Message from the Chair

Let’s Keep Pushin’ On to Make Sioux Falls Even Better

I can’t believe the calendar says September. I also can’t believe this is my last month as Chair of the Board for the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, and it has been a true honor. It’s been a great year, and I have enjoyed connecting with many of you. Thank you for all you do for our great city. When reflecting on what has helped fuel the growth of Sioux Falls, and what is necessary for continued growth, I think of these three organizations:

Sioux Empire United Way

Our generosity in this town is strong, but we all need to help the Sioux Empire United Way (SEUW) meet and exceed its yearly campaign goals. As a low-tax state and city, we do not have the government funds to meet all the needs in our area. The Sioux Empire comprises of communities in Lincoln, McCook, Minnehaha and Turner counties. Last year, we collectively raised more than $9 million to support 74 programs. That’s impressive. But just think how much more impressive it would be if we all gave a little more.

In 2025, there were only 16,003 total SEUW donors. Our goal should be to double that number. Sioux Falls has an estimated 100,000 households. If we could double our donors for the 2026 campaign, imagine the difference we could make. Giving your time is just as important. The SEUW has a full-time staff of nine people and a volunteer army of nearly 900. If you can’t commit financial resources, please consider giving your time.

Forward Sioux Falls

Forward Sioux Falls provides us, as business leaders, with the opportunity to pool our resources and develop strategies that drive economic growth. Started by the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce and the Sioux Falls Development Foundation in 1987, this innovative initiative has paid huge dividends. The first campaign brought in more than 6,000 jobs and more than $250 million in capital investment. As you will read in this issue, that was just the beginning of an incredibly successful run. I believe Forward Sioux Falls is key to our continued growth and highlights how important it is to get and stay involved in our community’s economic development.

Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce

What a privilege it has been to serve as Chair of the Board this past year. I have seen firsthand how the spirit of collaboration and cooperation has propelled Sioux Falls to one of the best cities for economic and job growth in the country. The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce is at the center of it all. That’s our secret sauce. It will continue to be the key for us to prosper in the future.

So, as I close out my year as Chair of the Board, I want to issue the same challenge I did at the beginning: Be generous, care about others, do the right thing, lift people up, work together and keep pushin’ on to make Sioux Falls even better.

God bless!