The VERB - Spring 2020

VVERB

noun

The Spring 2020

1. A word that expresses an action, state, or a relation between two things.

2. Your quarterly update on the action, events, and state of the Vermillion community, your Chamber of Commerce, Visitor Bureau, and Economic Develoment Company, and the relationship between you and all these things.

Spirit of South Dakota

The U.S. Constitution mandates a census of the population every 10 years. The 2020 Census will count everyone who lives in the U.S. as of April 1, 2020 (Census Day). Census statistics are used to determine the number of seats each state holds in the U.S. House of Representatives and to inform how billions of dollars in federal funds will be allocated by state, local, and federal lawmakers every year for the next 10 years.

Beginning March 12th, for the first time ever, households can respond online. To help facilitate a more complete count, Census Stations will be located throughout Clay County (more information regarding specific locations to come).

The City of Vermillion encourages all citizens to help “Shape Our Future” by taking part in the 2020 Census.

Vermillion Counts!

All information obtained through the census is strictly confidential and only used for census purposes. To learn more about the 2020 Census, visit www.census.gov.

Events

Viewpoint

Contributors VERB

@livevermillion

@VermillionSD

Megan DAVIDSON SD transplant

What kind of Vermillionaire are you?

Facebook poll results Poll

Melissa EBERTS sd transplant

Emily ORIGER Student vcdc intern

Jenna KARI Student vcdc intern

Libby JERVIK Student vcdc intern

Your story counts in Vermillion, and the arrival of the new decade is a great reminder to all of us that each resident of Vermillion is significant. With Census day approaching quickly, I would like to personally urge each and every one of you to consider the importance of your story and the impact that your presence in Vermillion has on the success of our community.

The data gathered from this years Census will help determine how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding are allocated to communities every year for the next decade. What does that mean for Vermillion? Over the past 10 years, it’s estimated we have lost out on over $40 million in possible funds. That funding shapes many different aspects of each community, no matter the size or location. It’ll impact your morning commute, the schools your children attend, and programs supporting the farmers in our area. Census results will determine the planning and funding for health clinics and highways, fire departments and disaster response, education programs such as Head Start and college tuition assistance.

Census 2020 will provide a snapshot of Vermillion – who we are, what we do, and so much more. The results of this once-adecade count will determine the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives. Data will be used to draw

congressional and state legislative districts. Over the next decade, lawmakers, business owners, and many others will use Census data to determine which communities need new schools, new clinics, new roads, and more services for families, the elderly and children. This is why it’s crucial that each and every individual is counted in Vermillion – whether you’re a student, an international resident, born and raised or a South Dakota transplant, you count and your story does too.

“It’s crucial that each and every individual is counted in Vermillion”

So much can be appreciated about a community the size of Vermillion. It’s so easy to become lost in the hustle and bustle of a big city, and while you can still put in that effort to make a difference, you may not see the fruits of your labor. However, in Vermillion, those results are tangible. Everything you do here is recognizable and has an impact on the success and evolution of our community. You have the opportunity to make change, affect change and see the results. Please remember, where you live on April 1st is where you’re counted. And remember, you count in Vermillion.

Anew year and a new Chair of the Board at the Chamber and Development Company. What an exciting time to be given this kind of opportunity is all I have to say. Thank you as it is a great time to be in Vermillion! My hope is to continue to improve and achieve the goals of the VCDC throughout 2020. I also want to send a special thanks to Jami Baedke for her leadership this past year. We maintain a vision of prosperity here at the VCDC, and we are excited to bring that with us into 2020.

To continue to succeed however, the Chamber needs your help. Every voice in Vermillion counts! The VCDC is really focusing on that important aspect this year through their theme and goal with the annual banquet. With the Census this year, we all couldn’t help but think about the importance of getting an accurate count. Knowing how many people, families and individuals there are in Vermillion helps your Chamber to more accurately serve your community. Remember, your voice counts in Vermillion!

“Remember, your VOICE counts in Vermillion!”

Finally, I would like to welcome the other new members to the Board this year. We are welcoming Nick Oyen, from SESDAC and Michele Davidson from the Red Roof Inn to our family of members this year. We are so excited to have them on our Board.

Feel free to send me any thoughts you have for how to keep Vermillion moving forward. Please continue to encourage all Chamber Members and members of the community to remember that your voice counts. You can take action and together we can make meaningful and lasting impacts on the community of Vermillion.

Events

STANDSILL Parade of Lights

Thursday, December 5th, 2019 brought the start of the holiday season back to Vermillion with the annual Standstill Parade of Lights. The floats didn’t move, the crowd did! The festivities kicked off when the floats lit up at 6:00 pm, lining both sides of Main Street with holiday spirit.

Each year local businesses and organizations are invited to boost their holiday spirit and get more involved in the community by entering a float in the parade. The parade as always has some friendly competition, by offering prizes for the top three floats. This year’s winners were Vermillion School District and Vermillion Public Transit coming in second and third respectively. This year’s first place float belonged to BioTest! They left with 50 VermBucks, a framed certificate and a year’s worth of bragging rights. Congratulations to our winners and all float registrants for your hard work.

Adults and children alike were enchanted by the stunning light displays. A big draw for the crowd were two live horses, who had also gotten all dressed up in their festive gear for the occasion. The horses, and the crowd, enjoyed pets and treats. CorTrust Bank served hot chocolate, complete with all the toppings for parade goers to enjoy. The hot chocolate was a great way for parade goers to fend off the cold and continue to enjoy the lights.

Of course, no holiday parade would be complete without the most festive person of all: Santa Claus. The evening’s festivities concluded with the arrival of the jolly man, by firetruck sleigh of course. He then spent time interacting with the crowd, the children and even Charlie Coyote! Finally, Santa Claus also brought the holiday magic to power the switch to light the iconic Ratingen Platz Christmas tree, signaling the end of the parade but the official kick-off to the holiday season.

This year’s Standstill Parade of Lights was a great success and everyone who braved the cold to attend were able to relax and ring in the holidays with a festive, family friendly display of dazzling lights right in downtown Vermillion.

Cracker barrel

Vermillion City Hall hosted the District 17 legislators twice in February, through the two annual Legislative Cracker Barrels. Once on Saturday, February 1st and again on Saturday, February 29th. These Cracker Barrels are held as a way for local legislators to return to Vermillion and interact with the community during the Legislative season.

These events were open to the public. Community members were able to listen as their legislators presented and commented on the current happenings in Pierre. Community members were also able to ask questions or raise concerns, in an effort to nourish the connection between citizen and representative. Community members left feeling heard and answered. Young professionals, students and adults were all in attendance.

The Clay County Democrats, Clay County Republicans, League of Women Voters and USD Student Government Association tabled and assisted in serving refreshments to the attendees.

This event has always been a great way for the legislation and the community to reconnect and discuss issues, happenings and questions. We hope to continue to grow this event and to capitalize on the opportunity it provides the community.

Thanks to our sponsors CorTrust Bank, USD Administration and Biotest.

#LOVERMILLION Day

For the third year in a row #LOVermillion Day returned to the Sanford Coyote Sports Center. Each year the VCDC hosts #LOVermillion Day to honor the connection between the community of Vermillion and the University of South Dakota. The basketball game is used as a way to showcase and celebrate how much everyone “loves Vermillion.”

This year, Mayor Jack Powell proclaimed Thursday, February 13th as #LOVermillion Day, perfectly timed near Valentine’s Day. The USD women’s basketball team took on the Leathernecks of Western Illinois. The home team came away victorious with a score of 88-51.

USD provided a 2 for 1 ticket deal to the game for community members and Charlie Coyote and the USD cheer and dance teams showered love amongst the fans with red roses. We are already looking ahead to next year’s #LOVermillion Day.

5 4

THINGS TO DO THIS SEASON

April 2nd will see the VCDC showcase the best of the community at the annual banquet. The night will showcase community awards, engaging speakers, delicious food and a touch of glitz and glamor!

More info at LiveVermillion.com

The 52nd Special Olympics State Summer Games will be held in Vermillion from May 21st – May 23rd. This event is part of a global movement to improve the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Taking place over three days, there are multiple ways to be involved – come and cheer on athletes, volunteer for a few hours, or provide sponsorship through your company. Three days of fun supporting a wonderful community. Contact 605.624.5571.

Vermillion will again host the best youth footballers in the SD High School All-Star Football tournament. From June 5th-8th, 90 of the state’s best players will match up against each other in an exciting game, plus be celebrated at the Recognition Banquet. Included in the All-Star week will be a Kid’s Camp for youth players. Tickets available at LiveVermillion.com

Want to embrace the start of summer? Network with fellow Chamber and community members? Then the VCDC annual Golf Social is for you. Come and enjoy the beauty of The Bluffs Golf Course on June 22nd and support your local Chamber and the mission of the VCDC. Contact 605.624.557, you won’t want to miss this premier event.

USD Orchestra Festival

Edie’s Book Shop Sale

All day @ Sioux Falls

St. Patrick’s Day

Summit League Tournament

Dances of Universal Peace

Vermillion Public Library 2:00-3:30 pm

USD Coyote Jazz Festival

vcdc Annual Banquet

Track and Field vs South Dakota Challenge

USD Wacipi

Vermillion Children’s Choir Hosts Yankton Children’s Choir

fill out your census 2020census.gov

Colton Recital Hall 7:00-8:00 pm 7:30-8:30 pm

12:00 pm

they’re Home! The USD Chamber Singers in Concert

USD Softball vs North Dakota Festival of Nations

MUC Ballroom, 6:00-8:00 pm All day

11:00 am

usd Softball vs Western Illinois SCSC

Galu & Guests, USD Faculty+ Recital

Colton Recital Hall 8:00-9:00 pm

@ Valiant Vineyards VPL, 7:00

Rawlins Piano Series: Guest Pianist Athina Fytika

Colton Recital Hall 7:30-8:30

USD Chamber Orchestra’s Spring Concert

Colton Recital Hall 7:30-8:30 pm

The Living River Group of the SD Sierra Club

usd Softball vs Iowa

3:00 pm

Earth Day Track and Field vs USD Twilight

Green Thursday on The Platz

USD Symphony Orchestra and Choirs

Grand Finale Concert

Aalfs Auditorium 7:30-8:30 pm

Matthew Knutson, D.D.S.

@KFDsince77

@knutsondental1977

Richard Knutson, D.D.S.Brandon Jensen, D.D.S.

Feature story

The year 2020 is here, which means that it has been 10 years since Census was taken in Vermillion. We’ve seen such a great expansion of Vermillion and many new faces in the past decade, and every person, whether you’ve been here the past decade, are a student attending the University of South Dakota, or are here from a different country, counts. Participating in the 2020 Census is in the best interest for our community because the data collected helps decision-makers decide where to allocate federal funding.

“Census data shows who we are as a community”

The state of South Dakota uses the information collected from the Census for planning and allocating funds for things like new schools, libraries, highway safety, public transportation, new roads, bridges, and local safety warriors like police and fire departments. Organizations in Vermillion can use Census data to develop community action projects and programs to help support those at-risk populations.

Numbers taken from Census 2020 can be used by prospective businesses to decide if they would like to relocate or expand their business to Vermillion, which often leads to new jobs. The data collected helps these companies decide where to locate distribution centers to best serve their customers, where to expand or locate new stores and where they have the best chance of seeing a high return on investment. To sell products and services, companies large and small need good information on the location of potential customers. The Census provides the highest-quality and most consistent information on such items, and businesses have come to depend on it to make critical choices.

Census data also provides us a snapshot of Vermillion and shows who we are as a community. Demographic data helps groups from all parts of society use census information to decide where to direct their attention and resources. The Census helps these groups identify areas in need of certain services, businesses, civil rights outreach, community engagement, etc.

fast facts

This will be the 22nd Census of the United States.

The 2020 Census will be first to use the internet as the primary (and preferred) means of collecting household data.

It is Collected every 10 years and asks only 9 questions.

4 to the

ways to respond

Secure internet

It’s safe, secure and confidential. Your information and privacy are protected. It’s economical both for you and for the taxpayers. It’s greener saving trees and user friendly, offering you help screens and the ability to review you answers.

2020census.gov

Respond by phone

Our enumerators are ready to take your information question by question from the convenience of your phone from any location.

Respond by mail

Wait until you recieve your paper form through the mail or dropped at your residence. It can be filled out at home and dropped into your mailbox or post office.

Our enumerators will visit residences that choose not to self respond.

Chamber

Exhale Wellness Spa

402 Bower St.

Vermillion, SD 57069

605.658.3200

exhalewellnessspa.com

From the moment you walk in the door, their focus is on your complete relaxation. From salt to sauna, meditation to massage, their services are a great way to take a step back from the bustle of everyday life. Knowing the best options for you is only part of the process, they’re also here to make you feel great. Whether you’re here for a one-hour service or an entire day, your happiness is of utmost importance! Come take a break with them.

Kelley Ashby Consulting

855 Eastgate Dr.

Vermillion, SD 57069

319.855.2237

kelleyashbyconsulting.com

Kelley Ashby Consulting, LLC provides training and consultation services focused on helping organizations develop and enhance the workplace competencies and leadership talents of their students or staff members. Their training sessions specialize in helping others develop the skills and competencies critical to success in today’s workplace. From preparing college students or recent graduates for the workplace and on-boarding new employees to enhancing the strengths and skills of seasoned personnel, they tailor each training session to fit the specific needs of your organization. Whether you’re a small business owner or an educational institution, they will help you further develop individuals into valuable and contributing employees highly sought by any organization. Their goal is to provide exceptional advice that will lead to years of success for your students, employees, and/or organization.

Ben’s Handyman Services

801 James St.

Vermillion, SD 57069

605.659.1334

Have things around the house that may need some attention but just don’t have the time? Let Ben’s Handyman Service help you! Serving Southeast South Dakota with minor plumbing, minor electrical, interior and exterior repairs and flooring needs.

Elk Point Dental Care

109 E Main St

Elk Point, SD 57025

605.356.2271

Elk Point Dental Care is a family-owned office with a professional team who makes your dental care their top priority. Offering dental health care for all ages, Elk Point Dental customizes care for each patient in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. New patients are always welcome. Starting in January, and they will be seeing patients on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays!

Job Postings

One of the many benefits of being a Chamber member is you are able to utilize the broad reach of the VCDC to make your needs known. Your needs are Vermillion’s needs, and through your member portal you are able to post current job openings or available positions.

Listing your available position is as easy as going to LiveVermillion.com and logging in to your member portal. From there, adding your posting is just a few clicks away. Select “job postings” and then “add job.” Then you may type your job description before simply clicking submit.

This is an easy opportunity to grow your business by getting your employment opportunities to a wider audience, and it’s already included in your membership! Take advantage of this benefit today.

VAFM: The Vermillion Area Farmers’ Market’s winter markets, which are offered on the third Saturday of each month have been a great success and with two markets left this season the VAFM thanks you for your continued support. During the annual Silent Night Auction held at Valiant Vineyards, over 100 community members gathered to bid on 63 baskets available for auction and raffle. Thanks to donations and a matching grant from Modern Woodmen, the evening was one of the market’s most successful fundraising events.

As recipients of a 2019 South Dakota Community Foundation grant, the VAFM is looking forward to exploring options for a permanent location in 2020. The VAFM is looking at Barstow Park but are still in the process of identifying a final location and permanent structure design. The VAFM is also looking forward to the start of their summer markets.

Right At Home: Right at Home is excited to announce they have received several awards based on their standard of care. They received the Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission and the Caring Super Star seal of approval from caring. com, showing they are a top-rated care service. Additionally, they have earned the Better Business Bureau’s A+ rating by meeting their 26 standards of accreditation.

Right At Home has also received the 2020 Best of Home Care - Leader in Excellence, Provider of Choice and Employer of Choice awards from Home Care Pulse. These awards are granted only to the top-ranking home care providers based on satisfaction scores, giving you access to top quality care right here in Vermillion.

Prairie Eye Clinic: Dry eye disease is a common eye health problem. To help combat this problem the Doctors at Prairie Eye Clinic have invested in advanced dry eye diagnostic and treatment equipment for their clinic in Vermillion. The Keratography 5M takes images of the eyelids and cornea to assess the reasoning for dry eye, allowing the Doctors to determine the proper course of treatment. The Prairie Eye Clinic is excited to offer this advanced treatment to patients right here in Vermillion. Don’t let dry eyes affect your daily life, Prairie Eye is able to aid you in all your eye care needs.

Valiant Vineyards: Stone Faces’ new Bourbon Whiskey, Clay Turner, has garnered much attention and praise. The Bourbon won a silver medal in the John Barleycorn Society of Spirits Writers and Marketers. This award honors creative excellence in all aspects of the spirits industry, from distilling to marketing and selling a product. Stone Faces’ Clay Turner also caught the attention of the Louisville, Kentucky based “The Bourbon Road Blog.”

Mike Hiatt, the blogger behind the blog tasted the Bourbon Whiskey and met with Eldon Nygaard in December and released a podcast featuring Stone Faces Distillery. Clay Turner Bourbon also won a bronze medal at the Sunset International Spirits Competition in San Francisco in November. Valiant Vineyards Winery is proud to offer award winning Bourbon right in Vermillion.

Jimmy Johns: Your local Vermillion Jimmy Johns is excited to offer new Freaky Fast Rewards®! The more you order, the more you are able to earn. You’ll even earn a free sandwich after your first purchase using Freak Fast Rewards®! You can sign up today at JimmyJohns.com or stop in their store at 853 E Cherry St. to sign up! Don’t miss this exciting opportunity!

Triumph Chiropratic: Dr. Kirstin Carlson is excited to expand the chiropractic resources available in Vermillion. Whether your goals are to lose weight, solve an assortment of health problems, digestive issues or even just to eat better, Dr. Kirstin can give you simple, practical advice.

She is excited to now be available in office and to expand to in-home visits. Dr. Kirstin can offer advice while you’re sitting comfortably in your own home! To schedule, call 605.356.2688 or visit triumphchiro.com.

Ameriprise Financial

Gary Schaap, CRPC® a Private Wealth Advisor with Ameriprise Financial in Beresford and Vermillion has been named to Forbes list of ‘Best-in-State Wealth Advisors’.

This list recognizes financial advisors who have demonstrated high levels of ethical standards, professionalism and success in the business. Schaap was chosen based on assets under management, industry experience, regulatory and compliance with record and revenue produced over a threeyear period. Ameriprise is proud of Gary Schapp and is proud to offer a Forbes Best in State awarded advisors to clients to provide them with a high-quality experience and who are dedication to helping them achieve their goals.

Young Professionals

What is your name, and where can folks find you most of the time?

My name is Collin Lind and you can almost always find me at Pizza Ranch, though I can often be spotted at sporting or speech and drama events throughout the community, both through USD and locally.

How did you first begin participating in Vermillion NEXT?

As a transplant to Vermillion, my first experience with Vermillion NEXT came through an interaction at CorTrust Bank with Taylor Kathol. He began telling me what the group is all about and really piqued my interest, so I decided to attend a few events. The real lightbulb moment came from Thursday’s on the Platz though, that event really made me feel like part of the community, it was so fun and welcoming that I wanted to be a part of it.

What do you think people should know about Vermillion NEXT?

The most important thing to know about Vermillion NEXT is that it provides a great opportunity for existing and new community members, like myself, to build connections with each other. It’s also just a really fun way to get involved in the community and create more of an immersive home in Vermillion. Finally, it is also an amazing networking opportunity; participating in Vermillion NEXT can help you lead and project yourself through your career goals.

What do you hope to accomplish in the community? How do you see Vermillion evolving?

The cool part about Vermilion is there is always something going on. As a transplant, Vermillion has really welcomed me, but I’ve learned you have to jump in with both feet and get involved in the community. Once you do that, being in Vermillion is worth being here, there are so many ways to get involved and such a great community to be part of.

That being said, I hope to continue to jump in to create positive impact and opportunities for people to grow in the town both through their Pizza Ranch careers and as people. I went to school for business and teaching, and that educational aspect is something I really hope to push, so people can continue to grow and develop, and young people and families continue to come to town and get something out of it. Vermillion is evolving into a family destination, with new housing and family-oriented spaces where families can do things together. I think this is a sign of the welcoming environment that Vermillion provides, and the town will continue to evolve as more families and businesses want to get involved in that feeling.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years? Twenty?

In the next five years I hope to continue to stride toward my goals of being an active community member, and to continue to grow my current involvement. I also hope to get my feet under myself and work toward starting a family. Beyond that, into the next 20 years, I see myself staying with Pizza Ranch and being based in Vermillion but expanding outward from here. Vermillion will grow into a thriving young city while maintaining the family atmosphere we’ve already developed. I want to bring that atmosphere we’ve made in Vermillion to the surrounding communities to serve as a sort of advisor to them. This would give me the flexibility to continue to succeed in Vermillion, be involved in Vermillion and spend more time with my family in the area.

VERMILLION DISTRIBUTION CENTER

$6.8 billion in annual sales company-wide

$450 million shipped out of the Vermillion site annually 3000 parcel packages shipped each day 500 pallets shipped each day

We employ ~200 people from Vermillion and surrounding areas

Polaris Vermillion contributes over $40,000 to various community organizations and events each year

PROUD TO BE ONE OF VERMILLION'S TOP EMPLOYERS

Economic development

Why Vermillion?

Where are you from?

I was born in California, raised in Wisconsin on a horse farm, and lived in a few different states including Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee.

What inspired you to move to Vermillion?

My story as to why I moved to Vermillion is sad but beautiful. My late husband and I were living in Tennessee. He and I were stationed at Ft Campbell because he was a Master Sergeant in the Air Force. He passed away while on a training trip in Missouri in July of 2018. In October, I packed up my Airstream

camper to visit the owners of the Red Roof Inn and never left. They needed some help at the hotel and so I took over as the General Manager in November 2018. I couldn’t have moved to a better community. I started engaging in the VCDC’s UpNEXT Coffee Hour and volunteering at different events like Ribs Rods and Rock n’ Roll, Polar Plunge and the Special Olympics. Being involved with these events, I have met some amazing people who really make me feel a part of the community.

How are you wanting to get more involved in the unique community of Vermillion?

I will continue to get involved with as many things as I can. This community is so very special, it’s hard not to dive right in. Being on the board of the VCDC is an honor and I definitely take a lot of pride in it.

What are some of the aspects you really enjoy about the community and how have you grown here?

The aspects I like the most are how welcoming people are in the community. I have never once felt like an outsider, I have always been welcomed. As far as how I’ve grown, becoming a widow has been the hardest thing I’ve ever had to endure. Moving to Vermillion and creating my new life here has been life changing. I’ve learned to do things that I never thought I could do on my own, especially without my husband. Engaging with people after he died was hard, but everyone here made it so much easier. I truly #LOVermillion! I will always do what I can to help Vermillion grow and prosper. Together, as a community WE can do anything!

So, I would like to thank the owners of the Red Roof Inn, the city of Vermillion and all my friends here that made moving to Vermillion one of the best decisions I’ve made.

nick oyen

Where are you from?

I am from Sioux Falls, SD.

What inspired you to move to Vermillion?

My wife and I started our family about 15 years ago in the Dalesburg area north of Vermillion. We spent a number of years commuting to the Sioux Falls area for work. As our children grew we wanted them to be more connected to their community and to grow up being more connected to their friends and their town. Being only 15 miles from where we already lived, Vermillion was the perfect choice.

How are you wanting to get more involved in the unique community of Vermillion?

My family is already very engaged in the Vermillion area. We actively participate in and/or support Rotary, Special Olympics, Polar Plunge, the Vermillion Food Pantry, the Community Connection Center, the Luther Center, Dalesburg Lutheran Church, the Dalesburg Scandinavian Association, Vermillion Children’s Choir, Vermillion Music Booster’s Club, the USD Foundation, the Vermillion Schools Foundation, and the Vermillion Area Chamber & Development Company to name a few. We are so very happy to use our talents to be deeply involved in this community. We have been embraced from day one and are happy to call ourselves Vermillionaires.

What are some of the aspects you really enjoy about the community and how have you grown here?

We have been welcomed and embraced as community members from the first day. Making community connections in Vermillion is really simple and very gratifying.

McVicker Plaza

2

Vermillion, SD 57069

605.624.5571

LiveVermillion.com

VCDC@VermillionChamber.com

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED