Message from the Chair
The holidays are behind us, but the good memories linger on our minds and hearts. As I sat at my holiday table surrounded by friends and family, I gave thanks for the abundance of fresh and wholesome food and for the people working hard in agriculture to make that possible. I was lucky to be able to count many local producers and farmers in my table’s offerings.
Welcome to the annual agriculture issue of Chamber News magazine! Agriculture continues to be one of the largest drivers of local and state economy. Even if you do not directly work in agribusiness, we are all touched by it in one way or another. From the food we serve on our table to the clothes we wear every day. Not to mention the business that the rural residents of our state bring when they come to Sioux Falls for shopping, dining, healthcare, banking and much more.
Agribusiness is one of the pillars of the Chamber, and we are blessed to have many volunteers who serve and participate with our Agribusiness Division. The Sioux Empire Livestock Show returns in January. This event is a huge undertaking that brings many visitors and dollars to our community. And it wouldn’t be possible without the efforts of volunteers who are passionate about agriculture.
(We) gratefully recognize the importance of agriculture to our state and our economy.
People come from all over the U.S. to show, buy and sell livestock. The visitors stay in our town and contribute to our local economy. If you own or work at any business locally you have benefited by this event and others like it.
I look forward to yearly events like Mayor’s Round-Up & Sale of Champions. It’s probably the only time you can have a fantastic steak meal (my favorite) in a barn, with sawdust auction ring and cattle, sheep, hogs and goats competing for the champion ribbons. Have you ever seen a pristinely clean hog dusted with purple glitter? It’s a sight to behold! My wife and I get to wear jeans and boots, and gratefully recognize the importance of agriculture to our state and our economy. We love meeting the families and businesses that make it possible.
There is a ton of great content in this issue beyond farming and agribusiness – including several pieces about the 2022 legislative session. Rest assured that your Chamber is constantly advocating on your behalf for business-friendly policy at the state level.
Thank you again for the privilege to serve as your Chair, and I wish you a wonderful start to the new year!
Alex Ramirez
USA Media TV
