your side— sweating the small stuff so you don’t have to. Fischer, Rounds & Associates combines the coverage you want with the commitment you need. That’s at Your Service. At Your Side.

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

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

Offices also in Mitchell, Pierre, Watertown and Rapid City

46 Chamber News | OCTOBER 2021

Pifer’s Auction & Realty and Land Management

28020 Boondock Ave., Worthing, SD. Pifer’s Auction & Realty and Land Management handles land auctions, equipment auctions, real estate and land management services. They recently expanded to the Sioux Falls area. L to R: Steve Link, Scott Lawrence, Erika Stanley, Kristen Hoefert-Redlinger, Kevin Pifer (CEO/president), Andy Mrnak, Carol Woltjer and Chris Bair. NEW MEMBER

St. Francis House

NEW LOCATION

210 N. Sherman Ave. The St. Francis House is an ecumenical ministry to the homeless in our community, providing transitional housing for single men and women as well as families with children. Their new facility can provide more housing for individuals and more space to keep everyone safe. L to R: Travis Benson, Dexter Gronseth, Ben Ready, Rev. David Holm, Josh Muckenhirn, Bishop DeGrood, Carol Lerdahl, Dan Doyle, Chris Thorkelson, Kim Hair, Julie Becker (executive director), Lynda Billars, Stephanie Holsing, Jim Soukup, Angie Soukup, Tanner Doop and Pastor Jeff Backer.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 47

Membership

Member Anniversaries 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 Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce. To learn more about Chamber membership, contact (605) 336-1620 or gsfcc@siouxfalls.com. Find a complete Membership Directory online at siouxfallschamber.com.

Founding Member

40 Years

15 Years

Financial Services cnasurety.com Member Since 1907

Electricians & Electrical Contractors baumgartnerselectric.com

Art Galleries & Museums sfmvm.com

CNA Surety

Farm Credit Services of America Ag Services fcsamerica.com Member Since 1922

The First National Bank in Sioux Falls Banks fnbsf.com Member Since 1907

U.S. Bank

Banks usbank.com Member Since 1926

Baumgartner’s Electric, Inc.

Museum of Visual Materials

Manufacturing & Production drivelineserviceinc.com

Kids’ Chance of South Dakota

30 Years

Tire Motive

Public Relations & Communications henkinschultz.com

10 Years

Rehabilitation & Physical Therapy oiperformance.com

Nordica Warehouses, Inc.

Programming & Development airnab.com

First Year Reinvestors

HenkinSchultz Creative Services

Moving & Storage Services nordicawarehouses.com

20 Years

McGowan Capital Group Financial Planning mcgowancapitalgroup.com

Tires tiremotive.com

AiRNAB, LLC

IState Truck Center

Truck/Trailer Sales & Service istatetruck.com

Riekes Equipment Co.

Industrial Equipment & Supply riekesequipment.com

5 Years

BlackWing Elite Builders Contractors blackwingbuilders.com

Call to Freedom Associate Member calltofreedom.org

Center for Disabilities - USD Associate Member usd.edu/cd

Dakota Wesleyan University Education-Post Secondary dwu.edu

48 Chamber News | OCTOBER 2021

Driveline Service Inc.

Associate Member kidschanceofsd.org

OI Performance

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sioux Falls

Rehabilitation & Physical Therapy encompasshealth.com

NuAge Builders

Construction Management nuagebuilders.com

Pillar Dental

Dental Care & Orthodontics pillardental.com

Schulte Subaru Auto Sales schultesubaru.com

The Spa On Phillips Salons & Spas thespaonphillips.com

New Members Affordable Dentures & Implants – Sioux Falls II P.C.

Dental Care & Orthodontics Dr. Scharla Collins, (605) 362-8947 4208 W. Empire Place, 57106 affordabledentures.com/locations/sd/sioux-falls

Bockorny Group, Inc.

Government Relations/Public Affairs David Bockorny, (202) 262-2151 bockornygroup.com

Glacial Lakes Distillery & Brewhouse Bars & Breweries Quentin Robertson, (605) 212-8977 200 S. Main Ave., 57104 glaciallakesdistillery.com

Heartland Consumers Power District Utilities Ann Hyland, (605) 270-3876 P.O. Box 248, Madison, 57042 hcpd.com

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 Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce. An online Membership Directory can be found at siouxfallschamber.com. Want to become a member? Call (605) 336-1620.

Let It Fly

Restaurants Michael Wallin, (605) 274-3313 5001 S. Western Ave., 57108

Rasmussen Design & Media

Marketing & Design Services Lance Rasmussen, (605) 496-1634 Brandon, SD 57005

Starbucks Coffee Company Restaurants Mike Crayne, (605) 403-0735 1501 W. 41st St., 57105 starbucks.com

Swenson Wealth Management – Brady Smidt

Tarquin Argentinian Restaurant Restaurants Russell Rivero, (605) 271-2027 1301 E. Benson Road, 57104 tarquinrestaurant.com

Tiger29

Business Consulting Pete Kleinjan, (605) 275-2122 3101 W. 41st St., 57105 tiger29.com

Universal Windows Direct of Sioux City and Sioux Falls Building & Remodeling Casey Kelderman, (712) 927-9343 5512 N. 7th Place, 57104 uwdsiouxcity.com

Insurance & Benefits Brady Smidt, (605) 274-8707 5002 S. Broadband Lane, Suite 110, 57108 swensonwealth.com

chambernews.com | Chamber News 49

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 Lori Dykstra Lori Dykstra stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer of Feeding South Dakota in August of this year. An experienced nonprofit leader, she most recently served as COO for Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons. Besides leading the state’s largest hunger-relief organization, Lori enjoys serving her community as a Girl Scout volunteer and a member of the Sioux Falls Thrive Food Security action team. Lori and her husband Dave have two children, Dylan (13) and Emma (11).

What attracted you to your position at Feeding South Dakota? Besides the fact that Feeding South Dakota is a well-respected, effective, mission-driven organization, I think my experiences and journey have been leading me here. It was meant to be. As a young girl I wanted to be a doctor so that I could help others. Though my path led me in a different direction, my time as an executive and experiences in fundraising led me back to helping others.

What makes a great leader?

Lori Dykstra

Feeding South Dakota

Visit chambernews.com for more questions with Lori

I think a healthy mix of respect, gratitude, humility and courage. Leadership isn’t a destination, it’s something that you’ll have to work at regularly throughout your career, regardless of what level you reach in your organization.

What might someone be surprised to learn about you? I am a Black Belt in Taekwondo. While I’d never hurt a soul, it makes me feel strong and powerful.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? I have two: “Give more than you expect to receive.” I find joy in supporting others, providing them with tools to achieve their goals. In doing this, I have achieved more success than I ever imagined. and “There is always room for one more at the table.” I learned by watching my mother, who always opened her home and heart to those in need. If there was a friend who needed a meal or place to come at the holidays, they always had a seat at our table.

If you could witness any event of the past, present or future, what would it be and why? The future… what will the world look like when this next generation takes the lead? I can’t wait to see how they tackle big issues like food security, climate change, equity and inclusion. Will they close the gap of divide in this country? I believe they will. The future generation has me feeling hopeful.

50 Chamber News | OCTOBER 2021

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