Chamber monitors summer studies on taxes and prison plans
Chamber retires Sioux Empire Livestock Show, looks to future agriculture programming
Building the future, together p. 34-37
Chamber monitors summer studies on taxes and prison plans p. 38
Chamber retires Sioux Empire Livestock Show, looks to future agriculture programming p. 41
Publisher
Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce
Chamber News Ad Sales For advertising information, call (605) 336-1620 or email chambernews@siouxfalls.com
Chamber News Layout/Design Kira Spaans
Chamber News Editor Jill Blom For editorial information, call (605) 336-1620
Chamber News is published by the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, 200 N . Phillips Ave , Suite 200, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Postmaster please send address changes to: Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce 200 N Phillips Ave , Suite 200, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Phone: (605) 336-1620
Email: gsfcc@siouxfalls com
Read online or find archived issues: issuu.com/siouxfallschamber chambernews.com
On the Cover
A view of the riverfront in downtown, including the iconic Arc of Dreams by South Dakota Artist Laureate Dale Lamphere. Photo by Jennaka Nelson.
2024-25 Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce leadership
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Chair Miles Beacom
PREMIER Bankcard
Chair-Elect
Tamien Dysart
Think 3D Solutions
Vice Chair
Dr. José-Marie Griffiths
Dakota State University
Treasurer Jason Herrboldt
First Bank & Trust
Immediate Past Chair
Scott Lawrence
Lawrence & Schiller, Inc.
Chamber President & CEO
Jeff Griffin
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Catherine Dekkenga
JLG Architects
Bill Gassen
Sanford Health
Mindy Kroll
Time Management Systems
Reggie Kuipers Bender Commercial Real Estate
Derrick Larson
Eide Bailly LLP
Jeff Lautt
POET
Tim Meagher
Vanguard Hospitality
Matt Paulson
MarketBeat
Dr. Ronald Place
Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center
Ryan Punt
SDN Communications
Jacob Quasney
Lloyd Companies
Vicki Stewart
Employment Disability Resources
Amy Stockberger
Amy Stockberger Real Estate
Candace VanLiere
George Boom Funeral Home &
On- Site Crematory
Selene Zamorano
SD Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
EX-OFFICIO
Kyle Groos
Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools
Dean Karsky
Minnehaha County Commission
Tiffani Landeen
Lincoln County Commission
Dr. Jamie Nold
Sioux Falls Public School System
Mayor Paul TenHaken
City of Sioux Falls
CHAMBER STAFF
Jeff Griffin
President & CEO
Jill Blom
Director of Marketing & Communications
Cory Buck
Chief Financial Officer
Brittany Hanson
Program Director, Forward Sioux Falls
Brooke Hendrickx
Agribusiness Manager
Pat Lund
Director of Member Relations
Jennaka Nelson
Communications Coordinator
Jaci Pieters
YPN Manager
Mitch Rave
Vice President of Public Policy
Carly Reinders
Director of Member Experience
Parker Rieffenberger
Member Relations Coordinator
Teresa Schreier
Events Manager
Susan Seachris
Accounting Manager
Eric Siemers
Sales Manager
Kira Spaans
Graphics & Communications
Specialist
Ellen Swanson
Administrative Assistant
Aaron Vlasman
Public Policy Manager
Miles Beacom
PREMIER Bankcard 2024-25 Chair of the Board
I can’t believe the calendar says September. I also can’t believe this is my last month as Chair of the Board for the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, and it has been a true honor. It’s been a great year, and I have enjoyed connecting with many of you. Thank you for all you do for our great city.
When reflecting on what has helped fuel the growth of Sioux Falls, and what is necessary for continued growth, I think of these three organizations:
Our generosity in this town is strong, but we all need to help the Sioux Empire United Way (SEUW) meet and exceed its yearly campaign goals. As a low-tax state and city, we do not have the government funds to meet all the needs in our area. The Sioux Empire comprises of communities in Lincoln, McCook, Minnehaha and Turner counties. Last year, we collectively raised more than $9 million to support 74 programs. That’s impressive. But just think how much more impressive it would be if we all gave a little more.
In 2025, there were only 16,003 total SEUW donors. Our goal should be to double that number. Sioux Falls has an estimated 100,000 households. If we could double our donors for the 2026 campaign, imagine the difference we could make. Giving your time is just as important. The SEUW has a full-time staff of nine people and a volunteer army of nearly 900. If you can’t commit financial resources, please consider giving your time.
Forward Sioux Falls provides us, as business leaders, with the opportunity to pool our resources and develop strategies that drive economic growth. Started by the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce and the Sioux Falls Development Foundation in 1987, this innovative initiative has paid huge dividends. The first campaign brought in more than 6,000 jobs and more than $250 million in capital investment. As you will read in this issue, that was just the beginning of an incredibly successful run. I believe Forward Sioux Falls is key to our continued growth and highlights how important it is to get and stay involved in our community’s economic development.
What a privilege it has been to serve as Chair of the Board this past year. I have seen firsthand how the spirit of collaboration and cooperation has propelled Sioux Falls to one of the best cities for economic and job growth in the country. The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce is at the center of it all. That’s our secret sauce. It will continue to be the key for us to prosper in the future.
So, as I close out my year as Chair of the Board, I want to issue the same challenge I did at the beginning: Be generous, care about others, do the right thing, lift people up, work together and keep pushin’ on to make Sioux Falls even better.
God bless!
Congratulations to these businesses that have achieved milestone anniversaries of their Chamber membership. These milestones represent a continued commitment to building our community through their investment in the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce.
40 years
Mahlander's, Inc. Electronics & Appliances mahlanders.com
30 years
Sioux Falls Jaycees Associate Member siouxfallsjaycees.org
25 years
Omnitech, Inc. Computer Sales & Service omnitech-inc.com
20 years Pixelbox Telecommunications pixelboxproductions.com
South Dakota Newspaper Association Publications sdna.com
15 years
BTC Trust Company of South Dakota Trust Companies bankerstrust.com
Empower Sioux Falls Associate Member sfministrycenter.org
Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort Gaming grandfallscasinoresort.com
RMB Associates, LLC Investing paradigm-construction.com
10 years
4D Design + Consulting Architecture 4ddesignconsulting.com
American State Bank Banks ambankiowa.com
Amy Stockberger Real Estate Real Estate - Residential amystockberger.com
Friends of the Big Sioux River Associate Member friendsofthebigsiouxriver.org
Get N Go #22 Drug & Convenience Stores getngo.com
LongView Financial Solutions, LLC Financial Services longview-financial.com
MacKenzie River Pizza, Grill & Pub Restaurants mackenzieriverpizza.com
Mid States Audio & Video Technology Services midstatesav.com
Teresa Jackson & Associates, Inc. Marketing & Design Services
5 years
Dakota CPA, PLLC Certified Public Accountants dakota.cpa
Hegg Realtors - Heather Elrod Affiliate - Real Estate heatherelrod.hegg.com
Hyatt Place Sioux Falls South Hotels & Motels hyatt.com
Quality Telecommunications Technology Services triviewquality.com
ABC Supply Co., Inc. Building Materials abcsupply.com
Advise to Build, Inc. Architecture advisetobuild.com
Ames Construction Contractors amesconstruction.com
Canopy by Hilton Sioux Falls Downtown Hotels & Motels canopybyhilton.com/siouxfallsdowntown
Dakota Institute Business Consulting dakotainstitute.org
Dakota Mattress Ventures Retail - Specialty mattressfirm.com
DCH Digital Community Holdings Marketing/Advertising Agencies dch.com
Fortune Logistics, LLC Trucking & Transit fortunetransportation.com
FSS MANAGEMENTFive Star Storage Moving & Storage Services fivestarstorage.biz
Hoogendoorn Construction Contractors hoogendoornconstruction.com
IGNITE Infrared Fitness Studio Fitness Health & Recreation ignitefitness.studio
Joy Wealth Management Financial Planning joywealthmanagement.com
KAJ Hospitality Hotels & Motels kajhospitality.com
Kinetico Water Systems Beverages - Wholesale kineticosiouxfalls.com
Prairie Road Yarn Retail - Specialty prairieroadyarn.com
Scherer Inc. Manufacturing & Production schererinc.com
SERVPRO of Sioux Falls Contractors servprowestsiouxfalls.com
Sioux Empire IT Services IT Consulting siouxempireit.com
South Dakota Parkinson Foundation Associate Member southdakotaparkinson.org
Women of the Armed Forces Associate Member wotafsf.org
Yellow Brick Road Counseling & Therapy
Mental Health & Counseling holly-merrick-liston.clientsecure.me
A complete list of Chamber members can be found in the Member Directory at siouxfallschamber.com
These businesses and individuals have recently joined the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce. We welcome them to Chamber membership and encourage you to do the same.
Precious Pets
Pet Boarding
Trevor Gunlicks, (605) 332-3305 3740 S. Grange Ave., 57105 preciouspetssd.com
Service First Federal Credit Union Credit Unions
Jessica Rederth, (605) 336-1047 3901 E. 10th St., 57103 servicefirstfcu.org
Clarion Pointe Sioux Falls Airport
Hotels & Motels
Marcy Versteeg, (605) 336-1900 5410 N. Granite Lane, 57107 choicehotels.com
The Agency Recruiting
Employment Agency
Kassidy Kann, (213) 341-2114
5016 E. 57th St., 57110 theagencyrecruiting.com
Vinyahd Restaurant Group Restaurants
Riccardo and Marybeth Tarabelsi, (605) 271-0814
322 E. 8th St., 57103 rwinebar.com
Business Consulting
Andy Jorgensen, (605) 940-0615
3101 W. 41st St., Suite 207E, 57106 edgeteam.io
American Cancer Society
Nonprofit - Health & Wellness
Hillary Sosinski, (605) 705-3978 P.O. Box 1146, 57101 cancer.org
Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More
Retail - Specialty
Ethan Corbin, (605) 305-4800
3505 W. 41st St., 57106 bigfrog.com/siouxfalls
Bill Thompson State Farm Insurance
Insurance & Benefits
Bill Thompson, (605) 339-2520
603 W. 41st St., 57105 billinsuresyou.com
Caribou Coffee
Coffee Shops
Thor Bardon
1830 W. Empire Pl., 57106 cariboucoffee.com
Carrier Access IT
IT Consulting
Tyler Bowden, (608) 395-4414 carrieraccessit.com
Crane Sales and Service - Sioux Falls
Construction Equipment
Eric Genzlinger, (605) 978-1172
3516 W. Hovland Dr., 57107 cranesalesandservice.com
Doggy Den Suites
Pet Boarding
Ann Anderson, (605) 400-2339
3520 S. Gateway Lane, 57108 doggydensuites.com
Eastgate Towing and Storage, Inc.
Auto Repair & Services
Beth Ramm, (605) 334-3160
2904 E. Rice St., 57103 eastgatetowingandstorage.com
Egg On A Roll
Restaurants
Rory Kelly, (605) 705-3878
5005 S. Western Ave., Suite 140, 57108 eggonaroll.com
Fig Tales
Bakery/Sweets
Stacie Suedkamp, (612) 424-1276 figtales.com
Kids 2 College Furniture
Home Furnishings
Traci Cavanaugh, (605) 275-4142 1703 W. 41st St., 57105 kids2collegefurniture.com
Lidel Construction
Contractors
Chris Lidel, (605) 335-7834
5621 W. 9th St., 57107 lidelconstruction.com
Miss Fox Photography
Photography - Sound & Video
Maria Holey, (712) 338-0422
New Directions Down
Syndrome Association
Nonprofit - Community
Laura Hanson, (605) 610-8026 P.O. Box 90712, 57109 newdirectionsdsa.com
O'Day Equipment
Industrial Equipment & Supply
Hailee Wieland, (800) 654-6329 800 N. Weber Ave., 57103 odayequipment.com
Perch, LLC
Restaurants
Alex Halbach, (605) 271-1652 100 S. Grange Ave., 57105 eatatperch.com
Pinnacle Insurance Group, LLC
Insurance & Benefits
Dixie Obbink, (605) 900-6737 4320 S. Louise Ave., Suite 103, 57106 pinnacleins605.com
Plectrum Solutions
Business Consulting
Nahom Welday, (605) 838-2724 plectrumsolutions.com
Raffiti Media
Marketing/Advertising Agencies
Scott Simson, (214) 534-2598 raffitimedia.com
Reactiv Cleaning Solutions
Cleaning Services
Jerrid Bruyer, (605) 650-8558
424 Shadow Creek Dr., Harrisburg, SD 57032 reactivcleaning.com
Resilience Chiropractic & Rehab
Chiropractor
Payton Birkel D.C., (605) 496-9656
7520 S. Grand Arbor Ct., Suite 115, 57108 resilience-chiropractic.com
RPO Global
Business Support Services
Kyle Meyer, (952) 297-6361 rpo-global.com
So Dak Commercial Cleaning, LLC
Cleaning Services
Mirela Besic-Zdionica, (605) 376-4350 4606 E. 61st St., 57108
SoundMind Neurofeedback and Psychotherapy
Mental Health & Counseling
Brenda Hansen-Mayer, (605) 368-3220 5625 S. Southeastern Ave., 57108 soundmindsf.com
South Dakota Trade Association
Business Consulting
Jesse Fonkert 150 E. 4th Pl., Suite 800, 57104 southdakotatrade.com
Yonutz
Bakery/Sweets
Kim Cerwick, (605) 366-2282 2802 W. 41st St., 57105 yonutz.com
ZenBusiness
Business Consulting (844) 493-6249 zenbusiness.com/south-dakota-llc
If you are interested in joining the Chamber, call us at (605) 336-1620. We’d love to add you to our list of members!
For a current listing of all Chamber and YPN events, visit our website or read the weekly Quickly email from the Chamber. To register and pay for events, visit siouxfallschamber.com or siouxfallsypn.com.
FEATURED EVENTS
4–6 p.m.
$5 OR USE YOUR
SEP 9 TUE SPONSORED BY:
Great Bear Ski Valley, 5901 E. Rice St.
Expand your professional network at the September Membership mixer! Whether you're a long-time member or new to the community, this event is a fantastic opportunity to engage with other people in the Sioux Falls business community. Complimentary appetizers and cash bar will be available.
Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce 119th Annual Meeting
OCT 14 TUE
$100 A TICKET OR $1,000 FOR A TABLE
5–9 p.m.
Sioux Falls Convention Center, 1201 N. West Ave.
This year’s Chamber Annual Meeting embraces the theme Amplify: Values in action. Future in focus., highlighting our commitment to core values while embracing the opportunities ahead. Incoming Board Chair Tamien Dysart of Think 3D Solutions will share keynote remarks offering reflections aligned with the theme and inspiring a bold vision for the year. Register online at siouxfallschamber.com.
YPN Focus Workshop: Healthy Conflict Resolution — How to Fight Fair Noon–1 p.m. Virtual
Whether you're dealing with tension in the office or tough talks at home, this session will equip you with tools to lean in with courage, communicate with clarity and walk away with stronger relationships. We’ll explore when to speak up, where to have those hard conversations and how to do it with honesty, humility and respect. Presented by Luke Roorda, South Dakota Air National Guard. Registration required.
4–5 p.m.
Chamber of Commerce, 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200
Party planners and extroverts, this team is for you! The Social Action Team plans all YPN networking and social events such as Off the Clock, Morning Buzz, Power Lunch and many others.
Forward Sioux Falls IX Public Phase Campaign Kickoff
8:30–9:30 a.m.
Southeast Technical College, The HUB, 2001 N. Career Ave.
Be part of the Forward Sioux Falls IX kickoff, where business, civic and community leaders come together to unveil the 2026–2031 program and share how we’ll keep driving growth and opportunity for our region.
Chamber Golf Tournament — hosted by the Agribusiness Division
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort 1415 Grand Falls Blvd.
The Agribusiness Advisory Council invites you to participate in one last golf outing of the 2025 season! Join fellow Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce members for a day of fun, sun and 18 holes of golf!
Pickleball Tournament
6–9 p.m.
Huether Family Match Pointe, 4210 N. Bobhalla Dr.
Join fellow young professionals for our second annual YPN Pickleball Tournament! No need to be a pro — everyone is welcome to come and enjoy some friendly competition. This is a fantastic opportunity to network, have fun and stay active.
YPN Golf Tournament
9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Elmwood Golf Course, 2604 W. Russell St.
Join fellow young professionals for an afternoon of fun, sun and 18 holes of golf at Elmwood Golf Course for the 16th Annual YPN Golf Tournament! No need to be a pro — young professionals of all skill levels are welcome to play and spend the afternoon networking with each another. The best part? Prizes will be awarded at the post-party event, immediately following the golf tournament.
YPN Off the Clock
Hosted by EAPC
4:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
EAPC, 525 N. Weber Ave.
Join us for the September Off the Clock for a chance to network, make new friends and connect with other professionals in a relaxed setting. No registration required — just show up and encourage other young professionals or colleagues to join you.
Hosted by Jans Corporation
7:30–9 a.m.
Jans Corporation, 4700 N. Westport Ave.
Start your day by making a new connection. Drop by for a cup of coffee and conversation with other members of the business community.
at Graco Inc.
4–5 p.m.
Graco Inc., 3401 N. 4th Ave.
YPN Community Connections Tours offer a unique opportunity to explore local businesses up close. On this tour, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at Graco Inc. Graco’s Sioux Falls facility specializes in manufacturing spray guns, tips, valves, applicators and related accessories. Registration required.
4–5 p.m.
Maguire Iron, 2001 E. Robur Dr.
YPN Community Connections Tours offer a unique opportunity to explore local businesses up close. On this tour, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at Maguire Iron. Maguire is a family-owned, Sioux Falls–based leader in the fabrication, construction, and maintenance of steel water storage tanks and elevated water towers, serving municipalities, rural water districts, and private owners across approximately 33–34 states. Registration required.
Noon–1 p.m. Virtual
In this interactive workshop, we’ll flip the script on networking and show you how to approach it in a way that feels natural, comfortable and even (dare we say) fun. Whether you’re new to town, shy by nature or just tired of the “work the room” mentality, you’ll learn practical strategies for making genuine connections — on your own terms. Presented by Clara MacIlravie Cañas, Avera. Registration required.
Noon–1 p.m. Chamber of Commerce, 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200
Briget Solomon began her career with Goodwill as a Human Resources Associate in 2004. Serving Goodwill in various roles through her tenure, she now leads as Chief Executive Officer. She is a graduate of Leadership Siouxland and the Goodwill Industries International Senior Leadership Development Program. Registration required.
Hosted by American Legion Auxiliary Post 15 7:30–9 a.m.
American Legion, 1700 W. Russell St. Start your day by making a new connection. Drop by for a cup of coffee and conversation with other members of the business community.
Check out our social media channels for event photos and information on upcoming events!
/siouxfallschamber /siouxfallsypn
/siouxfallschamber /siouxfallsypn
Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce
Sioux Falls Young Professionals Network
Visit siouxfallsevents com and experiencesiouxfalls com/ events for details on the events listed here and more happening in the area
Planning an event? Let us help you promote it! Submit your event to siouxfallsevents .com . All events welcome – business workshops, retail events, entertainment, education and more
4 Lake Lorraine Farmers Market (every Thursday through October)
5 David Cross at The District
5 Sioux Valley Optimist Club's 10th Annual Golfing for Kids Tournament
5-7
5-7
Festival at Country Apple Orchard (every weekend through October)
Country Corn Maze (every weekend through October)
through October)
Tracking trends in business is just one way that the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce is looking out for our members. Sioux Falls is a great place to do business, in part because of its diverse economy. Check here for economic indicators that help show growth and development.
City of Sioux Falls Building Permit Data
July 2025 - cumulative year to date
City of Sioux Falls Total Construction Value
July 2025 - cumulative year to date
Sioux Falls Region Housing Overview
July 2025
Regional Unemployment Rates
June 2025
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Note: figures represent Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA), not just city; rates are not seasonally-adjusted
The Ambassador Committee promotes the Chamber and assists in bringing new members into the organization. The Diplomat Committee works to maintain membership strength in the Chamber and provide outstanding customer service to members. Their volunteer service helps keep the Chamber strong.
This month’s featured volunteers are Jordan Huisman, First PREMIER Bank, two years as an Ambassador; Cindi Johnson, Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort, 10 years as a Diplomat; and Mindy Merchant, Wal-Mart, 10 months as a Diplomat.
The ACE Award is presented monthly to one Ambassador in recognition of their efforts to recruit and support new Chamber members. Dan Kippley, Kippley Consulting, received the award for June. July honors went to April Meyerink, American Bank & Trust
The Diplomat of the Month for June was Deb Peterson, community volunteer, while July honors went to Cody Papke, City of Sioux Falls. Event Champion honors for June went to Sandy Case, community volunteer, and July Event Champion was Brian Sittig, CNA Surety
The Diplomat Team of the Month for both June and July was Team Papke: Captain Cody Papke, City of Sioux Falls; Cindi Johnson, Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort; Shiela Hoff, Keller Williams Realty Sioux Falls; Derrick Karsky, Farmers Insurance Group/Karsky Agency; Nick Harrington, American Engineering Testing
The YPN Committee Champion Award for June was awarded to Taryn Latza, Sioux Empire United Way. July honors went to Craig Fischer, Avera
First Bank & Trust announced that Linda Nissen has joined its Sioux Falls team as a mortgage loan officer. Nissen brings more than 30 years of experience in the real estate industry, beginning her career as a licensed Realtor before moving into title work, banking and mortgage lending. She has expertise in construction lending and mortgage origination and is known for her transparent, straightforward approach that helps clients navigate the mortgage process with confidence from start to finish.
Gordon Flesch Company announced several team updates in its Sioux Falls-area operations. Adam Wilka joined as an account executive serving Sioux Falls, Brandon, Mitchell, Brookings, Madison and Luverne. A 2009 O’Gorman High School graduate, he also serves as a BNI Chapter Success Coach for Sioux Falls and Sioux City. Ethan Winter joined as an account executive covering the greater Sioux Falls area through South Sioux City. A resident of Sioux Falls for the past 10 years, he is well connected to the local business community. In addition, Dayton Podvin was promoted
to enterprise business development executive, a role in which he works with organizations across South Dakota, Iowa, southern Minnesota and western Illinois. Podvin has been with the company for three years, previously serving as an account executive in northern Illinois.
The First National Bank in Sioux Falls announced several promotions. Lauren Gilbertson was promoted to assistant vice president; she is an institutional wealth officer with First National Wealth Management and has been with the bank for two years. Nick Ratzloff was also promoted to assistant vice president; he is a wealth advisor with First National Wealth Management and has been with the bank for five years. Bri Ridley was promoted to officer and serves as branch manager of the Arrowhead location. She has been with the bank for eight years, previously working as a teller supervisor at the downtown location. In addition, Bryant Henderson was promoted to wealth advisory manager. He has been with the bank for six years and previously served as a wealth advisor.
Jeremy Feist, PE, SE, joined Raker Rhodes Engineering as a structural engineer. Feist earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from South Dakota Mines and brings seven years of design experience, including work on high-profile projects such as the tallest building in Omaha, Nebraska, and the new convention center in Austin, Texas.
RSA welcomed two new team members. Nathan Benson joined as in-house civil engineer, marking the launch of RSA’s civil engineering department. Benson has eight years of experience in site development, project management and civil design, including work for clients such as O’Reilly Auto Parts and Take 5 Oil Change. Robert “Bob” Fechtmeister, AIA, LEED AP, joined RSA as an architect with more than 30 years of experience on commercial, medical, educational and residential projects. Fechtmeister brings a deep knowledge base, a client-first mindset and a passion for sustainable design.
The First National Bank in Sioux Falls added Greg Woods to its board of directors. Woods is an account executive at Evolving Solutions and previously served as chief information officer at POET and Great Western Bank. He is also a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.
The American Advertising Federation–South Dakota added two new members to its board of directors: Tate Peterson, Sanford Health, and Leah Orsack, LifeScape. Both will contribute their professional experience to the organization’s leadership.
Roxi & Co partnered with NutriSource Pet Foods to donate 6,541 bags of dog food—more than 33,000 pounds valued at more than $92,000—to four Sioux Falls–area animal rescue organizations: the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society, Rescue Network, Sioux Empire Pit Rescue and Dakota Dachshund Rescue. NutriSource, a family-owned brand based in Perham, Minnesota, joined with Roxi & Co to provide the largest supplier donation Roxi & Co has ever facilitated, ensuring local rescue dogs will be well-fed in the months ahead. Distribution to the four organizations is underway.
First Interstate Bank awarded a $25,000 Believe in Local grant to Feeding South Dakota. The nonprofit, which has served communities for 50 years, will use the funds to continue
Kingdom Capital Fund welcomed four new board members: Nathan Rueckert, founder of Baseball Seams Company; Eric Yunag, executive vice president at Convergint Technologies; Tom Henderson, founder of RESGEN; and John Glasser, leader of Collision Each brings unique experience in business, ministry and community leadership to the organization.
providing nutritious food through pantries and mobile distributions across the state. The award is one of 40 grants made across the bank’s 14-state footprint.
The Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation announced its latest round of Community Fund grants, awarding more than $95,000 in support of local nonprofits and causes. Grant recipients include Avera Research Institute, Empire Mental Health Support, Levitt at the Falls, Game Plan 4 Hope, Sioux Falls Family YMCA, Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium and Volunteers of America, Dakotas. The funding will support programs such as employment services for veterans, free camps for children with disabilities, peer support and mentorship and livestreaming music.
Joe Miller, chief credit officer at The First National Bank in Sioux Falls, was named to the Independent Community Bankers of America’s 40 Under 40: 2025 Community Bank Leaders list. Miller has nearly 20 years of experience in the financial services industry and joined First National Bank in 2013, serving in the ag banking department before being promoted to chief credit officer in 2023. He created the Farmers ’n Bankers program in 2018 to help farmers and ranchers strengthen their financial knowledge, a program that has since graduated more than 100 producers. Miller is active in professional organizations including the Risk Management Association Siouxland Chapter, the South Dakota Bankers Association and Moody’s Community Bank Advisory Board. He also volunteers with community organizations such as The Banquet, Rake the Town and the St. Francis House.
held companies for the 10th consecutive year, ranking No. 4,809 in 2025. Fewer than 1% of companies achieve a decade-long streak on the list. From its Sioux Falls headquarters, MarketBeat has built a national financial media brand that reaches millions of investors each day, with revenue projected to reach $45 million this year. Its flagship email newsletter is on track to surpass 6 million subscribers, alongside a YouTube channel with more than 260,000 subscribers and an SMS audience of 360,000.
Davenport Evans lawyer Charles D. Gullickson has been selected for the 2025 Class of Distinguished Alumni by the South Dakota State University Alumni Association. Gullickson, a 1977 graduate, was honored alongside five other alumni for leadership in their fields.
year return on average equity, with the top 20 institutions also reporting stronger efficiency ratios, higher net interest margins and healthier returns on average assets compared to peer banks of similar sizes.
RAS was named to Aon’s Ward’s 50 list of top-performing insurance companies for the sixth consecutive year, putting it in the top 1% of property and casualty insurance companies nationwide. The award is based on outstanding financial results in the areas of safety, consistency and performance over a five-year period. The Sioux Falls-based company is the top writer of workers’ compensation insurance in South Dakota and one of the largest in the Upper Midwest.
MarketBeat, a Sioux Falls–based provider of stock market research tools and analysis, was named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing privately
First International Bank & Trust was ranked No. 6 on American Banker’s list of the 20 Top-Performing Banks with $2 billion to $10 billion in assets, marking its third consecutive year on the list and moving up four spots from the prior year. Banks were ranked based on three-
Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc. received a 2024 AARP South Dakota Community Challenge grant to support its Open Streets initiative. The project closes a block of Phillips Avenue to vehicles on the first Friday of each month, May through August, creating a pedestrianfirst zone with music, art, food and interactive programming. Events are free and open to the public.
Our members do more than follow the news. They make the news. Job promotions and hirings. New projects. New partnerships. Awards. Celebrate your employees, business accomplishments and more with Chamber News. Submit news and press releases to news@chambernews.com
The July Membership Mixer, co-hosted by APX Construction Group and Canfield Interiors, brought members together for an evening of connections . Guests were welcomed by Jessica Crawford, APX business and community relations manager, and Larry Canfield, founder of Canfield Interiors .
The August Membership Mixer was hosted by Bank Midwest, where members gathered for an evening of networking Guests were welcomed by Mary Kay Bates, CEO, and Rick Rysavy, senior vice president and market president
The June Morning Mingle offered Chamber members an opportunity to connect in a casual setting over coffee and conversation . Vivian Phillips, owner and operator of Snooze Mattress Company, welcomed attendees .
YPN members gathered at Vance Thompson Vision for an evening of food, drinks and prizes The casual setting gave participants the chance to unwind after work and make new professional connections .
Inside Washington with U .S . Sen . John Thune brought members together at the Sioux Falls Convention Center for a luncheon and moderated interview . Sanford Health CEO Bill Gassen served as moderator .
The 42nd Annual Ag Appreciation Day took place Aug . 6 in conjunction with the Sioux Empire Fair About 200 volunteers served a free lunch to more than 2,500 farmers and ranchers . The event is organized by the Chamber’s Agribusiness Division
THANK YOU TO OUR
Day Sponsor:
Touchstone Energy
Cooperative
Harvester Sponsors:
AARP South Dakota
Culver’s
Dacotah Bank
Diamond Mowers
Farm Credit Services of America
First Bank & Trust
First PREMIER Bank/ PREMIER Bankcard
Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort
Longview Financial Solutions, LLC
Minnehaha County Farm Bureau
Scott's Lumber - Sioux Falls
The First National Bank in Sioux Falls
Wholestone Farms
Xcel Energy
Special thanks to the Minnehaha County Pork Producers
Grower Sponsors:
American Coalition for Ethanol
Avera
Central Bank
Citi Flynn Wright
Planter Sponsors:
CHS
CNH
Cornerstone Bank
Dakota BUSINESS Finance
Denny Sanford PREMIER Center
Cultivator Sponsors:
American State Bank
Beal Distributing, Inc.
CorTrust Bank
Felsburg Holt & Ullevig
G & H Distributing, Inc.
Hyatt Place – Sioux Falls South
Okapi Strategy
Pfeifer Implement
Sheraton Sioux Falls Hotel -
Atrium Hospitality
Two Way Solutions
Graham Tire Company
Hilton Garden Inn Downtown
POET
South Dakota Soybean Checkoff
WS Construction
KELOLAND Media Group
Plains Commerce Bank
Reliabank
Results Townsquare MEDIA
Viaflex
The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce recognizes the role agriculture plays in the growth of our community. Though our city’s economy continues to expand and diversify, we know the region’s roots lie in agriculture.
For 42 years, we’ve been proud to acknowledge the work of our area farmers and ranchers by offering a free meal in conjunction with the Sioux Empire Fair. With the help of the businesses listed here and under the guidance of the Chamber’s Agribusiness Division, we are able to continue this salute to agriculture.
Thank you for all you do.
The monthly Morning Mingle offers Chamber members a chance to jumpstart their day with coffee, conversation and meaningful connections . In July, guests enjoyed networking and behind-thescenes tours at Secure Enterprise Asset Management (SEAM) .
July’s Our Sioux Falls event gave members a behind-the-scenes look at the Outdoor Campus Guests explored the facility, learned about its free educational programs and enjoyed a guided tour of the grounds .
Click Rain CEO Natalie Eisenberg met with YPN members to share her career journey and insights on leadership .
Attendees kicked of their morning with fresh coffee, donuts and conversation at Confluence's Morning Buzz
The purpose of the Community Appeals Committee is to qualify and schedule capital fund drives directed to the business community .
By vetting these initiatives, the Community Appeals Committee ensures that each project is a solid community investment worthy of donor support . The Chamber encourages all businesses to carefully consider such requests, while
Forward Sioux Falls
Nov. 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026
Provide programs that improve the economy and quality of life in our region, continuing a long tradition of working collaboratively with private and public stakeholders to drive growth and innovation.
Abbott House
April 1, 2026 – July 31, 2026
Expand services to Sioux Falls by providing two therapeutic foster homes for at-risk youth.
recognizing that many may have limited resources and will contribute to such campaigns at whatever level they feel appropriate . Our Community Appeals process is intended to provide our members with assurance that a Community Appeals campaign is worthy of investment .
Nov. 1, 2026 - March 31, 2027
Create safe and affordable housing through an addition to an existing facility, moving people from homelessness to hope.
April 1, 2027 – July 31, 2027
Consolidate service locations into a single office, eliminating space constraints to support staff and program expansion.
By Brittany Hanson, Forward Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls is built on big ideas — driven by visionary leaders, an unmatched work ethic, and a community committed to investing in the future.
That’s the spirit behind Forward Sioux Falls IX, the newest campaign in a legacy that has shaped Sioux Falls over the last four decades.
In that time, Forward Sioux Falls has become one of the nation’s most respected public-private economic development initiatives. But it’s more than a plan, it’s a mindset rooted in collaboration, bold vision and the belief that a rising tide lifts all boats.
This philosophy has guided every campaign — uniting businesses, local government entities, and nonprofits around shared commitment to progress. And it’s worked. Again and again.
“Sioux Falls’ economic success is no accident. Forward Sioux Falls has been a driving force behind it,” says Laura Mitchell, President & COO of Lawrence & Schiller, Inc. “Every five years, business and civic leaders come together to shape a refreshed program with clear goals and measurable outcomes, all rooted in a shared vision for our community’s continued growth and prosperity.”
Since its founding in 1987, when it was launched as a joint venture between the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce and the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, Forward Sioux Falls has exceeded expectations. Investments from the public and private sectors have generated billions of dollars in economic impact, created thousands of jobs, and helped transform Sioux Falls into a vibrant hub for business, talent, and innovation.
“Bender Commercial has been a direct benefactor of the Forward Sioux Falls programming efforts. We view our investment as doing our part to continue the positive momentum and growth of the Sioux Falls metro,” says Reggie Kuipers, President of Bender Commercial Real Estate Services.
That sentiment reflects a shared understanding among investors: Forward Sioux Falls isn’t just a proven strategy; it’s a shared responsibility. Because when Sioux Falls wins, we all win.
Now, the momentum continues. Forward Sioux Falls will kick off its ninth campaign on Thursday, September 11, ushering in a new chapter of visionary, collaborative and measurable progress.
SEPTEMBER 11, 2025
8:30–9:30 A.M.
Southeast Technical College, The HUB, 2001 N. Career Ave.
Be part of the excitement as Forward Sioux Falls launches its next chapter.
“Sioux Falls has amazing leaders who are committed to coming together, placing their competitive differences aside and pursuing ideas that benefit the entire region,” says Mayor Paul TenHaken. “Without this collaborative spirit, our city would look much different than it does today.”
We invite you to be part of what’s next. Join us at the kickoff event to learn more about the 2026–2031 program and how your investment helps shape a stronger, more vibrant Sioux Falls.
The future of our region is built on shared vision and bold action. Together, we will keep moving FORWARD.
Paul TenHaken, City of Sioux Falls, Honorary co-chair
Andy Munce, Sanford Health
Laura Mitchell, Lawrence & Schiller, Inc.
Jason Herrboldt, First Bank & Trust
David Flicek, Avera
Katie Bartling, Sammons Financial Group
Miles Beacom, PREMIER Bankcard
Cory Clasemann, Southeast Technical College
Kent Cutler, Cutler Law Firm, LLP
David Doxtad, ISG
Tamien Dysart, Think 3D Solutions
Chris Ekstrum, The First National Bank in Sioux Falls
Scott Erickson, American Bank & Trust
Todd Ernst, Ernst Capital Group
Dr. José-Marie Griffiths, Dakota State University
Conrad Adam, Elgethun Capital Management
Brett Anderson, First Western Bank & Trust
Tanner Beukelman, American Bank & Trust
Bethany Buitenbos, Chick-fil-A Empire Place
Andrew Curley, Midco
Melissa Dellman, SDN Communications
Madison Godschalk, Sioux Falls Area Humane Society
James Gaspar, Interstate Office Products
Alexis Mahlen, Lloyd Companies
Alissa Matt, USD - Sioux Falls
Karlie Solum, Marsh McLennan Agency
Sharon Haselhoff, Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort
Jim Jarding, Eide Bailly LLP
Frank Kern, Smithfield Foods
Steve Kirby, Bluestem Capital Company, LLC
Randy Knecht, Journey Group Companies
Steve Kolbeck, Xcel Energy
Reggie Kuipers, Bender Commercial Real Estate
Jeff Lautt, POET
Julie Lautt, Avera
Clark Meyer, Knife River
Jay Mitchell, First Interstate Bank
Brandon Hanson, Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc.
Jaden Holzer, CorTrust Bank
Brad Jankord, First Bank & Trust
Ethan Johnson, Bank Midwest
Kyle Kunde, First Interstate Bank
Nichelle Lund, Sampson House
Clara MacIllravie CaÑas, Avera
Josh Muckenhirn, ISG
Erik Muckey, PASQ
Erik Nyberg, Cutler Law Firm, LLP
Mari Ossenfort, KELOLAND Media Group
Matt Paulson, MarketBeat
Paige Pearson-Meyer, Midco
Ryan Punt, SDN Communications
Dave Rozenboom, First PREMIER Bank
Chris Thorkelson, Lloyd Companies
Kathy Thorson, Bank Midwest
Steve Van Buskirk, Van Buskirk Companies
Roger Weber, CorTrust Bank
Harriett Yocum, Madison Investments
Kelly Nyberg, Nyberg’s Ace Hardware
Rika Peterson, Maximizing Excellence
Jaci Pieters, Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce
Brent Smith, Journey Group Companies
Regen Wiederrich, South Dakota State University
"These committees dive deeper into topics the Legislature debated during the previous session."
To learn more about the Chamber’s advocacy for business, visit siouxfallschamber.com
When the Legislature is not in session, they create interim committees during the summer to further study issues impacting the state. Commonly referred to as “summer studies,” these committees typically serve as an information-gathering process to dive deeper into topics the Legislature debated during the previous session or to examine issues lawmakers expect to address in the coming year.
Along with these interim committees, there was also a task force appointed by Gov. Larry Rhoden called “Project Prison Reset,” which was tasked with further studying the need for a new men’s correctional facility in South Dakota. The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce has been following both the comprehensive property tax summer study and the Project Prison Reset task force closely.
The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce has been following the various summer studies, with a specific focus on the committee tasked with further studying property taxes in South Dakota. During the 2025 legislative session, lawmakers passed SB 216, which aimed to address the growing cost of owneroccupied property taxes by implementing a number of policies. After the passage of SB 216, lawmakers still felt there was more to be done to address rising property taxes, so they created a task force to further investigate the topic.
The property tax summer study has met a few times so far — one meeting in Sioux Falls, another in Rapid City, and the most recent in mid-August in Aberdeen. At the Sioux Falls meeting, a majority of task force members adopted a goal of cutting $400 million from owner-occupied property taxes. This is a significant amount of funding that would otherwise go to schools, counties, municipalities and other local jurisdictions to maintain buildings and roads, provide services to citizens, support education and address criminal justice.
So far, some of the ideas from the committee to support this significant cut include cutting spending at the local government level, finding new revenue sources, creating new taxes or raising existing taxes in order to to eliminate or drastically decrease property taxes paid by owner-occupied properties. Ideas being discussed to replace this revenue include increasing sales taxes, raising the contractors excise tax, eliminating various tax exemptions across all industries, and implementing a flat-rate transaction tax of $1.50 per transaction. Other ideas from the committee include eliminating Tax Increment Financing districts, requiring all opt-outs by local entities be put to a vote, and making other changes to how local entities address growth and promote economic development.
While this committee cannot pass legislation, it will likely have recommendations and various bills that will be introduced in Pierre in January 2026. Please reach out to the Chamber's public policy team for more information on this topic, and consider attending or listening to these meetings as they continue throughout the fall.
After failing to pass legislation to authorize the construction of, and appropriate additional funding for, a new men’s correctional facility in Lincoln County during the 2025 legislative session, Gov. Rhoden appointed a task force made up of legislators and a wide variety of industry experts to find a solution.
After a number of meetings, public input, alternative site proposals and site visits to the two current men’s correctional facilities, the task force made three recommendations at its final meeting in Sioux Falls on July 8. Through much debate and discussion, the committee unanimously recommended the Legislature pass legislation to construct a 1,500-bed facility in Sioux Falls at a cost of $650 million. The site that has been selected sits east of I-229 between Benson Road and Rice Street.
The governor has called a special session for Sept. 23 in Pierre for legislators to debate this issue and potentially pass legislation to authorize the construction of a new men’s correctional facility.
The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce has been actively monitoring this task force and will continue to do so as the special session approaches. If you have any questions on this topic, please reach out to the Chamber’s public policy team.
119th Annual Meeting
5 p.m. Doors open
6:10 p.m. Program & Dinner
7:30 p.m. Roast Tribute of Mayor Paul TenHaken
7:50 p.m. Keynote Speaker: Tamien Dysart, 2025-26 Chair of the Board, Think 3D Solutions
$100 SINGLE TICKET - $1,000 TABLE OF 10
Bottles of wine can be pre-ordered for placement on reserved tables
TICKETS GO ON SALE
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
Visit siouxfallschamber.com to order your ticket or table.
CHAMPION SPONSORS:
ADVOCATE SPONSORS:
Dakota State University Eide Bailly LLP ISG JLG Architects
Lawrence & Schiller, Inc. POET
The First National Bank in Sioux Falls
PRODUCTION PARTNER:
As businesses and organizations in all industries encounter changes in artificial intelligence, hybrid work environments and more, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation’s 2025 WIN in Workforce Summit is dedicated to “Navigating the New Workplace Reality.”
The daylong conference will be held Thursday, Oct. 23, at the Canopy by Hilton in downtown Sioux Falls from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
With 10 large-group and breakout sessions, the WIN in Workforce Summit will equip business and community leaders with strategies to win in the world of work. Session topics include:
• Talent Talk: Bridging the Gap: What Inspires Leaders — Now & Next
• The Evolving Role of Managers
• From Frustration to Flow: The Playbook to Working Genius With Joe Obermueller
• Talent on Tap: Filling the Pipeline With Purpose
• Talent Talk: Navigating What’s Next With Healthcare and Higher Ed
• Unleash the Leader in You With Liz Carlson
• Code. Click. Conquer.: The Digital Skills Employers Want Most
• The Powerful 3: Career, Community and Cause With Think 3D Dr. Rebecca Heiss will deliver the keynote address, titled “Fear(Less) Future: Navigating Stress in the New Workplace.” Heiss is a stress expert dedicated to transforming fears into fuel through her T-minus Technique. Her research has been designated “transformative” by the National Science Foundation.
Individual tickets are $98, and tables of 10 are available for $850, with sales ending Oct. 16. Tickets and a full schedule are available at wininworkforce.com.
SHRM members are eligible for up to six recertification credits for attending. The Sioux Falls Development Foundation is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDC) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities.
After careful review, the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce has made the difficult decision to retire the Sioux Empire Livestock Show, with 2025 marking the final year. The decision was driven by long-term financial losses, staffing and volunteer challenges and facility limitations — not by any lack of passion or support from agricultural partners.
The Sioux Empire Livestock Show has been an important part of the Chamber’s work in supporting agriculture, and stepping away from it was not done lightly. However, recent years have brought significant challenges. The event has operated at a substantial financial loss, making it difficult to justify the continued investment. A smaller pool of available staff and volunteers, along with the loss of certain specialized skills and roles, has made it harder to produce the show at the high standard expected by participants and the community. Additionally, ongoing ventilation and climatecontrol issues at the current venue affect the comfort and experience of guests, staff and volunteers. The Chamber emphasizes that these facility challenges are not the fault of Sioux Empire Fair Association Inc. leadership or the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds. Rather, they are shared concerns that call for a broader community conversation about potential future improvements.
Another factor in the decision is the imbalance in payouts. While South Dakota exhibitors receive strong support from local sponsors and buyers, more than 80 percent of top titles go to out-of-state participants. This results in a growing share of sales
dollars leaving the state, lessening the economic benefit to the local agriculture community.
None of these factors diminish the Chamber’s commitment to agriculture. That commitment remains strong, and planning is already underway for new, sustainable programming to celebrate and support the agriculture industry in ways that meet evolving member needs. The Chamber will continue to host Ag Appreciation Day and National Farmer’s Day at the Barn, maintain partnerships with the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council, South Dakota Pork Producers Council, South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, South Dakota Beef Industry Council, South Dakota Dairy Producers and the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and advocate for agriculture at all levels of government.
The Chamber's Agribusiness Manager will continue to lead the Chamber’s agriculture programming and education, advise the public policy team on agriculture-related advocacy and use her relationships with sponsors, commodity groups and agriculture leaders to help shape new initiatives. She will also serve as a bridge between the Chamber and the agriculture community during this time of transition.
While the Sioux Empire Livestock Show has closed its chapter, the Chamber looks forward to writing new ones — creating fresh opportunities to honor and support agriculture in our region for years to come.
Chamber members have long recognized the value of attending Membership Mixers. Each month a large number of members attend these events and enjoy the opportunity to create new connections and strengthen existing relationships with other Chamber members.
Standard admission at the door to a Membership Mixer is $5 per person. You can reduce the cost of attending by purchasing a Mixer Pass. A Mixer Pass gets you admission to all Mixers for the coming year. Now through Dec. 31, you can purchase a Mixer Pass at a discounted price of $40 – that’s a $20 savings if you attend all 12 Membership Mixers in the next Chamber year.
Here are some of the advantages of purchasing a Mixer Pass:
• You’ll always be prepared for attendance at the mixer — even if you don’t have cash on hand.
• If you can’t attend one of the monthly mixers, you can let a co-worker or friend use your pass for that month.
• Order your pass now and the Chamber will invoice your business, so you don’t have to bother with expensing your admission cost each month.
• Order several for your business and share them with your employees who will benefit from the networking environment
of a mixer. You can also use them to treat customers to complimentary admission to a mixer(s).
The Mixer Pass can be used for admittance to each monthly Mixer from October 2025-September 2026. The pass must be presented at the registration at each event.
To order your Mixer Pass, contact Teresa Schreier at tschreier@siouxfalls.com. Or you can purchase one at the registration desk of an upcoming mixer.
"When businesses unite around common goals, our collective voice is stronger than any individual effort."
In our recent Chamber member survey, public policy, advocacy and legislation ranked as the third most important benefit of membership.
The results confirm what we’ve long known: our members value public policy and advocacy as crucial aspects of membership. Our efforts have a significant impact on the business environment and the economic health of our community. Advocacy is not just a buzzword; it’s a powerful tool that can shape the future of your business and the community at large.
By engaging in advocacy, the Chamber represents the collective voice of its members, ensuring that local business interests are considered in the legislative process. This collective effort can lead to more favorable business conditions, helping businesses thrive. Each year, the Chamber’s Issues Management Committee updates the Legislative Platform, which is approved by the Board of Directors and guides our work at the local, state and federal levels.
Top five reasons businesses choose to be a member of the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce:
1. Networking opportunities
2. To market and grow their business
3. Public policy, advocacy and legislation
4. Education and professional development
5. An obligation to support the community
See previous and upcoming issues for more results and insight from Chamber President & CEO Jeff Griffin
When businesses unite around common goals, our collective voice is stronger than any individual effort. The Chamber’s advocacy work provides a platform for collaboration on issues that affect the entire business community, often leading to more effective outcomes for all members.
Advocacy is also essential for protecting business interests. Whether it’s opposing burdensome regulations or supporting policies that promote growth, the Chamber ensures that the needs of the business community are addressed. This protection is especially important in times of uncertainty or when new regulations are on the table. By staying engaged in public policy, the Chamber helps safeguard your business from potential threats and challenges.
Scan to view the Chamber's Legislative Platform
A look at U.S. history shows that freedoms were forged through conflict, debate and the free exchange of ideas. From the Civil War to global conflicts, from the Civil Rights Movement to periods of deep political division, progress has come from facing challenges and working toward solutions. Today’s political climate is no different — polarization persists, and it’s easy to become entrenched in the belief that one way is the only way. A chamber of commerce does its work in the intersection of business, government and community. A well-established and credible chamber like ours in Greater Sioux Falls does not seek conflict, but we don’t avoid tough issues. We continually evaluate what is best for the community and adjust strategies based on evolving public policy priorities.
At the core of effective advocacy is building strong relationships with policymakers at all levels of government. These connections ensure that the business community’s voice is heard and that policymakers understand the challenges and opportunities facing local businesses. By fostering these relationships, the Chamber influences policy decisions and advocates for changes that benefit the business community. As a member, you benefit from this established network and the Chamber’s ability to navigate the complexities of public policy.
Finally, public policy and advocacy efforts keep members informed and engaged. The Chamber provides regular updates on legislative and regulatory developments, helping members anticipate and address changes in the business environment. By staying engaged, you can position your business to adapt quickly and make informed decisions in the face of new challenges.
Wallet Hub ranks Sioux Falls as one of the top five happiest cities in America. The 2025 study examined key factors, including income growth, access to leisure activities, crime rate, overall physical and mental health, and various environmental factors. Most of us agree that we are incredibly blessed to live here. While Sioux Falls is a place like no other, we are not without our growing pains.
The needs of those around us and the resources required to meet those needs are growing as rapidly as our population. That's where you and I come in. It's up to us to help fill the funding gaps of organizations serving the most vulnerable. I don't expect you to write a check to every non-profit in town. Instead, please consider giving or increasing your gift to the Sioux Empire United Way this year. I have been a part of the SEUW for more than three decades — as a donor, a board member, board chair and volunteer. I've seen firsthand the lives it touches and the difference it makes.
Since my whole career has been in banking, I like to look at it this way. When you invest in a mutual fund, your money is spread across other funds to help it grow. The same is true with the United Way. By donating to the campaign, your dollars are distributed to multiple agencies, impacting more people than you can on your own. Last year, the SEUW raised over $9 million to support 74 programs in Lincoln, McCook, Minnehaha and Turner counties. That's making a difference!
If you are familiar with First PREMIER Bank and PREMIER Bankcard, you know how much we believe in giving back to our communities, with our time (38,000+ volunteer hours last year) and our resources. So, it shouldn’t surprise you that the Sioux Empire United Way is our largest employee/ corporate giving campaign.
May I brag for a moment? Our employees and leadership contributed 13% of the total raised by the SEUW last year. For 13 consecutive years, we have had the most employees giving at the Heart Club and Rising Heart Club level, and PREMIER is only the 13th largest employer in Sioux Falls. We are challenging our teams to turn those 13s into 14s this year — all but the employer status. While we don't intend to give up our Heart Club position, we do want to challenge you to give us a run for the money. Get involved in the 2026 campaign with your donations and your time. Together, we can do far more than we can alone.
John McGrath is the Chief Credit Officer at First PREMIER Bank SVP. A 45+ year veteran of the banking industry, John manages the risk associated with First PREMIER Bank loans. He has also been officiating high school football in South Dakota for four decades and volunteers his time for Children’s Home Society and SEUW.
The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce offers a ribbon cutting ceremony for members to celebrate joining the Chamber, milestone anniversaries, expansions or new locations. 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.
5901 E. 26th St. 605smiles.com
605 Orthodontics creates confident, beautiful smiles through personalized treatment with braces and clear aligners. They combine expert care with a warm, welcoming environment where every patient feels valued. At 605 Orthodontics, it’s not just about straightening teeth — it’s about delivering an exceptional experience from start to finish. L to R: Kristi Hoover, Jennifer Hoesing, Miles Beacom, Dr. Rachel Soyland (owner), Jocy Smith, David Johnson and Alex Wilson.
801 E. Gateway Ln., Tea, SD 57064 abt.bank
American Bank & Trust, founded in 1886, has grown into a $1.9 billion-asset, family-owned community bank with 20 branches across South Dakota, Minnesota and North Dakota. Tea’s brand-new, modern branch reflects the bank’s commitment to this growing community
L to R: Kevin Nissen, April Meyerink, Mayor Casey Voelker (City of Tea), Derek Ricci, Tom Shields (regional market president), Kathy Graff (Tea market president), Melissa Hoffman Schmiedt, Ryan Punt, Andrea Kuipers and Megan Brown.
2407 W. 57th St. barrowortho.com
Barrow Orthodontics is committed to delivering excellent orthodontic treatment to each patient. They provide a friendly, caring atmosphere that helps patients feel relaxed and confident in their care. Barrow Orthodontics keeps treatment methods up to date and progressive to provide the best care available. L to R: Ben Barrow, Britta Barrow, Taryn Latza, April Meyerink, Jay Soukup, Dr. Kevin Horner (orthodontist), Dr. Keri Barrow (owner), Nick Harrington, Amelia Willis and Blair Barrow.
5410 N. Granite Ln. choicehotels.com/south-dakota/ sioux-falls/clarion-hotels/sd062
Clarion Pointe Sioux Falls Airport offers modern amenities, a central location and features like free breakfast, high-speed internet and an on-site bar and lounge. Its recent renovation includes updated guest rooms, refreshed public spaces and enhanced fitness and meeting areas.
L to R: Tricia Cook, Miles Beacom, Danielle McGrath, Cindi Johnson, Karlie Solum, Dr. Lloyd Solberg (owner), Andy Meyer, Jayne Solberg, Chris Witulski, Jon Regnerus and Marcy Versteeg.
810 N. Phillips Ave.
Jacobson Plaza offers year-round attractions, including a skate ribbon, playground, dog park, green space and the Lodge Restaurant and Warming House. Named for Garry and Dianne Jacobson, it was made possible by their $5.5 million gift through the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation. L to R: Eric Ellefson, Mayor Paul TenHaken, Don Kearney (director, Parks & Recreation), Garry Jacobson (project donor), Dianne Jacobson (project donor), Pat Lloyd (project donor), Andy Patterson, Miles Beacom, Monica Holtrop and Eric Saathoff.
1600 N. Minnesota Ave. dcigroup-us.com
DCI Group is a construction management firm rooted in integrity and client-focused collaboration. Their Sioux Falls expansion reflects a commitment to growth and community engagement. They look forward to building lasting relationships and contributing to the region’s success. L to R: Caroline Bradley, Antonio Casiello, Karlie Solum, Matt Hohn (regional leader), Chad Halupnick (president), Matt Paulson, Monica Holtrop and Jason Bellrichard.
221 S. Phillips Ave., Suite 203 emilyshope.charity
Emily’s Hope is a nonprofit dedicated to ending the stigma of substance use disorder through awareness, prevention and by removing financial barriers to treatment. Founded in memory of Angela Kennecke’s daughter, Emily, who tragically died from fentanyl poisoning, it acts to save lives and bring hope to families affected by addiction and overdose. L to R: Jeff Rink, Mindy Kroll, Kelly Nyberg, Monica Holtrop, Angela Kennecke (president and CEO), Jim Entenman (board chair), Madison Godschalk and Michael Geheren.
2900 E. Rice St. equipmentshare.com
EquipmentShare, a nationwide construction technology and equipment solutions provider, is proud to join the Sioux Falls community. The team looks forward to supporting local builders and businesses with the tools, service and innovation they need to succeed. L to R: Ben Overstreet, Jordan Huisman, Madison Godschalk, Jeff Coward (regional operations director), Shamus Pond (general manager), Lynda Billars, Brad Jans and Andrew Kirstein.
HK Solutions Group
1809 N. Terin Cir. hksolutionsgroup.com
HK Solutions Group, a leading provider of industrial cleaning and non-hazardous waste management services, is celebrating the opening of its new Sioux Falls Waste Storage & Transfer Station. With more than 50,000 gallons of liquid waste storage capacity, the facility enhances HK’s ability to manage and transport industrial waste safely and efficiently. L to R: Steve Rehome, Jocy Smith, Chad Mesenbrink (director of industrial sales), Lynda Billars, Cindi Johnson, Cody Papke and Rich Maxwell.
2855 S. Lancaster Dr. jonesfamilyeye.com
Jones Family Eyecare provides comprehensive vision exams for all ages, high quality lenses, stylish frames and expert management of ocular diseases. Using advanced technology, they aim to improve quality of life through better vision and are excited for their new location with more exam rooms, additional appointment offerings and a larger optical area. L to R: Jamie Relhak, Miles Beacom, Dr. David Jones (owner) Allison Jones, Dan Kippley, April Schulte and Angela Drake.
Mary Chilton Chapter, DAR mcdarfoundation.org
Mary Chilton Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, is a women’s service organization with a 110-year history in Sioux Falls. Dedicated to education, patriotism and historic preservation, members volunteer locally and its foundation awards over $125,000 annually to nonprofits. L to R: Gloria Bauske, Taryn Latza, April Meyerink, Debra Van Briesen (chapter regent), Katherine Tarrell (Mary Chilton Foundation vice president), Tamien Dysart, Andrea Carstensen and Dr. Michelle McElroy.
4308 S Arway Dr. mwihealth.org
MWI Health, a leading mental health clinic providing psychiatric evaluations, medication management and psychotherapy for all ages, is celebrating an expanded building and staff — an important step in meeting the community’s growing need for timely, high-quality care. L to R: Leah Krsnak (practice manager), Christy Vastenhout, Sandy Case, Dr. Clay J. Pavlis (chief medical officer), Amber Pavlis, Jaden Holzer and Kristen Winterringer (PMHNP-BC).
Next Level MD
2101 W. 41st St. Suite 45 mynextlevelmd.com
Next Level MD is a physician-led medical office dedicated to helping patients achieve their best health by treating root causes and focusing on the whole person. Their team specializes in anti-aging medicine, hormone optimization and chronic illness care using advanced therapies and diagnostics. They’re committed to serving the health needs of Sioux Falls and the surrounding region. L to R: Dan Kippley, Becky Rasmussen, Kayla, Jarchow, Dr. William Buchner (owner), Dr. Stuart Andersen (owner), and April Schulte.
7500 S. Audie Ave.
primroseschools.com/schools/sioux-fallsheather-ridge
Primrose School of Sioux Falls at Heather Ridge provides high-quality childcare and accredited early education, blending purposeful play with nurturing guidance to help children build a strong foundation for success. The school partners closely with families to support each child’s growth and character development. L to R: Alexa Kleinjan, Jeff Griffin, Taryn Latza, Melissa Dellman, Dan Kippley, Paige Berg (owner), Zach Berg (owner), Mike Van Buskirk and Katie Semmler.
2035 Merchant St., Suite 1, Tea, SD 57064 theprops.co
Props takes a people-first approach to property management, emphasizing relationships, community connections and spaces that feel like home. With thoughtful service and a residentcentered mindset, Props is redefining the rental living experience. L to R: Ron Daniel (maintenance manager), Angela Drake, Abby Johnson (leasing manager), Logan Harmelink (portfolio manager), April Meyerink, Lynda Billars and Mollee Hanson (marketing manager).
3200 W. 49th St. santancom.com
San Tan Communications specializes in access control, video surveillance, structured cabling and alarm systems, delivering cloud-based security solutions to businesses, schools and municipalities. Their expansion aims to support the region’s commitment to safety, infrastructure and community growth. L to R: Mike Hulshof, Miles Beacom, Danielle McGrath, Kelly Nyberg, Brad Heininger (sales account manager), Tom Duchscherer (owner), Shawn Hostler, Jay Soukup and Alison Hulshof.
siouxfallsfireworks.org
Sioux Falls Fireworks is a nonprofit that brings the community together for a dazzling Independence Day celebration at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds. Fueled by local support, they create experiences that light up more than just the sky. This year begins a yearlong countdown to the nation’s 250th birthday in 2026. L to R: Christy Vastenhout, Madison Godschalk, Heidi Small, John Small (president), Vicki Stewart, Monica Holtrop and Paige Short.
4811 W. 26th St. siouxfallsford.com
Sioux Falls Ford Lincoln, part of the global Lincoln dealership network, offers premium luxury vehicles, pre-owned inventory and expert service and repair. They recently celebrated the grand opening of their new facility, featuring 6,000 square feet of showroom space and a convenient service drop-off and pick-up area. L to R: Isabel, Jordan Huisman, Jason Herrboldt, Gretchen Chaplin (owner), Mike Chaplin (owner), Ed Bloom (owner), Heidi Bloom (owner), Cindi Johnson, Taryn Latza and Emmeline.
324 N Ried Pl. sisu-fit.com
SISU is a premier fitness facility dedicated to building stronger individuals and a stronger Sioux Falls. Combining expert coaching, innovative programming and personalized support, SISU delivers measurable results. More than a gym, it’s a hub for high-performing people and organizations committed to long-term health, leadership and community impact. L to R: Kayla Tischler, Matt Paulson, Matt Zobel, April Meyerink, Annie Mello (owner), Chris Mello (owner), Nichelle Lund and Nicole Zacher.
4125 W. 41st St. siouxfalls.snoozemattresscompany.com
Snooze Mattress is a sleep health and wellness store dedicated to improving lives through deep, restorative sleep. Using Dream Mapping technology — trusted by the Mayo Clinic, NASA and Ferrari — they custom fit each customer with the perfect mattress. L to R: Laycee Kluin, Matt Smith (founder and CEO), Paisley Smith, Matt Paulson, Vivian Phillips (owner), Ben Phillips, Ashley Phillips, Rachel Phillips, Dan Kippley, Jenny Smith and Christy Vastenhout.
St. Francis House
1401 E. 7th St. stfrancishouse.com
The St. Francis House is an ecumenical ministry serving the homeless in Sioux Falls. Copper Arms, providing safe, affordable housing for those who are judicially impacted, was purchased with support from the Just Home Project, backed by the MacArthur Foundation, South Dakota Affordable Housing Solutions and Sioux Falls Housing. L to R: Andrew Neibrugge, Laycee Kluin, Tamien Dysart, Jule Becker (CEO), Michael Gross (board president), Angela Drake, Cindi Johnson, Dan Kippley and Nathan Joquin.
3014 W. 57th St.
swing365golf.com/sioux-falls-sd
Swing365 Golf brings a premier indoor golf experience to Sioux Falls with two state-of-the-art simulators for year-round play. Designed for all skill levels, the facility offers one of the most realistic and immersive golf environments in the region. L to R: Sienna Sabers, Lynda Billars, Parker Hanson, Pat Sabers (owner), Jaime Sabers, Jay Soukup, Antonio Casiello and Lincoln Sabers.
Talon LLC
2811 S. Burnsfield Ave. talon-llc.com
Talon LLC is celebrating the completion of PowderHaus Apartments & Townhomes, offering studio to 3-bedroom layouts with in-unit laundry, modern finishes and all utilities plus internet included. Amenities include outdoor pools, a golf simulator, fitness center, rooftop patios and dog-friendly features. L to R: Josh Kattenberg, Linda Mathiasen, Tamien Dysart, Jessica Crawford, Josh Kruger (president), Jaden Holzer and Nick Langel.
106 W. 69th St.
thetreehousegroup.org
Treehouse Therapy Services at the Nest is a playbased center supporting children with autism and their families. The Nest offers individualized, holistic care with multi-disciplinary coordination, combining ABA practices with neuroaffirming, assent-based approaches to help each child maximize learning. L to R: Cason Raabe, Max Raabe, Jordan Huisman, Cindi Johnson, Dr. Ginger Raabe, Dr. Ron Place, Antonio Casiello and Elise Raabe.
2000 Venture St., Tea, SD, 57064 wagzonesd.com
WagZone Pet Services offers doggy daycare, slumber party-style boarding, grooming and pet sitting, providing quality care for pets and peace of mind for their people. Each pet gets personalized attention, interaction and exercise — because a tired pet is a good pet! L to R: Heather Nearman-Thompson, Tim Meagher, Jessica Crawford, Peter Thompson (owner), Heather Nearman-Thompson (owner), Madison Godschalk and Kara Henke.
2802 W. 41st St. yonutz.com
Yonutz is an award-winning dessert franchise famous for its imaginative mix of donuts and ice cream, including its signature Smash Donuts. With a focus on fun, creativity and community, Yonutz has gained national attention and now brings its over-the-top treats to Sioux Falls. L to R: Ben Cerwick, Craig Fischer, Kelly Nyberg, Jennifer Hoesing, Kim Cerwick (owner), Matt Cerwick (owner), Lynda Billars and Lily Cerwick.
Nichelle Lund is the Director of Community and Business Partnerships at The Sampson House, where she blends her passion for storytelling, relationship building and bigpicture strategy to help brands shine. With deep roots in hospitality, she’s spent her career creating experiences that connect people and leave an impression — whether through events, community partnerships or the perfect welcome. A proud advocate for the deaf and hard of hearing community, Nichelle is equally at home volunteering for causes close to her heart, mentoring up-and-coming leaders and finding new ways to challenge herself both personally and professionally. She’s been married to her husband, Adam, for nine years, shares life with their 12-year-young pup, Bailey, and believes in showing up, speaking up and leaving every room and community, better than she found it. Nichelle, along with Vaney Hariri of Think 3D Solutions, is Co-Chair of the Chamber’s upcoming 119th Annual Meeting.
You have also been very active in YPN. How has YPN impacted your professional development?
What’s your favorite thing about working and living in Sioux Falls?
The balance. You can have a career with real opportunity, a community that feels personal, and a lifestyle that lets you breathe, all in one place. That’s rare and beautiful and something I didn’t know to look for, but incredibly glad I found it!
What is something you are optimistic about for our community?
We’re heading into our 9th Forward Sioux Falls community capital campaign, and if you look at the way this initiative has transformed our city over the last 38 years, it’s hard not to get excited. I’m looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and working alongside the community again — taking the vision of people far smarter than me and helping bring to life our collective commitment to always be better.
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Why do you choose to volunteer your time for the Chamber?
Because change doesn’t happen from the sidelines. The Chamber is where conversations turn into collaborations, and collaborations turn into results. Plus, I’m a big believer in not complaining about things unless you’re willing to show up and help fix them.
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YPN is where I learned the magic of showing up — not just to network, but to truly connect. It’s where I built relationships that have opened doors, created opportunities, and given me a sounding board of ridiculously smart people who will tell me the truth even when I don’t want to hear it.
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
That despite the resume, I’m an introvert at my core. I love people, but I recharge best with quiet, coffee and zero small talk. And yes, I’ve climbed Pikes Peak… and no, I have zero intention of doing it twice.
Bonus Question:
As co-chair of the Annual Meeting, what message or theme do you hope resonates most with attendees this year?
I hope people leave feeling like “AMPLIFY” isn’t just a tagline we slapped on the program, but a personal challenge. Values only matter if you’re living them daily, and the future doesn’t just show up — you have to intentionally shape it. I want attendees to walk away thinking about how they can turn the volume up on what they stand for and make sure their future is something they’re building on purpose, not just something that happens to them.
See more questions with Nichelle and other Chamber members at
