Message from the Chair

It’s hard to believe 2024 is upon us. In many businesses, the change in the calendar sparks a status check on organizational goals and performance. Perhaps this is the time of year that you update your strategic plan.

For the Chamber, a new year means a new session of the South Dakota Legislature is just around corner. Therefore, we review and update our Legislative Platform and prepare to represent our members in Pierre for the next few months.

The Legislative Platform outlines issues that we intend to advocate upon during the session, and it includes issues that impact all of us every day. Business climate, economic development, transportation, housing, education and health care are just some of the topics spelled out in the platform. Working with state lawmakers in Pierre to advocate for our business environment and quality of life is a key focus of the Chamber, and one of the cornerstones of our very existence as an organization.

The Chamber’s Public Policy team members are active throughout the legislative session, serving as the eyes, ears and voice for our members. As a Chamber member, if you have thoughts on issues before us, please reach out to the Chamber office and share your perspective. Input is critical to understanding where our membership is at on an issue and how we can best advocate for the community.

Another topic included in the Legislative Platform is agriculture. The history of Sioux Falls is rooted in agriculture, and it remains an important industry for us. In the January/February issue of Chamber News, we spotlight the 2024 Farm Family of the Year and the 2024 Agribusiness Citizen of the Year. Through these profiles, you get a glimpse of the various ways that ag is thriving in South Dakota’s largest city.

Commencing in the third week of January is the Sioux Empire Livestock Show. The Chamber’s event is brings people from around the country to Sioux Falls to show, buy and sell livestock. One of the highlights of the week’s events is Friday night’s Mayor’s Round-up & Sale of Champions. I must say from experience that it is one of the most rewarding events you can attend. Seeing a young’s producer’s pride in their animals is heartwarming, and the audience participation is rousing. If you have never been to an event at the Livestock Show, I strongly encourage you to check it out.

Whether your interest is in agriculture or policy, the Chamber is always working on behalf of your business. That is one thing that will not change in 2024!

Remember, Working in Concert, we can continue to make Sioux Falls America’s best place to live, work and play.

Happy New Year!