February 2017 Chamber News

Chamber News February 2017

Vol. 52, No. 5

A PUBLICATION OF THE SIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

FINDING A FORMULA FOR THE FUTURE Jason Ball assumes role of President & CEO of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

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IN THIS ISSUE COVER STORY

Finding a formula for the future Jason Ball assumes role of President & CEO of the Chamber..... 22-29

Chamber News PUBLISHER

FEATURES

Your Chamber By The Numbers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23 Sioux Falls Thrive launches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 IN THIS ISSUE: Message from the Chair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Events Calendars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11 Economic Indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Faces & Places. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-20 Community Appeals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Your Chamber By the Numbers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23 Chamber Priorities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-25 Business Advocacy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32-33 Headlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Chamber Partner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Convention & Visitors Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Community Partner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Business Sense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Business News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40-44 Ribbon Cuttings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45-49 Member Anniversaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Five Questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 From the Archive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

ON THE COVER

Jason Ball stands on the steps of the Old Courthouse Museum in downtown Sioux Falls. Ball is the new President & CEO of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. Photo by Chad Phillips Photography.

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce CHAMBER NEWS AD SALES

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

CHAMBER NEWS LAYOUT/DESIGN JILL BLOM

CHAMBER NEWS EDITOR

JENNIE DOYEN 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

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

Communicate WITH THE

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

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

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

chambernews.com | Chamber News 3

Top row: Richard Clark, MD; Orvar Jonsson, MD; David Maziarz, MD; Verlyn Nykamp, MD Middle row: Marian Petrasko, MD, PhD; Scott Pham, MD; Naveen Rajpurohit, MD; Lloyd Solberg, MD, PhD BoTToM row: Christopher Stanton, MD; Kelly Steffen, DO; Adam Stys, MD; Maria Stys, MD; Tom Stys, MD

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T H I N KH EA RT THI N K US .CO M

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

A new era for a growing city Jason Ball couldn’t be joining us at a more exciting time.

Our new leader comes to Sioux Falls – and the Chamber – at a time of great opportunity and challenge and frankly I can’t wait to be a part of this new era. I hope you feel the same way.

Jason will be attending most upcoming Chamber events as he gets to know the membership, and I encourage you to stop by and say hello. He wants to hear from you.

I couldn’t help but think about Jason’s arrival as I digested the most recent stats showing our city gained 3 percent last year – about 5,200 – to reach a population of 178,500.

DAVE KAPASKA, D.O. 2016-17 Chair of the Board

I challenge us all to continue to build on the amazing history of this community and this chamber.

This place we love is growing in a way that would be the envy of countless other cities, and from a business perspective, it’s hard to imagine more fertile ground for both startups and established businesses looking to build on their success, both longtime leaders and the latest wave of entrepreneurs. The numbers help tell the story of change.

Many of us can remember the days, not that long ago, when Sioux Falls was really an island economically – not deeply affected by the wild swings up and down so common in other cities.

That phenomenon helped us get through some tough times relatively unscathed.

As our city and economy matures, we tend to more directly mirror the trends evident in bigger cities. We see that in the increasing diversity of our city, certainly, as immigrants and refugees from around move to Sioux Falls in search of their share of the American dream. The non-white population increased to nearly 17 percent – the highest it’s ever been. In a similar way, the percentage of the population living in poverty increased three points, to 14 percent, as Sioux Falls mirrors a national trend: the erosion of what we once called the middle class.

Where some folks might see these trends as challenges, I see opportunity. As I told more than 1,300 Chamber members at the annual meeting in October, these newcomers – from small South Dakota towns, as well as South Sudan – represent the best possible response to our workforce needs. And I encouraged our business leaders to think creatively about how to train, mentor and acclimate these willing workers. As schools go about the crucial business of preparing our kids to be engaged citizens, I said, how is business helping? We must be visible partners in this important work.

We find ourselves in a time of significant transition and tremendous opportunity. I challenge us all to continue to build on the amazing history of this community and this chamber.

Please join me in welcoming Jason Ball as our new president. And now – let’s get to work!

2016-17 SIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LEADERSHIP AND STAFF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIR DAVE KAPASKA, D.O.

Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center CHAIR-ELECT STEVE VAN BUSKIRK Van Buskirk Companies VICE CHAIR TIM STURDEVANT Sturdevant’s Auto Parts TREASURER BOBBI THURY Legacy Law Firm, P.C. IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR PAUL BRUFLAT CNA Surety PRESIDENT/CEO JASON BALL Chamber of Commerce BOARD OF DIRECTORS BILL ALBRECHT WENDY BERGAN JDS Industries DAN DOYLE Cutler Law Firm GARY GASPAR Interstate Office Products SHARON HASELHOFF Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort MIKE HAUCK Accord Commercial Real Estate, LLC JOHN HENKHAUS The Everist Company JAY HUIZENGA KELOLAND-TV DEAN KARSKY Farmers Insurance Group/Karsky Agency LAURIE KNUTSON EmBe MARK MICKELSON Mickelson & Co. CHRISTY NICOLAISAN Multi-Cultural Center of Sioux Falls ALEX RAMIREZ USA Media TV CARL WYNJA U.S. Bank

EX-OFFICIO 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 TODD THOELKE Sioux Falls School Board ROBERT WEHDE Sioux Falls Catholic Schools CHAMBER & CVB STAFF JASON BALL President/CEO THANE BARNIER Web Development & IT Manager MATT BARTHEL CVB Communications Manager JOAN BARTLING Finance & Accounting Director JUSTIN BENTAAS Public Affairs & Research Manager JILL BLOM Graphics & Communications Specialist SHIRLEY BUSEMAN Receptionist CINDY CHRISTENSEN Agri-Business Division Manager RACHEL CRANE CVB Host City Manager JENNIE DOYEN Marketing & Communications Manager ANNA ELIASON CVB Sales Manager AMY M. FARR Membership Sales & Retention Manager JEFF FEJFAR Web Designer LAUREN FOSHEIM Small Business & Leadership Development Manager MARY HUBLOU CVB First Impressions Manager/Project Assistant

JAY KALTENBACH CVB Services/Resale Manager MARK LEE Public Affairs & Communications Director PAT LUND Membership Development Director MIKE LYNCH Forward Sioux Falls Director of Investor Relations 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 KAYLA SCHOLTEN Young Professionals Network Manager TERESA SCHREIER Public Affairs & Communications Assistant SUSAN SEACHRIS Administrative/Accounting Assistant EMILY SPERRY CVB Creative Development Manager TATE STENSGAARD CVB Sales Manager JACKIE WENTWORTH CVB Sales Manager VALERIE WILLSON Membership Events Manager ERIN ZIMMERMAN CVB Sales Manager

chambernews.com | Chamber News 5

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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

TUESDAY, FEB. 21

Noon-1 p.m.

Chamber of Commerce 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200 DETAILS: The principles of investing in experiences for your customers

is creating a shift in our economy. We’ll talk about how you can stop using things to try to make an impact, and instead focus on creating a positive experience for your customers. Presented by Matt Jensen, Vance Thompson Vision.

COST: $10, bring your own brown bag lunch RSVP: lfosheim@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2009

SIOUX FALLS DAY AT THE LEGISLATURE WEDNESDAY, FEB. 22

Pierre, SD Luncheon: Capitol Rotunda DETAILS: Be part of the lobbying team in Pierre for Sioux Falls Day at

FEBRUARY MEMBERSHIP

MIXER

BUSINESS SENSE WORKSHOP REIMAGINING CUSTOMER SUPPORT TUESDAY, FEB. 7

SPONSORED BY:

4:30-6:30 p.m.

Butterfly House & Marine Cove 4320 S. Oxbow Ave.

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

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

SIOUX FALLS AREA LEGISLATIVE COFFEES SATURDAY, FEB. 4, Districts 6, 9 & 11 SATURDAY, FEB. 11, LEGISLATIVE Districts 10, 13, 16 & 25 SATURDAY, FEB. 25, Districts 12, 14 & 15 COF F E E S

10:00-11:45 a.m.

Ramada Hotel & Suites, 1301 W. Russell St., Galley Ballroom 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, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, 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: jbentaas@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2006

the Legislature! You can listen in on committee meetings, help host a luncheon at the Capitol, attend general session and hear from Governor Dennis Daugaard. Sponsorship opportunities are also available; contact the Chamber for details.

COST: $30 to ride the bus, $25 to attend lunch RSVP: tschreier@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2050

BUSINESS DAY AT THE LEGISLATURE THURSDAY, FEB. 23

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

BUSINESS SENSE WORKSHOP WRITING FOR YOUR AUDIENCE: THE MESSAGE, THE WORDS, THE PLAN TUESDAY, FEB. 28

Noon-1 p.m.

Chamber of Commerce 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200 DETAILS: This talk will touch on determining audiences and message, and then dive into some basics on how to write and plan effective web content that is both on point and on time. Presented by Corey Vilhauer, User Experience Strategist, Blend Interactive.

COST: $10, bring your own brown bag lunch RSVP: lfosheim@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2009

MARCH MEMBERSHIP MIXER TUESDAY, MARCH 14

4:30-6:30 p.m.

El Riad Shrine, 510 S. Phillips Ave. DETAILS: Sponsored by El Riad Shrine COST: $5 or use your Mixer Pass RSVP: vwillson@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2010

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE SATURDAY, MARCH 18

11 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 38th Annual St. Patrick’s Day

Parade. Watch for more details.

MORE INFORMATION: vwillson@siouxfalls.com or (605) 373-2010 chambernews.com | Chamber News 7

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

FEBRUARY OFF THE CLOCK THURSDAY, FEB. 16

FOCUS WORKSHOP: COOKING SEAFOOD WEDNESDAY, FEB. 22

4-7 p.m.

Taphouse 41 2101 W. 41st St.

DETAILS: Whether you’re new to YPN or a

veteran member, Off the Clock is a great way to meet new people in the Sioux Falls area. We’ll be at Taphouse 41 on Feb. 16 from 4-7 p.m., so come and go as you please. Enjoy $2 off any standard pour bourbon and all tap beers. They’ll also be offering half price wine by the glass!

Don’t forget to bring a co-worker or friend!

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

OUR SIOUX FALLS: NCAA BASKETBALL FRIDAY, FEB. 17

Noon-1 p.m.

Hy-Vee 4101 S. Louise Ave.

DETAILS: Does the thought of cooking seafood sound daunting to you? Join us at Hy-Vee on Feb. 22 for our Seafood Cooking Class! Chef Scott Teal will teach us how to prepare and make salmon, yellow fin tuna and tilapia while dietitian Teresa Blauwet explains everything from health benefits to meal planning. You’ll have the opportunity to sample each of the dishes, but feel free to bring your own lunch to eat while you learn.

Seating is limited so please RSVP to attend.

COST: $15 per person

Noon-1 p.m.

Chamber of Commerce 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200 DETAILS: Have you ever wondered what kind

of work goes into bringing NCAA Basketball to Sioux Falls? Hear from Sioux Falls Sports Authority’s Project Director Joe Millar as he talks about both the NCAA Basketball tournament and the 2017 Summit League Basketball Championships happening in March — an event which last year drew a record attendance of over 65,000 people. Along with sharing the planning process, Joe will explain the positive impact these events have on the city of Sioux Falls as well as future challenges. This is an event you will not want to miss!

COST: Free

THE NEXT BIG THING: LEVITT AT THE FALLS THURSDAY, FEB. 23

SUMMIT LIVING YOUR MISSION

Noon-1 p.m.

Chamber of Commerce 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200 DETAILS: The New Colossus works to edu-

cate the community, raise awareness for first responders and empower our youth to protect themselves and their friends from sex trafficking. Ashley Statema and Polly Dean have been studying the issue of sex trafficking for over seven years, both internationally and domestically. Through The New Colossus they work to reach vulnerable populations in the hope of preventing sexual exploitation before it occurs.

Their work takes them all over the Midwest. Sex trafficking is happening every day, right here in our city, and The New Colossus is determined to shine a light on it and empower our community.

When we all know more, we can do more.

COST: Free to attend, lunch on your own

4:30-6 p.m.

Wiley’s Tavern 330 N. Main Ave.

DETAILS: Learn about Levitt, an organization

that has provided free concerts by many acclaimed artists including Pentatonix, Soul Asylum and Taylor Hicks. Find out how you can be a part of something that will have a huge impact on the city of Sioux Falls, plus get first dibs on 50 free outdoor concerts a year coming to downtown Sioux Falls. Food and drinks provided, a short presentation will begin at 5:15 p.m.

COST: Free

2 01 7

Cross roads

YPN BEHIND THE SCENES: HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN SOUTH DAKOTA TUESDAY, FEB. 28

Connect WITH THE

SAVE THE DATE

YPN

Sioux Falls Young Professionals Network

Thursday, Aug. 17, 2017

.com/siouxfallsypn

Sioux Falls Convention Center

@siouxfallsypn

Find us on social media or visit siouxfallsypn.com

chambernews.com | Chamber News 9

FEBRUARY 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.

9

Mads Tolling and Mads Men

10

Big Band Ballroom Dance

10

Third Annual Sweet Art Show

10-11

Twilight Flights for Valentine’s Day

11

Datsik with Special Guests Crizzly and Virtual Riot

11

Sioux Empire on Tap

11

Sioux Falls Collectibles Show

14-15

Into the Woods

16

Sioux Falls Go Red for Women

18

Spring Fever Shopping Market

18

WinterFeast Fundraiser

18-19

36th Annual Greater Midwest Toy Show

19

Dierks Bentley: What the Hell Tour 2017

19

SEWN Bridal Show

23

35th Annual Big Sioux Ducks Unlimited Banquet

23

Brothers Osborne

24-25

SECT Presents: Vanya and Sonia and Marsha and Spike

24-25

High School State Wrestling Tournament

24-26

Sioux Empire Home Show

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10 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2017

25 Brrrvana

11

Blind Boy Paxton with Meredith Axelrod and Frank Fairfield

25

Rock the Shrine - Pop ROCKS

11

Sioux Empire Lions Club Spaghetti Dinner and Live Auction

25-28

NSIC Conference Basketball Tournament

16-18

Class “A” High School Boys Basketball Tournament

26

103.7 KRRO Presents: Dropkick Murphys

16-!9

Tri-State Horse Expo

28

Jim Witter: I Write the Songs

17-18

Sports Expo Show

18

Ag Day at the Washington Pavilion

18

38th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade

19

Gift of Hope

22-25

NCAA DII Men’s Basketball Elite 8

23-Apr 2

SECT: Presents The Fantastic Mr. Fox

22-26

Matilda The Musical

24

Brandon Heath Live

24

Corks & Collars

25-26

Greater Sioux Falls Model Railroad Train Show & Swap Meet

27

Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra

29

Grouplove-Big Mess World Tour

29

Write the Code, Solve the Problem Camp

30

McCrossan Banquet Auction

Louie Anderson

30-31

SECT: Presents The Fantastic Mr. Fox

Super 2nd Saturday

31

PBR: Built Ford Tough Series

MARCH 1-2

MAMMA MIA!

3

First Friday Downtown Sioux Falls

3-5

SECT Presents: Vanya and Sonia and Marsha and Spike

4-5

2017 GreatLIFE Great Plains Golf Expo

4-5

Benson’s Flea Market

4-7

Summit League Basketball Championships

5

Happily Ever Afternoon

8

JoJo - Mad Love Tour

9-12

50th Annual Sioux Empire Sportsmen’s Show

10

Kenny Rogers’ Final World Tour: The Gambler’s Last Deal with Special Guest Linda Davis

10 11

We're Moving in March!

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

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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

DECEMBER 2016

NOVEMBER 2016

14,945 PERMITS

2014 2015

12,091 PERMITS

2016

Bismarck 2.4%

7,389 PERMITS

0 3000 Source: City of Sioux Falls

6000

9000

12000

15000

City of Sioux Falls Total Construction Value

Fargo 2.1%

Rapid City 2.9%

DECEMBER 2016

Minneapolis/ St. Paul 3.0%

Sioux Falls 2.2%

700

Omaha Lincoln 2.9% 2.5%

600 500

Rochester 2.6% Cedar Rapids 3.1% Des Moines 2.9%

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

400

Agriculture Trends $701.8 million $303.1 million

300

NOVEMBER 2016

SOYBEANS

$12

(PER BUSHEL) U.S. SOUTH DAKOTA

$676.3 million $250.7 million

200

0

(IN MILLIONS)

100

$10

$9.30 $8.68

$619.5 million $86.5 million

$8.91

Source: City of Sioux Falls

2015 2015 Total Construction Value

$9.07

$8.51

$8

2014 2014

$9.46

2016 2016 New Non-Residential Construction Value

CORN

6 $6

(PER BUSHEL) U.S. SOUTH DAKOTA

Sioux Falls Region Housing Overview DECEMBER 2016

$4

New Listings: 206 Days on the Market Until Sale: 94 Median Sales Price: $179,900 Inventory of Homes for Sale: 1,044 Source: RASE (Realtor Association of the Sioux Empire)

$3.59 $3.29

$3.23

$3.09

$3.06

$3.28

$2

November

2015

October November

2016

2016

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture chambernews.com | Chamber News 13

FACES & PLACES

Faces & Places

NATHAN STALLINGA

JOEY ROTERT

DakotAbilities

Sioux Falls Federal Credit Union

DAREN ANDERSON

STEFANIE ENGEBRETSON

Big D Technology Solutions, Inc.

American Bank & Trust

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.

APRIL MEYERINK bookyourbillboard.com

JULIE NELSON

American Bank & Trust

JUSTIN BENTAAS Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

Recognition of Chamber Volunteers The Ambassador Team of the Month for December was Team Stallinga: Nathan Stallinga, DakotAbilities; Joey Rotert, Sioux Falls Federal Credit Union; and April Meyerink, bookyourbillboard.com. The Top Sales Award and the Ribbon Cutting Attendance Award both went to Nathan Stallinga, DakotAbilities.

Julie Nelson, American Bank & Trust was awarded Diplomat of the Month honors for December. Second place honors went to Daren Anderson, Big D Technology Solutions, Inc.,

and Stefanie Engebretson, American Bank & Trust, was awarded third place honors. Stefanie Engebretson also won the Reinvestment and Ribbon Cutting Attendance awards.

The Diplomat Team of the Month for December was: Captain Janel Cole, Cole Notary, LLC, Julie Nelson, American Bank & Trust, Sheila Hoff, Keller Williams Realty of Sioux Falls, Jim Slater, ServiceMaster of Sioux Falls, and Austin Nielsen, Austin Nielsen Real Estate.

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 jdoyen@siouxfalls.com.

14 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2017

FACES & PLACES

New Faces & Promotions Justin Bentaas is the Public Affairs & Research Manager for the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. A Sioux Falls native, Bentaas previously served as the Economic Development Director for the city of Granite Falls, Minnesota.

Hegg Hospitality has promoted McKenzie Endriss to Guest Services Manager at the Courtyard by Marriott and SpringHill Suites in Sioux Falls. Endriss was previously the Sales Coordinator at those properties and has worked with Hegg Hospitality since 2014.

First Bank & Trust has promoted Jason Herrboldt to Sioux Falls Market President.

Jason has been with First Bank & Trust since 2006 and has been instrumental to its success by providing outstanding leadership and innovative vision. Jason will oversee the entire Sioux Falls operation, including Retail, Business Banking, Wealth Management and Mortgage. Brian Thompson continues his role as CEO/President, as well as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors for First Bank & Trust’s Sioux Falls Charter. Elizabeth Carlson has been promoted to Vice President, Private Banker for First Bank & Trust. She joined the bank in 2007 and has experience as a Customer Service Representative, CSR Supervisor and Retail Banking Officer.

Spherion Staffing has hired Amanda Nielsen as Branch Manager in the Sioux Falls office. Nielsen oversees general business operations and manages services teams for Sioux Falls and the surrounding area. She also specializes in developing client relationships, increasing customer engagement and advocating Spherion’s professional services.

Sioux Falls Youth Hockey Association has hired Wendy McDonnel as Director of Operations. Wendy will oversee the association and its more than 580 skaters and their families from an operational side and will serve as the link to the Sioux Falls business community for support and partnerships.

Sioux Falls marketing and public relations agency Epicosity has added four new staff members. Eric Backstrom is a senior account executive. He previously held marketing management positions at Midco Connections, MetaBank, Bulldog Media Group and Capital Card Services, Inc. Kenna Klinghagen is the agency’s media buyer. She previously held media buying and directing positions at Sterling eMarketing and Craft & Associates.

Jacob Runia is a digital associate. He previously completed an internship at marketing agency Bailey Lauerman. Peter Chapman is a video producer. He previously worked in production at the University of South Dakota.

Honors & Awards

FASTSIGNS® of Sioux Falls received national recognition out of more than almost 650 locations worldwide at the 2017 FASTSIGNS Convention. The locally owned and operated business received the CEO Circle Award, which recognizes the top 25 centers with the highest sales volume in the U.S. and Canada for the previous year.

The Sioux Empire Society for Human Resource Management annually recognizes local Human Resources professionals who have made significant contributions to the field of Human Resource Management and represents “the best” in the Human Resources profession. Julia Disburg, Minnehaha/Lincoln County was honored as the Emerging HR

MetaBank has hired Kerry Thomas as a Personal Banker. MetaBank also promoted Sue Punke to Director, Human Resources and Jacques Apaloo was promoted to Vice President, Internal Audit.

StoneyBrook Suites Assisted Living in Sioux Falls has added Lacey Haneca as Assistant Administrator, Carly VanDenBosch as Restorative Therapy Assistant and Diana Ashmore as Dietary Manager.

Matt Entringer has joined HenkinSchultz Creative Services as Digital Marketing Strategist. A Sioux Falls native, Entringer earned his degree from Creighton University.

He is Google AdWords and Analytics certified.

Girl Scouts-Dakota Horizons has added two individuals to their leadership team. Kate Reed is Chief Marketing and Advancement Officer. Lori Dykstra is Chief Operating Officer.

Professional of the Year. Maggie Pearson, RMS Roller-Grinder was named Distinguished HR Professional of the Year.

Interstates received the 2017 System Integrator of the Year (SIY) Award. Interstates was also selected as the SIY in 2010, making the company a two-time SIY Award winner.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 15

FACES & PLACES

Leadership

Mergers

Sharon Haselhoff, Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort, has been elected as the 2017 chair of the Iowa Gaming Commission. Haselhoff has more than a decade of experience in the casino industry.

Susan G. Komen® Nebraska, based in Omaha, Neb., and Susan G. Komen® South Dakota, based in Sioux Falls, have merged into a single nonprofit organization. Susan G. Komen® Great Plains will serve residents in Nebraska and South Dakota with plans to expand into North Dakota in the future.

Komen® Great Plains will continue to fund breast health education, breast cancer screening and survivor support programs to men and women who are most at risk and most in need.

Deb Peters, CPA will assume the role of president of the National Conference of State Legislatures at the organization’s 2017 Legislative Summit in Boston. NCSL is a bipartisan organization that supports state lawmakers and provides policy makers with opportunities to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues.

The organization will maintain existing offices in Omaha, Neb. and Sioux Falls, and will continue to host Race for the Cure® events in Sioux Falls and Omaha. Karen Daneu, executive director of Komen Nebraska, will serve as CEO of Komen Great Plains. Mary Kolsrud, executive director of Komen South Dakota, will be executive director of Komen Great Plains.

The board of directors for Komen Great Plains will have representation from both states.

Be Seen

1 1 More than 60 Young Professionals Network members gathered at McNally’s Irish Pub for the January Off the Clock mixer.

16 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2017

FACES & PLACES

22

3 2-5 Sanford Health hosted the January

Membership Mixer at the Sanford Pentagon.

More than 260 people enjoyed refreshments, networking and learning about the many great things Sanford Health does in our community.

4

5 chambernews.com | Chamber News 17

FACES & PLACES

Be Seen

6

7

8

New Member Mixers are smaller in scale than full Membership Mixers. They are designed to provide new members a chance to become acquainted with the Chamber and to network with other new members and Chamber volunteers. 6 YPN hosted a New Member mixer for more than 40 people at Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews. 7-8 The Chamber New Member Mixer was held at Cherry Creek Grill with 40 attendees.

18 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2017

FACES & PLACES

9

10

11 Business Sense Workshops are held on Tuesdays from January through March. Topics range from HR to technology to marketing. January workshops included 9 Matt Heemstra, Cain Ellsworth & Co., LLP sharing tips for coaching high performers and 10 Vaney Hariri, Think 3D Solutions, on ways to motivate employees without spending a lot of money. 11 Members of YPN enjoyed a Community Connections Tour at Dakota Lions Sight and Health where they learned about human eye and tissue donation and transplantation. The tour was led by YPN Member Matt Arnett.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 19

FACES & PLACES

Be Seen

12 YPN member Graham Van Horn led a Focus Workshop

12

with information on how to financially plan for your 30s.

13-14 The Chamber’s annual Good Morning Sioux Falls legislative breakfast is held every year in early January, prior to the start of the legislative session. Local legislators are invited to attend and share their views on issues expected to come up during the legislative session. Sen. Jack Kolbeck of District 13 discusses state spending and considerations for balancing the budget during the upcoming session.

13

14 20 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2017

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.

CURRENT CAMPAIGN

STOCKYARDS AG EXPERIENCE NOV. 1, 2017-MARCH 31, 2018 $1.19 MILLION Create a living heritage outdoor plaza on the site of the original Sioux Falls Stockyards

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

GREAT PLAINS ZOO & DELBRIDGE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY APRIL 1-JULY 31, 2018 $1.41 MILLION Create a new “Big Cats of Africa” exhibit

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

chambernews.com | Chamber News 21

SIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2016 BY THE NUMBERS MORE THAN

2,220 CHAMBER MEMBERS represent 84,000 1,000 YOUNG PROFESSIONALS MORE THAN

MORE THAN

EMPLOYEES

are members of YPN

CONNECT CELEBRATED MEMBERS at

CUTTINGS 210 RIBBON MIXERS 14 MEMBERSHIP

and

including two specifically for new members, one Holiday Fair and one Business Fair.

CONNECTED NEIGHBORS AND BUSINESSES at

2

PROVIDED OPPORTUNITIES at an average of

CHAMBERHOOD EVENTS

highlighting progress being made in different parts of the city.

EVENTS EACH MONTH 7 YPN

for young professionals to learn, network and lead.

LEARN HOSTED MEMBER-LED PRESENTATIONS at

SENSE WORKSHOPS 10 BUSINESS on a variety of topics benefitting other members and their businesses.

GRADUATED 31 LEADERSHIP STUDENTS from the

30 CLASS

OFFERED A BEHIND-THESCENES LOOK AT LOCAL BUSINESSES through

TH

of our successful Evan C. Nolte Leadership Sioux Falls program.

More than 900 individuals have completed the program.

15 BUSINESS TOURS

creating a deeper understanding of each businesses’ impact on our community and the challenges it faces.

CHAMBER MISSION: 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200 PO Box 1425 Sioux Falls, SD 57101-1425 (605) 336-1620 • Fax: (605) 336-6499 sfacc@siouxfalls.com

22 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2017

We represent our members by advancing and promoting the economic health and quality of life of the region.

ENGAGE

INVEST

INFORMED MEMBERS ABOUT WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE NATION’S CAPITAL at

COMPLETED A SUCCESSFUL 2021 FORWARD SIOUX FALLS CAMPAIGN raising more than

with firsthand information from South Dakota’s Congressional delegation.

to continue the program’s initiatives to benefit our region’s economy and quality of life.

WASHINGTON EVENTS 3 INSIDE

DOLLARS 15.5 MILLION

HONORED THE IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS

ENABLED INTERACTION WITH ELECTED OFFICIALS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS at

at the

3 MORNING 2 GOOD SIOUX FALLS EVENTS LEGISLATIVE COFFEES

ANNUAL SIOUX 63 EMPIRE FARM SHOW ANNUAL AG DAY 33 APPRECIATION RD

and the

and

RD

FINANCIALLY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE by generating

REPRESENTED THE SIOUX FALLS BUSINESS COMMUNITY with more than

IN PREMIUMS 76,000 DOLLARS

ON 100 MEMBERS TWO BUSSES

for producers at the Mayor’s Round-up & Sale of Champions held each year as part of the Sioux Empire Farm Show.

that travelled to Pierre on a 1-day trip for Sioux Falls Day at the Legislature.

MEASURE OF SUCCESS COMPARABLE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE BY THE CITY NUMBERS CHAMBER SURVEYED POPULATION

TOTAL MSA POPULATION

MEMBERSHIP

MINIMUM DUES

Billings, MT

106,954

147,000

1,233

$375

Boise, ID

220,000

675,000

1,845

$399

Fargo, ND/West Fargo, ND/Moorhead, MN

187,491

228,211

2,091

$315

Rapid City, SD

77,000

150,000

1,305

$340

Rochester, MN

112,225

216,460

1,504

$348

Sioux City, IA

85,000

168,000

1,182

$300

Sioux Falls, SD

173,300

256,250

2,225

$385

St. Cloud, MN

66,000

190,000

1,000

$455

siouxfallschamber.com

.com/siouxfallschamber

@SFAreaChamber @SFAreaAdvocate

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

chambernews.com | Chamber News 23

SIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

PRIORITIES

Your Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce strives to be a voice for the business community and a catalyst in the growth of our city and region. In collaboration with a number of valuable community partners, we are working to have an impact in ten areas of priority.

ADVOCACY AND RESEARCH We serve as the primary voice for the Sioux Falls area business and professional community. We are an authoritative research and community resource for our Chamber membership and the business community on business, economic and community development issues at all levels of government. We will continue to analyze issues affecting our member’s interests and well-being, including those affecting our favorable business climate and quality of life in the Sioux Falls area and the state of South Dakota.

AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT We will continue to support, serve and recognize the importance of South Dakota’s largest industry – agriculture and agribusiness – and its significant economic impact on the Sioux Falls area. Through implementation of the Chamber’s Agribusiness Division programs, we will promote and advocate ag education initiatives and programs for residents of the Sioux Empire in cooperation with other ag and commodity organizations.

COMMUNITY AND QUALITY OF LIFE ENHANCEMENT We will continue to provide leadership in improving the quality of life of residents of the Sioux Falls area by implementing the Chamber’s Community Appeals Committee Capital Campaign scheduling process on behalf of our community and area. Through this extensively researched and vetted process, Chamber volunteer and staff leadership provides support and advocacy for fundraising campaigns benefiting social, educational and community non-profit organizations. The Chamber encourages its members to financially support and participate in these approved community campaign initiatives.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVITY We recognize the growing diversity of the Sioux Falls area and South Dakota. We embrace and support the opportunities that our increased diversity offers for further improving our community and the potential for cultural and talent development for all individuals and families. We will work with our community, education and other partners, state agencies and elected officials to develop more effective systems of services and support for all residents of our city, area and state. This includes working with community partners to strengthen the collective impact and effectiveness of Sioux Falls area non-profit organizations serving our residents. We also seek to increase the diversity of Chamber members and their involvement and engagement in the Chamber’s leadership development, membership development, and other programs and services.

24 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2017

VISION

The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce will be the innovative leader in building consensus and strategies that ensure the economic prosperity and quality of life in the region and will be recognized as the premier member-driven business leadership organization.

MISSION

As the leading Sioux Falls area business advocate, we represent our members by advancing and promoting the economic health and quality of life of the region.

ECONOMIC EXPANSION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT We will continue to provide leadership in promoting business and economic expansion in the Sioux Falls area, working with our joint venture partner, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation. We will implement the Forward Sioux Falls 2021 program initiatives, including the “Strategic Workforce Action Agenda.” Emphasis will be placed on the implementation of talent attraction and retention programs and the initiation of the Sioux Falls Thrive cradle-to-career alignment coalition.

EDUCATIONAL INVESTMENT We will provide continued business community involvement, support and leadership at all levels of public and private education through the engagement of leaders and stakeholders in our planning and strategizing efforts of both the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and Forward Sioux Falls 2021 Momentum programs.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT We place a heavy emphasis on developing opportunities to engage and inspire the next generation of community leaders. We will continue to support our successful Evan C. Nolte Leadership Sioux Falls program and the Young Professionals Network as avenues for encouraging active engagement in the Chamber and in community leadership.

MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND SERVICES We will grow the membership and strengthen our relationship with our more than 2,200 members and their employees by delivering valuable programs and expanded services to further enhance the Chamber’s value proposition to the almost 87,000 employees represented in those member businesses.

SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT Defined as businesses with ten or fewer employees, small businesses make up 63% of the total membership of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. We will continue to support and develop entrepreneurs and small businesses by offering skill-enhancing workshop opportunities to members and their staff. We will also work to foster mentoring relationships for small businesses and entrepreneurs by encouraging the growth of a “mentor network.”

VISITOR DEVELOPMENT The Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau, through its CVB Advisory Council, CVB Business Improvement District (BID) Board of Directors, the leadership of the Sioux Falls visitor industry and the Board of Directors of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the City of Sioux Falls, will continue to sell and market the Sioux Falls area as a #1 Host City in the most economical and effective manner, positively impacting the Sioux Falls area visitor industry and our local economy. We will continue to foster the strong relationships in place with the Sioux Falls hospitality industry.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 25

COVER STORY

FINDING A FORMULA FOR THE FUTURE Jason Ball assumes role of President & CEO of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

BY JENNIE DOYEN

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

Jason Ball has an impressive resume. His experience includes assisting small businesses with developing business plans, working to commercialize university research, leading economic development efforts, and fostering public-private partnerships. He is a certified economic developer and was named to Development Counsellors International’s list of “40 under 40: Rising Stars in Economic Development.”

When a person meets Jason Ball though, it is not his resume, but his approachability, optimistic energy and enthusiasm for his work that leave an impression.

Late last fall, following a six-month nationwide search, Ball was named as the next President & CEO of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. On January 30, 2017 he officially became the leader of one of the strongest, most vibrant chambers of commerce in the nation.

Photo by Chad Phillips Photography

26 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2017

chambernews.com | Chamber News 27

COVER STORY

THE SEARCH IS ON When Evan Nolte informed past Board Chair Paul Bruflat that he intended to retire at the end of 2016, Bruflat knew right away that finding a new President & CEO for the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce would be a big job. Rather than dive in headfirst though, he gathered with other volunteer leaders to determine the best way to approach the search.

The group quickly came to the conclusion that hiring an outside firm to manage the process would produce the best results. A professional recruiting firm would expand the pool of potential candidates and would help leadership see and evaluate factors that they might not otherwise have considered. “The whole goal was to get the best candidate possible for the Sioux Falls Chamber,” said Bruflat. “Our members deserve nothing less than the best.”

Waverly Partners, LLC was identified as a good match for what was needed and the firm was hired to conduct the search. The first step was to form a search committee. This group needed to be broad enough to represent all aspects of our community, but small enough to be manageable and effective. Eleven people, representing a variety of ages, backgrounds and businesses, agreed to serve.

Jason Ball served the Hutchinson / Reno County Chamber of Commerce in Hutchinson, Kansas for four years prior to accepting the role of President & CEO of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. Among his many accomplishments in Hutch, he successfully led a capital campaign for economic development, raising $1.6 million for Hutch Rising - the five year strategic plan implementation (upper left photo). Ball moderated a series of debates between candidates for election to the Kansas state legislature (upper right). Ball speaks at the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting in 2014 (lower right).

28 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2017

Members of the search committee spent their initial meetings discussing their goals and expectations for the process.

With everyone on the same page, the group quickly developed a high level of trust.

Focus groups were held with community members to gather ideas on the qualities needed in a leader, the strengths of Sioux Falls, and the challenges facing our community. All of this information was synthesized into a position profile.

The result was a seven page document detailing the job of the President & CEO and outlining the qualifications required of interested candidates.

Current Board Chair Dr. Dave Kapaska, Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center, notes that while the position profile was detailed, the search committee understood that they needed to look beyond each candidate’s resume – they needed to find the right personality to fit the role. “We needed a broad range of work experience for sure, but we needed more too,” said Kapaska. “We really were looking qualitatively as much as experientially for what kind of person can really lead us to the next level.”

There were a handful of key things the committee was looking for in a candidate. With an already strong and

COVER STORY

JASON BALL

PRESIDENT/CEO, SIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HOMETOWN: Sidney, Nebraska EDUCATION:

• Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry, Nebraska Wesleyan University • M.B.A., University of Nebraska, Lincoln • Certified Economic Developer • Graduate of the Economic Development Institute, University of Oklahoma

FAMILY: Wife Sandy, children Bennett (4) and Sadie Louise (1)

CHAMBER EXPERIENCE:

• President/CEO, Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce, Hutchinson, Kansas • Director of Business Development, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Lincoln, Nebraska

HOBBIES: Running and reading – mostly history books.

Photo by Chad Phillips Photography

established Chamber, the group wanted to be sure that no momentum would be lost in the transition to new leadership. They needed to find someone who would embrace and enhance the existing framework.

Another important skill is the ability to build relationships.

The next President & CEO needed to be a people person, with an ability to connect with a wide variety of people. He or she needed to have strong listening skills and a knack for fostering collaboration.

The search was extensive and thorough. Waverly took the lead in crafting the process, but responsibility for managing the execution of that plan was shared between Waverly and the search committee. Through a series of screenings and interviews, the pool of candidates was narrowed to six, then three finalists.

Both Bruflat and Kapaska are quick to point out that the search committee felt they really couldn’t make a wrong decision. All of the final candidates were highly qualified and could have done well in the job. This is a great testament to the reputation of our Chamber, the quality of the organization, and our community, Kapaska said. “In the midst of the fact that we could have hired any one of them, Jason just stepped away from the rest of the group. He just connected.”

The search committee came to a unanimous agreement – they would offer the job to Jason Ball.

ROAD TO SIOUX FALLS Jason Ball earned his undergraduate degree in chemistry and spent his first five years out of college working as a bench chemist. While he enjoyed the academic environment, he quickly figured out that he preferred business related work that allowed him more opportunities to interact with people.

As a chemist, he began working with universities who wished to use their scientific research to license technology for businesses. This allowed him to leverage his technical background in the development world and set him on a path into chamber and economic development work.

Following completion of his MBA, Ball was hired by the Lincoln, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce as Director of Business Development. At the time, he had no formal experience in economic development, but leadership in Lincoln saw that he was skilled in connecting entrepreneurs and building communities. They tasked him with leading their efforts to build public-private partnerships to foster economic development. It was a role that not only allowed him to sharpen his development skills, but also exposed him to chamber work in the areas of public policy, the visitor industry, community and quality of life issues, and more. chambernews.com | Chamber News 29

Ball was selected as one of Development Counsellors International, “40 under 40 – Rising Stars in Economic Development” in 2015.

In 2012 he moved to Hutchinson, Kansas to take on the role of President & CEO of the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce. There, he oversaw all aspects of the 760 member Chamber, including membership engagement, economic development, public policy and the Convention & Visitor’s Bureau (CVB).

When he heard about the opportunity to lead the Sioux Falls Chamber, Ball says he knew right away that he wanted to apply. “The nature of this community and the type of organization that was in place…it was exactly the type of role I knew I ultimately wanted,” he said. “I consider it a great honor and a privilege to have been selected for this job.”

OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES AHEAD Ball shares that his first task as he assumes leadership of the Chamber is to begin the work of getting to know all of the staff, volunteers, and community leaders who are invested in the Sioux Falls Chamber. He says it is clear, as an outsider coming in, that a large part of the Chamber’s success is the strong relationships in place across all sectors. And his hope is to build on those.

Kapaska believes Ball will have no trouble forming relationships in the community. “Jason is easy to talk to. He brings a freshness that is healthy for the organization. Our search committee all felt that Jason could effectively touch every

30 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2017

aspect of our community, every person, to help us make Sioux Falls flourish even further.”

Although the Chamber is called upon to do several important community functions, Ball says that ultimately the Sioux Falls Chamber is in the people and relationships business. “If we do those well, then we’ll be good at business, we’ll be good at public policy, we’ll be good at economic development.”

The challenges facing Sioux Falls are similar to those experienced by communities of all sizes, Ball says. Communities all over the Midwest, even those doing relatively well, feel the pinch of workforce issues.

Kapaska agrees that workforce development is a key issue for Sioux Falls. He says we need to find a way to maximize the capabilities of every member of our community. Forward Sioux Falls 2021 has laid the groundwork for tackling those questions. In particular, opportunities have been identified in the areas of post-secondary education, and in a cradle-tocareer initiative that has become Sioux Falls Thrive.

According to Ball, success will lie in our ability to find ways to remain relevant to people and groups that may have traditionally been less connected to chamber activity. “We cannot become stagnant. Chambers need to evolve their organization to meet the needs of all parties – entrepreneurs,

Jason and Sandy Ball with their children Bennett and Sadie Louise in the fall of 2016.

small businesses, the younger generation of business leaders, and many more.”

He adds, “I don’t have a magic bullet answer. But we need to follow through on the workforce development efforts that have been identified through the Forward Sioux Falls campaign.”

WORKING TOGETHER FOR THE FUTURE The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce has a reputation of being a strong advocate for business and a catalyst for progress. This is not due to any one person, but rather is the result of the commitment and engagement of individuals from around the community, working together as Chamber members to build a better Sioux Falls.

For 38 years, Evan Nolte was the face of the Chamber. The significance of this leadership change is not lost on anyone involved the search process. Yet, all agree that the change represents an opportunity to combine the solid foundation of our past with new ideas for a bright future.

“We are great. We have a strong record of accomplishments and success. But there is always room for growth,” said Kapaska. “We expect that our Chamber, with Jason’s leadership, will continue to be a successful advocate for our businesses and community as a whole for years to come.”

FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jason Ball’s first trip to Sioux Falls was brief and the time was dominated by pieces of the interview process. An avid runner, Ball managed to squeeze in a jog through Falls Park on that first trip. He recalls thinking the park was beautiful, and that the trees and the trails in the city are impressive.

When he returned to Sioux Falls the second time, Ball brought his wife Sandy along for the trip. The two made a point to tour the city, and both were thrilled with what they found. They observed high-quality, safe and clean neighborhoods in all areas of the city. “Clearly people here care about the impression their neighborhoods make,” said Ball.

“It shows that they are proud of their community.”

The vitality of the region was clear as well. There were planes in the air, buildings going up, and projects happening all over town. A robust and diverse economy combined with a city and state in good financial condition, makes Sioux Falls an appealing place for anyone considering relocation.

Jason and Sandy have two young children, and they were pleased to learn that the school system here is wellregarded and that there are plenty of options for youth enrichment. Ball shared, “We have to be thinking about preparing our kids for the future. The opportunities here for enrichment and engagement for my children are part of what makes Sioux Falls appealing to my family – and I imagine the same is true for other families as well.”

chambernews.com | Chamber News 31

BUSINESS ADVOCACY

The ebb and flow of the legislative session The Legislative process in South Dakota follows a very familiar pattern each year. It begins slowly, picks up steam in the second week and by week three it is in high gear. Our Legislature meets annually for generally less than 40 legislative days – that is not much time to get a lot of work done. This is why it is so important to understand the ebb and flow of the session as well as your opportunities to learn and engage in the process.

MARK LEE

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

...less than 40 legislative days — that is not much time to get a lot of work done.

The Composition of the 92nd Legislature As it has been widely reported, this legislature shows a complete domination by Republicans. They hold 60 of the 70 House seats and 29 of the 35 Senate seats; plus, of course, the Governor’s seat and all the other constitutional offices. That level of numerical domination means that no real collaboration is needed with the Democrats to get anything done. It also means that Republicans overwhelmingly dominate committees and set the agenda for both houses.

Week 1 The first week has a distinctive pattern to it. The Governor opens the session on by delivering his State of the State Address to the full body. This address, combined with a budget address given in early December, outline a number of policy matters that will be important as the session progresses.

Committees begin to organize on the second day, but activity is slow since bills have not generally been assigned yet. The afternoon floor session is another joint session to hear the State of the Judiciary address delivered by Chief Justice David Gilbertson.

The third day, Thursday, sees a final joint session to hear a recently added State of the Tribes address. Each of these first three days ends its official business in the early afternoon.

Friday is when we begin to see some bill hearings in committee, but typically little (if any) floor action can be expected as committee action must precede floor action.

Week 2 This week shows a marked uptick in committee activity as more bills are filed and assigned to committees. As of the end of this year’s first week, only 110 bills were introduced. We expect this to be about one quarter of the total we will ultimately see, so the focus this week is often to move easy bills along or kill them summarily as committees prepare for more bill introductions and an increasing workload at an increasing rate.

Cutoff Dates As the session proceeds, there are some important dates facing Legislators. The first is February 2 which is the day all individual bills must be introduced. As of this date, we basically know the field of main issues to be considered, but there is always a way to get an idea into bill form at a later date.

February 23 is known as “crossover day” which means that all bills must be passed through their house of origin if they are to remain alive. The days prior to and including crossover day represent the peak of activity for committee and floor action in the two houses.

It is important to note that there are exceptions to these dates. With such a short session, some flexibility must be provided. However, these exceptions are used sparingly, as they should be.

32 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2017

BUSINESS ADVOCACY

Placeholder Bills Many people have trouble understanding KEY DATES placeholder bills. These bills often have a title THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION along the lines of “An act to support ecoJan. 10 – Session officially opens nomic development in South Dakota” and an innocuous and vague one-sentence body about Feb. 2 – Final day to introduce bills economic development. Placeholder bills are also Feb. 23 – Crossover day known as “carcass” bills. They are used as bills March 7– Last day for a bill or joint resolution that can be amended in whole to reflect language

to pass both houses that has a substantive purpose after the normal cutoff dates. While it may seem rather mysteriMarch 27– Final day for consideration of vetoes ous and not very transparent, these bills serve a purpose as issues unfold and new information is gained. Your Chamber lobbyists watch these bills, along with others, so that we can anticipate what their final form might be and if the issue earns our support or opposition.

Your Opportunities to Learn and Engage It is relatively easy to stay abreast of developments in the early going, but as we approach crossover day it takes considerable effort. Not only do we have to track bills, but we have to watch for amendments and anticipate changes in terms of proponents and opponents. It is always a fluid process. As a Chamber, we have a number of ways you can stay informed. First is our weekly Chamber Advocate newsletter and second is our Chamber Bill Tracker updated each week.

We schedule our Legislative Coffees in February to correspond with important dates on the Legislative calendar. These are great events to hear from your elected officials. Sioux Falls Day falls right before crossover day this year and will be at the peak of action in the Capitol.

Another way for you to learn and engage is to contact your Chamber’s Public Affairs team. Feel free to ask questions or inquire about a bill. If you want a bill tracked, we’ll add it to the Bill Tracker and follow its progress for you. You may contact Mark Lee at mlee@siouxfalls.com or Justin Bentaas at jbentaas@siouxfalls.com and we will respond as soon as we are able.

Now hold on tight, as the remaining weeks will see a lot of action and determine public policy that affects you and your business.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 33

HEADLINES

New nonprofit forms in support of workforce development strategies Sioux Falls Thrive will tackle affordable housing challenges in the community A new nonprofit agency has joined the Sioux Falls community. Sioux Falls Thrive – a cradle to career coalition working to make sure all kids in the area achieve their highest educational potential – officially incorporated on Jan. 9, 2017.

Thrive was created in response to Forward Sioux Falls’ 2021 Strategic Workforce Action Agenda and founded by Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, Sioux Empire United Way, Sioux Falls Development Foundation, and Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation.

The executives and chairs of the founding organizations served as a steering committee while the structure for Thrive was developed.

The committee also commissioned a pilot project, conducted by Augustana Research Institute.

“We need to find new ways of addressing obstacles that keep children from coming to school ready to learn,” said Candy Hanson, Thrive’s president. “With more than 900 children who were technically homeless this past school year, affordable housing was a logical place to start.”

34 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2017

SIOUX FALLS THRIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Nine community leaders have been appointed to serve on Thrive’s governing board. At its first meeting, the board authorized the release of the results of the pilot project, the “Sioux Falls Affordable Housing Needs Assessment 2016”. A Thrive Action Team will use the findings to inform solution finding.

Augustana Research Institute, which matched the cost of the housing study, will continue to serve as a data and knowledge hub for Thrive’s action initiatives.

“Augustana is an incredible asset,” Hanson said. “Its investment in Thrive is an investment in our community. We wouldn’t be

Bill Baker Lisa Beacom Steve Crim Dana Dykhouse Doug Hajek Deb Koski Beth Fuller Jensen Evan Nolte Fred Slunecka able to tackle the complex issues that lie ahead without them.”

Thrive’s “Sioux Falls Affordable Housing Needs Assessment 2016” can be found at augie.edu/findings and siouxfallsthrive.org.

CHAMBER PARTNER

Partnerships and people make our downtown strong A great city begins with an exceptional downtown. An exceptional downtown depends upon an outstanding community, which we have in spades. The character of our community was evident when we came together after the collapse of the Copper Lounge. This tragedy left not just a hole in the urban fabric, but in the lives of many friends and neighbors.

We are strong though, not in spite of adversity, but because of it. We have learned from this experience just how much our community cares, which has created an even stronger culture of collaboration in downtown and beyond.

JOE BATCHELLER Downtown Sioux Falls

It is the people who show up and get involved that are influential and make the biggest impact...

Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc. (DTSF) owes much of its success to our dedicated members and community partners, and the support they have provided which has fostered this rich culture of collaboration. Alongside our partners, DTSF has historically been a guiding force in facilitating a community-based vision for the future of downtown. It is because of engaged stakeholders, business owners, city leaders, residents, and our partners, like the Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce though, that this city is able to realize a more perfect version of downtown from year to year. Together, we continue to rethink, reimagine, and execute for the sake of our city’s heartbeat.

Great things lie ahead for downtown Sioux Falls. With the development of Washington Square and Jones 421, we’ll enjoy the benefits of more retail, office, and residential space.

In the coming years, downtown will also benefit from the addition of much needed parking with a mixed use parking structure on East 10th Street, thanks to the diligent efforts of the Community Development Department. Perhaps most exciting though, is the future Levitt Shell at Falls Park, which will be a music venue for the entire community to enjoy. And of course, there are exciting possibilities for the redevelopment of the rail yard on the Eastbank of downtown that remain to be seen.

It takes an alliance of community partners to make such visions reality, however. That is why it is so important for members to get involved with organizations like the Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce and DTSF. It is the people who show up and get involved that are influential and make the biggest impacts in our lives.

For DTSF, working with our members and partners allows us to champion efforts so that downtown Sioux Falls is without a doubt the most beautiful and engaging urban experience in the heart of America.

Joe Batcheller is the Executive Director of Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc. (DTSF).

DTSF is a non-profit corporation committed to continually upgrading and enhancing the vitality of downtown by providing excitement, activity and a positive image within the community through promotions, design, economic development and public relations.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 35

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

Conference attendees from the Sioux Falls area gathered for a group photo at the gala on closing night. From L to R: Joe Batcheller, Jim Speirs, Teri Schmidt, Brian Bonde, Angela Avila, Carmen Toft, Rachel Crane, Don South, Thea Miller Ryan, Matt Barthel, Emily Sperry, Krista Orsack, Brienne Maner and Jackie Wentworth.

Thea Miller Ryan, Teri Schmidt and Don South from the Sioux Falls visitor industry pose for a photo with elected officials Deb Soholt, Marty Jackley, Greg Jamison and Dan Ahlers.

Building for the future The 2017 South Dakota Governor’s Conference on Tourism was held in Pierre on Jan. 17-19. The annual conference brings hundreds of visitor industry professionals together for educational seminars, networking opportunities and information on future industry trends. Several visitor industry professionals from Sioux Falls attended as partners in moving our community forward.

Lead by the State Secretary of Tourism Jim Hagen, the conference provided excellent opportunities for growth and education.

National experts shared their insights on topics ranging from customer service to the perfect marketing mix to research for the future. The Visitor Industry Alliance (VIA) gathered to discuss visitor industry and statewide issues affecting the visitor industry.

The conference concluded with an industry dinner and awards banquet, emceed by Lt. Governor Matt Michels. There were approximately 600 people in attendance, including South Dakota’s legislators.

Front row (sitting) from L to R: Carol Stalzer, Jim Stalzer, Larry Zikmund and Rachel Crane. Back row from L to R: Dobbie O’Donnell, Jeff Hanson, Jackie Wentworth and Jim Clark.

The Sioux Falls Convention & Visitor’s Bureau team returned home enthused, energized and more passionate than ever about the future of the visitor industry! Sioux Falls is fortunate to have so many exceptional leaders with a strong commitment to our visitor industry.

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 at (605) 275-6060, email sfcvb@siouxfalls.com or visit visitsiouxfalls.com; for more updates about the visitor industry, go to pgs. 40-41.

36 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2017

COMMUNITY PARTNER

In support of people and communities

BY MICKI LUNDIN Avera Health

Health care organizations deliver health care. So why do health care systems like Avera give donations to other organizations or sponsor community events?

At Avera, our mission is to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals and communities by providing quality services guided by Christian values. This is a much wider mission than health care alone.

There are some needs that other organizations fulfill in better ways, for example, feeding the hungry or mentoring youth. So we set aside donation and sponsorship dollars to benefit the communities we serve in ways that we are unable to do ourselves.

Avera has a Community Partnerships committee that considers hundreds of applications for funding, and there are many more requests than dollars available. This work requires thoughtful consideration to make the difficult decisions of where to invest Avera’s sponsorship and donation dollars.

Avera collaborates with approximately 540 organizations through donations, sponsorships and key partnerships.

Avera seeks to partner with community projects that fulfill the greater good across our 72,000-square-mile footprint. The programs we support run the entire gamut from basic human needs to mental health, quality of life, sports, education and economic development.

Avera sponsors the Feeding South Dakota Mobile Food Pantry to feed the most underserved parts of the state, in communities that include Huron, Ipswich, Miller, Lower Brule and Reliance. We don’t have Avera facilities in all these towns, yet it still fits within the Avera mission

to ensure that people in those areas have access to fresh produce and healthy proteins. Good health can’t happen without good nutrition.

The Sisters who founded Avera have a shared mission of education, and so Avera has a strong history of supporting secondary and higher education. A recent example is a gift to Presentation College to fund a simulation center on campus for health care training. The simulation center will be outfitted with high-fidelity mannequins, and five rooms will be used to teach different scenarios, such as trauma, critical care, pediatrics and obstetrics. The simulation center allows students to practice real-world scenarios all while increasing confidence, clinical knowledge and team collaboration.

A large portion of Avera’s donation and sponsorship dollars qualify as community benefits – those programs or activities that provide treatment or promote health and healing as a response to identified community needs.

Examples include: Delta Dental of South Dakota Foundation to help provide dental work for underserved youth in communities throughout the region.

Safe Harbor in Aberdeen to support oversight of parentchild visits when difficult custodial issues exist and provide a domestic violence shelter for people in northeastern South Dakota.

The Banquet in both Yankton and Sioux Falls, SD, to serve regular meals to people in need in an atmosphere of respect and dignity.

We rely on key partnerships to reach the populations we serve, simply because we cannot be everywhere and do everything.

Micki Lundin, Avera Health Micki Lundin is the Director of Community Partnerships for Avera Health.

Organizations that are interested in applying for community partnership funds through Avera can access an online form at avera.org.

38 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2017

BUSINESS SENSE

A time to plan

Reduce your tax burden with a proactive approach

BY BLAKE E. CROW, CPA Eide Bailly LLP

For many, filing returns and paying taxes is a task only undertaken to complete a necessary evil. For small business owners, this might look something like mailing your year-end financial statements off to the accountant and waiting anxiously to find out how much money, if any, is owed to Uncle Sam. While an argument for a more proactive approach to managing one’s tax situation could be made at any time, that argument is stronger today than at any other time in recent history.

To understand why a proactive approach is more important today than ever, it is first beneficial to review the concept of tax planning in general. While tax planning is often thought of as actions taken to pay the least amount of taxes legally allowable in the current year, it is better thought of as moving dollars from untaxed to taxed at the lowest possible rate, regardless of when that taxation may occur. In other words, $1 of tax paid today is better than $2 of tax paid on the same income tomorrow. Only after considering the rate of taxation should the timing of the tax be considered. For example, if the tax would be either $1 today or $1 tomorrow, then it is generally better to defer the payment of tax until tomorrow, as $1 tomorrow is worth less than $1 today thanks to the time-value of money.

It is next necessary to evaluate the impact of potential tax reform.

With the results of last November’s election, there are now more pieces in place needed to accomplish tax reform than at any other time since the tax law was last overhauled in 1986. It is important to note that while there are numerous thoughts, ideas, and plans circulating as to what reformed tax law should look like, most are based on the same overriding concepts of lower individual and corporate tax rates. It is with these concepts of lower rates that taxpayers can begin to strategically position themselves to benefit from the potential decrease in rates, even without yet knowing the specific workings of what tax reform may ultimately look like.

To illustrate this point, assume that a taxpayer not yet utilizing any tax planning strategies had taxable business income in 2016 of

$10,000 that will all be taxed at the top individual tax rate of 39.6%.

They would have owed $3,960 in tax. Now imagine that after reading this article they contacted their tax accountant and were able to implement strategies to reduce their taxable income to $7,500, owing only $2,970 in tax. However, that’s not where the real magic happens… that comes next. Suppose tax reform is passed effective for all of 2017 and the highest individual tax rate is reduced to 33%. When the $2,500 of taxable income that was deferred from 2016 becomes taxable in 2017, it will now result in $825 of tax as opposed to the $990 which would have been owed had that income been taxed in 2016. That $165 difference is a permanent tax savings that will never have to be paid.

And what about any potential downside? Any reduction in tax rates at all, even if less than initially anticipated, produces permanent tax savings benefits. Furthermore, even if tax reform isn’t accomplished, $99 of tax has still been deferred from 2016 to 2017, and as previously mentioned $99 in 2017 is worth less than $99 in 2016.

The only real risk is if tax rates were to increase, and based on all the rhetoric that exists today, that seems highly unlikely.

The time for actionable tax planning is now. While the potential strategies are almost endless and dependent on each specific set of facts and circumstances, some of the more common ones include accelerating necessary capital expenditures, utilizing accelerated depreciation incentives, deducting eligible prepaid expenses, and contributing to qualified retirement accounts. However, each of these comes with their own set of rules and eligibility requirements.

Taxpayers should meet with their tax professional to review their current situation and determine what tax planning strategies to utilize to take advantage of any potential tax rate reductions.

Blake Crow is a Tax Senior Manager with Eide Bailly LLP. He provides tax planning and compliance services to business clients of all sizes. Additionally, he conducts tax research projects, authors taxation updates, and is a frequent presenter of current tax developments to both clients and staff.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 39

BUSINESS NEWS

Visitor Industry Updates MARKETING NOTABLES FOR 2016 Marketing initiatives in 2016 became more personalized and strategic for the Sioux Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB).

Goals were set to increase engagement, visitor travel and group sales bookings. Throughout the year the CVB saw tremendous growth in engagement with both written and video content. By the end of the year investments were made for necessary upgrades to visitsiouxfalls.com.

In 2016, the website saw a 22% increase in visits overall; nonlocal web traffic was up 80.4%, non-local organic traffic was up 83%, and planner visits were up 77%. Additionally, primary key performance indicators (KPI’s) were all up over the previous year.

Planner guide engagement was up 75.6%, visitor guide engagement was up 85.1%, emails collected were up 86.2%, and online bookings were up 80.3%.

In quarter one, the leisure cooperative marketing effort made possible through funds granted by the South Dakota Department of Tourism performed on par with previous years for pageviews and non-duplicated sweepstake entries. Persona-specific content created for foodies, shoppers, romantics, family travelers, explorers and adventurers resulted in record levels of engagement. The average time people spent on the landing page was over six minutes, 437% higher than the site average.

This was the second year of peak season cooperative leisure marketing efforts. The “We Are Here” in The Heart of America theme continued to establish Sioux Falls as travel destination. The hashtag #weareheresf was established as a brand message. Once again, content was created to drive engagement and showcase all of the fun things there are to do in Sioux Falls during a longer vacation in the summer. The landing page saw an increase of 8.4% pageviews over the previous year. The time on site was 208% higher than the website average. The result was that bookings during the campaign from March to June were up 224%.

Strategic cooperative efforts with Brand USA allowed the CVB to target international visitors. The markets included Germany, France, Spain and Central America. Display efforts in January and February generated 13.4 million impressions and nearly 70,000 clicks. In the spring, the campaign included digital and print efforts and generated over 4.5 million impressions, with the global

40 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2017

activation element through Expedia generating over 341,000 impressions, 648 room nights, and $91,770 in gross revenue.

Promotion of a newly branded Sioux Falls French video generated over 354,000 impressions.

For the first time, leisure marketing and group sales marketing branding elements were merged. The “why we are here” message helped increase awareness of Sioux Falls as a host city for meetings, conventions, sports and group tours. New content was developed with the goal of funneling planners through three stages: awareness and branding, engagement, and conversions.

Planners were targeted in Colorado Springs, Chicago, Washington D.C., and Minneapolis. The campaign drove over 3.6 million impressions and over 23,000 clicks. The new content pushed the average time on page to over three minutes, 145% higher than the website average.

Social media efforts bettered the previous year’s gains. In 2016 Visit Sioux Falls gained 4,329 likes on Facebook, more than triple the gain in likes in 2015. Instagram followers totaled 5,034 – more than double the previous year. YouTube views totaled 56,002, more than four times the previous year.

A successful year concluded with the release of some of the most complex videos developed by the CVB to date. The compilations included long-form, short-form, pre-roll, 360, and influencer driven videos. The long-form Sioux Falls Experience video went viral and was shared more than 2,300 times. An influencer video with Matador Network featuring local Wes Eisenhauer reached over 450,000 people. New 360 videos were shared over 830 times and seen by over 200,000 viewers across Facebook and YouTube. The website saw a corresponding 916% increase in Facebook referral traffic and 47% of all visitor guide engagement came from the same effort.

BUSINESS NEWS

CVB ENCOURAGES TOUR COMPANIES TO ADD SIOUX FALLS TO ITINERARIES Spring is the peak season for travel trade shows and the Sioux Falls CVB staff is active in promoting the city as a destination for group tours. CVB staff will participate in the annual National Tour Association (NTA) Travel Exchange trade show held Feb. 26 – March 1, 2017 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Jackie Wentworth, CVB Sales Manager for Group Tour and Leisure Travel, will meet with group tour operators from all over the United States and encourage them to include Sioux Falls in their travel itineraries. NTA provides a platform for Jackie to have prescheduled appointments with individual tour companies. She will meet with several that regularly travel to the Sioux Falls region to ensure their repeat business; however, the majority of time will be spent recruiting companies who have not yet traveled to Eastern South Dakota, introducing them to the attractions, wineries and breweries, restaurants and lodging opportunities in Sioux Falls.

Motor coach business makes up a large segment of the travel and tourism industry in the Midwest and with over 5,000 hotel rooms, Sioux Falls is indeed a player in providing a quality experience for that market.

PROFESSIONAL BULL RIDERS PLEDGES $25,000 TO SIOUX FALLS CHARITIES The Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Celebrate America Tour will visit Sioux Falls for the third consecutive year as the city prepares for the First PREMIER Bank PREMIER Bankcard Invitational at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center March 31 through April 2.

The Celebrate America Tour is a season-long initiative that supports local charitable causes, honors community heroes, and inspires youth across the nation. It includes in-market charitable activities and local celebrations that build on the PBR’s commitment to unite our country and honor those who defend it.

As part of this initiative and PBR THAW OUT DAYS, PBR has promised to donate a minimum of $25,000 to local Sioux Falls charities. The charities include Sanford Children’s Hospital, LifeScape, McCrossan Boys Ranch and Feeding South Dakota.

Each charity will use their donations to enrich their individual programs and specific focus.

“PBR has always been about bringing people together to enjoy a sport built upon traditional cowboy values,” said PBR CEO Sean Gleason. “Our goal is simple – to share these values, influence youth one child at a time, celebrate our heroes, and do our part to unite our nation.”

MARCH MADNESS TO TAKE OVER THE CITY Basketball tournaments will take over Sioux Falls over the course of the next several weeks. Tipping things off is the sixteen team NSIC Conference Basketball Tournament on Feb. 25-28 at the Sanford Pentagon. The Denny Sanford PREMIER Center will host the Summit League Basketball Championships March 4-7.

This marks the ninth consecutive year that Sioux Falls has hosted The Summit League Basketball Championships. The Class A High School Boys Basketball Tournament will be held the following week March 16-18, also at the PREMIER Center. Finally, the NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Elite 8 will be played March 22-25 at the Sanford Pentagon.

FALLS PARK VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER NUMBERS INCREASE OVER 2015 The Falls Park Visitor Information Center hosted 216,263 visitors in 2016, a 9% increase over 2015 and 15% increase over 2014. Visitors who entered the Visitor Information Center in 2015 totaled 197,065. The 2016 number of visitors is the largest increase year-over-year since 2001, and the total number of visitors is a record since opening in 2000. The Visitor Information Center is managed by the CVB. Visitors have the opportunity to sign an electronic guest book, but the actual count is taken as people enter the building. It is estimated that approximately one-third of the people visiting Falls Park actually enter the Visitor Information Center and/or sign the guest book.

Visitors who signed the guest book in 2016 have come from all 50 states and 68 foreign countries.

TOP 10 STATES:

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

TOP 10 COUNTRIES: 1. Canada 2. Germany 3. England 4. Mexico 5. Australia 6. France 7. Norway 8. Austria 9. China 10. Scotland

chambernews.com | Chamber News 41

BUSINESS NEWS

Disney expert Doug Lipp to speak at annual CVB Luncheon The Convention & Visitors Bureau’s 2017 Visitor Industry Luncheon will feature keynote speaker Doug Lipp, a leading consultant in helping organizations build strong cultures and brands.

The luncheon is scheduled for May 9 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.

Lipp is a distinguished consultant, business keynote speaker, eighttime business author and authority on building esteemed organizational cultures. Lipp became the head of the employee training team at Disney University at the age of 29 and is credited with helping Disney launch its first international theme park, Tokyo Disneyland.

Today, Lipp runs his own training and consulting firm, G. Douglas Lipp & Associates, which allows him to travel around the world delivering keynote presentations on the topics of public customer service and leadership.

The CVB’s annual Visitor Industry Luncheon is held each year during National Travel and Tourism Week. It brings together visitor industry professionals to celebrate all things travel and tourism related in Sioux Falls.

During the luncheon, the CVB will recognize their annual Visitor Industry Award winners. Award categories include Heart of the City Award, First Impressions Award, Business Award and Media Award.

More details regarding this year’s event and ticket information will be available in the coming weeks. Mark your calendars!

Doug Lipp

SAVE THE DATE 2017 VISITOR INDUSTRY LUNCHEON May 9, 2017 • Sioux Falls Convention Center Tickets available in March

United Way meets 2017 campaign goal The Sioux Empire United Way met its 2017 fundraising goal for the 22nd year straight. The goal for this year’s campaign was $10,364,041; the campaign closed at $10,370,395.

at 41 agencies across the Sioux Empire. One in three people benefit from Sioux Empire United Way partner programs each year.

“Sioux Empire United Way’s annual campaign is made possible through the great team work of area businesses, community volunteers, and our givers,” said 2017 Campaign Chair Jay Huizenga.

Among the funded programs this year is Delta Dental of SD’s Mobile Dental Program, which provides free dental care to children. The successful United Way campaign allows an additional 4 weeks of the service to be provided in Sioux Falls, serving an additional 100 students.

The dollars raised during this year’s campaign will fund 87 different programs

“Meeting our campaign goal is exciting, but even more exciting is the work our

partner agencies will do with the funds,” said Huizenga. “Assisting in establishing permanent safe housing for families, providing food for children for the weekend, and caring for seniors with dementia are just a few examples of the services that will be available because of this successful campaign.”

To learn more about this year’s campaign, please visit seuw.org.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 42

BUSINESS NEWS

Members of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra perform under the direction of Delta David Gier.

South Dakota Symphony Orchestra selected for Music Alive Residency Program The South Dakota Symphony Orchestra (SDSO) and American Indian composer Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate are one of only five composer and orchestra pairs selected to participate in Music Alive, a national three-year composer-orchestra residency program of the League of American Orchestras and New Music USA. The SDSO and Tate have a history of working together, beginning with the 2009 commission of Waktegli Olowaŋ (Victory Songs), sung in Lakota, based on five Sioux Warriors. The piece is part of the Lakota Music Project, a program of the SDSO aimed at addressing state-wide issues of race relations. Tate’s Music Alive residency will focus on realizing the Phase III of the SDSO Lakota Music Project, which includes in-depth residency in a small number of South Dakota locations.

“The SDSO strives to build bridges in our community and across the state and region with the goal of connecting people through music. Of creating understanding through sharing something we all love,” said SDSO Music Director Delta David Gier. “Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate has already played an integral role in our Lakota Music Project. This new partnership will allow the orchestra to impact the communities we serve in even more significant ways.”

The Music Alive residency includes a $220,000 cash gift to support the program.

It comes on the heels of another significant award for SDSO – the $400,000 Bush Prize for Community Innovation.

SDSO Executive Director Jennifer Boomgarden states that the recent awards are an affirmation of the organization’s efforts to engage the broader community and region.

“Through these awards, the SDSO’s innovaJEROD TATE tive service to its unique community is being recognized both regionally and nationally. The financial support allows us to continue moving forward with new initiatives and programs that will positively impact our communities.”

Only five orchestra and composers pairings were selected nationwide to receive this award. The other four orchestras are located in Saint Paul, Berkeley, Champaign-Urbana, and Philadelphia.

chambernews.com | Chamber News 43

BUSINESS NEWS

DeWald to be honored by SME Long-time local businessman Bernie DeWald is the 2017 South Dakota Sales & Marketing Executive of the Year. The award is sponsored

by Sales & Marketing Executives of Sioux Falls (SME) and will be presented to DeWald at the SME Excellence Awards event on Feb. 28, 2017 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.

Tickets are $50 each or free for SME members. The social begins at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit smesiouxfalls.org.

Born on the family farm in Hutchinson Country, South Dakota, DeWald graduated

from Tripp High School and joined the U.S. Army in December 1956. Following training, he spent eighteen months in the Panama Canal Zone, serving with the 517th Military Police Stockade as a company clerk. He was discharged in December 1958, and went on to join the Tripp National Guard. Upon being injured in a military accident, he spent over a month in the VA Hospital in Sioux Falls, receiving a medical discharge from the National Guard.

DeWald enrolled in Nettleton College and upon graduation took a position with McKinney & Allen Insurance, starting as a company underwriter on May 1, 1960.

Over the course of a fifty-six year long career, DeWald worked his way from underwriter to sales to serving as President of McKinney Allen, Inc. from 1990 to 2004, and finally to his current role as Chairman of the Board of what is now McKinneyOlson Insurance.

Friends describe DeWald as having a passion to help others by being truthful, a good

listener, and providing solutions that truly meet the needs of others – traits which have contributed to his successful career.

DeWald has demonstrated a commitment to the city of Sioux Falls by serving on a number of civic and non-profit organizations over the years. The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, SME Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls Jaycees, Sioux Empire United Way and Junior Achievement are just some of the numerous organizations that have benefited from his leadership. Each public service commitment is punctuated by DeWald’s longevity – in many instances his involvement spans over five decades. Never one to just show up, DeWald has always been instrumental in bringing new ideas to each organization as well as a willingness to take on new challenges and leadership roles.

DeWald has been married to his wife Rose for 52 years, and they have two children, Wendy Jo and Jonathan, and three grandchildren.

Make-A-Wish South Dakota requests unused airline miles Make-A-Wish® South Dakota will hold their sixth annual Wishes in Flight campaign on March 2, 2017. The campaign encourages South Dakotans to donate their unused airline miles to Make-A-Wish. Donated miles enable the chapter to grant travel wishes to kids across the state facing lifethreatening medical conditions.

Air travel is the largest expense of the chapter’s annual wish budget and donated miles help to offset the costs of granting travel wishes. Once the miles are donated, they never expire and 100 percent of the donated miles stay in South Dakota. Over the last five years more than 10 million miles have been donated, saving the organization thousands of dollars in airfare each year.

44 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2017

More than 70 percent of the wishes granted by Make-A-Wish require air travel.

Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL, remains the most popular travel destination, Hawaii is second and other wish trips take kids all over the country and even the world.

“Wishes are life-changing for the sick kids and families we serve” said Paul Krueger, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish South Dakota. “Travel wishes give families time to be together where they can focus on being a family, rather than treatment, hospital stays and whatever illness the child is facing.”

Wishes in Flight is a statewide campaign and is locally sponsored by KSFY-TV, Five Star Call Center and Midco.

Miles will accepted by phone on March 2 by calling 1(800) 640-9198. Miles can also be donated any time online at southdakota.wish.org. A minimum donation of 1,000 miles is required for Delta and 500 miles for United. To expedite the process, you need to have your account number and know exactly how many miles you would like to donate.

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.

Athletico Physical Therapy

3320 S. SYCAMORE AVE., #150 athletico.com Athletico Physical Therapy provides progressive outpatient rehabilitation services that emphasizes patient education and prevention of future injury. L to R: Nathan Stallinga, Tim Sturdevant, Sarah Irey, Ernie Christensen (regional manager/physical therapist), Kelly Grovijahn, Darci Hustrulid and Catherine Anthony.

NEW MEMBER

Boss’ Pizza and Chicken

2111 S. MINNESOTA AVE. bosspizzaandchicken.com Boss’ Pizza and Chicken is an excellent choice for pizza, pasta, chicken, appetizers and dessert from lunchtime until late night.

L to R: Nathan Stallinga, Mayor Mike Huether, James Payer II, Nathan Hults, Jeremy Seefeldt (owner), Mike Hauck, April Meyerink and Liz Kettler.

NEW MEMBER

Call to Freedom

601 S. PHILLIPS AVE., #105 calltofreedom.org Call to Freedom is providing supportive services to victims of human trafficking. L to R: Susan Omanson, Nathan Stallinga, Jered Schock, Cathy Crisp, Sheryl Barnett (client services director), Deb Peterson, Becky Rasmussen (executive director), Mike Hauck and Darrell Omanson.

NEW MEMBER

Dakota Vision Center

5418 E. ARROWHEAD PKWY. dakotavisioncenter.com Dakota Vision Center provides primary vision care, contact lenses, vision therapy and an optical retail store including a large selection of contemporary frames to match any lifestyle.

L to R: Larry Ayres, Dan Doyle, Jason Doud, Nathan Stallinga, Joel Quist, OD (optometrist), Ryan Schneider and Trisha Sampson.

NEW MEMBER

chambernews.com | Chamber News 45

RIBBON CUTTINGS Edgewood Prairie Crossings

EXPANSION

1806 S. DOROTHY AVE. edgewoodseniorliving.com Edgewood Prairie Crossings is an assisted living and short term care community that offers all the amenities of senior care with the comforts of a homelike environment. L to R: Natalie Nagle, Mayor Mike Huether, Marty DesLauriers, Bobbi Thury, Brandy Fiala (area marketing manager), Rich Ostert (region 1 vice president), Nathan Stallinga, Kristin Hoefert, Kristin Richardson, Brad Nelson, Melissa DeWall and Adam Mikkelsen.

Fair Tax, Inc.

1727 S. CLEVELAND AVE. fairtaxinc.com Fair Tax, Inc. offers tax preparation, payroll and bookkeeping services. L to R: Sherri Alvey, Nancy Van Otterloo, Cathy Crisp, Erin Schoenbeck, Laurie Knutson, Hannah Alvey, Jeff Alvey (president), Nathan Stallinga, Dave Eiesland and Jon Alvey.

NEW LOCATION

A GOOD BANK CAN HELP YOU ACCOUNT FOR YOUR BOTTOM LINE.

A GOOD RELATIONSHIP

CAN HELP YOU ACCOUNT FOR FOR YOUR DREAMS. David Olson

General Manager/Owner The Original Kimball Popcorn Ball

AccountForYourDreams.com 46 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2017

“Our plan was bigger than life.

First Dakota knew that we believed in it, and they believed in us.”

RIBBON CUTTINGS Juna Sleep Systems

1204 W. 41ST ST. junasleep.com Sleep with the best for less! Juna offers a 120 night risk free trial and a lifetime comfort commitment. L to R: Chase Jensen, Megan Myers, Myriah Ventura, Amy O’Connor Hoback, Justin Waggoner (founder/owner), Mike Hauck, Nathan Stallinga and Chris Baker.

NEW LOCATION

Kids’ Chance of South Dakota

300 S. MAIN AVE. kidschanceofsd.org Kids’ Chance of South Dakota provides scholarships to children whose parents have been injured or killed in work incidents.

L to R: Daschle Larsen, Laurie Knutson, Larry Klaahsen, Mike McKnight (president), Gita Hendricks, Rick Orr, Jay Soukup, and Nathan Stallinga.

NEW MEMBER

chambernews.com | Chamber News 47

RIBBON CUTTINGS Limestone, Inc

5015 S. CROSSING PL., STE. 110 limestonesd.com Limestone, Inc. provides peace, hope and efficiency by building trust in professional partnerships through their bookkeeping services.

L to R: Mike Hauck, Cory Weeden, Nathan Stallinga, Tom Parker, Steve Mix (president), Daren Anderson, Amy O’Connor Hoback and Jeff Kirstein.

NEW LOCATION

Look At Me Children’s Consignment, LLC

NEW MEMBER

1014 W. 41ST ST. lookatmechildrens.com Look At Me Children’s Consignment provides gently used, freshly cleaned children’s clothing, shoes, baby equipment, books, toys, DVD’s and more. L to R: Sabrina Doolittle, Chris Filsinger, Derrick Karsky, Nathan Stallinga, Sheri Jordan (owner), Tim Sturdevant, Allen Jordan, Shawna Kleinwolterink, Maria Vandewalle and Jared Swartzbaugh.

33rd ANNUAL

SIOUX

FALLS Day at the

LEGISLATURE

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 22, 2017 Join us for this annual all-day trip to Pierre!

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

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

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

48 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2017

RIBBON CUTTINGS Sioux Falls Sno Jam Comedy Festival

siouxfallssnojamcomedyfest.com Sioux Falls Sno Jam Comedy Festival is an annual comedy festival benefitting local nonprofits. This year’s festival is February 16-18. L to R: Nathan Stallinga, Nathan Hults, Dan Bublitz, Jr. (owner/producer), Tracy Munce, Dan Doyle, Lynda Billars and Patrick Engel.

NEW MEMBER

Stensland Family Farms Ice Cream & Country Store

NEW MEMBER

3101 W. 41ST ST. #109 stenslandfamilyfarms.com Stensland Family Farms is local and family owned. Fresh “Farm to Table” dairy products are available at their farm store in Larchwood, IA, as well as their Sioux Falls location, which includes fresh hand dipped ice cream. L to R: Mark Stensland, Liz Lloyd, Nathan Stallinga, Doug Stensland (owner), Mike Hauck, Mona Stensland, James Payer II, Erin Schoenbeck and Leah Moller (owner).

Better Banking Sweet Thinking.

CH Patisserie has introduced Sioux Falls to a world-class selection of European-style delights.

The downtown shop feels lifted from New York or Paris.

The reception has been sweet. “Security National Bank had faith in me and my dream of owning my own very specialized business,” said Chris Hanmer, Owner.

That’s what Better Banking is all about.

Security National Bank’s Business Bankers understand great ideas.

Call Mark Lovre 605-977-9000

Mark Lovre, VP Commercial Services

Chris Hanmer, Owner

74TH & SOUTH LOUISE

snbsd.com

26TH ST & I-29

chambernews.com | Chamber News 49

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 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.

FOUNDING MEMBER

50 YEARS

Beverages-Wholesale chesterman.com Member Since 1907

Beverages-Wholesale dakotabeverage.com

Coca-Cola Bottling Company

Dakota Beverage Company, Inc.

FIRST-YEAR MEMBERS WHO REINVESTED IN THEIR OCTOBER ANNIVERSARY MONTH

All States Concrete Cutting SD Inc.

Kore Cares Home Health Care korecares.com

LegalShield Independent Associate - Nathan Meyerink

Concordance Healthcare Solutions

30 YEARS

Concrete Sawing/Drilling/Demolition allstatesconcretecutting.com

Legal Services nmeyerink.legalshieldassociate.com

Medical Supplies concordancehealthcare.com Member Since 1907

Claritus

Mailing Equipment & Supplies claritus.com

Ascend Financial

LOL Photo Booth, LLC

Thrivent Financial Loren C. Boyens & Mark A. Schlueter

Financial Services toascend.net

Entertainment lolphotobooth2.com

Beautycounter

Partner Medical Home Care

George Boom Funeral Home & Cremation Services Funeral Directors georgeboom.com Member Since 1919

Financial Services facebook.com/loren.boyens facebook.com/mark.schlueter.thrivent

Getty Abstract & Title Company

20 YEARS

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

Managed Care oharallc.com

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

70 YEARS

Monarch Sales Company, Inc. Promotional Products monarch-sales.com

Taylor Oil Co., Inc. Oils-Fuel gsfw.com

OHARA, LLC

15 YEARS

Home Medical Equipment partnermedicalhc.net

Bryan Wiseman General Contracting, Inc.

Sprik Financial Group

Contractors-General

Cetera Services Association Management ceteraservices.com

Steak-Out Char-Broiled Delivery

Franz Digital/ Dakota Blueprinting

Restaurants steakout.com

Drafting & Engineering franzpro.com

10 YEARS

G & H Distributing, Inc.

The Community Outreach Associate Member thecommunityoutreach.org

NCDS (National Community Development Services, Inc.) Associate Member ncdsinc.net

5 YEARS

Industrial Equipment & Supply ghdistributing.com

Gregg’s Substation Restaurants greggssubstation.com

inSKribe Content Writing/Copy Writing inskribellc.com

American Diabetes Association

Jacky’s Restaurant

Associate Member diabetes.org

JuliAna’s Boutique LeFemme

The Funding Farm Associate Member thefundingfarm.com

The Home Depot

Restaurants Women’s Apparel-Retail siouxfallsboutique.com

Juna Sleep Systems Mattress/Bedding Retail junasleep.com

Home Improvement-Retail homedepot.com

Juranek Home Improvement Co.

Waste Management of South Dakota, Inc.

Contractor-Remodel juranekhomeimprovement.com

Garbage & Recycling Service wmsouthdakota.com

50 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2017

Associate Member beautycounter.com/sarahvanderpol

Financial Services sprikfinancial.com

The New Colossus Associate Member thenewcolossus.org

Toppers Pizza Restaurants toppers.com

University of South Dakota (USD) Discovery District Associate Member usddiscovery.com

Wheeler Tank Manufacturing, Inc. Tanks-Manufacturers wheelertank.com

Windwalker Transportation & Warehousing Transportation windwalkertransportation.com

Wings Gymnastics Academy Gymnastics Instruction wingsgym.com

WoodGrain Brewing Company Brewers woodgrainbrew.com

Woofs & Waves Pet Shops & Supplies woofsandwaves.com

Total Unique Browsers 7,803,925 browsers

Mobile Content

Our 52% Traffic Your Results 16,981,918 pageviews

UP

8%

YOY

UP

YOY

Featured Content

(stories, galleries, video) 31,000,669 pageviews

January - October, 2016 Argusleader.com Results

Strong targeted numbers with engagement will make your business grow Total Traffic More than

UP

63 MM

24%

pageviews

YOY

ALMediaSolutions

@_ALMSolutions

A.L. Media Solutions

To learn more go to almediasolutions.com/blog or for more information Contact us at 605-331-2349 chambernews.com | Chamber News 51

MEMBERSHIP

New Members

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.

AMA Coins

Liberty Tax Services

Coins Dar Makram, (605) 321-9195 PO Box 542, Tea, SD 57064 amacoins.com

Tax Services Crystal J. Carlson, (605) 334-4545 2005 S. Minnesota Ave., 57105 libertytax.com

The Barrel House

Merge Recruiting, LLC

Restaurants Jesse Severson & Jeren Melius, (605) 271-7553 4701 E. 54th St., 57110 thebarrelhouse.com

Employment Agencies Brady Lynch, (605) 351-5586 101 S. Phillips Ave. #513, 57104 mergerecruiting.com/siouxfalls

Dynamic Spine Chiropractic Health Center

Nature’s Way Juice Bar

Chiropractors, DC Dr. Jeff Watson, (605) 275-4494 5023 S. Bur Oak, 57108 dynamicspinehealth.com

Hom Furniture/Gabberts Design Studio Furniture-Retail Mandy Bennett, (605) 330-9333 2601 S. Louise #200, 57106 homfurniture.com

KeySolutions EAP Employee Assistance Programs Lori Williamson, (605) 334-5850 3800 S. Kiwanis Ave., 57103 keysolutionseap.com

52 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2017

Juice Bar Sage Sisson, (605) 271-3353 2604 S. Louise Ave., 57106

Nelson Commercial Real Estate Dan Hindbjorgen Affiliate - Real Estate Dan Hindbjorgen, (605) 338-0060 3308 S. Kiwanis Ave., 57105 ncommercial.com

Prairie Family Business Association Associate Member Stephanie Larscheid, (605) 274-9531 4801 N. Career Ave., Ste. 236, 57107 fambus.org

Sioux Falls Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol Associate Member MAJ Todd Epp, (605) 351-5021 3401 N. Aviation Lane, 57104 sfcs.sdcap.us

Sunderland Brothers of South Dakota Tile Joe Dubsky, (605) 550-4998 27210 Huck Finn Cir., Harrisburg, SD 57032 sunderlands.com

Wags N Whiskers Pet Grooming Toni Connors, (605) 371-3500 6805 S. Louise Ave., 57108 wagsnwhiskerssf.com

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 Jodi Fick Jodi Fick was appointed as the Director of Siouxland Libraries in December 2016.

She has been employed with the organization since it was formed in 1995. Prior to then she was the Assistant Director for Minnehaha County Rural Public Library.

MCRPL merged with Sioux Falls Public Library in 1995 to create Siouxland Libraries.

Jodi grew up in Mobridge and graduated from Augustana College with a degree in English and Secondary Education. She earned a Masters degree in Library and Information Management from Emporia State University in Kansas. Jodi lives on a farm near Luverne, MN and has commuted into Sioux Falls for nearly 30 years.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT SIOUX FALLS? I appreciate the variety of things there are to do in Sioux Falls. I especially enjoy going to performances at the Washington Pavilion. The great plays and concerts that come to our city are amazing.

WHAT IS ONE OF SIOUX FALLS’ BEST-KEPT SECRETS? JODI FICK

Siouxland Libraries

Siouxland Libraries! When I talk about the library and what all happens here, people are amazed. Yes, the library is still books and storytimes. But it is so much more! A few things that people are surprised about include Trivia Night, art exhibits at the Downtown Library, delivery service of children’s books to in-home daycares and free eBooks, streaming music and movies. You can find out more about all we offer at siouxlandlib.org.

WHAT IS THE BEST THING THE CHAMBER DOES FOR THE SIOUX FALLS AREA? The best thing is the support and promotion of businesses and organizations. There is a definite focus on making the community better for all.

WHAT IS ONE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT YOU SUPPORT AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO YOU? I support 4-H. When my children were young, I wanted them to be in an activity that we could do as a family so we joined 4-H. At that time, I had no idea what an influence this program would be. 4-H is the largest youth development organization in the U.S. and the programs are designed to teach kids life skills, confidence, leadership, and compassion with hands-on projects. In 4-H, my children learned how to evaluate their work, how to conduct meetings, and how to make an impact on their community.

WHAT ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW? Everything I Never Told You, by Celeste Ng. (I listen to most books during my daily drive.)

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.

Pictured left is Charles McCaffree, leader of the Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce in the early 1920s. McCaffree authored the article pictured above for a local booklet promoting Sioux Falls in March of 1924. Documents and images are housed at Siouxland Heritage Museum’s archive.

Early leadership charted the course for Sioux Falls Chamber The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce began in 1907, and was at that time called the Commercial Club of Sioux Falls. The Club was run solely by volunteers until 1909 when its Board approved the hiring of the first paid staff member. Given the title of “Secretary” the position paid approximately $2,000 annually.

Growth of the Club and the city slowed down during the course of World War I, but quickly picked up steam again as the country emerged from war. Sioux Falls was the largest city and distributing center for 500 miles north and west. People were beginning to take notice, relocating their businesses and families to the area. By 1920, the city and its citizens were energized with a renewed sense of pride in their “Queen City.” It was at this time that the Club changed its name to the Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce.

Charles McCaffree served as the Chamber’s Secretary in the early 1920’s (this position is now called President & CEO). He penned an article titled “Sioux Falls Business Center of South Dakota” in which he outlined the case for Sioux Falls as the business and economic center of the tristate region. The article includes specifics on the strong

54 Chamber News | FEBRUARY 2017

performance of agriculture, banking, real estate development, manufacturing, wholesaling and retailing in the area.

In a separate article, McCaffree described the Chamber of Commerce as an organization open to all citizens that places emphasis on service to the community as a whole. He wrote, “The Chamber hopes to accomplish a valuable good for the city as a whole in its aspiration for better things as well as its physical and numerical growth.

It is successful to the extent that the citizens combine their efforts and give of their abilities.”

He then listed the specific areas that the Chamber would focus its efforts on for the near future. These include cooperating with farmers, developing the Stock Yards, improving highways, and advertising the city as a destination for both business and conventions. Now entering our 110th year, we find that McCaffree’s observation from a century ago still holds true. The success of our Chamber depends on the combined efforts and commitment of our members.

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