December 2015 Chamber News

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Vol. 51, No. 3 December 2015 Chamber News A PUBLICATION OF THE SIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE THE SIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S ANNUAL GUIDE TO SIOUX FALLS AREA LEGISLATORS

description

The official publication of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce with business news for members about members.

Transcript of December 2015 Chamber News

Page 1: December 2015 Chamber News

Vol. 51, No. 3December 2015

Chamber NewsA PUBLICATION OF THE SIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

THE SIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S

ANNUAL GUIDE TOSIOUX FALLS AREA LEGISLATORS

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IN THIS ISSUE

FEATURES Forward Sioux Falls 2021 Campaign Underway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Advertise in detailed city map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 IN EVERY ISSUE:Message from the Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Events Calendars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11

Economic Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Noteworthy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Faces & Places . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-22

Community Appeals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Business Advocacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32-33

Headlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Chamber Partner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Member Voice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Using Your Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Business News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42-43

Ribbon Cuttings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45-48

Membership Anniversaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50-51

New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Five Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

From the Archives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

COVER STORY

Annual Legislative Guide ..................................................... 24-31

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

.com/siouxfallschamber

@SFAreaChamber@SFAreaAdvocate

CommunicateCHAMBER

WITH THE

As the leading Sioux Falls area business advocate, the Sioux Falls Area Chamber

of Commerce represents its members by advancing and promoting the economic

health and quality of life of the region.

CHAMBER MISSION

PUBLISHERSioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

CHAMBER NEWS AD SALESARGUS LEADER MEDIA

For advertising information, call: (605) 977-3943

CHAMBER NEWS LAYOUT/DESIGNJILL BLOM

CHAMBER NEWS EDITORAMY SMOLIK

For editorial information, call: (605) 336-1620

Chamber News is published monthly by the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 1425, 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200 Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Advertising and editorial deadlines can be found at siouxfallschamber.com under News & Publications.

Postmaster please send address changes to: Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 1425, 200 N. Phillips Ave., Suite 200, Sioux Falls, SD 57101-1425Phone: (605) 336-1620 • Email: [email protected]

Chamber News

JAY KALTENBACH CVB Services/Resale ManagerMARK LEE Public Affairs & Communications DirectorPAT LUND Membership Development DirectorMIKE LYNCH Public Affairs & Research ManagerBETSY McCARTY CVB Creative & Communications ManagerJILL NIEDRINGHAUS CVB Sales AssistantWENDY NEUHARTH Membership Services Administrative AssistantKRISTA ORSACK CVB Director of MarketingKATHIE PUTHOFF CVB Administrative AssistantTERI SCHMIDT CVB Executive DirectorTERESA SCHREIER Public Affairs & Communications AssistantSUSAN SEACHRIS Administrative/Accounting AssistantLUCAS SMITH CVB Sales ManagerAMY SMOLIK Marketing & Communications ManagerALEXA STEINER CVB Sales ManagerVALERIE WILLSON Membership Events ManagerCAROLYN WINCHELL Forward Sioux Falls Director of Investor RelationsERIN ZIMMERMAN CVB Sales Manager

CHAMBER & CVB STAFFEVAN NOLTE President/CEOCLAY BAK CVB Sales ManagerTHANE BARNIER Web Development & IT ManagerMATT BARTHEL CVB First Impressions/Project ManagerJOAN BARTLING Finance & Accounting DirectorJILL BLOM Graphics & Communications SpecialistMATTIE BURNHAM CVB Director of SalesSHIRLEY BUSEMAN ReceptionistCINDY CHRISTENSEN Agri-Business Division ManagerRACHEL CRANE CVB Host City ManagerANNA ELIASON CVB Sales ManagerAMY M. FARR Membership Sales & Retention ManagerJEFF FEJFAR Web DesignerKATE FOLEY Small Business & Leadership Development ManagerLAUREN FOSHEIM Young Professionals Network (YPN) Manager

EX-OFFICIOKENT ALBERTY Sioux Falls School BoardCINDY HEIBERGER Minnehaha County CommissionMAYOR MIKE HUETHER City of Sioux FallsDR. BRIAN MAHER Superintendent, Sioux Falls Public School SystemJIM SCHMIDT Lincoln County CommissionROBERT WEHDE Sioux Falls Catholic Schools

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEECHAIR PAUL BRUFLAT CNA Surety CHAIR-ELECT DAVE KAPASKA, D.O. Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health CenterVICE CHAIR STEVE VAN BUSKIRK Van Buskirk CompaniesTREASURER JOHN HENKHAUS The Everist CompanyIMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR DANA DYKHOUSE First PREMIER BankPRESIDENT/CEO EVAN NOLTE Chamber of Commerce

BOARD OF DIRECTORSWENDY BERGAN JDS IndustriesRANDY BURY Sanford HealthJULIE DARRINGTON CenturyLinkGARY GASPAR Interstate Office ProductsMIKE HAUCK Accord Commercial Real Estate, LLCJAY HUIZENGA KELO-TVDEAN KARSKY Farmers Insurance Group/Karsky AgencyMARK MICKELSON Mickelson & Co.BETTY OLDENKAMP Lutheran Social Services of South DakotaALEX RAMIREZ USA Media TVTIM STURDEVANT Sturdevant’s Auto PartsROB TEKOLSTE Sammons Financial Group/Midland National Life Insurance Co.BOBBI THURY Cutler Law FirmCARL WYNJA U.S. Bank

2015-16 SIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LEADERSHIP AND STAFF

Read online or find archived issues: issuu.com/siouxfallschamber

ON THE COVERThe South Dakota State Capitol features a dome in its center, flanked by painted images in each corner.

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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

... rest assured that the

Chamber is working on your

behalf to build a better Sioux Falls

area ...

PAUL BRUFLAT2015-16 Chair of the Board

Advocacy serves as one of Chamber’s greatest strengths

Advocacy is similar to insurance. You might think you don’t need it, but when an emergency happens or you need expert help, you’ll be grateful you have it.

My apologies to those who aren’t in the insurance and bond industry, because I know I’m biased, but having a back-up plan or guarantee that someone is looking out for you is priceless. The Chamber’s advocacy program works to ensure our strong business climate continues and that we are able to enhance our quality of life. This issue of Chamber News shares a number of ways we put our advocacy actions into practice, particularly at the state level during the legislative session.

To share a broad overview, we are active at all levels of government. Our Chamber attends every Sioux Falls School Board meeting, Minnehaha County Commission meeting and Sioux Falls City Council meeting. In addition, we lobby at the state legislature and are in Pierre for the duration of the session. We also follow federal issues and communicate with our Congressional delegation on those issues that affect our region.

In many respects, our advocacy program is about relationships. We build rela-tionships with our elected officials throughout the year. We serve as a resource for them about issues that are important to our region and to the Sioux Falls area business community.

Advocacy efforts don’t always make headlines. Sometimes our successes entail stopping poor legislation before it’s ever voted on or brought forth for a public hearing. But it’s because we are paying attention and following the process that we’re able to be nimble when those issues are brought forward. The Chamber’s ability to bring people together also means that when it’s time to discuss big issues, good or bad, we’re able to bring community leaders together to have thoughtful conversations and to pursue the best outcome for the Sioux Falls area.

I encourage you to use the information in this issue to be better informed about the upcoming legislative session. We’ll continue to communicate with our members in a number of ways from electronic to print to Twitter. Perhaps most importantly, please know that the Chamber is a resource for you. If there is an issue or bill that you want to know more about or better understand how it might affect your business or quality of life, please contact the Chamber. I truly believe that this is a priceless membership benefit.

Advocacy is one of the most important Chamber membership benefits and it’s certainly one of the Chamber’s greatest strengths. As you use your membership to be better informed and to build your network, rest assured that the Chamber is working on your behalf to build a better Sioux Falls area by serving as a watchdog for business. And if an emergency happens or you need expert help, the Chamber will be there for you.

Thanks for a wonderful 2015!

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Dates, times and locations are subject to change . For a current listing of all Chamber events, visit siouxfallschamber .com, read the weekly edition of Quickly, or call (605) 336-1620 .

You can register and pay for events online at siouxfallschamber .com .

Events CalendarCHAMBER

CALENDARS

FEATURED EVENTS

CHAMBERHOODTUESDAY, DEC. 1511:30 a .m .-1 p .m .Location TBD downtownDETAILS: Watch your email for more details and an event location coming soon!

RSVP: vwillson@siouxfalls .com or (605) 373-2010

GOOD MORNING SIOUX FALLS LEGISLATIVE BREAKFASTWEDNESDAY, JAN. 6, 20167-8:30 a .m .Best Western PLUS Ramkota Hotel, 3200 W . Maple St . DETAILS: Hear from Sioux Falls area legislators on their thoughts on the upcoming Legislative Session .

COST: $20

RSVP: vwillson@siouxfalls .com or (605) 373-2010

NEW MEMBER MIXERTUESDAY, JAN. 19, 20164:30-6 p .m .Cherry Creek Grill, 3104 E . 26th St . DETAILS: New Chamber members (or new employees to the commu-nity) are invited to this Mixer to learn more about the Chamber and visit with other new Chamber members .

COST: FREE

RSVP: vwillson@siouxfalls .com or (605) 373-2010

SIOUX EMPIRE FARM SHOWJAN 26-30, 2016W .H . Lyon Fairgrounds Expo Building, 100 N . Lyon Blvd .DETAILS: Celebrate agriculture at the 63rd Annual Sioux Empire Farm Show! Livestock shows and sales take place throughout the week . Volunteer your time or come out to see the region’s best market and purebred livestock . The set-up day is Monday, Jan . 25 and tear-down is Sunday, Jan . 31 .

FOR MORE INFORMATION: cchristensen@siouxfalls .com or (605) 373-2016

MAYOR’S ROUND-UP & SALE OF CHAMPIONSFRIDAY, JAN. 29, 20165:30 p .m . social, 6:30 p .m . dinner Best Western PLUS Ramkota Hotel Exhibit Hall, 3200 W . Maple St .DETAILS: Celebrate the best market livestock from the Sioux Empire Farm Show, enjoy a steak dinner and network with other Chamber mem-bers at this fun auction . A silent auction prior to the dinner will raise funds for a scholarship for an ag exhibitor . Watch your email for more information about the event .

COST: $45 per person, with reserved tables of eight

FOR MORE INFORMATION: cchristensen@siouxfalls .com or (605) 373-2016

SIOUX FALLS AREA LEGISLATIVE COFFEES SATURDAY, FEB. 6, 2016SATURDAY, FEB. 20, 2016SATURDAY, FEB. 27, 20169-11:45 a .m .Holiday Inn City Centre, 100 W . 8th St .DETAILS: Featuring legislators in districts 6, 9-15 . More information will follow about the district assignments for each date .

COST: FREE

FOR MORE INFORMATION: mlynch@siouxfalls .com or (605) 373-2006

TUESDAY, DEC. 8, 20154:30-6:30 p .m .Trail Ridge Senior Living, 3408 W . Ralph Rogers Rd .

MIXERDECEMBER MEMBERSHIP

COMPLIMENTARY HORS D’OEUVRES & BEVERAGES$5 ADMISSION OR USE YOUR MIXER PASS

RSVP to [email protected] or at siouxfallschamber.com

Sponsored by

TUESDAY, JAN. 12, 20164:30-6:30 p .m .Great Bear Recreation Park5901 E . Rice St .

MIXERJANUARY MEMBERSHIP

COMPLIMENTARY HORS D’OEUVRES & CASH BAR$5 ADMISSION OR USE YOUR MIXER PASS

RSVP to [email protected] or at siouxfallschamber.com

Sponsored by

TUESDAY, JAN. 12Cyber Soft Targets: It Takes More than a Firewall

TUESDAY, JAN. 19Marketing A to Z: How is Your Business Connecting?

TUESDAY, JAN. 26Fraud in Today’s Workplace

Look for more details for Business Sense Workshops at siouxfallschamber.com under the Events tab.

TUESDAYS IN JANUARY, FEBRUARY & MARCHBetty J . Ordal Conference Center, Chamber of Commerce, 200 N . Phillips Ave . Suite 200 The Business Sense Workshops are sponsored by the Chamber’s Small Business Council . The workshops deliver ongoing business and management training led by talented and engaging Chamber member presenters .

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To RSVP to any of these events, email lfosheim@siouxfalls .com or call (605) 373-2009 . Visit siouxfallsypn .com for a full list of events .

UPCOMING EVENTSSioux Falls Area Chamber of CommerceYoung Professionals Network

THE KRINGLE THURSDAY, DEC. 3, 2015 7-10 p .m . The Country Club of Sioux Falls, 3400 W . 22nd St . DETAILS: Join YPN members for an evening of networking and fun at our annual holiday party! There will be live music, a cash bar and complimentary hors d’oeuvres . Cocktail attire is encouraged!

COST: $18 for one ticket or $30 for two tickets, or $20 per person at the door

OUR SIOUX FALLS: SIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WEDNESDAY, DEC. 9 Noon-1 p .m .Chamber of Commerce, 200 N . Phillips Ave . Suite 200 DETAILS: Join us to learn more about what the Chamber does and how you can become involved in our mission, including serving on a Chamber committee or volunteering as an Ambassador or Diplomat!

COST: Free to attend, bring your own lunch .

A SEAT AT THE TABLE WITH CHIEF JUSTICE GILBERTSON MONDAY, DEC. 14Noon-1 p .m .Chamber of Commerce, 200 N . Phillips Ave . Suite 200 DETAILS: Join us for A Seat at the Table with South Dakota Chief Justice David Gilbertson . Gilbertson received his undergraduate degree from South Dakota State University and his Juris Doctorate from the University of South Dakota School of Law . He engaged in private practice from 1975 until his appointment to the circuit court bench in 1986, where he served as a Circuit Judge for the Fifth Judicial Circuit until his appointment to the Supreme Court in 1995 .

He is the current President of the Conference of Chief Justices for the 2015-16 Term . He has previously held the positions of Board Mem-ber, First-Vice President and President-elect and has chaired various committees . He is the Chair of the Board of Directors for the National Center for State Courts for its 2015-16 term . Since 2010 he has served as the state court representative of the Criminal Rules Committee of the U .S . Courts . In 2006 he was the recipi-ent of the Distinguished Service Award from the National Center for State Courts for his defense

Sioux Falls Young Professionals Network

.com/siouxfallsypn

@siouxfallsypn

ConnectYPNWITH THE

Find us on social media or visit

siouxfallsypn.com

of judicial independence . He was the recipient of the “Grass Roots” Award by the American Bar Association in 2014 also for his defense of judicial independence . He is the Past President of the South Dakota Judges Association . He also serves on the Judicial-Bar Liaison Committee of the State Bar Association and has served as a Court Counselor at South Dakota Boys State since 1995 . Gilbertson and his wife Deb have four children .

A Seat at the Table allows YPN members the insights, wisdom and lessons only experienced leaders can provide . It is limited to the first 20 people to RSVP, and is open to YPN members only .

COST: $10, includes lunch .

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DECEMBER1-31 Winter Wonderland

1-31 Christmas at the Western Mall

3 Craig Campbell with Smithfield

4 Free First Friday

4 Rehfeld’s Holiday Open House

4-5 Tonic Sol-fa Holiday Concert

4-6 Augustana Christmas Vespers

5 Breakfast with Santa

5 International Chef Cook-Off

6 Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience Holiday Concert

7 Motley Crue Final Tour

7-10 Holiday Volunteer Sioux Falls

8 South Dakota Acoustic Christmas with Jami Lynn

9 Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker

10 A Holiday Evening at the Pettigrew Home & Museum

10 The Augustana Bands Holiday Concert

12 Christmas is Here with Jill Miller

13 Christmas with Amy Grant & Michael W. Smith

14-15 DAPA Fall Chamber Ensemble Recital

17-20 Christmas at the Cathedral

Events listed are compiled from siouxfallsevents.com and visitsiouxfallsevents.com.

Siouxfallsevents .com is the community’s free, compre-hensive community events calendar . Anyone can post an event happening in the Sioux Falls area . It’s free and it’s a great way to promote your event .

The Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau devel-oped the visitor-related calendar to provide visitors a list of events they may be interested in attending .

By combining the calendars, you can see when there’s going to be a large number of visitors in the community and learn about events and activities you want to attend .

For more information about visitor-related activities, contact the Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau at (605) 275-6060 . Learn more details about any of the following events by logging on or contact the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce at (605) 336-1620 .

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19-20 Holiday Jam with the Heggs

19 Downtown Holidays

19 South Dakota Symphony: Handel’s Messiah

21 DAPA Chamber Orchestra Holiday Concert

JANUARY1-10 Winter Wonderland

3 GonnaGetWed Bridal Showcase

7 Rick Springfield

8-9 Winter Crazy Days

9 Christmas with the Animals

14 Joan Jett & The Blackhearts

14-17 Rent

15-17 Greater Sioux Falls Outdoor Show

16 Beat the Blues

20-23 Pippin

21 Rival Sons

21-24 Rent

22 The Jennifer Keith Quintet

22-23 Monster Jam

22-23 NPRA Bull Riding Challenge

26-30 Sioux Empire Farm Show

28-31 Rent

28 Europe

29 Mayor’s Round-Up & Sale of Champions

30 Ice Fish Fest

FEBRUARY4 Tonic

5 Free First Friday

6 Sioux Empire on Tap

9 LA Theatre Works: Dracula

11 KISS

11 Volunteer Sioux Falls – 211 Day

12-14 Neil Simon’s Lost in Yonkers

13-14 Million Dollar Quartet

19-21 Neil Simon’s Lost in Yonkers

23 SME Excellence Awards

23 Presidio Brass

25 Disturbed

26 Peter Gros-The Original Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom

26-28 Sioux Empire Wacipi

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ECONOMIC INDICATORSTracking trends in business is just one way that the Sioux Falls Area Cham-

ber of Commerce is looking out for our members . Sioux Falls is a great place to

do business, in part because of its diverse economy . Check here for economic

indicators that help show growth and development .

City of Sioux Falls Building Permit DataJANUARY-OCTOBER 2015

City of Sioux Falls Total Construction ValueJANUARY-OCTOBER 2015

Sioux Falls Region Housing OverviewOCTOBER 2015

New Listings: 444Days on the Market Until Sale: 88 Median Sales Price: $179,250Inventory of Homes for Sale: 1,369

Source: RASE (Realtor Association of the Sioux Empire)

Regional Unemployment RatesSEPTEMBER 2015

Source: Bureau of Labor StatisticsNote: figures represent Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA), not just city; rates are not seasonally-adjusted

Sioux Falls 2.5%

Rapid City 3.1%

Fargo 2.1% Minneapolis/St. Paul 3.1%

Rochester2.7%

Des Moines 3.1%

Omaha 2.9%

$700

$650

$600

$550

$500

$450

$400

$350

$300

$250

$200

$150

$100

$50

Total Construction Value

New Non-ResidentialConstruction Value

$615.9 million$224.6 million

$522.2 million$61.9 million

$539.1 million$147.7 million

(IN M

ILLI

ON

S)

Source: City of Sioux Falls

Source: City of Sioux Falls

7,093 PERMITS

13,642 PERMITS

11,289 PERMITS

2013

2014

2015

2013 2014 2015

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Agriculture TrendsSEPTEMBER 2015$16

$15

$14

$13

$12

$11

$10

$9

$8

$7

$6

$5

$4

$3

$2 September August September 2014 2015 2015

SOYBEANS (PER BUSHEL)

U.S.

SOUTH DAKOTA

CORN(PER BUSHEL)

U.S.

SOUTH DAKOTA

$3.49

$2.91 $3.33

$3.68

$3.38

$3.68

$10.90

$10.00

$9.12$8.45

$9.05

$9.71

Lincoln 2.2%

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NOTEWORTHY

A year from now there will be a general election known as an “off-year” election because there are no statewide officials on the ballot . Voters will choose the legislature and vote on a number of ballot measures .

A number of measures were circulated throughout the state . Initiatives had to have petitions turned in by Nov . 9 with 13,871 qualified signatures (5 percent of the total vote for governor from the last gubernatorial election) . Proposed con-stitutional amendments require 27,741 qualified signatures (10 percent of the total vote for governor from the last gubernatorial election) .

A list of the approved initiatives and constitutional measures that will appear on the 2016 ballot are below . A total of 12 petitions were circulating, with eight submitted to the South Dakota Secretary of State by the deadline:

2016 General Election Ballot Measures

• Amendment R: Dealing with the governance of technical schools (placed by the legislature, HJR1003)

• Referred Law 19: Voting on SB 69 dealing with election laws

• Referred Law 20: Voting on youth minimum wage (SB 177)

Petitions Submitted to the South Dakota Secretary of State (in the order received):

• An initiated amendment to the South Dakota Constitution to expand rights for crime victims

• An initiated amendment to the South Dakota Constitution to provide for state legislative redistricting by a commission

• An initiated measure to set a maximum finance charge (APR no greater than 36 percent) for certain licensed money lenders

• An initiated amendment to the South Dakota Constitution limiting the ability to set statutory interest rates for loans (no limit on written agreements; maximum of 18 percent interest per year for unwritten agreements)

• An initiated measure to revise State campaign finance and lobbying laws, create a publicly funded campaign finance program, create an ethics commission, and appropriate funds

• An initiated amendment to the south Dakota constitution establishing nonpartisan elections

• An initiated measure to give certain organizations the right to charge fees

• An initiated measure to legalize marijuana for medical use

How many measures will be on the ballot in 2016?

Headlines, accolades and rankings — Sioux Falls is often in the news for our community’s

excellent business climate and high quality of life . Look for that information to be shared again

here along with other topical quick hits .

Source: South Dakota Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Records years from the past:1916: 14 Ballot Measures9 Legislative Constitutional Amendments, 3 Initiatives, 2 Referendums

1918: 13 Ballot Measures12 Legislative Constitutional Amendments, 1 Initiative, 0 Referendums

Years with 11 Ballot Measures:1910, 1914, 1970, 2006

There have been a total of 333 items on the ballot over the years, including: 221 Legislative Constitutional Amendments16 were Constitutional Amendments placed by signatures (a process started in 1972)52 were initiatives placed by signatures44 were referendums placed by gathering signatures

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FACES & PLACES

Our members do more than follow the news . They make the

news . Job promotions and hirings . New projects . New partnerships .

Awards . Every day we hear about exciting accomplishments, historic

milestones and other positive aspects of our member businesses

that deserve to be shared .

Faces & Places is great way to use your membership to be seen . This column appears

each month in Chamber News and features information about Sioux Falls Area Chamber of

Commerce members and volunteers . Submissions may include grand openings, changes in

management, moves, expansions, major developments and award recognition . Submit news

using the Faces & Places form at chambernews .com or email asmolik@siouxfalls .com .

Faces & Places

The Ambassador Team of the Month for October was Team Weide: Corey Weide, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management; Heather Kittelson, Sidewalk Technologies; and Adam Cooper, Howalt+McDowell Insurance, a Marsh & McLennan Agency. The Ambassador Ribbon Cutting Attendance Winner was Bernie DeWald, McKinneyOlson Insurance.

Daren Anderson, Big D Technology Solutions, Inc., and Julie Nelson, Home

Federal Bank, tied for Diplomat of the Month honors for October. Second place honors went to Cindi Johnson, Spectrum Marketing Services, and third place honors went to Gita Hendricks, Yoli The Better Body Company. Cindi Johnson, Spectrum Marketing Services, was the recipient of the Ribbon Cutting Attendance award, and Tammy Beintema, JDRF, won the Reinvestment Award.

The Diplomat Team of the Month for October was: Captain Daren Anderson, Big D Technology Solutions, Inc.; Duane Noerenberg, Anderson Group CPA; Angie Wahl, All-Star Travel; Dustin Brouwer, Sioux Falls Seminary; and Cindi Johnson, Spectrum Marketing Services.

Recognition of Chamber Volunteers

DAREN ANDERSON Big D Technology

Solutions, Inc.

CINDI JOHNSONSpectrum Marketing

Services

COREY WEIDEMorgan Stanley

Wealth Management

ADAM COOPER Howalt+McDowell Insurance, a Marsh & McLennan Agency

BERNIE DEWALD McKinneyOlson Insurance

JULIE NELSONHome Federal Bank

GITA HENDRICKSYoli The Better Body Company

HEATHER KITTELSONSidewalk Technologies

TAMMY BEINTEMAJDRF

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FACES & PLACES

Geoff Knobloch was named director of healthcare at Eide Bailly LLP. He brings more than 16 years of public accounting experience to his role as director of healthcare, which is the largest industry Eide Bailly serves. He’s worked extensively with health systems, hospitals, long-term care organizations, clinics and other specialty providers assisting them with audit and advisory services.

Marco recently announced the follow-ing new hires: Nate Peterson as Technology Advisor, Kenny Hartzell as Technology Advisor, and Robby Wolfgang as Technology Advisor.

Mike Knudson joined HenkinSchultz Creative Services as an Account Executive. Knudson is a University of South Dakota graduate and Sioux Falls native. Previously he worked at Vision Video Interactive.

Susan Depka joined the staff of Tallgrass Wealth Management as client support and administration assistant. She brings more than

30 years of experience in financial service to the company. Depka holds Fellowship, Life Management Institute (FLMI) and Associate, Customer Service (ACS) designations from the Life Office Management Association.

Beck and Hofer Construction promoted Dave Potratz to Director of Business Development.

Laurence Warden is the new Vice President of Sales at Sullivan, Inc. Warden has more than 25 years of upper management sales experience in the home decor and gift industry. He will head Sullivan’s nationwide sales team in growing sales and educating customers on the expanding product line.

Jared Vilhauer was promoted to business banker at Dacotah Bank and will be respon-sible for originating, underwriting and closing business loans along with client relationship curation. Vilhauer was hired by Dacotah Bank in 2014 and has been working as a credit risk manager for the past year. He was previously a

financial institution examiner with the South Dakota Division of Banking. He is a graduate of Northern State University with a bachelor’s of science degree in banking and financial services.

Alternative HRD, LLC hired Sarah Meusburger, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, as an HR Consultant. Meusburger has more than a decade of experience in human resources. Meusburger is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) by the Human Resource Certification Institute and as a Senior Certified Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM-SCP). She is a South Dakota State University graduate.

New Faces & Promotions

Honors & AwardsKari Keating, Therapy Manager at

LifeScape, was named the South Dakota Speech-Language-Hearing Association (SDSLHA) Volunteer of the Year. This award is based upon contributions made to the Association or to the field of audiology and/or speech-language pathology. Keating was chosen due to her impact as an Advisory Council member, her support of South Dakota students who have complex communication needs and significant cognitive disabilities, and for her volunteer work with CLASP International,

which provides direct treatment and education for children with disabilities and their families in Zambia.

Active Generations awarded The Inn on Westport the “Positively Aging Corporate Support” Award. The Inn on Westport has been a dedicated corporate supporter for more than 18 years. They deliver a Meals on Wheels route together and The Inn on Westport has also sup-ported many financial sponsorships including seasonal dances and parties, judging for apple

baking contests, and other events, includ-ing quilt shows, car shows and the monthly Bingo Bash parties. Active Generations honored Diane Helin with the 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award. Helin has been an active volunteer with Active Generations Meals on Wheels since 1978 — 37 years.

Page 18: December 2015 Chamber News

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FACES & PLACES

MergersAvailAbility Employment Services &

Staffing merged with IMKO Workforce Solutions (IMKO Enterprises, Inc.) to create a more comprehensive infrastructure and an expanded market footprint with 18 full -service staffing offices in South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, California, Pennsylvania and Indiana. IMKO’s corporate offices are located in St. Joseph, Mo. In South Dakota, the name will continue as AvailAbility Employment Services and Staffing in the same locations with the same staff.

MacKenzie River Pizza, Grill & Pub held a fundraising event for Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation (SFPSEF) and donated $5,300 to the cause. The Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation enhances educational opportunities and promotes achieve-ment among all students by supporting academic projects.

Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc. (DTSF), partici-pating downtown retailers as well as community members are giving back through the Downtown Gives coupon book sales to benefit NAMI Sioux Falls. The $15 Downtown Gives coupon books are now on sale. Books will be sold through December 2015 and coupons are valid through March 31, 2016. Books can be purchased at any of the 25 participating retail locations as well as the DTSF office (230 S. Phillips Ave.).

Feeding South Dakota and Oak View Library have partnered to pilot an after-school snack program. Research shows that children who have regular access to food perform better in

school, have a higher graduation rate, and have fewer behavioral and developmental delays. Since the new program, named Food For All by the students, began distributing snacks and drinks, the library has experienced an increase in the number of children visiting its site. On average, the library staff has been providing food to 83 children per day. Of those kids, about 60-70 stay at the library to participate in programs, read, complete homework, or play on the computers. Food For All is a one-year pilot program. If the model yields successful results, Feeding South Dakota could expand to other satellite sites.

Sammons Financial Group made a check presentation to the Ceili Cottage Adult Day Services Program at Active Generations. This program is a new approach to dementia care and an alternative option that is designed to meet the needs of individuals living with Alzheimer’s dis-ease or other types of dementia. This is the largest gift made to the adult day service programs at Active Generations.

Good Deeds

Page 19: December 2015 Chamber News

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FACES & PLACES

Be Seen

1

2

1 Mark Johnston, U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, chaired the 2015 Veterans Day program, sponsored by the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Com-merce Military & Veterans Affairs Committee and other organizations. The program featured patriotic music, awards and a keynote address. 2 Ret. Maj. Gen. Lynn Hartsell, U.S. Army, delivered the keynote address.

Page 20: December 2015 Chamber News

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FACES & PLACES

Operation Thank You is an annual one-day event, where volunteers hand-deliver Chamber materials. Volunteers also participated in a scavenger hunt and were instructed to take photos and share via social media using the hashtag: #OTY15. These are just a few of the photos shared on that day. 3 Chamber volunteer Kyle Groteluschen, Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP, took a selfie with the staff from Lemonly as part of Operation Thank You. 4 Chamber Diplomat Deb Peterson, CorTrust Bank, delivered a packet to Fernson Brewing Company. 5 Chamber Diplomat Tammy Beintema, JDRF, made a visit to Youth Enrichment Services. 6 Chamber volunteer Koleby Harshfield, Brickkicker Home Inspection, delivered to Cris Stratman with State Farm Insurance.

5

4

3

6

#OTY15

Page 21: December 2015 Chamber News

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FACES & PLACES

1

Thank you!

20/20 Eye Candy

3 Degrees Infrared Light Therapy

All-Star Travel

Augustana University

Avera McKennan Fitness Center

Big D Technology Solutions, Inc .

Boen & Associates

Brickkicker Home Inspection

Camille’s Sidewalk Café

Casa del Rey

Cell Only-Verizon Wireless

Chip N Dale Coffee Co .

CorTrust Bank

dFine Private Fitness Club

Don Dunham III Real Estate

Envive

Farmers Insurance Group- Dean Karsky Agency

Flower Mill

Golden Dragon

Grand Falls Casino Resort

GNC

Henry Carlson Company

Home Federal Bank

kRav’N

Luciano’s North

Keller Williams Realty, Sioux Falls

Look’s Market

Mary Mastick/Waddell & Reed

McKinneyOlson Insurance

Meredith & Bridget’s Flower Shop

Midcontinent Communications

Mixed

Oh My Cupcakes!

Olde Towne Dinner Theatre

Pizza Ranch of East Sioux Falls

Plains Commerce Bank

Professional Image by Rosemary

Quality Inn & Suites

Rainbow Comics, Cards & Collectibles

Royal River Casino, Hotel

Sanford Health

Schoeneman Brothers Company

SDSU Foundation

Shop Dog

Silverstar Car Wash

Silverstone Group

Simply Nails

Sioux Falls Morning Optimist Club

Sioux Falls SKYFORCE

South Dakota Symphony

Spectrum Marketing Services

Starts with a Shirt

State Farm Insurance-Bill Thompson

State Farm Insurance-Jason Ahrendt

State Farm Insurance-Ty Teveldal

Stewart School

Swenson Investments & Commodities

Tastefully Simple

Travel Leaders

University of Sioux Falls

VanEssen’s Hair Design

Viamedia

Wal-Mart East

Workplace Marketing & Consulting

Youth Enrichment Services

Special thanks to First PREMIER Bank/PREMIER Bankcard and the Ramkota Companies for contributing to the grand prize.

Ad-Star Sales, Inc .

Augustana University

AvailAbility Employment Services

Avera Health

Best Western PLUS Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center

Century Business Products, Inc .

Citi

CorTrust Bank

Cutler Law Firm

DataSync Corporation

Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP

Eide Bailly LLP

Great Western Bank

Holiday Inn City Centre

Home Federal Bank

J&L Harley-Davidson

Keller Williams Realty-Lynda Billars

Kleenrite Company

Midcontinent Communications

Novak Sanitary Service

Salvation Army

Sammons Financial Group/Midland National Life Insurance Company

Sands Drywall, Inc .

Sanford Health

Scott Lumber & Supply Co .- A Division of Lampert Yards, Inc .

Security National Bank of South Dakota

ServiceMaster of Sioux Falls

Showplace Kitchens

Silverstone Group

Talecris/Grifols

Twisted Sign & Design

Woltman Group, PC

Woods, Fuller, Shultz & Smith P .C .

Thank you to all the Chamber member businesses and organizations that sponsored the 2015 Operation Thank You event held in October . Sponsors included:

Thank you to all the businesses and individuals who donated door prizes for the Operation Thank You volunteers; they included:

Page 22: December 2015 Chamber News

22 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2015

FACES & PLACES

7 The YPN held an installment of its Policy & A Pint series, tackling the subject of the Gov-ernor’s K-12 Blue Ribbon Task Force. Speakers included Task Force member and Sioux Falls Superintendent Dr. Brian Maher, Task Force Co-chair Sen. Deb Soholt and moderator Eric Erickson, Cutler Law Firm. Audience members also had the opportunity to ask questions; the event was held at Prairie Berry Eastbank. 8 LifeScape CEO Anne Rieck McFarland participated in the YPN Seat at the Table luncheon, sharing information about her career path. 9 Augustana University Professor Robert E. Wright spoke to YPN members about “The Next Big Thing.” Wright shared his research on the history of entrepreneurship in South Dakota in hopes of identifying the next major area of innovation.7

9

8

Page 23: December 2015 Chamber News

chambernews.com | Chamber News 23

COMMUNITY APPEALS

Community Appeals Scheduled Fund DrivesSIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICESAPRIL 1-JULY 31, 2016$1.25 MILLIONTo create “The Campus on East Bank” as part of a strategic affiliation with Kilian Community College

LEVITT AT THE FALLSNOV. 1, 2016-MARCH 31, 2017$1.06 MILLIONCreate an outdoor concert venue in Sioux Falls, partnering with non-profit Levitt Pavilions

SERTOMA BUTTERFLY HOUSE & MARINE COVEAPRIL 1-JULY 31, 2017$1.26 MILLIONExpand public aquarium exhibits in the Marine Cove

The purpose of the Community Appeals Committee is to qualify and provide orderly scheduling of capital fund drives . The committee has a responsibility to discourage unnecessary or overlapping drives, to assess funds available in the Sioux Falls business community, and to provide input on realistic drive goals .

Capital fund drive applications will be accepted by the committee until Aug . 1 of any one year and the suggested solicita-tion amount and time slot for approved drives will be determined and scheduled by the committee no later than February of the following year .

For more information on the Community Appeals Committee, call Mike Lynch at (605) 373-2006 or download an applica-tion at siouxfallschamber .com under the Programs tab .

Page 24: December 2015 Chamber News

COVER STORY

Advocacy is a vital component of your Chamber mem-bership. Decisions made by elected officials frequently and directly affect the way business is conducted. The process by which the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce arrives at the issues that receive the most attention is methodical and involves great commitment among several committees and councils within the Chamber.

Providing the membership with essential information on the legislative process is a crucial element in fulfilling the Chamber’s advocacy objectives. This process begins each year with the development of the Issues Management Council-led Issues & Advocacy Survey, which was distributed to a random sampling of members in late November. Survey results aide in the development and refinement of policy state-ments and the Chamber’s platform, which are subsequently approved by the Issues Management Council and Board of Directors and ultimately guide the lobbying initiatives in Pierre. Both groups will approve the policy statements and platform in December; these documents will be published on siouxfallschamber.com in December and in the January edition of the Chamber News magazine. Public Affairs & Communications Director Mark Lee lobbies full-time on Chamber members’ behalf and the Chamber also retains a part-time lobbyist to represent the business interests within the Sioux Falls area.

Another way the Chamber helps inform members on advo-cacy initiatives leading into the upcoming legislative session is to provide information on Sioux Falls area legislators. The Sioux Falls area includes districts 6, 9-16 and 25. Each year the December issue of Chamber News gives legislators an opportunity to share with Chamber members their goals and identify what they feel are the most important issues facing the legislature. The following pages detail their responses.

Several events will be held during the session to connect the business community with legislators. Please refer to the complete legislative calendar on page 30.

For more information about issues during the legislative session, read the weekly Bill Tracker (available via email or online at siouxfallschamber.com under the Advocacy tab) or contact a member of the Chamber’s Public Affairs & Communications team: (605) 336-1620.

THE SIOUX FALLS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S

ANNUAL GUIDE TOSioux Falls AreaLEGISLATORS

24 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2015 chambernews.com | Chamber News PB

Page 25: December 2015 Chamber News

DISTRICT 6 DISTRICT 9Sen. Ernie Otten 46787 273rd St.Tea, SD 57064OCCUPATION: Contractor salesPHONE: (605) 368-5716EMAIL: [email protected]

No response provided

Sen. Deb Peters 705 N. Sagehorn Dr.Hartford, SD 57033OCCUPATION: Small business owner/

accountantPHONE: (605) 321-4168EMAIL: [email protected] TWITTER HANDLE: @debpetersforsd

What are the major issues you intend to work on during the 2016 Legislative Session?

• The budget• Education• Medicaid

Rep. Paula Hawks 405 S. Tessa Ave.Hartford, SD 57033OCCUPATION: Candidate for U.S. House PHONE: (605) 361-3981EMAIL: [email protected] HANDLE: @hawksforhouse

What are the major issues you intend to work on during the 2016 Legislative Session?

• K-12 education funding• Bringing accountability and leadership back to

government• Being a strong advocate for clean and renewable energy

Rep. Isaac LatterellPO Box 801Tea, SD 57064OCCUPATION: Technology consultant PHONE: (605) 368-1002EMAIL: [email protected] HANDLE: @isaaclatterell

No response provided

Rep. Herman Otten PO Box 325Tea, SD 57064OCCUPATION: ConstructionPHONE: (605) 941-1770EMAIL: [email protected]

What are the major issues you intend to work on during the 2016 Legislative Session?

• Minor boundary changes for school districts• May look at consumer protection for electronic devices• May look into pipeline taxation

Rep. Wayne Steinhauer

No information provided; Steinhauer was appointed to fill Rep. Steve Hickey’s seat in November.

PB Chamber News | DECEMBER 2015 chambernews.com | Chamber News 25

Page 26: December 2015 Chamber News

DISTRICT 11DISTRICT 10Sen. David Omdahl 1300 Hyde Park Ave.Sioux Falls, SD 57106OCCUPATION: Engineer/auctioneerPHONE: (605) 323-0098EMAIL: [email protected]

What are the major issues you intend to work on during the 2016 Legislative Session?

• Stop over-regulating our small businesses• Stop growing government bureaucracies• Prioritize and fund only those programs that are

necessary

Sen. Jenna Haggar PO Box 763Sioux Falls, SD 57101PHONE: (605) 610-9779EMAIL: [email protected] HANDLE: @jennahaggar

No response provided

Rep. Don Haggar PO Box 1532Sioux Falls, SD 57101OCCUPATION: Esurance managementPHONE: (605) 360-8130EMAIL: [email protected] HANDLE: @donhaggar

What are the major issues you intend to work on during the 2016 Legislative Session?

• Education• Medicaid• Workforce development

Rep. Mark Willadsen7712 W. Benelli Cir.Sioux Falls, SD 57106OCCUPATION: Insurance agentPHONE: (605) 361-6104EMAIL: [email protected]

What are the major issues you intend to work on during the 2016 Legislative Session?

• Blue Ribbon Task Force recommendations• County Task Force recommendations• Taxes

Rep. Jim Stalzer 5909 W. Bristol Dr.Sioux Falls, SD 57106OCCUPATION: Retired (information

technology)PHONE: (605) 366-5874EMAIL: [email protected] HANDLE: @jimstalzer

What are the major issues you intend to work on during the 2016 Legislative Session?

• Nursing home bed restrictions• Scholarships for low-income families to attend the

school of their choice• Cleanup of last year’s legislation that created the

Enhanced Pistol Permits

Rep. Steven Haugaard 47629 258th St.Sioux Falls, SD 57104OCCUPATION: Attorney PHONE: (605) 941-1434EMAIL: [email protected]

What are the major issues you intend to work on during the 2016 Legislative Session?

• Criminal justice issues (streamline procedures)• Reallocation of funds to better address chemical

dependency and mental health issues• Reducing various budget items

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Page 27: December 2015 Chamber News

DISTRICT 12 DISTRICT 13Sen. R. Blake Curd, M.D.38 S. Riverview HeightsSioux Falls, SD 57105OCCUPATION: Orthopedic Surgery/

Hand SurgeryPHONE: (605) 977-6854EMAIL: [email protected] HANDLE: @blakecurd

What are the major issues you intend to work on during the 2016 Legislative Session?

• Continued fiscal discipline• Education policy/funding• Any and all things the Commerce Committee considers

Sen. Phyllis Heineman2005 S. Phillips Ave.Sioux Falls, SD 57105OCCUPATION: Retired teacherPHONE: (605) 941-1770EMAIL: [email protected] TWITTER HANDLE: @phyllisheineman

What are the major issues you intend to work on during the 2016 Legislative Session?

• Develop agency performance reviews to evaluate the delivery of results

• Sustain South Dakota’s business-friendly tax and regulatory climate

• Create tax credit scholarships

Rep. Arch Beal 4815 N. Northview Ave.Sioux Falls, SD 57107OCCUPATION: Business ownerPHONE: (605) 336-2988EMAIL: [email protected]

What are the major issues you intend to work on during the 2016 Legislative Session?

Business growth in South Dakota

Rep. Mark Mickelson 2901 S. 5th Ave.Sioux Falls, SD 57105OCCUPATION: Mickelson & Co.PHONE: (605) 951-7960EMAIL: [email protected] HANDLE: @micksd

What are the major issues you intend to work on during the 2016 Legislative Session?

• Workforce development/technical school governance• Education funding issues• Economic development

Rep. Steven Westra 5100 S. Twinleaf Dr.Sioux Falls, SD 57108OCCUPATION: COO of Hegg

Companies, Inc.PHONE: (605) 336-2111EMAIL: [email protected]

What are the major issues you intend to work on during the 2016 Legislative Session?

• Economic development• Jobs• Education

Rep. Alex Jensen 5915 S. Remington Pl.Sioux Falls, SD 57108OCCUPATION: RealtorPHONE: (605) 122-4407EMAIL: [email protected] TWITTER HANDLE: @ajens605

What are the major issues you intend to work on during the 2016 Legislative Session?

• Maintaining a friendly business environment• Search for opportunities in education for our

young people• Maintaining a friendly retirement environment

PB Chamber News | DECEMBER 2015 chambernews.com | Chamber News 27

Page 28: December 2015 Chamber News

DISTRICT 14 DISTRICT 15

Rep. Patrick Kirschman 901 N. Duluth Ave #1Sioux Falls, SD 57104OCCUPATION: Retired bakerPHONE: (605) 366-4798EMAIL: [email protected]

What are the major issues you intend to work on during the 2016 Legislative Session?

• To permit 17-year-olds to vote in the primary if they turn 18 prior to and are eligible to vote in the general election

Rep. Tom Holmes 4709 S. Shields Ave.Sioux Falls, SD 57103OCCUPATION: Retired educatorPHONE: (605) 988-7527EMAIL: [email protected]

What are the major issues you intend to work on during the 2016 Legislative Session?

• Education• Interested in seeing legislation to assist parents in

providing therapy for their autistic children

Rep. Larry Zickmund2405 E. 52nd St.Sioux Falls, SD 57103OCCUPATION: Retired (association

management and education)

PHONE: (605) 373-0975EMAIL: [email protected]

What are the major issues you intend to work on during the 2016 Legislative Session?

• Education including vocational, career and technical education at all levels

• Veterans and military issues• Economic and workforce development

Rep. Karen Soli 810 W. 6th St.Sioux Falls, SD 57104OCCUPATION: ClergyPHONE: (605) 338-5934EMAIL: [email protected]

What are the major issues you intend to work on during the 2016 Legislative Session?

• Supporting a workable plan to expand Medicaid so that all South Dakotans have access to basic healthcare

• Working with others to substantially strengthen long-term funding for K-12 education

• Addressing concerns about providing better oversight for the management of federal grants and programs in our state

Sen. Deb Soholt 2628 E. Regency Ct.Sioux Falls, SD 57103OCCUPATION: Registered nurse/

healthcare directorPHONE: (605) 321-5931EMAIL: [email protected] HANDLE: @soholtdeb

What are the major issues you intend to work on during the 2016 Legislative Session?

• K-12 education ongoing additional funding• Healthcare coverage• Workforce development

Sen. Angie Buhl O’DonnellPO Box 2012Sioux Falls, SD 57104OCCUPATION: Behavioral health

technicianPHONE: (605) 376-2512EMAIL: [email protected] HANDLE: @angiebuhl

What are the major issues you intend to work on during the 2016 Legislative Session?

• Healthcare access• Education• Economic development

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Page 29: December 2015 Chamber News

DISTRICT 16 DISTRICT 25

Rep. Jim Bolin 403 W. 11th St.Canton, SD 57103OCCUPATION: Retired teacherPHONE: (605) 261-9669EMAIL: [email protected]

What are the major issues you intend to work on during the 2016 Legislative Session?

• Reform the initiative and referendum process• Decide about Medicaid inclusion• Evaluate K-12 Blue Ribbon Task Force

recommendations

Rep. Roger Hunt PO Box 827Brandon, SD 57005OCCUPATION: AttorneyPHONE: (605) 359-7848EMAIL: [email protected]

What are the major issues you intend to work on during the 2016 Legislative Session?

• Balancing the State budget• Education: K-12, higher education and technical

training• Economic development, including workforce

development

Rep. David Anderson 29177 477th Ave.Hudson, SD 57034OCCUPATION: Farming/insurancePHONE: (605) 310-1645EMAIL: [email protected]

What are the major issues you intend to work on during the 2016 Legislative Session?

• Passing a balanced, responsible budget• Legislation in response to the workman’s compensation

Wheeler v. Cinna Bakers Supreme Court decision• Proper audits for taxpayer funded organizations

Rep. Kris Langer 700 W. 7th St.Dell Rapids, SD 57022OCCUPATION: Realtor PHONE: (605) 321-9224EMAIL: [email protected]

What are the major issues you intend to work on during the 2016 Legislative Session?

• Workforce development• Keeping South Dakota a great place and safe place to

raise a family• Keeping South Dakota business-friendly

Sen. William Shorma21 Spanish Bay Dakota Dunes, SD 57049OCCUPATION: Business OwnerPHONE: (605) 660-2138EMAIL: [email protected]

What are the major issues you intend to work on during the 2016 Legislative Session?

• Education• Energy• Business issues

Sen. Scott Fiegen203 E. 4th St.Dell Rapids, SD 57022EMAIL: [email protected]

No response provided

PB Chamber News | DECEMBER 2015 chambernews.com | Chamber News 29

Page 30: December 2015 Chamber News

Good Morning Sioux Falls Legislative Breakfast (to include Districts 6, 9-16, 25)WEDNESDAY, JAN. 6, 2016Best Western PLUS Ramkota Hotel 3200 W. Maple St.7-8:30 a.m.RSVP to Valerie Willson at [email protected] or (605) 373-2010

Cost is $20 per person, which includes breakfast

Sioux Falls Area Legislative Coffees(to include Districts 6, 9-15)SATURDAY, FEB. 6, 2016 SATURDAY, FEB. 20, 2016SATURDAY, FEB. 27, 2016Holiday Inn City Centre100 W. 8th St.9-11:45 a.m. *More details will follow about the district assignments for each date

Business Day at the Legislature THURSDAY, FEB. 18, 2016Pierre, SD *Sponsored by the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce & Industry

For more information, visit sdchamber.biz

Sioux Falls Day at the Legislature FRIDAY, FEB. 19, 2016Pierre, SD Noon luncheon, Capitol Rotunda*More details will follow about the day’s agenda and costs to ride the bus and attend lunch

RSVP to Teresa Schreier at [email protected] or (605) 373-2050

2016 Legislative Calendar

COVER STORY

Sioux Falls Day Keynote Speaker Gov. Dennis Daugaard

Sioux Falls Day at the Legislature

Legislative Coffees

Good Morning Sioux Falls Legislative Breakfast

30 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2015 chambernews.com | Chamber News PB

Page 31: December 2015 Chamber News

The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce asked legislators in Districts 6, 9-16 and 25 to submit contact informa-tion and their goals for the 2015 Legislative Session; their responses can be found on the previous pages. Chamber members are encouraged to save this issue of Chamber News for the legislative guide and to use it during the session to contact Sioux Falls area legislators. You can also get legislators’ contact information at siouxfallschamber.com under the Advocacy tab.

You can also reach legislators in Pierre. To leave a message for a Senator, call (605) 773-3821. To leave a message for a member of the House of Representatives, call (605) 773-3851. Another great resource is the Legislative Research Council (LRC) website: legis.state.sd.us/index.aspx. You can use this site to search bills by number, subject or the member who introduced the bill. You can

Be informed during the legislative sessionalso track committees and floor activities and find existing laws. The LRC site also con-tains contact information for every member of South Dakota’s House and Senate.

The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce also tracks bills and communi-cates pertinent information to members via the weekly Bill Tracker email and online posting. Bill Tracker is published only during the session and rates bills based on their significance to the Chamber’s legislative platform.

Additional information about the legisla-tive session can also be found in the weekly newsletter The Chamber Advocate. The Chamber Advocate tracks activities at all levels of government. Its purpose is to provide information and insight regarding issues that affect business and the growth and develop-ment of the Sioux Falls area. All Chamber

members and their employees can receive this information at no cost. The Chamber Advocate is emailed each Friday.

The Chamber also tweets from the advocacy-specific Twitter handle @SFAreaAdvocate during session. Many legislators are also on Twitter; you can find their handles with their profile information in the preceding pages.

As a Chamber member, you can sign up for both publications in the Chamber’s Members Only section at siouxfallschamber.com or by contacting the office at (605) 336-1620. Chamber members who have specific legislative questions can contact lobbyist and Public Affairs & Communications Director Mark Lee at (605) 336-1620 or [email protected].

COVER STORY

PB Chamber News | DECEMBER 2015 chambernews.com | Chamber News 31

Page 32: December 2015 Chamber News

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BUSINESS ADVOCACY

MARK LEESioux Falls Area

Chamber of Commerce

Advocacy in Pierre: The 2016 Session

... it’s our job to help preserve and enhance

that environment to provide ... a “fair

chance for a free people.”

Mark Lee is the Public Affairs & Communications Director for the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. He also serves as the full-time lobbyist for the Chamber and Forward Sioux Falls during South Dakota’s legislative session.

The Chamber has an advocacy portfolio that embraces efforts at all levels of government — local, state and federal — to ensure the voice of business is heard as policy-makers consider ordinances, laws and regulations. It is an important benefit to members to know your voice is heard and a benefit that is unique to the Chamber when compared to many other membership organizations.

A major focus of our advocacy efforts is the annual legislative session. The 91st Session begins on Jan. 12 with its main run concluding on March 11 plus one more day, March 29, reserved for the consideration of vetoes. That’s the schedule for the session, but work to prepare your Chamber to represent the business community begins long before that.

During the spring and summer months, we vigorously follow legislative activity through the interim committees. Three committees from this summer — K-12 Blue Ribbon Task Force, School District Boundary Change Task Force and County Government — specifically affect the Sioux Falls area. In fact, the Boundary Task Force is really only about this area. Others dealing with issues such as ag land taxation and the High School Activities Association also gain our attention.

In addition to following these formal activities, we work with other membership organizations and interest groups to discuss and analyze issues that may well be considered during session. We talk with legislators to keep our finger on the legislative pulse. We compare notes and meet with the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce & Industry so we are preparing in partnership with them to be effective.

We also try to communicate about these issues with our members. We focus the December issue of the Chamber News magazine on the Legislature plus we host a Good Morning Sioux Falls breakfast in early January where 250 Chamber members come to hear more about what will happen in the coming session. The Issues Management Council works on a specific legislative platform to complement our Chamber’s Policy Statements. To inform the development of our positions on the issues, we administer a Legislative Issues Survey before finalizing our platform. Both the Platform and the Policy Statements are approved by the Board of Directors and used to guide our efforts.

Then, session starts. During session you are represented in Pierre by a full-time and a part-time lob-byist focusing on issues related to business, economic development, education, infrastructure, taxation, regulation, community development and more. Your lobbyists follow the introduction of about 500-600 measures each year and prioritize those that we intend to work on and follow. We compile a user-friendly “bill tracker” to follow the progress of each measure in our portfolio so you too can easily track them. The Bill Tracker is emailed out weekly during session and can also be found at siouxfallschamber.com under the Advocacy tab.

During session, your lobbyists testify on your behalf in committee and communicate our positions to individual legislators on a daily basis. Our job is to represent you and advance the Chamber’s interests.

South Dakota has one of the best, if not the best, environments for business in the U.S. That does not happen by accident and your Chamber cannot take full credit for that distinction by any means, but we can say we have an impact and it’s our job to help preserve and enhance that environment to provide — as Senator Karl Mundt was known to say — “a fair chance for a free people.”

All year we communicate through the weekly email Chamber Advocate to keep you up-to-date and through our advocacy-specific Twitter handle, @SFAreaAdvocate, to report on things as they happen.

Please feel free to contact Mark Lee at [email protected] or Mike Lynch at [email protected] if you want more information on what’s happening in Pierre. It’s our job to work with you and it’s your membership benefit.

Page 33: December 2015 Chamber News

32 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2015 chambernews.com | Chamber News 33

The Chamber goes to Pierre so its members don’t have to. When I served as the Majority Leader of the South Dakota House of Representatives, I found the Chamber to be a trusted source of accurate and up to date information about issues that could affect the Sioux Falls area business and living environment. This informa-tion helped guide my decisions and votes and I know that it does the same for many other members of the legislature. The role that the Chamber plays in the legislative process is invaluable to its members and to the development of good, pro-business legislation.

Bill PetersonLSS Development & Foundation Vice-President

BUSINESS ADVOCACY

Page 34: December 2015 Chamber News

34 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2015

HEADLINESHEADLINES

Forward Sioux Falls 2021 campaign underway

Community and business leaders are actively seeking investors and promoting the initiatives included in the Forward Sioux Falls 2021 campaign, which launched Nov. 1.

Key leadership groups have already made 34 asks, with 18 pledges returned totaling $5.05 million, about one-third of the way to the $15.5 million goal. This figure was announced at the Sioux Falls Development Foundation Annual Meeting in late November. The campaign runs through March 31, 2016.

Forward Sioux Falls is the successful joint venture economic development partnership between the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and Sioux Falls Development Foundation. Since 1987, more than $37 mil-lion has been raised to better the region.

Key components of the 2021 program center around workforce development. The Forward Sioux Falls 2021 plan is essentially and eight-point plan with specific deliver-ables. A key part of the plan is workforce development and workforce attraction and recruitment. In late 2014, Forward Sioux Falls engaged consultant Market Street Services to come back to the community and study the workforce issue. Previously they were in Sioux Falls in 2009 as part of the community strategic planning process, Future Sioux Falls, also led by Forward Sioux Falls. Market Street compared Sioux Falls today with Sioux Falls in 2009, as well as with a number of other regional peer and aspirational communities. With the help of a Task Force, they developed a Strategic Workforce Action Agenda and Implementation Plan. The plan and the research documents can be found at forward-siouxfalls.com.

The Strategic Workforce Action Agenda approved by the task force has two major focus areas: Workforce Attraction & Retention and Workforce Development. Under those two broad areas, 11 key initiatives were identified, with four areas identified as top priorities to be pursued as part of the Forward Sioux Falls 2021 plan. The Task Force believed it was important to have a “driver” of the Strategic Workforce Action Agenda and that Forward Sioux Falls

was best positioned to take that lead role. As a result, Forward Sioux Falls, through the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, will be organizing its resources so that there is equal attention to job creation and workforce attraction, retention and development.

The successful implementation of this plan will take time and resources, and will require a full team effort from every-one. While the Sioux Falls Development Foundation will serve as the driver of the Strategic Workforce Action Agenda, it will take a community-wide effort to be success-ful. For example, the Cradle to Career initia-tive is an example of the of public/private partnership that will be critical. The Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation wanted to play a lead role with this particular initia-tive because it is a broad community issue. The Community Foundation is in a unique position to bring together the education community, business community and other social service organizations, as well access to other funding sources for pilot programs, etc.

Another key part of the workforce initiative will be how results are measured. Examining other successful workforce development programs across the country, a critical element is having a set of metrics that everyone can agree on. In another example of the type of partnerships that will be neces-sary, Augustana University has committed to help develop these community-wide metrics so that meaningful goals can be set and progress measured.

The 2021 program provides two major opportunities to invest in infrastructure, similar to what happened when Forward Sioux Falls established the South Dakota

Technology Business Center more than 11 years ago.

Foundation Park and the USD Discovery District are two programs that will show short-term returns on investments over the next five years, as well as long-term benefits that will continue to pay off in the decades to come. They also feed into our workforce strategy by creating jobs.

Foundation Park is an 820-acre planned industrial park under development by the Sioux Falls Development Foundation. The site is located in the northwest quadrant of the intersection of interstates 29 and 90. The park is served by rail and offers contiguous sites ranging from five acres to 390 acres. Foundation Park is the state’s first mega-site and brings together the State of South Dakota and City of Sioux Falls to help make this happen.

The USD Discovery District is an 80-acre area located adjacent to the University Center. This project leverages a number of partner dollars to build this district, from the City of Sioux Falls, state of South Dakota and the University of South Dakota.

One of the reasons Forward Sioux Falls has been so successful is that it is a diverse program. Paired with these new initiatives, we will also continue to support our core programs like advocacy efforts, affordable housing, quality of life development and air service, to name just a few.

For more information about participating in the campaign or future advisory groups, or to become and investor, contact Director of Investor Relations Carolyn Winchell: (605) 373-2008 or [email protected].

Page 35: December 2015 Chamber News

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Page 36: December 2015 Chamber News
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chambernews.com | Chamber News 37

HEADLINES

Advertise in detailed city mapProduction of the Official 2016 Sioux Falls

Area Chamber of Commerce detailed map will begin soon and Chamber members are invited to place a display ad on the map. The Chamber is working with Spring Hill Press, a long-time Chamber member, to produce the 2016 edition of the Sioux Falls city street map.

This detailed city map will be approxi-mately two feet by three feet in full color printed on 70 pound, high gloss paper. It will also include these communities outside Sioux Falls: Baltic, Beresford, Brandon, Canton, Colton, Crooks, Dell Rapids, Fairview, Garretson, Harrisburg, Hartford, Hudson, Humboldt, Lennox, Sherman, Tea, Worthing and Valley Springs, as well as Lincoln and Minnehaha counties.

Spring Hill Press representatives will be contacting members to discuss various ad sizes and prices available. You can pick up a sample map for reference at the Chamber office. Premium advertising spaces are limited and in high demand, so act quickly to reserve your space. Ad prices range from $400 to $2,995.

Contact Dick Bushman or Nita Hickman at (800) 627-8141 to reserve your space.

Spring Hill Press also offers Online Maps that display your advertising until the next edition. Go to springhillpress.com to view samples. Spring Hill Press will also provide the Chamber with a link that will take web visitors to the online map. Users can select a member business from the List of Advertisers and the map will pan to the selected location. Once the selected location has been displayed, the ad will be displayed with the advertiser’s information, users can click on a link to the advertiser’s website and when the page is viewed on a smart phone, users will be able to click on the advertiser’s phone number and it will call the advertiser.

Advertising on the Chamber map affords you the opportunity to reach new residents and visitors alike. A detailed city map is one of the most requested items at the office and 10,000 maps will be distributed for the year of 2016. For more information, contact the Chamber office at (605) 336-1620 or Spring Hill Press at (800) 627-8141.

Page 38: December 2015 Chamber News

38 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2015

Major construction of single-family homes, new businesses and expanding companies made 2015 an exciting year in Minnehaha and Lincoln counties. The range of new projects announced during the year showed the strength and diversity of our regional economy, as schools grew, companies expanded and new businesses opened in the member communities of the Lincoln and Minnehaha County Economic Development Associations (LCEDA/MCEDA). For more than 25 years, the partnership of economic development associations in both counties has been the link that binds our unique communities into an effective and growing region of economic success.

By the numbers, the past year was one of excellent progress: 113 new jobs were created. Companies that we worked with invested $20 million in 2015, constructing 187,000 square feet of commercial space. Seven major projects have been completed or are under construc-tion in our two counties, and more are scheduled for 2016.

The rapid growth of the communities surrounding Sioux Falls has always been a key factor in the success of the Sioux Falls metro area. Business expansion and relocation, along with single and multi-family housing starts in Lincoln and Minnehaha counties have driven a steady surge in the regional economy. Population growth, following expanded job opportuni-ties in the area, has shown significant increases year after year, establishing our metro area communities as among the fastest growing in the nation.

Business is booming because more and more people choose to live in the communities of Lincoln and Minnehaha counties. New residents are the leading edge of what state and local officials expect to be a growing South Dakota talent pool, drawn to our area by the new jobs created in Sioux Falls and in the communities joined together by the Lincoln and Minnehaha County Economic Development Associations.

Equally important with the recruitment of new companies to fill growing industrial parks in the member communities of LCEDA and MCEDA is the expansion of homegrown busi-nesses. From Dell Rapids to Lennox, local companies in retail, manufacturing and services have been quietly adding new facilities and creating new jobs on an annual basis. That increasing prosperity drives the construction of new houses and encourages additional busi-ness enterprises, from chiropractors, dentists and doctors to restaurants and hotels.

Whether it is occurring a block away or 30 miles from where we live, that growth boosts the economy of the entire region. It is said that “the rising tide lifts all boats,” and that axiom is the essence of regional development. Each of our partner communities is unique and our regional partnership is rooted in collaboration. The idea exchange with other communities enables us to engage in learning experiences and leverage resources that benefit everyone. When we push each other to be better, the competitive profile of the entire region is elevated.

Regional economic development requires collaboration in marketing our area communi-ties and showing prospective new and expanding companies the wide range of locations and sites available in Minnehaha and Lincoln counties. We have a history rooted in partner-ships — with our 15 member communities, investors, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and the Sioux Falls Development Foundation — and we look forward to new partnerships as our regional economy continues to thrive.

Regional development success hinges on our sharing the business advantages, the opportu-nities and the challenges of consistent growth throughout our metro area and in the commu-nities of LCEDA and MCEDA. Through effective and active partnership, we can continue to see the pattern of growth that has characterized this region for more than 25 years.

NICK FOSHEIMLincoln & Minnehaha

County Economic Development Associations

Strong year illustrates vitality of regional partnership

Nick Fosheim is the Executive Director of the Lincoln and Minnehaha County Economic Development Associations (MCEDA/LCEDA). For more information, call (605) 339-0103.

When we push each other to be better, the

competitive profile of the entire region is elevated.

CHAMBER PARTNER

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chambernews.com | Chamber News 39

HEADLINES

BY AMY SMOLIKSioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

Looking for a great way to promote your business to other members of the business community? Put your membership in the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce to use. During the annual Operation Thank You, members received a copy of the 2015-16 Advertising & Sponsorship brochure, which details the number of ways members can promote their brands while supporting the Chamber. Members can also promote their business in a variety of methods that are free and available for members only. The brochure is available online at siouxfallschamber.com under the Events and News & Publications tabs.

Following is a quick summary of advertising opportunities. The Chamber has three options at various price points and delivery messages to help members promote their business, services or special events to other Chamber members. Only Chamber members can advertise in Chamber publications. For more information about any of the following options, contact the Chamber: (605) 336-1620.

QUICKLY

Quickly is an electronic publication emailed to more than 5,000 Chamber members and their employees each week. It details two weeks of Chamber activities — ribbon cuttings, Chamber events and committee meetings — and offers several sponsorship opportunities. The Chamber does not sell or share members’ email addresses but advertising in Quickly is one way to share information with other Chamber members via email. Limited space is available for advertis-ing, which is coordinated through Chamber staff.

CHAMBER NEWS

The Chamber News magazine features news and information about Chamber members and promotes Chamber activities and events. The magazine is a high-quality, glossy publication. Chamber News is direct mailed to Chamber members and is available at several drop-off points throughout the community.

All editorial information is created and compiled by Chamber staff. Advertising is coordinated through Argus Leader Media.

SIOUXFALLSCHAMBER.COM

The Chamber’s responsive website also shares information about Chamber events and activities and contact information for elected officials, Chamber staff and key volunteers. The website is compat-ible on all devices. Chamber members can promote their business or event with an ad that will rotate throughout the website. Rates are available for one-month, three-month, six-month and 12-month contracts. Advertising is coordinated through Chamber staff.

Promote your business through the ChamberADVERTISE WITH THE CHAMBER

Following is more information about advertising opportunities with the Chamber. You must be a Chamber member in order to advertise with the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. For more information or to schedule ads in Quickly or online, visit siouxfallschamber.com under the News & Publications link.

QUICKLYWeekly electronic email detailing Chamber activities that is sent to more than 5,000-plus membersRates: $100 per issue

To schedule an ad or for more information: contact Amy Smolik, [email protected] or (605) 373-2054

CHAMBER NEWSMonthly magazine mailed to all Chamber members and available at various spots in the communityRates: Vary depending on ad size; full, half and quarter pages sizes are available

To schedule an ad or for more information: contact Argus Leader Media, (605) 977-3943

SIOUXFALLSCHAMBER.COMChamber websiteRates: one-month, three-month, six-month and 12-month options available, starting at $100 per month

To schedule an ad or for more information: contact Amy Smolik, [email protected] or (605) 373-2054

Page 40: December 2015 Chamber News

40 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2015 chambernews.com | Chamber News 41

There’s no better time of the year than the holidays. From the delicious home-made treats to uplifting Christmas carols, the joy of the season tends to put us all in a festive mood. But as we plan our holiday parties and family gatherings, shop for the perfect gifts and write those Christmas letters, let’s not forget about those who are less fortune.

The well-known saying, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give,” truly expresses the spirit of the holidays. Among the best gifts you can give this Christmas are your time and your talent. I encourage everyone to spread holiday cheer to those in need through volunteerism.

Volunteering is a wonderful way to meet new friends, help those in need and make a difference in your community. It also happens to have great health ben-efits. Research shows that “those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability, and lower rates of depression later in life than those who do not volunteer,” according to The Corporation for National & Community Service.

The Helpline Center has served the Sioux Falls community for more than 40 years, providing critical volunteer services to its citizens and agencies through its Volunteer Connections program. Volunteer Connections makes that link between community members who want to give back and the agencies that need volunteers.

This December, the Helpline Center introduces a new Volunteer Sioux Falls project called Holiday Volunteer Sioux Falls. One of the community’s greatest unmet needs in 2014 was holiday meal baskets, which allow families to enjoy a Christmas meal in their own home.

To help address this need, the Helpline Center has partnered with The Salvation Army to create Holiday Volunteer Sioux Falls. But we can’t do it alone. Volunteers are needed to assist with the Christmas basket interviews, collect food donations and deliver senior food commodity boxes.

Volunteers are needed Dec. 7-9 to help with Christmas basket interviews by recording pertinent information from those who apply to receive baskets. The Salvation Army staff will then crunch those numbers to determine eligibility. On Dec. 10, volunteers will distribute senior food commodity boxes to low-income seniors in the community. Volunteers can also collect and donate food to fill the food baskets and The Salvation Army food pantry. Food donations will be accepted through Friday, Dec. 18. For a complete list of food items, please contact the Helpline Center (helplinecenter.org or 211).

If you aren’t able to participate in Holiday Volunteer Sioux Falls, the Helpline Center has also assembled Holiday Lists, which outline a variety of volunteer and donation needs of local non-profits during the holiday season. A holiday fundraising events list is also available through the Helpline Center.

Whether it’s donating toys for kids or volunteering to serve a holiday meal, the Helpline Center can help you find a way to give back during this holiday season. To learn more about the Holiday Lists or Holiday Volunteer Sioux Falls, visit helplinecenter.org or call 211.

The season of giving

Susie Ryks is the Volunteer Services Director at the Helpline Center.

... the Helpline Center can

help you find a way to give back during this holiday

season.

MEMBER VOICE

SUSIE RYKSHelpline Center

Page 41: December 2015 Chamber News

40 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2015 chambernews.com | Chamber News 41

USING YOUR MEMBERSHIP

If you’ve ever wanted to become involved with a Chamber com-mittee, but you don’t think you have the time available to commit to the various meetings and events involved, we invite you to consider one of several short-term volunteer opportunities available through your Chamber membership. Commit to volunteering one day, one hour or for the entire event … whatever works best for your schedule.

Following are some of the annual events and activities sponsored by the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. To volunteer for one of these short-term opportunities or for more information about all Chamber involvement options, contact Pat Lund: (605) 373-2014 or [email protected].

Ag Appreciation Day (August): each year the Chamber partners with hundreds of businesses to thank area farmers during the Sioux Empire Fair. Volunteers help serve a meal to several thousand area ag producers. This is an easy volunteer opportunity and a great way to get out in the community on behalf of your business.

Sioux Empire Farm Show (January): if you have an agricultural background or you just want to meet some fun, hardworking people, then this is the short-term opportunity for you. The Farm Show is a week-long event with a number of different committees involved in the planning and the execution of the livestock shows and sales.

Sports Tournament Hosting (winter): our community is host to many state high school athletic tournaments each year, and you can help us welcome our visitors by working in the hospitality room or helping usher attendees at the events. In addition to the recent State Volleyball Tournament, Sioux Falls will host two state basketball tournaments in March.

Operation Thank You (fall): the Chamber just completed the 25th Annual Operation Thank You wherein almost 270 volunteers made the event possible. You can serve as a “Diplomat for the day” by personally calling on about 10 businesses to say thank you for their investment in the Chamber and community, as well as deliver some important membership materials. It’s a great way to network and learn more about our business community.

Membership Sales Drives (fall and spring): our Ambassadors serve as the sales arm of the Chamber, but you can serve as an Associate Ambassador by working on a team to invite businesses and organiza-tions to join the Chamber and grow our membership.

Use your membership to volunteer at theseshort-term opportunities

Ag Appreciation Day volunteers help serve a meal to thousands of area farmers at this annual event. It’s held during the Sioux Empire Fair.

Page 42: December 2015 Chamber News

42 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2015

Visitor Industry UpdatesCVB SCHEDULES NEW

TRADE SHOW TRAVEL FOR 2016The Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) sales team has been on

the road selling Sioux Falls as a No. 1 destination for meetings, conventions and events. Since early summer 2015 the CVB staff has met with approximately 330 individuals through one-on-one appointments, traditional booth traffic and pre-scheduled meetings from eight shows.

The CVB will gear up for more travel in 2016 and will be explor-ing five new industry shows. Feb. 10-12, 2016 will be the first: the Global Pharma & Medical Meetings Summit in Philadelphia. In 2016 it will mark the 4th Annual Summit to gather senior pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device and healthcare meeting executives. The CVB is excited to work with the local hospitals and medical market to establish and grow Sioux Falls as a top medical destination.

From Feb. 22-25, the CVB will travel to Anchorage for the Go West Summit. Prescheduled appointments with tour operators, journalists and other travel companies will be scheduled prior to the show. The South Dakota State Department of Tourism attended last year, shared their leads and promoted the state attractions, lodging, food, events and more. The CVB is eager to attend and promote everything Sioux Falls has to offer as a city.

North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA), Circle Wisconsin, and Ontario Motor Coach Association (OMCA) will round out the CVB’s new shows for 2016. NATJA brings together travel media from across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The 2016 NATJA Conference & Marketplace will be held in Oxnard, Calif., on April 4-7, 2016.

The CVB will travel to Delavan, Wis., to conduct one-on-one appointments with more than 75 group tour suppliers from Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota and the Dakotas at Circle Wisconsin April 17-19, 2016. The final new show for the year will be OMCA Oct. 23-26, 2016 in Niagara Falls, Ontairo, Canada.

NITRO CIRCUS COMING TO SIOUX FALLS IN 2016The Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau is excited to

announce Nitro Circus Live coming to Sioux Falls July 22, 2016.

The Sioux Falls Stadium will be a stop on their 2016 North American Tour where 30 of the best athletes in freestyle motocross will ride a host of ridiculous contraptions and do the imagin-able with wheels. Nitro Circus Live has sold out legendary arenas such as Madison Square Garden in New York City and the O2 in London. More than 35,000 people packed the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, the site of the 2010 soccer World Cup final, for a massive 2014 show, and Nitro Circus drew the second highest attendance of any touring act at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena in Australia with 45,000.

This is the first time South Dakota has been a stop on their tour. Tickets are available nitrocircus.com/tour.

UP, UP AND AWAYLooking at the sky north of Sioux Falls in December might make

you think Santa is flying a little early. However, the lights in the sky are from the helicopter used for Strawbale Winery’s Twilight Flights.

Twinkling lights, chilly temps, scrumptious appetizers and South Dakota wine combine for a memorable experience at Strawbale Winery’s 9th Annual Twilight Flights. Wine and heavy appetizers greet guests when they arrive. After warming up, guests enjoy a 15-minute helicopter flight from the winery to a breathtaking aerial view of Winter Wonderland at Falls Park. Once they return, dessert wines and a wide selection of desserts end the evening.

Twilight Flights run from Dec. 4-19. Reservations are required; call (605) 543-5071.

SIOUX FALLS ATTENDS ASA NATIONAL CONVENTIONConvention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) Sales Manager Lucas Smith,

along with members of Sioux Falls People for Youth, represented Sioux Falls at the 2015 Amateur Softball Association (ASA) National Convention in Louisville Nov. 1-6. The Sioux Falls group set up a booth at the annual tradeshow to promote Sioux Falls hosting the 2016 USA/ASA National Girls 14U Fast Pitch Softball Tournament as well as the 2016 Men’s Slow Pitch E-Rec and 2016 Women’s Slow Pitch C & D National Tournaments.

The 2016 USA/ASA National Girls 14U Fast Pitch Softball Tournament is a week-long tournament bringing in approximately 150 teams from across the U.S. and an estimated economic impact of $8 million. The last time Sioux Falls hosted a National USA/ASA Girls Fast Pitch Softball Tournament was in 2012.

At the ASA National Convention the 330 voting members that form the ASA selection committee choose tournament host cities from around the nation. This is an extremely competitive atmosphere as cities are encouraged to attend and present their bid to host. After a successful bid at last year’s conference in Reno, 2015 was a non-bidding year for Sioux Falls. The CVB and Sioux Falls People for Youth will bid for a 2018 National Tournament at the 2016 ASA National Convention in Shreveport, La.

BUSINESS NEWS

Strawbale Winery hosts Twilight Flights during the holiday season, which includes a 15-minute helicopter ride from the winery to see an aerial view of Falls Park.

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chambernews.com | Chamber News 45

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Advanced Engineering and Environ-mental Services, Inc. (AE2S) 1300 W. 57TH ST., STE. 200 ae2s.com

Advanced Engineering and Environmental Ser-vices, Inc. (AE2S) is a specialized civil/environ-mental consulting engineering firm serving cli-ents in the upper Midwest. L to R: Kevin Smith, Bobbi Thury, Amy O’Connor Hoback, Daschle Larsen, Charlie Vein (president), Jay Soukup, Steve Burian (CEO) and Damon Chemla.

The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce holds ribbon cutting ceremonies for members to celebrate

joining the Chamber, milestone anniversaries, grand openings, expansions or remodelings. Ribbon cutting

ceremonies are organized free of charge for members and are held Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m.

and 4:30 p.m. The public and all Chamber members are invited to share in the celebration. Call

(605) 336-1620 for more information or to schedule your event.

Groundbreaking ceremonies are coordinated by the Sioux Falls Development Foundation. Call

(605) 339-0103 for more information or to schedule your event.

RibbonCuttings

Artisan Concrete ConceptsPO BOX 433, SCOTLAND, SDdecorativeconcreteinsiouxfallssd.com

Artisan Concrete Concepts specializes in creat-ing highly custom pieces of decorative concrete for homes and businesses. L to R: Savana Guth-miller, Jay Soukup, Skye and Amber Guthmill-er, Chad Guthmiller (owner), Daren Anderson, Amy O’Connor Hoback, Piper Guthmiller, Mike Hauck and Summer Guthmiller.

EAPC Architects Engineers 404 W. 9TH ST. eapc.net

EAPC Architects Engineers is a full-service architecture and engineering design consulting firm. L to R: John Kolander, John Henkhaus, Amy O’Connor Hoback, Dan Johnson, Leap Chear (senior architect/director of operations), Alan Dostert (president/CEO), Stefanie Enge-bretson and Gary Ohnstad.

City of Sioux Falls-Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation Bike Trail and SpurNW CORNER OF 57TH STREET & WESTERN AVENUEsiouxfalls.org

Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation Bike Trail and Spur celebrated two major improvements to the bike trail system. L to R: Julie Nelson, Dean Karsky, Don Kearney (director), Mike Cotter, Amy O’Connor Hoback and Adam Cooper.

NEW MEMBER

NEW MEMBER

REMODEL/EXPANSION

NEW MEMBER

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46 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2015

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sioux Falls721 E. AMIDON ST. siouxfallshabitat.org

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sioux Falls is a non-profit construction company providing affordable housing to low-income families. L to R: Paul Johnson, Alex Ramirez, Amy O’Connor Hoback, Stefanie Engebretson, Father Charles Cimpl, Patty Brooks (executive director), Joe Marsh (board president), Mayor Mike Huether, Lynda Billars, Chris Filsinger and Rob Schulte.

Fit Body Boot Camp-Sioux Falls3504 S. MINNESOTA AVE. #110 siouxfallsfitbody.com

Fit Body Boot Camp-Sioux Falls offers a fitness and fat loss workout program designed to burn fat and get you in the best shape of your life. L to R:Denise Wehrkamp, Jay Soukup, Dean Karsky, CJ Wehrkamp (owner/head trainer), Haley Wehrkamp, Mel Wehrkamp, Matt Sage, Amy O’Connor Hoback, Janel Cole and Tim Wehrkamp.

NEW MEMBER

Haunted Farm + Farm Fun S.D. 47449 276TH ST., WORTHING, SD facebook.com/farmfunsd

Haunted Farm + Farm Fun S.D. has 25 acres of fear fun! It features lunatic, spooks in the dark and a shadows hayride designed for guests of all ages. L to R: Kurt Meyer, Alex Ramirez, Amy O’Connor Hoback, Paula Bell (owner), Tom Bulfer, Stefanie Engebretson and Lynda Billars.

Moe’s Southwest Grill 3406 S. WESTERN AVE.moes.com

Moe’s Southwest Grill is a fun and engaging fast-casual restaurant serving a variety of fresh, made-to-order southwest fare in a welcoming environment that rocks. L to R: Joey Rotert, Carrie Dragt, Amy O’Connor Hoback, Nichole Wilson, Brian A. Wilson (owner), Mike Hauck and Dan Doyle.

NEW MEMBER

Kerner Andersson Law Office kernerlegal.com

Kerner Andersson Law Office is a full-service immigration law firm and specializes in all types of business and family immigration law. L to R: Mike Hauck, Lynda Billars, Dan Kerner Andersson, Anna Kerner Andersson(owner), Amy O’Connor Hoback, Derrick Karsky, Erin Schoenbeck and Mindy Kerner.

NEW MEMBER

NEW MEMBER

REMODEL/EXPANSION

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48 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2015

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Purses 2 Go! 3400 W. 49TH ST., SUITE 118 purses2go.com

Purses 2 Go! Offers a large selection of purses, clothing and accessories, as well as a full service salon in the back. L to R: Amy O’Connor Hoback, Stacy Wrightsman, Paige Kyle, Tammy Bultje (owner), Tim Sturdevant, Kayla Kyle and Jay Soukup.

NEW MEMBER

South Dakota Parent Connection 3701 W. 49TH ST. #102 sdparent.org

South Dakota Parent Connection connects families of children/youth with special needs to information, training and resources. They recently celebrated their 30th anniversary. L to R: Lisa Sanderson, Amy O’Connor Hoback, Kerry Larson (board secretary), Heather Kit-telson, Brad Bartz (board president), Betty Oldenkamp, Carrie Dragt, Chris Filsinger and Elaine Roberts.

Spa 2000 & R.E.S.T. and Rejuvenate Float Center224 N. PHILLIPS AVE. #110spa2000sd.net

Spa 2000 & R.E.S.T. and Rejuvenate Float Cen-ter has been in business since 1999 and moved to downtown Sioux Falls in 2004. They offer everything from massage, facial and body treat-ments to manicures, pedicures and a full service hair salon. L to R: Mickey Riley, Amy O’Connor Hoback, Liz Lloyd, Tim Sturdevant, Colette Munce (owner), Janel Cole and Kelsey Burns.

Special Olympics South Dakota 800 E. I-90 LN. sosd.org

Special Olympics South Dakota broke ground on a new $2.1 million, multi-use 13,000 square foot facility with a commons area measuring an additional 3,000 square feet. L to R: Dr. Dave Kapaska, Mayor Mike Huether, Tom Walsh, Sr., Darryl Nordquist, Tom Walsh, Jr. and Scott Lawrence.

REMODEL/EXPANSION

The Bluffs at Willow Run 7900 E. HWY. 42 lloydcompanies.com

The Bluffs at Willow Run is Sioux Falls’ first golf course rental property. The complex is a partnership between Lloyd Companies and GreatLIFE Malaska Golf & Fitness. L to R: Kurt Moe, Lexie Frankman, Amy O’Connor Hoback, Dean Karsky, Craig Lloyd (owner/CEO, Lloyd Companies), Tom Walsh, Sr. (owner/CEO, GreatLIFE Malaska), David Johnson, Rick Rysavy, Nick Blau and Dustin Stefani.NEW MEMBER

MILESTONE ANNIVERSARY

GROUNDBREAKING

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50 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2015

FOUNDING MEMBERJosten Concrete Products Co., Inc.Concrete Productsjostenwilbert.comMember Since 1918

40 YEARSCrossroads Book & Music, Inc.Religious Suppliescrossroadsbook.com

35 YEARSCitiCredit Card Co.citi.com

Morgan Stanley Wealth ManagementInvestment Securitiesmorganstanley.com

Nielsen Insurance Services, Inc.Insurancenielseninsuranceservices.com

School Bus, Inc.Buses, Charter/Rentalsbicharters.com

Siouxland Oral & Maxillofacial SurgeryOral & Maxillofacial Surgeonsiouxlandoralsurgery.com

30 YEARSWild Water West WaterparkAmusement Parkwildwaterwest.com

25 YEARSPankratz & AssociatesConsulting-Political

20 YEARSThe American Legion Sioux Falls Post 15Associate Member

Swift Contractors, Inc.Contractors - Generalswiftconinc.com

Member Anniversaries

Congratulations to the following members who are celebrating their milestone membership anniversaries this month. They are part of a continued commitment to our community through their investment in the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. To learn more about Chamber membership, contact (605) 336-1620 or [email protected]. Find a complete Membership Directory online at siouxfallschamber.com or on your smartphone using the Chamber’s app —

search “Sioux Falls Chamber” in the Google Play or iTunes stores.

15 YEARSSouth Dakota State University FoundationAssociate Membersdstate.edu

10 YEARSAnnabelle’s Adult SupercenterRetail-Specialtyannabelles.com

Noddle CompaniesReal Estate-Developmentnoddlecompanies.com

SiouxFallsRental.ComInternet Advertisingsiouxfallsrental.com

5 YEARSDale FroehlichAssociate Member

Keller Williams Realty Sioux Falls- Ann Den BoerAffiliate-Real Estate

SealPros, Inc.Paving Contractorssealprospaving.com

FIRST-YEAR MEMBERS WHO REINVESTED DURING THEIR

OCTOBER ANNIVERSARY MONTHAll City Pet Care EastVeterinariansallcitypetcareeast.com

Complete ChiropracticChiropractors, DCcompletechirosf.com

EAPC Architects EngineersArchitects, Engineers, Plannerseapc.net

Fernson Brewing Company, LLCBrewersfernson.com

Flyboy DonutsBakery/Coffee Shopflyboydonuts.com

GOMADIS International Ministries/ The Mission BallAssociate MemberTheMissionBall.org

Goosmann Law FirmAttorneysgoosmannlaw.com

Harriet Scott Senior Care Management and ConsultingHealth Careharrietscottseniorcare.com

Hegg Realtors-Marcus WalgraveAffiliate-Real Estatemarcuswalgrave.com

Journey Technology Solutions, LLCComputer Software & Servicesjourneytechnologysolutions.com

Music Therapy Services of South Dakota, LLCTherapymusictherapyservicessd.com

South Dakota Home TalkReal Estatemarcuswalgrave.com

The Re:Balance CenterWellness Centerrebalancesf.com

MEMBERSHIP

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52 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2015 chambernews.com | Chamber News 53

MEMBERSHIP

New members are printed in each issue of Chamber News. Following is a list of businesses or individu-

als who have invested in the greater community by joining the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. An

online Membership Directory can be found at siouxfallschamber.com or by using the Chamber’s App, avail-

able in the iTunes and Google Play stores. Want to become a member? Call (605) 336-1620.

New MembersBold Behavior LLCMen’s ClothingBert Van Wyhe, (605) 271-53544805 S. Louise Ave., 57106boldbehavior.com

Brickkicker Home InspectionHome InspectionKoleby Harshfield, (605) 215-7500brickkicker.com

Bryan Wiseman General Contracting, Inc.Contractors-GeneralBryan Wiseman, (605) 728-4155PO Box 2375, 57101-2375

Conscious Youth SolutionsAssociate MemberMoses Tut, (712) 299-10511000 N. West Ave., Suite 400, 57104cyssd.org

DeJongh Financial PartnersFinancial ServicesJill Haan, (605) 332-62423208 E. 26th St., 57103financialadviceforlife.com

Duluth Trading CompanyClothing-RetailDan Gies, (605) 988-6043320 S. Phillips Ave., 57104duluthtrading.com

Emberz Restaurant & Lounge LLCRestaurantsSarah L. Swanson, (605) 528-73001021 Diamond Cir., Hartford, SD 57033

Farm Bureau Financial Services-Amber SteinbergAffiliate-InsuranceAmber Steinberg, (605) 332-05825009 W. 12th St., Ste. 9B, 57106ambersteinberg.fbfs.com

Gregg’s SubstationRestaurantsConnie Zuraff, (605) 332-54541000 W. 41st St., 57105

Heartland Payment SystemsFinancial ServicesDeb Jones, (605) 376-4729heartlandpaymentsystems.com

Home Redemption Contracting LLCBuilding/RemodelingDustin Everett, (507) 360-1997

Jacky’s RestaurantRestaurantsJacky Van Loh, (605) 336-0588702 E. 8th St., 57103

Jacky’s RestaurantRestaurantsJacky Van Loh, (605) 271-27051301 E. Benson Rd., 57104

Juna Sleep SystemsMattress/Bedding RetailJustin Waggoner, (605) 553-16043500 N. Casco Ave., 57104junasleep.com

Juranek Home Improvement Co.Contractor-RemodelDale Juranek, (605) 339-47006001 N. Cliff Ave., Ste. B, 57104juranekhomeimprovement.com

Keller Williams Realty of Sioux Falls- Tarah NolanAffiliate-Real EstateTarah Nolan, (605) 553-58625915 S. Remington Pl., 57108tarahnolan.com

Keystone SearchEmployment AgenciesBruce Cooey, (605) 215-8484101 S. Reid St., Ste. 307, 57103keystonesearch.com

Koch InsuranceInsuranceCourtney Koch, (605) 213-3572PO Box 397, 57064kochinsurance.com

LegalShield Independant Associate- Nathan MeyerinkLegal ServicesNathan Meyerink, (605) 351-83807328 W. 53rd St., 57106nmeyerink.legalshieldassociate.com

Partner Medical Home CareHome Medical EquipmentJustin Vande Berg, (605) 271-46393138 S. Minnesota Ave., 57105partnermedicalhc.net

Shipping Tape B2BOffice ProductsRyan McCaffrey, (605) 744-0113108 N. Main St., Lennox, SD 57039shippingtapeb2b.com

Simon’s CateringCaterersDan Kenyon, (605) 328-16244201 Oxbow Ave., 57106simonscatering.net

Sioux Falls Firefighters Benevolent FoundationAssociate MemberGarett Dulaney, (605) 321-6477PO Box 340, 57101

Skin Deep Face and Body SpaSpasSabrina Kastur, (605) 496-98156044 S. McKenzie Place, 57106skindeepfaceandbodyspa.com

Tull Crane, Rigging & Transportation LLCConstructionMichelle Tull, (605) 270-1755PO Box 88510, 57109

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52 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2015 chambernews.com | Chamber News 53

FIVE QUESTIONS

Justin SmithFive questions is a monthly feature on a

Chamber volunteer, Chamber member or staff

member. Want to be featured here? Call

(605) 336-1620.

Five questions with

Justin Smith is an attorney with Woods, Fuller, Shultz & Smith, practicing in the areas of business and government relations. As a lobbyist, Smith advocates for the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, as well as other clients, during the South Dakota Legislative Session. Smith serves on the Chamber’s Issues Management Council and is part of the Young Professionals Network. He is also a graduate of Leadership Sioux Falls-23. South Dakota has been Smith’s home for almost a decade, but he grew up all over the world. He attended Christendom College in the Shenandoah Valley and law school at Oklahoma City University. Having lived in seven different states and two foreign countries throughout his life, Smith feels fortunate to have found a permanent home in Sioux Falls. His wife Molly, whose family is from the area, has helped him put down roots in this great community. The Smiths have four energetic, outgoing children who enjoy many of the activities the city has to offer.

WHAT IS ONE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT YOU SUPPORT AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO YOU?In all the places I lived, one of the common threads was the Boy Scouts of America. I credit that organization with instilling many of the values and skills that I hold today. I am proud to serve the Sioux Council BSA, both as a member of the Board of Directors and as a Cub Leader for my oldest son. Scouting still passes on the same great principles that it has for over a century.

The Feedly news-reader app. In one easy-to-use location, I can aggregate stories from all of the major South Dakota news outlets. The same tool can be used for national news, blogs and other online sources using RSS links. Combining Feedly with Twitter has made it easy to share political and other stories through social media. You can find me on Twitter: @justingsmith.

WHAT TECHNOLOGY TOOL OR APP COULD YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT?

Washington: The Indispensable Man (on my own); The Chronicles of Narnia (with my three oldest children).

WHAT ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW?

WHAT IS THE BEST THING THE CHAMBER DOES FOR THE SIOUX FALLS AREA?The Sioux Falls Chamber actively monitors and advocates on business issues at all levels of government. I have served on the Chamber’s Issues Management Council for over five years. In this role, I have had the chance to participate in learning how government impacts the business community and South Dakota’s economy. As a contract lobbyist for the Chamber, I have also been able to serve as a voice to the Sioux Falls community on these issues. Your Chamber’s role in local, state and federal decisions is of paramount importance.

JUSTIN SMITHWoods, Fuller, Shutlz & Smith

My father was an officer in the U.S. Army for more than 20 years and he is still my personal hero. As a high-school freshman, I wanted to follow in his footsteps and pursue a career in the military. After participating in volunteer opportunities like student government and a teen-court judge, I became interested in law and politics. If I had not found the great opportunity at Woods Fuller, I was actually planning to enter the JAG program in the U.S. Air Force. I feel very fortunate to be working with the team of professionals at Woods Fuller where I can have an active law practice and be involved in government as a lobbyist.

WHEN YOU WERE A FRESHMAN IN HIGH SCHOOL, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?

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54 Chamber News | DECEMBER 2015

FROM THE ARCHIVES

As a membership organization with a history spanning more than a century, the

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce has influenced progress across the com-

munity in a number of ways throughout the decades.

The more things change, the more they stay the same

Sioux Falls Day at the Legislature will celebrate its 32nd year in 2016.

This annual event brings Chamber mem-bers to Pierre for a one-day event to interact with area legislators and watch the legislature in action. Parts of the trip have been tweaked over the years, from the number of attendees to the “treats” served to legislators, lobby-ists, employoees, interns and pages at the afternoon reception.

A few of the mainstays? The Chamber’s Leadership Sioux Falls program, now in its 30th year, continues to include this trip as part of its curriculum. At the conclusion of the day, all attendees and area legislators gather for a photo — either inside on the Capitol Rotunda stairs or outside on the

Sioux Falls Day at the Legislature has been held for 31 years. Part of each year’s activities includes a group photo on the Capitol grounds. Pictured are a sampling of group photos from the past three decades.

Capitol steps. South Dakota’s Governor is often able to join the Sioux Falls delegation to provide an update about things happening in the legislature.

In 2016 the event will be held on Friday, Feb. 19. A few activities may be different from past years but the core purpose remains the same: Sioux Falls Day at the Legislature is a great opportunity to network with members on the bus ride up to Pierre and to interact with elected officials. The State Chamber’s Business Day will be held the day before.

For more information about sponsoring or participating in Sioux Falls Day, contact Mike Lynch: [email protected] or (605) 373-2006.

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