Photo By: Aaron Siders/Ebsen House Productions
VIEWPOINT
Note from Leadership
NOTE FROM THE CEO
Hello from the Vermillion Area Chamber & Development Company (VCDC)!
This fall we reached an exciting milestone – the VCDC surpassed 400 members in October! Our 400th chamber member was Brady Companies, LLC. Thank you to Sean and Larry Brady for joining our growing list of chamber members!
Membership retention has remained above 91%, and we truly appreciate your trust and investment in the future of Vermillion.
The mission of the VCDC is to serve the Vermillion area and its businesses to grow and prosper. As the leading voice for business in the Vermillion area, the VCDC brings together leaders, innovative
thinkers and community builders to strengthen our region’s economy and create lasting impact.
I’m often asked, “Why should I be a chamber member?” The answer comes down to connection, growth and leadership.
• Connect: Creating meaningful opportunities to network and build business relationships.
• Grow: Providing resources and guidance to help your organization succeed.
• Lead: Bringing together businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions and ideas to enhance our community.
Here’s a closer look at how your VCDC membership delivers value and impact.
Strategic Visibility & Promotion
• Exclusive access to marketing and advertising tools that elevate your brand.
• Customized event sponsorships and advertising packages.
Talent Development & Workforce Support
• Resources to help attract, retain and upskill talent.
• Support for workforce housing and child care initiatives.
Business Advocacy & Policy Influence
• Representation and insight at the local and state levels.
• Timely updates on key business issues to keep members informed and equipped.
Community Engagement & Leadership
• Opportunities to volunteer on committees and participate in civic initiatives.
• Ways to expand your company’s reach and strengthen community connections.
Business Resources
• Personalized support for business challenges and opportunities, including financing options and strategic guidance.
• Assistance with site selection and expansion planning.
Member Recognition & Rewards
• Celebrate milestones, grand openings and product launches through events like ribbon cuttings and networking.
• Member pricing for events and 15% off the first $300 in Vermillion Bucks each year.
Whether you’re launching a new venture, scaling your operations, or building your network, Vermillion is your place to grow, and we’re here to help.
If you’re not yet a chamber member, now is a great time to join. Contact the VCDC at VCDC@vermillionchamber.com or 605-624-5571 to schedule a one-on-one meeting, or explore membership options at LiveVermillion.com.
Thank you for being a part of Vermillion’s success.
Jim Peterson
VCDC President & CEO
THANK YOU GROW VERMILLION DONORS!
VISIONARIES
Brady Companies, LLC
City of Vermillion
Clay County
Dakota Hospital Foundation
First Dakota National Bank
Five Star Communications
Masaba, Inc
Polaris Industries/Polaris Foundation
Riverfront Broadcasting
Sanford Health Foundation
University of South Dakota
Verde Outdoor
LEADERS
CorTrust Bank
First Bank & Trust
Voyage Federal Credit Union
CHAMPIONS
Ace Hardware & Appliances/Nikki Peters Realtor
AMS Building Systems/The Lumberyard
Coyote Sports Properties
Erickson Solutions Group
Knutson Family Dentistry
Lawrence & Schiller
Mart Brothers Construction
Midwest Ready Mix & Equipment
Todd's Electric Service
Vermillion Ford
With special thanks to our Advocate, Affiliate and Friend donors.
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS IN VERMILLION Let’s Connect bit.ly/res-mixed-use-isg
SUMMER + FALL EVENTS VENTURE
Southeast South Dakota Ag Tour
We celebrated the groundbreaking of the Cotton Park Courts on May 6. Excitement for new tennis and pickleball courts was palpable, and we were honored to have members of a local pickleball group join us for the occasion. The Cotton Park Courts officially opened in October, and we plan to host a ribbon cutting and grand opening for spring 2026.
Our favorite summer music series kicked off on a rainy Thursday, but that didn’t stop the fun –we moved inside XIX Brewing Company with Fine Mess and kept the party going! As summer warmed up, we returned to the Platz with performances by Blue Rune, 97 West, Chester, Bluff Ridge Band and Wild Card plus a special performance by Jetley Park at the Clay County Fair.
We enjoyed both new and familiar food trucks and vendors, along with face painting, balloon animals, bouncy houses, games and more. Businesses and organizations joined in by tabling each week, helping create the vibrant atmosphere we love. This year, we averaged over 250 people per event – and we’re already counting down the days until next summer!
On a particularly steamy July day, we hit the road for the Southeast South Dakota Ag Tour, visiting Nutrien and the SDSU Southeast Research Farm. Attendees saw crop drones in action, rode on an open-air trailer behind a tractor, and learned all about the science behind crop health and sustainable farming. The day ended with a complimentary dinner courtesy of the Clay and Union Farm Bureaus. We’re thankful for our local ag partners who help us connect with the region’s agricultural community.
Cotton Park Courts Groundbreaking Thursdays on the Platz
VENTURE
IN REVIEW
Ribbon Cuttings
Nothing quite beats the moment when the ribbon is cut and the audience bursts into applause –celebrating new beginnings and adventures of businesses and organizations across the Vermillion area. Over the past several months, we’ve celebrated ribbon cuttings with the following.
• The Board Room
• Blue Tin Ranch
• Cow & Spoon Ice Cream Truck
• Resilient Church Community Center
• Vermillion Nutrition
• You Filthy Animal Mobile Grooming
• Clay County Law Enforcement Center & Jail
• MASABA Steel and Metal Fabrication Facility
• Power Pilates
• Outside of a Dog Books & Games
• Embrace Dentistry
• Lunchbox Studios
Congratulations!
OKTOBERFEST
Zicke Zacke, Hoi Hoi Hoi! Oktoberfest 2025 didn’t disappoint! After last year’s success, we knew one night wasn’t enough, so this year, the celebration lasted all week.
XIX Brewing Company hosted an Oktoberfest Beer Mile & Block Party; Matt Hunhoff led polka lessons at the Vermillion Eagles Club; Carey’s Bar held Oktoberfest-themed trivia; and the South Dakota Coyote Volleyball team hosted BLOCKtoberfest during their match vs Oral Roberts.
The signature event took place on September 26, and the dance floor was rarely empty. The steinholding competition was fierce, the German cuisine was delicious and the Oktoberfest beer flowed freely. We can’t wait to see how this community favorite continues to grow!
Local Events
Manufacturing Week Lunch
In recognition of National Manufacturing Week, we hosted “Manufacturing Matters,” October's Learning Lunch. Panelists from Masaba, Polaris and Thermo Bond shared insights with an engaged crowd at the Dakota Center. Moderated by VCDC President & CEO Jim Peterson, panelists included Masaba CEO and Owner Jerad Higman; Polaris Engineering and Development Leader Curt Nelson; and Thermo Bond Vice President David Jessip. The discussion highlighted how manufacturing continues to drive growth and innovation in our region.
1 VENTURE
THINGS TO DO THIS SEASON 4
Standstill parade of lights
Kick off the holiday season with the 10th annual Standstill Parade of Lights! Join us in Historic Downtown Vermillion on Thursday, December 4 at 6 p.m. Enjoy decked-out floats, live performances, hot cocoa, snacks and treats, and so much more! The highlight of the night is when Santa rides down Main Street to light the Vermillion Christmas tree. The Standstill Parade of Lights is a picturesque evening that you won't want to miss!
2 VENTURE Local Events
LEGISLATIVE Series
The VCDC invites you to take part in a series of events designed to educate, engage and connect our community throughout the legislative season.
• Legislative Lab - The Government Affairs Committee will take a deep dive into the South Dakota government - Dec. 9 at noon.
• City & County Update - Hear from Mayor Jon Cole and County Commissioner Travis MocklerJan. 15 at noon.
• Cracker Barrels - Open conversation with area legislators - Jan. 31 and Feb. 28 at 9 a.m.
Dakota Farm Show
Vermillion will host the region’s premier agricultural event, the Dakota Farm Show, January 6-8, 2026, inside the USD DakotaDome. The show will feature over 1,000 agricultural products and services, focusing on improving yields, reducing costs and managing risk. Attendees can also enjoy informative seminars by SDSU Extension, the Northland Ford Truck Giveaway, daily prize drawings and much more!
Pizza Battle
Coming this February, we’re introducing a new event – the Vermillion Pizza Battle! After two sizzling summers of our popular Burger Battle, we’re keeping the friendly food rivalry going. Throughout the month, participating Vermillion restaurants will feature a signature pizza, each competing for your vote to be crowned Vermillion’s Best Pizza. Try them all, cast your votes and support local flavor – one slice at a time! Stay tuned for the full list of participating restaurants and voting details.
PRESERVING THE WILD
Home to more than seven million pheasants, South Dakota consistently ranks as the top state in the nation for bird counts.
VANTAGE Chamber
LOCAL PHEASANT ASSOCIATION CONSERVES WILDLIFE AND GIVES BACK
For more than two decades, the Southeastern South Dakota Pheasant Association has been dedicated to preserving the legacy of pheasant hunting in Clay County.
Operated by a dedicated membership, the association focuses on conserving wildlife, expanding habitat and ensuring future generations can experience South Dakota’s hunting traditions.
“Our goal is to provide better pheasant hunting opportunities in the Vermillion area,” said AJ Schmitz, association president. “We have been committed to opening and providing access to hundreds of people living in our communities to participate in our strong pheasant hunting heritage.”
One of the ways the association continues the tradition is by raising and releasing pheasants in the Vermillion area. Since its inception, the association has released more than 32,000 pheasants – including 800 released in 2025.
In addition to raising pheasants, the association manages 300 acres of land enrolled in CRP and WRP programs across six parcels
in Clay County. Members actively maintain and improve this land through controlled burns, red cedar pulling and other habitat restoration projects, ensuring the land remains healthy for both pheasants and other native species.
"It’s about preserving the wildlife, keeping the experience authentic and maintaining the land so that our kids and their kids can continue to hunt in South Dakota."
This land is then available to association members to hunt on during pheasant season.
“We’re giving access to people who might not otherwise have
the opportunity to hunt on good, protected land,” said membership chair Austin Chicoine.
To support their efforts, the association hosts an annual banquet in the spring, a celebration of conservation and community.
“The money raised at the banquet is where the annual funds for operation are generated,” said Schmitz. “All the money raised stays in Vermillion to maintain, improve, and expand pheasant habitat and hunting access.”
The association also invests in the next generations of pheasant hunters. They sponsor youth mentorship opportunities, sharing decades of experience and keeping the traditions of safe, ethical hunting alive.
With nearly 80 members today, the Southeastern South Dakota Pheasant Association continues to grow its reach and impact.
“We’re proud to provide independent, accessible hunting for our members,” Schmitz said.
CLAY COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT CENTER & JAIL OFFICIALLY OPENS IN VERMILLION VANTAGE
After more than a decade of planning, the Clay County Law Enforcement Center & Jail opened its doors this fall.
On October 7, the Vermillion Area Chamber & Development Company – along with law enforcement personnel, local leaders, state legislators and community members –celebrated the new Clay County Law Enforcement Center & Jail with a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house event.
The 54,000-square-foot facility is home to the Vermillion Police Department and Clay County Sheriff’s Office. It includes 54 beds with the potential to add 44 more in the future. The Vermillion Police Department and Clay County Sheriff’s Office will share support spaces including a break room, multipurpose room, locker rooms, training rooms, interview rooms, and evidence processing and storage.
The facility also houses the 911 Dispatch Center, Emergency Management Office, and
alternate enclosed parking garage for agency fleet vehicles and emergency management equipment.
“A great deal of thought, collaboration and hard work went into the design and construction of this building,” said Vermillion Police Department Chief Crystal Brady. “We knew it was important for the city and the county to work together for the good of our citizens to construct the most efficient building possible that will last for years to come. This is a reflection of the great relationship the Vermillion Police Department and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office have always had with one another.”
Voters approved the nearly $43 million bond for the Clay County Law Enforcement Center & Jail in 2022. The project broke ground Oct. 3, 2023.
“This facility is a result of over 10 years of discussion, study and effort,” said Clay County Sheriff Andy Howe. “It will give our staff and inmates a safe and modern jail and provide an adequate and modern workspace for law enforcement officers and dispatch. It was built with a strong commitment to serve Clay County for decades into the future and has the capacity for expansion if ever needed.”
JULY 16, 23, 30 | AUGUST 6, 13, 20, 27
VCDC ANNUALCELEBRATION | APRIL9
Vermillion’s premier business event of the year. A night to celebrate the many businesses, nonprofit organizations and entrepreneurs that make the Vermillion area a great place for commerce.
VANTAGE
OUR NEWEST MEMBERS
605 Epoxy 45116 293rd Viborg, SD 605-670-9867
Brady Companies, LLC
844 East Cherry St. Vermillion, SD
605-624-8001
CW Suter Services
208 East 31st St. Yankton, SD 605-601-5464
East River Storage
844 East Cherry St. Vermillion, SD
605-624-8001
Amazon Hub 9436 West Broek Sioux Falls, SD 605-351-0090
Action Carpet Cleaning & Restoration 910 James St. Vermillion, SD 605-786-0370
Clay County Republicans
Vermillion, SD
Matthew.Fairholm@usd. edu
Dakota Prairie Commons Vermillion, SD Info@ dakotaprairiecommons.
Embrace Dentistry 111 Court St. Vermillion, SD
605-624-8695
Community Blood Bank 1307 South Cliff Ave Sioux Falls, SD 605-331-3222
East River Properties
844 East Cherry St. Vermillion, SD 605-624-8001
Flamez Hookah & Cigar Lounge 3 West Main St. Vermillion, SD 605-670-0402
VANTAGE
Flamez Tobacco & Vapor 918 East Cherry St. Vermillion, SD 605-658-0184
Ironclad Construction
803 West Cedar St. Beresford, SD 605-595-7809
Lazy H Campground 701 HWY 12 South Akron, IA 712-568-5299
H&R Block 12 Center St. Vermillion, SD 605-624-6385
Jefferson Beer Supply 202 Main St. Jefferson, SD 605-966-5829
Lewis & Clark Behavioral Health Services
3111 Shirley Bridge Ave Yankton, SD 605-665-4606
Lunchbox Studios 10 West Main St. Vermillion, SD LunchboxStudiosCo@gmail. com
McLaury Engineering 118 West Main St. Elk Point, SD 605-271-8998
interAct ABA Therapy 825 North Norbeck St. Vermillion, SD 605-650-9290
Layne's World 721 West Cedar St. Vermillion, SD 605-677-9812
Loren Fischer Disposal 31383 SD 19 Vermillion, SD 605-624-9304
Pastime Trivia 445 North Pine St. Vermillion, SD 605-670-6290
VANTAGE Chamber News
Pearl Accounting
112 West Main St. Vermillion, SD 605-301-3177
Pye Barker
Plum Villa Apartments
844 East Cherry St. Vermillion, SD 605-624-8001
Power Pilates 124 East Cherry St. Vermillion, SD 605-999-1786
3601 North Potsdam Sioux Falls, SD 605-367-3176
The Duck & Cat Food Truck
Vermillion Area 402-960-2174
Turner Plumbing 217 West Kidder St.
Vermillion, SD
605-624-3741
Southeastern South Dakota Pheasant Association 111 W. Main St. Vermillion, SD (605) 555.5555
The Kitchen Place 309 West 11th St. Yankton, SD 605-668-2168
Vermillion Area Community Foundation Vermillion, SD VACFBoard@gmail.com
You Filthy Animal Mobile Grooming
Vermillion Area
712-541-5290
Prairie Inn 916 North Dakota St. Vermillion, SD 605-624-2824
The Corn Dog Company of South Dakota Vermillion Area 712-253-1509
The Pit 101 Ohio St. Wakonda, SD 605-267-2551
Thompson Solutions Group 2300 7th St. Sioux City, IA 712-224-3886
Vermillion Nutrition 14B West Main St. Vermillion, SD 605-585-7481
Individual Members
Sue Christensen
Sean Brady
Linda E. Hawley
Kelly Johnson
Sydney Kolln
Dr. Jonathan Olson
Tatem Passick
Pat Roach
Steven Waller
Rachel Wudel
VELOCITY Economic
Total Employment in clay county
Source: Federal Reserve Economic Data
average annual unemployment rate in Clay County
median household income in clay county & South Dakota
Source: US Census Bureau
Source: Federal Reserve Economic Data Note:
VELOCITY
City Taxes (in Dollars)
Source: City of Vermillion Annual Budget & Financial Report, Exhibit 4
Total Chamber Memberships
Source: Vermillion Area Chamber & Development Company
Chamber membership breakdown
Source: Vermillion Area Chamber & Development Company
