noun
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 Development Company, and the relationship between you and all these things.
As the sun sets on a year unlike any we’ve ever experienced, I know that many of us are looking forward to the change that 2021 may bring. That change makes it feel like we are closer to the end of a year that knocked the wind out of the world (literally and figuratively).
Despite the fear of the unknown, we have seen our chamber membership grow. We have welcomed 25 new members into the VCDC, and Vermillion NEXT, our young professionals network continues to grow.
We were able to welcome back our USD Coyotes back to Vermillion, something we weren’t sure was going to be a possibility. We’ve seen a surge in tourism activity in South Dakota, with many road trippers and explorers visiting our great state. Although still below 2019 averages, South Dakota is ranked 3rd behind only Wyoming and Montana for year-over-year domestic travel bookings. South Dakota has received a lot of national attention recently, and the VCDC is reaping the benefits as we are seeing a vast increase in requests for information from economic development prospects.
We have seen these opportunities be seized by our chamber members and volunteers. If you walked down Main Street over the summer, you would have seen white barricades in front of some of the downtown restaurants. These played a pinnacle role for our ‘Open Air Dining’ initiative, which made it possible for restaurants to serve more of their customers in a safer outdoor setting. Open Air Dining was made possible in Vermillion because of the collaboration between participating businesses, the City of Vermillion and your Vermillion Area Chamber & Development Company.
We were able to celebrate in June with Runnings as they expand their business footprint in Vermillion, after having purchased Campbell’s Supply. Their retail expansion project is expected to increase both sales and property tax. The VCDC’s housing development, Bliss Pointe Phase I is in the final quarter of development. We are excited to enter into the next phase, Bliss Pointe Phase II, which plans are currently being completed for. We intend to break ground in spring of 2021. Amidst all of this uncertainty is a great deal of hope and continued operations as multiple projects are still moving forward.
“we can assure you that we are not slowing down.”
But what’s summer in Vermillion without our iconic summer music series, Thursdays on the Platz? We needed to bring a taste of normalcy back to Vermillion and with some slight amendments, supporting businesses and our enthusiastic Vermillion NEXT volunteer group, we were able to proceed. We need each other now more than ever and facilitating events that are safe and unifying is a priority for the VCDC.
With the holiday season over, continuing to shop local and supporting your friends, neighbors, and business owners in Vermillion is still imperative. Shop Local. Shop Safe. Shop Vermillion.
I could start by saying how difficult 2020 has been, but I know that’s how we greet each other these days. We stand six feet apart, we mask up, we talk about how uncertain things are. I want to share some positive things we are seeing happen because we could all use a little positivity right now.
“after all, life as we know it hasn’t crumbled into oblivion - it just looks a little different now.”
If the season of coronavirus has taught us anything, it’s that human interaction plays a key role in our quality of life. We don our masks, check our temperatures, and avoid large gatherings but we also find new ways of doing things, celebrating things, and experiencing things.
As VCDC Board Chair, I’d first like to celebrate the accomplishments of one of our board members. Michele Davidson, General Manager of Red Roof Inn, has received a number of accolades for her work at Red Roof Inn. She was nominated for the Regional Performance of the Year award because of her delivery of significant improvements in brand metrics. Congrats, Michele, on receiving this honor!
Thanks to the outpouring of support and generosity from USD and the USD Foundation, in collaboration with the VCDC, we witnessed an outstanding amount of patronage towards the retailers and restaurants in Vermillion. Record sales of Vermillion Victory Bonds were seen over Dakota Days weekend, with a total of 2,897 gift cards being sold at the grand value of $193,075. The campaign, driven by the VCDC and the USD Foundation, ran from October 1st through October 4th, during a time when businesses would typically thrive – but due to the COVID pandemic, many of the Dakota Days activities were unable to happen.
USD launched their “Mask Up” campaign, which encourages mask wearing throughout the community and requires it on campus, in public indoor buildings. Staff at USD and the VCDC have worked together for a coordinated approach so students know the expectations of on campus and off campus life.
This initiative is another great way in which the University is collaborating with the community to promote social distancing practices. The 2020-2021 academic year wouldn’t be possible without first taking the necessary steps to protect our faculty, as well as our student population.
I hope you will join me in continuing to shop local to keep the community that my family and I appreciate so much going during these difficult times.
A highlight for many during the Vermillion summers is the beloved annual summer concert series, Thursdays on the Platz. This past summer, Thursdays on the Platz was enjoyed from the 2nd week in July and while it traditionally concludes at the end of August, it was extended into the first week of October since it was such a community hit and a great opportunity to socialize with easy social distancing mitigations added.
Held in historic downtown Vermillion, event-goers were invited to enjoy free, live music on the National Music Museum stage. Every Thursday from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm, Main Street was a bustle of activity as adults and children alike enjoyed the music, food, and activities hosted by the weekly sponsors.
Many of the downtown restaurants utilized their open-air dining spaces so attendees could enjoy a meal outside while listening to the great music brought to us by the diverse range of local bands and entertainers.
The VCDC Annual Golf Social is another community fan favorite. Each year, the VCDC provides an opportunity for community members to participate in a fun, competitive event. The Annual Golf Social helps fund VCDC projects throughout the year and through these extraordinary times, the VCDC has continued to play an important role supporting local area businesses.
A total of 21 teams participated in the 2020 event and each of the 18 holes, sponsored by a local business had an array of donated pin prizes.
Not only were the participating teams met with beautiful weather, but many found success out on the green. The first flight was won by Dakota PC Warehouse, followed by Polaris in second, and USD Women’s Volleyball in third. The second flight was won by Avery Outdoor, followed by Houska Dental Clinic in second and Fast Auto Glass in third. There were also five lucky winners of #LOVermillion chairs from the VCDC Putting & Chipping Game: Jon Cole, Josh Bartos, Connor Peterson, Bill Marketon and Tyler Bakley
Downtown Vermillion sprang to life in the afternoon on Halloween as the Downtown Vermillion Trick-Or-Treat event gave young people a new, different opportunity to collect treats from businesses on Main Street.
Among those sponsoring the event were The Bean Community Coffeehouse, R-Pizza, C.H. Designs: Alterations, Garment Repair, Custom Designs, Wynie Mae’s AVEDA Salon & Spa, Indigo Spa, the Community Connection Center, CorTrust Bank, Maloney Real Estate, Vermillion Theaters and Thread & Ink.
Thank you to the community who participated in a safe and socially distanced Halloween and a special thank you to the wonderful businesses in Vermillion who hosted this event.
Living in Vermillion during a pandemic
Life looks a little different in Vermillion and across the globe these days. COVID-19 has had an undeniable impact on the way we each navigate our daily lives and interact with one another. Business operations for many of our local retailers, restaurants, and service providers have changed to accommodate for CDC recommendations. Masks are no longer an anomaly in the United States but now as customary to our daily attire as shoes. Handshakes have become obsolete and hand sanitizer has become a must-have. Fear of the unknown, while it may still be present, is hushed by the growing understanding of the circumstances we are facing today. Each day is new, but the commitment we have to and for each other in Vermillion is not.
A change in circumstances demands a change in mindset along with behavior if we are to rise above the challenges we face today, and in the future. Over the past nine months Vermillion has risen to the challenge and this has been evident in the resiliency of its citizens. Even a stroll through Historic Downtown Vermillion shows the display of adaptability and effort that local businesses are putting forth to continue to serve their customers in a way that is safe for both the patron and the business owner.
In an effort to provide a new and safer environment and experience for customers, a few of the local restaurants banded together over the summer, with collaboration with the VCDC and the City of Vermillion, and the idea of al fresco dining became a reality. Coined ‘Open Air Dining’ in Vermillion, these pods of space outside of the restaurants’ brick and mortar locations made it possible to serve customers while removing the threat of confined indoor spaces. This concept created by the use of white, water-filled blockades, were quite popular and business owners expressed their satisfaction in the success they have seen be exemplified via growth in sales and customers.
We have also seen a season of campaigns emerge into existence, all of which have shown collaboration, diverse thinking and ultimately led to success. The ‘Commitment to ReVive Vermillion’ initiative was designed to encourage Vermillion Area businesses to practice key social distancing measures which covered distancing, transparency and sanitation. To date over 35 participating businesses signed onto the commitment.
The ‘Mask Up’ campaign, created by staff at the University of South Dakota and fully supported by the VCDC, also served as a catalyst for awareness of self-protection measures against the spread of coronavirus for students, faculty and wider community members. USD is requiring face coverings in all public indoor spaces on campus for the 2020-2021 academic year. These efforts provide students and staff at USD with the safest collegiate experience.
We are all hoping for something. Hoping that our case numbers won’t continue to rise. Hoping that all of our Coyote friends at USD are able to learn and experience Vermillion in the way it was intended. Hoping that everyone will have access to the vaccine soon. Hoping that our family and all of our friends stay healthy and safe. Hope has been turned into something more valuable in Vermillion. Hope has been turned into initiative. Effort. Action. And while there is hope to be had with so much uncertainty, there is also a sense of pride for what we have accomplished and determination to keep moving forward. That is how Vermillion has always been, and will continue to be, with or without a global pandemic.
Wear your mask, if you are able. Protect yourself and your loved ones. Support local businesses by shopping and eating local. The Vermillion Area Chamber & Development Company is here for you, when you need us.
“the bean is committed first and foremost to the safety of our community.
we are excited to be part of the commitment to revive vermillion.
this is a time for innovation and community spirit”
LeslieGerrish, The Bean
“the open air seating is a perfect opportunity to bring people back downtown while maintaining their safety.”
Mat Zeman, Carey’s Bar
Main Street pub
11 W Main St. Vermillion, SD 57069
605.624.7670
@vermilionpub
The Main Street Pub is a family owned and operated full service bar and grill. They pride themselves in their great food and service! They have weekly lunch specials and nightly bar specials. Check them out! Open 11:00 am to 2:00 am every day!
calm therapeutic massage
8 W Main St. Vermillion, SD 5769 719.440.8366
buddhaball@yahoo.com
@DarrenSimpsonLMT
Darren offers online scheduling of appointments 6 days a week with additional evening appointments available.
His integrated approach to massage blends several styles of massage therapy together with an overall focus on healing and wellness. He is Nationally Certified in Neuromuscular Therapy and Trigger Point Therapy and Licensed in South Dakota for Massage Therapy.
Mazing acres pumpkin patch 30851 433rd Ave. Yankton, SD 57078 605.760.2759
mazingacres.com
@mazingacres
There’s so much to see and do at Mazing Acres. They’re located 7 miles west of Yankton, just north of Highway 50. They want to help you create lasting memories, so start planning an exciting afternoon in the country! Take some time to look over their site & please “like” and “follow” their social media pages to stay up-to-date with all that they have to offer.
flc (fairholm leadership consulting)
421 S University St. Vermillion, SD 57069 605.659.3369
fairholmleadership@gmail.com
FLC, run by Matt Fairholm, is a leadership and management consultancy business.
VGS Inc.
501 Oakmont Dr. Vermillion, SD 57069 605.670.1457
Rosewood Greenhouse Inc.
1400 W. Cherry St.
Vermillion, SD 57069 605.624.9229
bothkm@gmail.com
Rosewood Greenhouse in Vermillion is the place to find a large selection of proven winners, new and unique varieties of annuals, hanging baskets and perennials to make your home and business beautiful. They have a wide selection of veggies including new, heirloom and customer favorites. You’ll find seeds, onion plants, strawberries, raspberries and asparagus plants, too. Bring your favorite pots from home or choose a pot from their selection and they will custom design and plant it for your home. Gift certificates, too! Anticipated to open in April 2021.
Taco Johns
825 E. Cherry St. Vermillion, SD 57069 605.624.9431
Fast-food chain featuring tacos, burritos, nachos & breakfasts mixing Mexican & Western flavors.
Vermillion Veterinary Clinic
825 Norbeck St. Vermillion, SD 57029 605.741.8008
rachel@vermillionvetclinic.com
vermillionvetclinic.com
Scooters Coffee
1007 Princeton Ave. Vermillion, SD 57069 605.496.6082
scooterscoffee.com
Scooters Coffee Drive-Thru serves up specialty coffee, espresso blenders, fruit smoothies, breakfast, and pastries. Offering drive thru and a walk-up window, Scooter’s coffee emphasizes speed of service and delivering amazing experiences.
Friends of Missouri National Recreation River (FOMNRR)
PO Box 7029 Yankton, SD 57078 707.349.0468
fomnrr.org
The Friends of the Missouri National Recreational River (FOMNRR) is a group of people just like you, dedicated to helping the MNRR reach its full potential as a free high-quality family recreation area. The FOMNRR is the official non-profit (501c3) organization that supports programs and activities of the park like the MNRR Watershed School, the ROSCOE Junior Ranger Program and family events such as the Lake Yankton Outdoor Festival.
Song Dog Creative 605.677.9119
songdogcreative@gmail.com songdogcreative.org
$500 Investor $365 Basic $250 (Businesses with 5 or less employees)
Profit/Extension $200 Individual $100
• Access to VCDC member list
• Email updates for VCDC events & issues
• Customized listing in Vermillion Area Visitor Guide
• Invitation to exclusive networking opportunities
• Notary Public Service
• Members-only pricing at VCDC events
• VCDC committee opportunities
• VCDC member window decal
• VCDC quarterly magazine - The Verb
• Vermillion Bucks discount (15% off up to $300) - 1 transaction per year
• Weekly digital Monday Messenger
• McVicker Plaza meeting space ($50 credit)
• Businesses are not eligible for this membership level
• All of individual member benefits (see above) plus...
• Access to bulk mail permit ($38 value per 200)
• Business information in Welcome to Vermillion packets
• Business information in VCDC Visitor & Tourism Bureau display rack
• Customized listing on LiveVermillion.com
• Event promotion on VCDC social media platforms
• Hot deals/coupons posted on LiveVermillion.com
• Job postings on LiveVermillion.com and in Monday Messenger
• Member business and service referrals
• Ribbon Cutting ceremony (introduce your business or expansion)
• Member Information Center access
• Additional business membership (at 1/2 price, equal or lesser value)
•
• Individual member benefits (see above) plus...
• Access to bulk mail permit ($38 value per 200)
• Business information in Welcome to Vermillion packets
• Business information in VCDC Visitor & Tourism Bureau display rack
• Customized listing on LiveVermillion.com
• Event promotion on VCDC social media platforms
• Hot deals/coupons posted on LiveVermillion.com
• Job postings on LiveVermillion.com and in Monday Messenger
• Member business and service referrals
• Ribbon Cutting ceremony (introduce your business or expansion)
• Member Information Center access
• All basic member benefits (see above)
• Graphic on VCDC billboard - $1,000 value Diamond $3,000 platinum $2,250 gold $1,500 Silver $750 Bronze
• All individual member benfits (see above)
• All member benefits listed above plus...
• Bronze Level VCDC window decal
• Banner ad in The Verb (one per year) - $50 value
• All member benefits listed above plus...
• Silver Level VCDC window decal
• Framed VCDC Silver member certificate
• Sponsorship of digital Monday Messenger (one per year)
• All member benefits listed above plus...
• Gold Level VCDC window decal
• Framed VCDC Gold member certificate
• Full page ad in The Verb (one per year) - $200 value
• All member benefits listed above plus...
• Dakota Farm Show - Exhibitor Breakfast sponsor - $50 value
• Legislative Cracker Barrel sponsor - $50 value
• Candidate & Issue Forum sponsor - $50 value
• VCDC Annual Banquet sponsor - $200 value
• VCDC Golf Social - Team entry - $250 value
• VCDC Golf Social - Hole sponsor - $250 value
• 4th of July Fireworks Display sponsor - $200 value
• All member benefits listed above plus...
• Tanager Volunteer Day sponsor - $100 value
• Holiday events sponsor - $250 value
• VCDC Welcome to Vermillion bag sponsor - $100 value
• Vermillion Map sponsor - $50 value
January 1st 2021 marked the first anniversary of Exhale Wellness Spa. Like most businesses who opened at the beginning of 2020, Exhale had to overcome the challenges of a new business while adapting to the changes that went along with COVID-19. Exhale was created to have individual private spaces for each service so staying safe during the pandemic has been easier for Exhale than some. The Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna and the Hydromassage have been the most popular wellness offerings with the Salt Cabin coming in a close third. Exhale also offers hands on services such as Massage Therapy and Bioelements Facials. Check out the Wellness Club Enrollment Specials for 20% off hands-on services, 5 wellness offerings per month and exclusive deals.
“2020 was an unusual year but WE MADE IT. We will forever treasure the growth, lessons, and resilience that this year has taught us. We are so appreciative of your commitment to Vermillion AND to yourself. Self care is our game and we are BLESSED to provide these services to our community. Cheers to 2021. - Team Exhale
Located at 402 Bower Street, Vermillion, SD 57069. Visit exhalewellnessspa.com for details.
For the second year in a row, CorTrust Bank has been named Best Bank in South Dakota by Forbes Magazine. CorTrust Bank President and CEO Jack Hopkins recently said, “This recognition is a testament to our employees and the great work they do every day. Our customers and the communities we serve tell our story best, and we look forward to continuing to raise expectations for years to come.”
In the second annual review of Best Banks in each state, Forbes partnered with the market research firm Statista and surveyed nearly 25,000 people in the U.S. about their banking relationships. Consumers were asked 20 questions about their banking partner and banks were rated based on customer recommendations and satisfaction. Respondents were also asked about five key banking areas including trust, terms and conditions, branch services, digital services, and financial advice.
With the challenges businesses have faced during the pandemic, community banks have stepped up to help as many as possible. “Over the last few months of the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), our teams did everything possible to ensure small businesses could continue paying employees and keep their doors open. It comes down to a real understanding of the role small businesses play in our hometowns across South Dakota, and I am incredibly proud of the role our staff played in the PPP process for our customers,” said Hopkins.
CorTrust Bank continues to honor their local community banking roots. “When you prioritize understanding your customers’ business and financial needs, you become a true partner in their success. CorTrust will continue to leverage that as a priority for those we serve,” stated Hopkins.
Additionally, CorTrust Bank stepped up for over 40 Vermillion businesses to help keep doors open and opera-tional throughout COVID-19. CorTrust assisted local businesses with their Paycheck Protection Program applications and are now working together to ensure Vermillion continues to thrive.
The Studio 13 RV Park is now open! With a total of 9 sites up to 45 feet, each site has 30 and 50 amp hookups, a bathhouse and coin op laundry. There are both nightly and weekly rates, and reservations are accepted. The RV Park will be available from May to October, so stop by and check it out while you can!
For the 19th consecutive year, the City of Vermillion’s Water Department was recently awarded a Secretary’s Award for Drinking Water Excellence by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Resources (DENR). To qualify for the award, City Water Operation Specialists work to meet all of the compliance monitoring and reporting requirements, drinking water standards, and certification requirements for ten consecutive years or more.
Also, the Solid Waste Department is happy to announce that renovations to the Missouri Valley Recycling Center are underway. Built in 1972 by a private company as a warehouse, the building was not originally designed to function as a recycling center. Even so, the space has served the community as a recycling center for the last 25 years with very limited renovations. Significant improvements to the building will provide a safe and more efficient environment for both staff and the public. Project completion is expected in March of 2021.
The Missouri Valley Recycling Center will remain open to the public during the renovation process.
The City of Vermillion provides rebate opportunities for those purchasing Energy Star rated products; these rebates are available to homes and businesses. In 2019, the City of Vermillion awarded nearly $90,000 to utility customers. $20,000 was awarded to residential customers with the remaining $70,000 awarded to commercial customers.
Rebate qualifying products may range from lighting, to household appliances, and electric vehicles. You may earn your rebate by filling out an application after your purchase. More information may be found on the Bright Energy Solution’s website at brightenergysolutions.com
Vermillion’s 2019 power supply mix was 90% carbon-free and 63% renewable. Hydro supplied 60% of the electricity for Vermillion Light and Power customers in 2019. The diverse mix of power supply resources results in reliable, affordable, and environmentally friendly electrical service for Vermillion Light and Power customers. The pie chart of Vermillion’s 2019 power supply mix is available on the City of Vermillion’s website.
25 Center Street
Vermillion, SD 57069 (605) 677-7050 info@cityofvermillion.com
Visit our website at www.vermillion.us for community information regarding, utilities, City Council agendas & minutes, and a list of City Departments. Subscribe to notifications and be notified of job openings or anytime an announcement, a bid, a meeting agenda, or City Council briefing is posted.
While the W.H. Over Museum has found it necessary to currently close their doors to the public and cancel all activities, they are still working hard to make sure that the museum remains the special place it has been for so many years.
The venerable Thompson House in Vermillion (next to Inman House, the home of the USD President) is the next historical project that museum staff have taken on.
While it’s sad the structure no longer stands, staff have worked with the University of South Dakota Foundation to meticulously remove and catalogue many artifacts that were part of the history of the Thompson family - everything from radiators to wall paper.
The W.H. Over Museum is in the process of designing an exhibit which will showcase South Dakota quartzite, the French doors, lighting fixtures, a beautiful etched glass window, among many other treasures. This will be a truly beautiful representation of Vermillion’s early history.
The Eagles Club Auxiliary #2421 know there are many people who go above and beyond to help others in our community and the surrounding area. And they want to reward them!
Vermillion residents are able to nominate anyone that they would like recognized for the ‘People Helping People Award’. The Eagle Clubs will award the recipient a $25 gift certificate to the Eagles Club in Vermillion.
Nominations need to be in by the 15th of every month and the winner will be awarded on the first of the month. Nominees need to be 18 years and above. The auxiliary will award one $25 gift certificate per month for each chosen winner. Nominee forms can be picked up at the club.
Red Roof®, the leader in economy lodging, celebrated Bill and Christy Marketon for their achievement of winning the Operator of the Year Award during the annual Red Roof Circle of Excellence Award Ceremony. Bill and Christy received the honor by prevailing over more than 650 hotels. The Red Roof Inn Vermillion General Manager, Michele Davidson, who has unwavering energy and enthusiasm, was also nominated for the Regional Performance of the Year Award.
“Michele, Bill and Christy go above and beyond to provide guests with a comfortable, relaxing stay by meeting and exceeding brand standards,” said Matthew Hostetler, Chief Development Officer. “Their involvement with the University and joining local organizations shows their commitment to the local community. We are so grateful for their contributions to the brand”.
Bill and Christy own and operate Red Roof Inn Vermillion located at 1208 E. Cherry Street. Their property achieved quality scores ranked in the top 10 percent of the brand and is always looking for new ways to attract guests.
A lot is happening with the Vermillion Area Farmers Market!
The market has a new venue at 312 Bower Street #312 with the following 2021 dates; 1/16, 1/30, 2/13, 2/27, 3/13, 3/27, 4/10, 4/24.
Additionally, VAFM has added an online storefront for patrons to order local produce and goods and then have their orders ready for pick-up at the markets. This online feature allows customers to shop safely at home and allows vendors additional ‘eyeballs’ for their products. The storefront website is:
https://vermillionareafarmersmarket.localfoodmarketplace.com/Products
The Vermillion and Southeast SD community is a great home to the market and we hope to be a big part of this community for many years to come. Thank you.
Cornerstones Career Learning Center has rolled with the punches and has been offering online classes for their entire service area. They have completely switched their teaching model: before, each teacher taught a one-room schoolhouse of all levels. Now, all of the teachers in Aberdeen, Huron, Mitchell, Yankton, and Vermillion have specialized classes.
Cornerstones teachers offer science, social studies, algebra, reading, basic math, computers, and English classes throughout the day. They’ve found that it allows some people to attend classes when they formerly could not have.
Maloney Real Estate continued it’s growth and officially expanded into the Sioux Falls market in July, Lori Whitman was named Realtor of the Year for the Meridian Board of Realtors, and despite everything that happened
Banner Associates was recently recognized as one of the 50 Best Places to Work by Prairie Business Magazine.
Banner Associates provides comprehensive engineering, environmental, and surveying services to communities throughout the upper Midwest. They take great pride in providing first-rate professional services to their clients and they thrive on collaboration, creativity, and innovation.
Banner Associates are thinkers. They’re problem solvers. They’re innovators. You can count on Banner Associates to engineer a better community.
Congratulations on your well deserved recognition.
The Vermillion Public Library is open! They are providing limited services for all residents of Vermillion and Clay County, including a Grab and Go service where visitors can browse materials and check-out, and a pick-up service for those patrons not wanting to come into the building. A limited number of computers are available Mondays through Fridays.
The Library is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Also available Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm for Reserve Pick-up only – no library building access. Sundays they are closed.
Here’s what they’re doing to keep patrons safe:
• Patrons are asked to limit browsing to 30-minutes or less.
• Children under 12 must be supervised by an adult.
• Computers are available for up to 60-minutes.
• Patrons are required to wear a mask when inside the building, if medically able.
• Patrons seeking assistance at a computer will be required to wear a mask if social distancing cannot be maintained.
• Maintain a six-foot distance between yourself and people outside your household.
• The meeting rooms, seating, tables, and play area are currently unavailable.
• All programming is virtual at this time. They are not hosting any in-person programs.
• Returned library materials will be quarantined for 48 hours before being checked in. These items will continue to be listed on your account until they are checked in, but no fines will be charged for them.
• The library building has a cleaning service that cleans the building daily. High-contact areas will be wiped down regularly throughout the day. Public computers will be wiped down after each use. Library staff assisting the public will wear masks and the public service desk has sneeze guards.
• Hand is sanitizer available throughout library building.
• Public Wi-Fi is available 24-hours a day 7-days a week and extends into the parking lot and rear of the building.
• Only the automatic doors at the South parking lot entrance will be open to minimize contact with library surfaces.
Right at Home provides home care for residents of Vermillion, Yankton, Dakota Dunes, Sioux Falls, Madison and surrounding areas, and offers comfort by matching caregivers with people that need a little extra help to stay in their home.
These photos, created by a client Cliff and his caregivers Kaylie, Bailee and Melyssa are an example of the personalized care clients receive from Right at Home. With services ranging from companion care and homemaking to transportation and nursing, Right at Home has many kinds of caregivers who respond to the needs of the whole person.
For more information about Right at Home services in the Vermillion area contact Shawn Johnson, Regional Director, shawn@rahsesd.com or at 605.205.0625.
Jen Hovland is the Office Manager of HeartPrint Home Care and was awarded Division Director of the Year (2019-2020) by District 78 Toastmasters.
Jen served 20 Toastmaster clubs in the eastern part of South Dakota. District 78 consists of 93 clubs across South Dakota, North Dakota, and Montana. Jen has been a member of Toastmasters since 2007 and is sponsor/charter member of the USD-Area Yappin’ Yotes since 2015.
Congratulations on your well-deserved award!
Michele Davidson has excitingly accepted a part-ownership and partnership with Red Roof Inn. After moving to Vermillion in November 2018, Michele joined the staff at Red Roof Inn and has since played many roles in the company’s success.
The LaunchPAD Children’s Museum is pleased to announce the promotion of Carrie Lebowich as the museum’s Executive Director.
Carrie began working for the museum as a volunteer in 2015. During the past five years Lebowich has held multiple positions for LaunchPAD including Administrative Assistant, Development Coordinator, Director of Donor Care, and most recently, Operations Manager.
LaunchPAD is nearing its 5th birthday on February 11th, 2021, Lebowich will lead the non-profit into its next stage of growth and development.
What is your name and where can folks find you most of the time?
My name is Alice Lunardelli and I spend most of my time on campus, either at class or at Erbert & Gerbert’s where I work in the evenings. I am also involved in the International Club as an executive board member and enjoy planning events.
How did you first begin participating in Vermillion NEXT?
The first time I attended Thursdays on the Platz back in 2018 I remember thinking I wanted to get involved with the group that helped organize the event. At the time I was an incoming international student and didn’t know much about Vermillion. I attended every single Thursday last summer and when July 2020 came around I decided to step up and give my availability to volunteer at TOTP and ultimately joined Vermillion NEXT.
What do you think people should know about Vermillion NEXT?
How Vermillion NEXT is a great opportunity to network, share ideas and make an impact - big or small - in a community we all live in and want to improve.
What do you hope to accomplish in the community? How do you see Vermillion evolving?
I would love for international students to be more involved in the community. Being in a new environment and having to create your own support system “from scratch” is a big challenge, so I think most international students can benefit from the small-town environment Vermillion offers.
It’s easier to get involved on campus; USD is a well-oiled machine when it comes to engaging students, domestic and foreign, but it would be great if individuals had a smooth transition into the community as well. I hope that I can be a bridge between the Vermillion community and international students.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years? Twenty?
In 5 years I see myself working towards a successful career in the marketing or public relations field. In 20 years I hope to have a family and to travel around the world with my kids so they can see the beauty of diversity.
Vermillion NEXT welcomes the following new members.
Alice Lunardelli
Casey Venosdel
Adam DeLange
Hannah DeLange
Brody Pickart
Beth Lambeth
Kristen Palleschi
Carly Vavra
Jamie Johnson
Katie Jenkins
Emily Cote
Blake Kopf
On June 10th, Nate Welch, President & CEO of the VCDC broke ground with help from Mayor Collier-Wise; Dan Herrmann, Chief Operating Officer of Runnings; Larry Ness, Chairman of the Board & CEO of First Dakota National Bank; Lucas Fiegen of Fiegen Construction and Brandon Baughman who will be the Runnings local Store Manager at the Bower Street site.
In May 2020, Runnings officially announced the purchase of 85 acres of land from the VCDC. The property purchased will be used to build a new 74,000-square-foot store (at time of print, construction was well underway). The new building will be more than seven times larger than the current store which is operating as the Campbell’s Supply Store.
The addition of Runnings to Vermillion is an exciting one, brought into fruition by the generous donations from Vermillion NOW! 3 investors and First Dakota National Bank. It is the investments through campaigns like Vermillion NOW! 3 that attract and retain local businesses in our community. Having strong businesses in Vermillion is what makes our community so great and by expanding the retail family in Vermillion, the partnership that exists between the City of Vermillion and the VCDC is nurtured.
runnings’ presence in vermillion will add to the retail attraction of the community as well as positively impact the quality of life for vermillion residents.
There are also exciting happenings with Nutrien Ag. A groundbreaking is anticipated to occur in celebration of the construction of a Nutrien Ag location in the Vermillion Area. Thanks to the partnerships between the VCDC, the Governors Office of Economic Development, Nutrien Ag, Clay County, the City of Vermillion and those businesses which will be neighbors to Nutrien Ag, we are able to welcome the world’s largest crop inputs company.
Nutrien Ag provides full-acre solutions through a network of trusted crop consultants at more than 1,700 global locations. They help growers achieve the highest yields with the most sustainable solutions possible, offering a wide selection of products.
Donations to the Vermillion NOW! 3 campaign were instrumental in attracting and retaining businesses such as Nutrien Ag and Runnings to the Vermillion Area. Each investment in the Vermillion NOW! 3 capital campaign allows the VCDC to continue to keep momentum that other communities in our area aren’t seeing in their own communities. While we work on today, we are also keeping an eye on tomorrow.