Message from the Chair

It’s hard to believe I am already in the tenth month of having the honor as serving of the chair of Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. It has truly been an exciting and rewarding experience for me.

You have heard me mention before, I am always seeing ways in which the Chamber is involved and impacting our community. The past month was no exception. On June 4, members of the Chamber’s Military Task Force met at the South Dakota Air National Guard Hanger for an update on current operations and issues. Adjutant General Mark Morrell addressed the group regarding activities on the base, and it was truly impressive and inspiring to me. I had not previously realized the full scope of South Dakota’s National Guard, and on this day more specifically, the South Dakota Air Guard. Our award-winning Guard currently has two squadrons out on mission, with another coming up this summer. We also discussed upcoming funding and equipment needs. Did you know that the base has an $83.9 million impact on our economy? Did you know our unit has received 16 national awards since 2014? Neither did I. Be on the lookout for more updates in future editions of Chamber News, as discussions on needs and priorities will be discussed in more detail.

Also in June, we had the pleasure of hosting a contingent of folks from Rochester, Minnesota for a chamber exchange. They received a bus tour around Sioux Falls, and tours of Sanford Health, Avera Health, Foundation Park, The Steel District and Cherapa Place. They also heard from Mayor Paul TenHaken and Sioux Falls Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jane Stavem. And that was just part of what was included in their two-day visit. My takeaway from this exchange is that we have a lot to be proud of in Sioux Falls, and your Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce is very involved in all of it!

These two events are just a couple of recent examples that illustrate the theme I’ve been reminding you of all year: Working in concert, we are all making Sioux Falls the best place to live, work and play.