2009-10 Priorities
MEMBER SERVICESWe will strengthen our relationships with our current members and market to new members by communicating the benefits of membership and our successes.
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• Encourage emerging leaders in the community to become involved in the Chamber committees, task forces and advisory councils. |
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• Target additional diversity in membership and implement our annual membership development plans and strategies. |
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• Serve as the business voice for our members in addressing legislative issues affecting our community and region. |
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• Continue to communicate with members and the community at-large about business and community issues, utilizing traditional publications, electronic communication tools, social media and new technologies. |
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• Implement recommendations developed by the Membership 2012 Task Force, which met during the 2008-09 year to set marketing, communication and membership goals for the Chamber organization through 2012. |
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• Continue workshops, seminars and other educational programs designed for Chamber members by Chamber members. |
ECONOMIC EXPANSION
We will provide leadership to promote business and economic expansion in the Sioux Falls region.
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• Continue to provide strategic direction to the existing Forward Sioux Falls V program, working in partnership with the Sioux Falls Development Foundation. Initiate the planning process for future Forward Sioux Falls programs through sponsorship of the Future Sioux Falls community economic development strategic planning process in 2009-10, working with the FSF Joint Venture Management Committee. |
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• Actively pursue additional regional partnerships with area communities and local governments. |
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• Maintain and enhance our favorable business environment throughout the region through our business advocacy and public affairs programs. |
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• Expand our visitor development programs and initiatives working with the City of Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau, Governor’s Office of Economic Development and the visitor industry to maximize its economic benefit and impact on our region. |
| • Support and promote agri-business development through our Agri-Business Division. |
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• Continue cooperative efforts with local government and private sector leadership in support of quality economic development in the Sioux Falls region. |
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• Support innovative workforce development programs and initiatives, including the implementation of the Forward Sioux Falls V community branding and recruitment program. |
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• Provide leadership and support to the efforts of governmental and private sector organizations in securing needed funding for priority infrastructure projects and initiatives at the local, state and national levels. |
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• Encourage the business community to focus on ways to build a greener future for the Sioux Falls area. |
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• Work with the state legislature and other community municipal organizations in South Dakota to develop enabling legislation that authorizes local option funding alternative for community improvement and quality of life infrastructure projects. |
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• Work with the Sioux Falls Regional Airport Authority, City of Sioux Falls and other organizations to provide leadership and support to secure improved and more competitive airline service and enhanced facilities in order to reduce the outflow of travelers that are using other regional airports. |
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & QUALITY OF LIFE
We will provide leadership to further improve our community’s quality of life and development.
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• Working with other community partners, expand efforts to increase the education, involvement and support of members on quality of life issues and initiatives. |
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• Support the Sioux Falls Diversity Council and participate along with other government, agency and community leaders to sustain efforts to build a safe and respectful community for people of all races and cultures in Sioux Falls. |
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• Working with our state and congressional leaders, continue to strongly support full-funding for the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System. |
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• Continue to implement our Community Appeals process for scheduling capital fundraising campaigns. |
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• Continue cooperative efforts in support of downtown development, neighborhood revitalization and Sioux River Greenway development. |
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• Continue to support affordable housing programs and initiatives of the Sioux Empire Housing Partnership with the City of Sioux Falls, financial institutions, area business organizations and the South Dakota Housing Development Authority. |
EDUCATIONAL INVESTMENT
We will provide continued business community involvement, support and leadership at all levels of public and private education.
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• Continue state and local efforts, working with education and business leaders, to increase funding for K-12 and post-secondary education. |
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• Continue planning through Forward Sioux Falls, South Dakota Technology Business Center and other strategic partners on future initiatives in developing the “Knowledge Community,” which is dedicated to developing technology and applied research, helping create the foundation for future economic growth for the Sioux Falls area and the state of South Dakota. |
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• Continue to support the expansion of the early childhood education pilot program initiative, “Starting Strong,” in collaboration with the Sioux Empire United Way, Forward Sioux Falls V, the Sioux Falls School District, and the Governor’s Future Fund. |
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• Support efforts by area post-secondary schools to expand programs and opportunities for students. |
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
We will provide leadership for our members on community issues and also develop programs that educate and involve the next generation of community leaders.
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• Continue to increase the involvement of and develop more opportunities for young professionals in Chamber activities, events and task forces. |
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• Utilize YPN members to communicate the Chamber’s message to the 21- to 39-year-old age group. |
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• Continue to support the Leadership Sioux Falls program, which now includes more than 680 graduates. |
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• Continue to work with area community organizations to utilize Leadership Sioux Falls graduates when seeking volunteer leaders. |
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• Continue other leadership development and business corporate responsibility programs and initiatives of the Business Leadership Council. |
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• Provide education about the spring 2010 local elections, including the Sioux Falls School Board and Sioux Falls City Council, by co-sponsoring candidate forums and providing information to Chamber members. |




