VCDC Annual Report 2025

Happy 2026! As we close out 2025, it is a pleasure to reflect on the progress and achievements across the Vermillion Area. Thank you to our members, community partners and the VCDC board and team for making this success possible.

The year began with Vermillion receiving USA TODAY 2025 Readers’ Choice Award for Best Small Town Arts Scene. There’s no community more deserving of this recognition than Vermillion!

Building on that momentum, we produced a new Vermillion commercial with the tagline, “Come Find Your Place.” You’ll see more of this campaign as we move further into 2026.

We successfully completed our Grow Vermillion campaign raising $2,047,648 with expenses under $17,000 – surpassing both our $1.5 million goal and the previous VNow! 3 Capital Campaign. Thank you to all our donors for your generosity and commitment to Vermillion’s future.

This year, the VCDC grew to more than 400 members with a 90% retention rate. We supported business expansions, welcomed new business investments and saw additional housing developments across the area. We also provided some funding for the new Cotton Park Tennis and Pickleball Courts.

We remain committed to diversifying our tax base and attracting businesses that are a good fit for our community. In February, we will host a strategic planning session to align with our partners and community leaders on our shared vision and direction for the Vermillion Area. Together, we will continue to grow responsibly.

Stay connected with us by subscribing to our Monday Messenger newsletter, following us on social media or downloading our LiveVermillion app to keep up with what’s happening in the Vermillion Area.

We thank you for your continued support and look forward to another fun and exciting year!

VCDC Board of Directors 2025

Joe Hoose, USD Foundation, Term Ends 1/2026

Andy Schulz, First Bank & Trust, Term Ends 1/2026

Jim Waters, Cafe Brule, Dakota Brickhouse, Term Ends 1/2028

Dustin Sockness, Polaris, (Appointed)

Gregg Peters, Ace Hardware, Term Ends 1/2027

Bekki Engquist-Schroeder, Wynie Mae’s, Term Ends 1/2027

Matt Burbach, Nutrien, (Appointed)

Jessi Hanson, Maloney Real Estate, Term Ends 1/2027

Jon Cole, Vermillion Mayor (Appointed)

John Prescott, City of Vermillion (Appointed)

Veronica Schmidt, Sanford Vermillion, (Appointed)

Travis Mockler,, County Commissioner (Appointed)

Damon Alvey, Vermillion School District (Appointed)

Katey Ulrich, USD (Appointed)

OUR GOALS FOR 2026

1. Financial stewardship.

2. Increase membership by 5%.

3. Membership retention of 90%+.

4. Grow labor force 1% annually.

5. Grow population by 1.5% annually.

6. Grow housing stock by 20+ single family homes.

7. Grow 20+ multi-family beds per year.

8. Grow childcare by 10+ slots per year.

• Grew labor force 1.9%.

• Grew population 2.9%.

• Grew housing stock by 25 homes (city and county).

• Grew multi-family units by 21 beds (city and county).

• Grew childcare openings by 36 slots.

• Supported new Cotton Park Tennis and Pickleball courts with funding.

• $35,685 in Vermillion Bucks redeemed.

• Completed the Clay County Law Enforcement Center & Jail.

• Raised Jolley School building, with site preparation underway for the Jolley School development.

• Masaba’s completed its new Steel and Metal Fabrication Facility.

• Cypress Rail Solutions invested in Vermillion.

• Started construction on Stencil Group apartments.

• Annexed 37 acres of land north of Walmart to the City of Vermillion.

1,290

4,300

2,027

180

Cotton Park Courts

Groundbreaking

On May 6, we celebrated the groundbreaking of the Cotton Park Courts. The courts officially opened in October, and we plan to host a ribbon cutting in 2026.

Small Town Summit

A new addition to our event lineup, the Small Town Summit brought together smalltown leaders to connect with resources that support community development and growth.

Clay County Law Enforcement Center & Jail

In October, the VCDC joined law enforcement, local leaders, state legislators, and community members to celebrate the new Law Enforcement Center & Jail with a ribbon cutting and open house.

Trick-or-Treat & Harvest Celebration

The annual Downtown Trick-orTreat was a success, welcoming a large and festive crowd to Main Street.

In November, we partnered with the Clay and Union Farm Bureaus to host the annual Harvest Celebration.

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest was once again a community favorite! From a lively dance floor to a fierce stein-holding competition, delicious German cuisine, and flowing Oktoberfest beer, the event delivered on all fronts. We look forward to seeing how this beloved tradition continues to grow.

10th Annual Standstill Parade of Lights

Despite the chilly weather, the 10th Annual Standstill Parade of Lights was full of community spirit. The event featured 14 floats, performances by VADO and the USD Chamber Choir, and appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus – making it once again one of Vermillion’s most beloved traditions.

Download the LiveVermillion App!

Explore Vermillion with the LiveVermillion app, a convenient directory that makes it easy to find any business or service in the community.

See business information, operating hours, and contact information, and save favorites for quick access later. See what’s happening in Vermillion with the built-in community calendar, and stay in the loop about special events and promotions with push notifications.

A POWERFUL TOOL FOR BUSINESSES

Every business in the Vermillion Area receives a free listing in the LiveVermillion app. If you’re a business owner and don’t see your business, email VCDC@vermillionchamber.com and let us know to add you, or submit a listing directly through the app! Members of the VCDC also have the opportunity to edit their business listing, hours, photos, and links to websites and social media.

Businesses located outside the Vermillion Area receive a listing in the app upon joining the chamber!

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES

Want to market your brand? Promote a sale? Advertise on the LiveVermillion app with a splash screen ad, banner ad, or dedicated push notification.