Pierre Economic Development Corporation 2017 Investor List
Thank you to the following businesses, organizations and individuals who are supporting economic development in Central South Dakota through their PEDCO membership investment.
Platinum Investors - $1000
Avera Health, BankWest, First National Bank, Midwest Development Inc., Montana-Dakota Utilities, Wells Fargo Bank
Gold Investors - $600
A-G-E Corporation, American Bank & Trust, Beck Motor Company, Brosz Engineering Inc., SD Intrastate Pipeline Co.
Silver Investors - $300
Allied Plumbing and Heating, Anderson Nill & Associates Inc., Beemer & Bartlett Eye Clinic, Dakota Prairie Bank, Delta Dental, Dougherty & Company LLC, Farm Credit Services of America, First Dakota National Bank, Fischer Rounds & Associates, Hermanson, Swenson & Rath, DDS, PC, Lariet Lanes, Nystom Electric Contracting Inc., Robins Water Conditioning Inc., Sanford Clinic Pierre, Stulken Petersen Lingle Walti & Jones LLP, Titan Michinery, Wegner Auto Company
Bronze Investors - $150
Acorn Trust Company, All Around Graphix, American Family Insurance - Boyd Conzemius Agency, AmericInn Hotel & Suites, Anderson Contractors Inc., Anderson Dental, Arby's Restaurant, Audiology Associates Inc., BPRO Inc., Baumann Lumber Inc., Bechtold Thompson Dental Clinic, Berkley Risk Administrators LLC, Black Hills Federal Credit Union, Bob's Lounge, Brakke Financial Services, Capital City Wine & Spirits, Capital Journal, Central Dakota Eyecare LLP, Century Business Products, Chandlers Inc., Chase Auto & RV, Clausen & Rice LLP, Clubhouse Hotel & Suites, Coca-Cola Bottling Co., CommTech, Cone Ag Inc., Cowboy Country Stores, DJ's Convenience Store, Dakota Business Center, Dentistry at the St. Charles, East Pierre Landscape & Garden Center, Edward Jones, Envirotech, Factor 360, Feigum Funeral Home, Ferding Electric Inc., Fine Line Auto, Forell Limousine & Bus Service, Fort Pierre Livestock Auction, Foster Rentals, Friman Oil & Gas, Gateway Ford Lincoln Toyota, Governor's Inn, Grossenburg Implement, Halverson Hunts LLC, Hughes County Abstract, Ingram Pest Service, Isburg Funeral Chapels, Jake's Goodtimes Place, Jerome Beverage Inc., KCCR 1240 AM/KLXS 95.3 FM, KGFX - KG93 - KJBI - KPLO Radio, La Minestra, Leingang Home Center, Mad Mary's Steakhouse & Saloon, May Adam Gerdes & Thompson, MicroFix Inc., Midcontinent Communications, Midwest Cooperatives, Missouri River Dentistry, Moreno Lee & Bachand PC, Mustang Aviation, Nagel Agency, Northridge Plaza, Northwest Pipe Fittings Inc., Oahe Electric Cooperative, Oahe Federal Credit Union, Oahe Home Builders Association, Oahe Veterinary Clinic, Olinger Law Firm, Olson Plumbing Inc., Overhead Door Company of Pierre, Palmer Currier & Hoffert LLP, Peitz Heating & Cooling, Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company, Petersen Motors Inc., Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce, Pizza Ranch, Prairie Pages Bookseller LLC, Pryntcomm, Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center, Red's Transit Mix, Reinke Gray Wealth Management, Riter Rogers Wattier & Northrup LLP, River Cities Public Transit, Runnings, SDN Communications, Servall Uniform & Linen, ServiceMaster of Pierre, Silver Spur, Smith Plumbing, S.D. Electric Utility Companies, S.D. Pulse Processors, State 123 Theatre, SWS Financial Services Inc., Thielen Surveying & Mapping, TMA of Pierre, US Bank, United Sioux Tribes Development Corp., View 34, Weather All Roofing Inc., Wheelhouse Plumbing, Willard & Associates Inc., Willow Creek Wildlife, WW Tire Service
Individual & Non-Profit
Investors - $60
Black Hills Special Services Cooperative,
Capital Area Counseling Service,
Capital University Center,
Rick Dockter, Fort Pierre Development Corporation,
Oahe Incorporated,
Pierre Indian Learning Center, Charles P. Schroyer,
S.D. Bankers Association, S.D. Chamber of Commerce & Industry, S.D. Community Foundation, S.D. Discovery Center, S.D. Rural Electric Association, Telecommunications Association, Pastor Brad Urbach
|
| Pierre Area Chamber Golf Classic Register Your Team Today! |
|
|
 |
| |
 |
|
|
CEO's Report
Laura Schoen Carbonneau, CEO
Where has the time gone? This summer has raced by, which means we are two months away from Fireball Run. Plans are progressing at a rapid pace to get everything in place. There's still plenty of work to do and ways to get involved.
As a reminder, Fireball Run is
an adventure travel series on Amazon Prime. It's the real story of 40 driving teams in a legendary competition across America in search of obscure historical facts, un-discovered places, and extraordinary experiences. The show will start in Eau Claire, WI on September 23 and make stops in Rochester, MN, Dubuque, Dort Dodge and Burlington, IA and the Yankton/Vermillion area before stopping in Pierre on September 29 and 30. The adventure ends in Rapid City on the evening September 30.
For us, the show is about tourism, economic development and community building. Over 12 Pierre/Fort Pierre attractions or activities will be featured. The production will use over 100 hotel rooms during their stay in addition to eating, drinking and filling up with gas. Once it's edited and released in the fall of 2018, our community will be featured in a show with 9 million followers. In addition, our city page on
www.fireballrun.com
will stay active to assist Fireball Run fans in planning their vacations to our area.
From an economic development standpoint, Fireball Run gives us an opportunity to brag about our business climate to the type of people who can make business decisions. To participate in the show, contestants must be a business owner, developer, senior corporate officer, qualified investor, key corporate executive, elected leader, celebrity, astronaut or US Armed Forces veteran. As one of the featured cities, we were able to send an economic development package to each team. While in town the teams get extra points for spending money at our local businesses. In addition, a local children's charity will be the recipient of items purchased in town, so it results in a double economic benefit. On top of all that our team, Visit Pierre SD, will be Bryan and Trace Beck. We know there will be plenty of time for them to make connections and promote Pierre's business climate.
We want the communities of Pierre and Fort Pierre to come out and celebrate with us. The finish line for the day will be held on Pierre Street between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 29. We are hoping a crowd of 2,000 people or more will turn out to greet the Fireballers. Spectators will be able to meet the teams and check out some really cool cars: McLarens, Ferraris, and Lamborghinis, even a Delorean along with a team dressed up to look like it came from the movie "Back to the Future". We welcome the crowd out again the next morning between 7:00 and 9:00 am on Broadway Ave near Capitol Lake to send the teams off on their final day.
There is no charge to attend the finish line and starting line celebrations, however the chamber has tickets available for spectators who would like to receive a Fireball Run gift. Stop down at the chamber and we will be happy to provide you with tickets. Then come out on September 29 and 30 to be part of the show!
|
| |
 |
|
|
Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies
Gentlemen's Barbershop
|
|
| The Gentlemen's Barbershop owner, Kelli Allison, celebrated her new business with a ribbon cutting ceremony on July 20, 2017. Call 224-4003 to schedule your next haircut! |
|
|
|
|
|
Pierre Mayor Steve Harding's Report
Pierre has a new city administrator and a new commissioner; I am very excited for the community to get to know them both!
Vona Johnson, our new city commissioner, joined the team on July 5. Prior to Johnson's appointment, the commission and I had many discussions about finding the right person take the commission seat I vacated when I was sworn in as Mayor. A number of people approached me about the job, and I reached out to a number of people as well. Pierre is full of talented community-minded citizens. Vona rose to the top because of her commitment to Pierre, her experience in leading government teams, and her ability to remain level-headed and approachable in challenging situations. Vona is a thoughtful decision maker who brings a fresh perspective. I am very pleased she agreed to serve on the commission -she is a wonderful addition!
I am also very pleased that Kristi Honeywell has accepted the City Administrator position. Honeywell will officially join the team on August 14.
Just as the City Commission was committed to finding the right person to fill the commission seat, we were equally committed to finding the right person to be Pierre's new City Administrator.
Pierre is a utility-heavy municipality. We have our own water, electric, wastewater, solid waste, and street departments. To that end, we needed someone with strong technical and regulatory knowledge. We also wanted someone who had experience managing a large staff - the City has 150 employees - and someone who wouldn't be intimidated by the vast range of other services offered by the City. Pierre has a city-owned golf course, aquatics center, airport and library. We have a 911center that dispatches calls in 18 different counties, and we maintain more than 300 acres of green space.
It's a big job! And I know Kristi is up to the task. She understands utilities, has deep knowledge of the regulatory environment, is no stranger to leading government teams, and has proven unafraid to take on new challenges. Kristi will be a great asset to Pierre!
I am excited to welcome them both to city government, and I hope you are too!
|
| |
The Capital Area United Way is collecting new and gently used prom dresses, suits, and tuxedoes for its first annual prom attire giveaway "Say Yes to the Dance."
"Say Yes to the Dance" is a Capital Area United Way Community Impact program, designed to make prom affordable and accessible for all high school students in Hughes and Stanley counties. The dresses, suits, and tuxedos will be given out next year at two special events which will take place before King of Hearts and Prom. There will be no charge, and all students are welcome.
The Capital Area United Way is a local nonprofit that fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in Hughes and Stanley counties. For more information on "Say Yes to the Dance" or the Capital Area United Way, visit www.capareaunitedway.org.
|
|
|
|
Fort Pierre Mayor Gloria Hanson's Report
We are delighted to welcome Capital City Farmer's Market to downtown Fort Pierre! As I write this, we have just one event under our belt, but despite 100-degree temps on our opening night, it was a success by anyone's standards.
Chris Maxwell & Molly Weisgram, Dan Filipek, Matt & Lindy Geraets, and city staff make up the planning group. From the beginning, we decided we wanted to make these into an event, more than a quick stop to pick up produce and baked goods. So every Tuesday evening until mid-September, from 5 to 8 pm, you can enjoy quality products from B&G Produce, Venner Farms, and other vendors, plus food, cold beer and other beverages, and fun activities for kids. To round out your evening, the Sunset
will run a 1 ½ hour river tour, boarding at 7:30.
Every Tuesday will be a different experience, with a variety of vendors and menu. The kids' activities have consisted of a couple of bounce-around houses, a life-size Jenga, beanbag toss games, face painting, and a ping-pong table. There will always be some sort of music, sometimes recorded music provided by one of the radio stations, and sometimes live performances. A number of organizations have signed on to provide a fund-raising meal.
You will also be able to visit the Verendrye Museum, or take a guided historic tour. We have enjoyed hosting the Street Masters classic car group, and Pierre and Fort Pierre Volunteer Fire Departments have provided some entertaining and educational safety tips for children. Downtown businesses are open for your convenience.
So, come to historic downtown Fort Pierre next Tuesday and enjoy a small-town street festival.
|
| |
Business After Hours
Reinke Gray Wealth Management
|
|
| Reinke Gray Wealth Management hosted the well-attended Business After Hours on July 13th, 2017. Call (605) 224-5959 for all of your investment, financial planning, and asset protection needs. |
|
 |
PEDCO Board Boards Sunset Paddlewheel
Jim Protexter, COO
I was asked to prepare some mid-year economic statistics to present to our board while they were sailing on the Sunset paddlewheel last week. Since the cruise was vastly more entertaining, we skipped the presentation to enjoy the ride. But here it is. Note that not much information is available through the mid-point of the year, but this is the most recent data available.
City sales tax - Through the first quarter, second penny tax collections are down 5.9 percent. The BBB tourism tax is up 4.7 percent. I expect total receipts to be up at the end of the year, just as they have been the past 10 years, but there is certainly a decrease in growth.
Another source for tax stats is the SD Department of Revenue. Comparing June 2017 to June 2016, taxable sales were down just 1.2 percent. I believe this is the beginning of a stronger half of growth for Pierre and the state. June was strong in the categories of Transportation, especially local trucking without storage. Also up was receipts from real estate, including real estate agents and managers. Lagging by 7-8 percent were wholesale trade and retail trade, including lumber and building materials and grocery. However apparel sales were up.
Housing Permits - Through June, six new homes were permitted compared to eight at this time last year. I noticed the average value of a new home increased 5 percent from 2015 to 2016, from $241,604 to $253,564. Our housing growth this year has been in the addition of a 12-unit apartment and eight new mobile home permits, an 88 percent increase in value. No apartments were added last year.
Commercial Permits - While there have been just four permits through June compared to nine last year, the value of the projects is up 80 percent. The four projects include an airport fire and rescue building, Boice Plumbing, SD Association of Realtors and Avera's Helmsley Center. There have been more commercial remodeling permits issued, but the renovations have been much smaller as the value is down 387 percent. In total, there have been 389 permits this year, 721 last year. That number is misleading due to so many roof hail repairs last year. Total permits are way up this year, $28.6 million compared to $16.4 million at this time last year.
Labor - Our unemployment rate continues to be among the lowest in the country. In May it was 2.4 percent, and 41 more people were unemployed this May compared to last. The lowest rate was 1.8 percent last July. It peaked in January at 3.3 percent and has gone down every month since.
Traffic - Average Daily Traffic over the Missouri River Bridge and on US 14 East of Pierre was down slightly, 3 percent, in June. Earlier this year DOT did an update of ADT at the Fourth Street/Garfield intersection. It was good to see that the new elementary school, Menards and other developments have more than doubled traffic counts in that area. That is a major selling point for future development.
Airport boardings - It was sad last June to see boardings were down 54 percent from the previous year. Boardings this June were up 218 percent. It's amazing to compare June 2016 boardings of 188 with the 1,006 boardings last month. What a success story that has been.
Occupancy tax - hotel stays have been down again this year, which means slightly fewer dollars generated from the $2 hotel tax. Based on receipts, hotel stays are off by 5 percent. That could also be the result of more long-term stays or "comped" room which aren't taxed, but generally we're seeing fewer rooms rented across most of the state. The good news is that the tax has invested in several projects that will put more heads in beds in the next 12 months. Those projects include Fireball Run, SD Amateur Hockey Association State Varsity Tournament, the B.A.S.S. Elite fishing tournament and SD American Legion State Varsity Baseball tournament.
|
|
|
|
Retail Briefs
Retailers ramp up use of robotics, automation
Retailers are investing in robots and automated technology to do a growing number of routine tasks from counting cash at Walmart to polishing silver jewelry at Tiffany & Co. Walmart, which says new back-office automation frees up employees for customer-facing jobs, has also filed a patent application for facial recognition technology that gauges shoppers' moods. Business Insider (7/19)
Survey: Half of shoppers regularly make 3 or more stops
Half of all grocery shoppers go to three or more stores regularly to buy their staples, according to a survey from research firm Magid. "People don't want to go to one store and walk up and down the aisles and look at 50,000 products. It's just not a great experience," said analyst Phil Lempert. USA Today (7/19)
Report: Retail sales fell in June, rose 3.9% in first half
US retail sales dipped 0.2% in June, missing economists' forecast for a 0.2% increase and marking the first two-month stretch of declines since last summer, according to the Commerce Department. Sales for the first half of 2017 were up 3.9% over the same period last year, the report shows, and household spending has been on the rise in recent months, Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen said this week. Bloomberg (7/14)
NRF: Back-to-school spending set to soar
US consumers expect to spend $83.6 billion on back-to-school shopping from July through September, a 10% jump over last year, according to NRF's annual survey. Spending on college students could hit a record $54.1 billion, while families of K-12 students could come close to the spending record set in 2012, the survey found. CNBC (7/13)
Retailers advised to get back-to-school out sooner to meet demand
A survey from consulting firm Deloitte shows that 60% of US shoppers will start back-to-school shopping before August and will spend $532 on average. Those shoppers who begin buying before August will spend, on average, 16% more than those shopping later, encouraging retailers to get back-to-school goods out sooner. CNBC (7/12)
S.D. Walmart to roll out Scan & Go payment system
Walmart will implement a Scan & Go checkout system at a store it's remodeling in Sioux Falls, S.D. Users scan items using a smartphone app or the store's scanners and click to pay and receive a digital receipt. Argus Leader (7/12)
Tech tools, local flavor give small merchants an edge
Small businesses generate 54% of US retail sales, according to the Small Business Administration, and that's expected to rise as small merchants find new ways to connect with consumers. Local stores are using social media and e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and eBay to compete nationally and offer speedy delivery. Forbes (7/7)
|
|
|
Capital City Economy |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| April 2017 |
Current Month |
Same Month 2016 |
Percent Change |
2017 YTD |
2016 YTD |
Percent Change |
| CITY TAX RECEIPTS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Pierre 2% |
$639,004 |
$638,250 |
0.1% |
$2,478,266 |
$2,593,058 |
-4.4% |
| Pierre 1% BBB |
$43,270 |
$45,334 |
-4.6% |
$174,322 |
$170,497 |
2.2% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Fort Pierre 2% |
$96,927 |
$109,637 |
-11.6% |
$344,766 |
$388,688 |
-11.3% |
| Fort Pierre 1% BBB |
$10,304 |
$9,378 |
9.9% |
$37,140 |
$30,516 |
21.7% |
| OCCUPANCY TAX |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Pierre BID #1 (Est. 8/2014) |
$17,976 |
$17,058 |
5.4% |
$66,409 |
$68,020 |
-2.4% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| AIRPORT BOARDINGS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ADI |
796 |
288 |
176.4% |
3,197 |
1,202 |
166.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| DAILY TRAFFIC |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Missouri River Bridge |
15,614 |
15,416 |
1.3% |
56,653 |
58,075 |
-2.4% |
| US 14 East of Pierre |
2,939 |
2,845 |
3.3% |
10,563 |
10,756 |
-1.8% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| CITY OF PIERRE BUILDING PERMITS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Residential: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| New Homes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Stick Built - Number |
2 |
2 |
|
2 |
4 |
|
| Dollar Amount |
$528,203 |
$468,000 |
12.9% |
$528,203 |
$682,500 |
-22.6% |
| Other* - Number |
0 |
0 |
|
14 |
2 |
|
| Dollar Amount |
$0 |
$0 |
0.0% |
$588,000 |
$0 |
0.0% |
| Remodeling |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Number |
6 |
9 |
|
26 |
28 |
|
| Dollar Amount |
$183,200 |
$84,583 |
116.6% |
$468,889 |
$573,624 |
-18.3% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Commercial: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| New Buildings |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Number |
1 |
2 |
|
2 |
3 |
|
| Dollar Amount |
$325,000 |
$205,000 |
58.5% |
$2,296,003 |
$348,700 |
558.4% |
| Improvements |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Number |
3 |
0 |
|
16 |
5 |
|
| Dollar Amount |
$91,800 |
$0 |
0.0% |
$514,120 |
$120,359 |
327.2% |
| Total Permits** |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Number |
69 |
102 |
|
190 |
381 |
|
| Dollar Amount |
$1,412,681 |
$1,663,447 |
-15.1% |
$5,547,410 |
$5,216,927 |
6.3% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| HUGHES COUNTY BUILDING PERMITS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Residential: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| New Homes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Number |
0 |
3 |
|
1 |
7 |
|
| Dollar Amount |
$0 |
$240,000 |
0.0% |
$270,000 |
$1,186,104 |
-77.2% |
| Other* - Number |
1 |
0 |
|
1 |
0 |
|
| Dollar Amount |
$11,000 |
$0 |
0.0% |
$11,000 |
$0 |
0.0% |
| Remodeling |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Number |
0 |
1 |
|
3 |
4 |
|
| Dollar Amount |
$0 |
$27,000 |
0.0% |
$124,000 |
$119,772 |
3.5% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Commercial: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| New Buildings |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Number |
0 |
0 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
| Dollar Amount |
$0 |
$0 |
0.0% |
$0 |
$0 |
0.0% |
| Improvements |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Number |
0 |
0 |
|
1 |
0 |
|
| Dollar Amount |
$0 |
$0 |
0.0% |
$270,000 |
$0 |
0.0% |
| Total Permits** |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Number |
4 |
11 |
|
13 |
19 |
|
| Dollar Amount |
$54,500 |
$755,233 |
-92.8% |
$825,500 |
$1,874,109 |
-56.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| WORK FORCE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Pierre MiSA*** |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Total Work Force |
12,675 |
12,642 |
|
|
|
|
| Total Employed |
12,355 |
12,360 |
|
|
|
|
| Total Unemployed |
320 |
282 |
|
|
|
|
| Unemployment Rate |
2.5% |
2.2% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| For local job opportunities, visit http://dol.sd.gov/localoffices/pierre |
|
| * Includes multi-family, mobile and manufactured homes |
| ** Includes residential, commercial, and all other permits. |
| *** Pierre Micropolitan Statistical Area includes Hughes & Stanley counties |
| Source: Pierre Economic Development Corporation Research |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
CVB Report
Lois Ries, CVB Director
Our office received some exciting news in July. Lake Oahe was selected to host the Bassmaster Elite Series tournament June 29 - July 2, 2018.
The Bassmaster Elite Series is at the highest level when comparing professional bass fishing tournaments. Competitors must qualify for the series through the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens or the B.A.S.S. Nation. Anglers who are already on the Elite Series must re-qualify each year by maintaining enough points throughout the season. The pro anglers compete all season for the opportunity to win points toward the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year award and to qualify for the Bassmaster Classic.
Without the partnerships of Pierre BID, Fort Pierre Tourism and South Dakota Tourism, we would not be able to bring this quality event to our area. A very special thanks to David Healan from Spring Creek for putting Lake Oahe on the radar of Bassmasters.
We are working the budget numbers for 2018. Marketing is important for Pierre. We market our area for fishing, hunting, travelers and meetings. We rely on dollars and spend them wisely trying to get the most for the dollars spent. We do co-op advertising when we can to double the dollars that we spend. We also have a great partnership with the Pierre BID. We help with the sport shows and co-op marketing with South Dakota Tourism in bringing people our way.
We are desperately in need of rain. A good year for crops always benefits all facets of our economy in Pierre.
Hope your summer continues to be great.
|
|
|
Bassmaster Elite Series' 2018 Slate Features Exciting Mix of New and Familiar Fisheries
The Bassmaster Elite Series has a rich history that always seems to lead it back to venues where special moments have taken place in the past.
It's also blessed with a sense of discovery - and that leads the organization to sometimes visit lakes that are a little off the beaten path.
The 2018 Elite Series schedule, which was announced today, features elements of both.
The lineup includes stops at traditional venues like the Sabine River in Orange, Texas, and the St. Lawrence River in Waddington, N.Y., where crowds for past Elite Series events have always been huge. The schedule also features an eye-popping, first-time stop at scenic Lake Oahe on the Missouri River near Pierre, S.D.
B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin said he loves the flow of a schedule that will allow the Elite Series to visit old friends - and make a lot of new ones - during an eight-month stretch of next year's calendar.
"We are very serious about taking bass fishing into new regions of the country and exposing as many people to our sport as we can," Akin said. "But in doing that, we'll never forget the people who have shown us so much support every time we've visited their communities.
"This schedule has some history, as well as some new adventures for our Elite anglers and fans, and I think that's fantastic."
As it did in 2017, the schedule will begin in early February in the southeastern United States - where the prevailing weather patterns could range from 20 degrees with sleet and snow to 60 degrees with a need for SPF 50.
The season opener is set for Lake Martin in Alexander City, Ala., on Feb. 8-11. Martin, which is known for its healthy population of spotted bass, was a regular stop for Bassmaster events during the late 1990s and early 2000s. But the last time B.A.S.S. visited the 44,000-acre lake on the Tallapoosa River for a high-level event was in November 2002.
After Lake Martin, the Elites will take a break from the regular-season schedule, while the 2018 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK'S Sporting Goods is held on Lake Hartwell at Anderson, S.C., with weigh-ins and other events in Greenville, S.C. The annual Super Bowl of professional bass fishing is set for March 16-18 on the same lake where Casey Ashley claimed the 2015 title.
When the Classic buzz is barely three weeks old, the Elite Series schedule will resume with a trip to the Sabine River, where fans have proved their love for pro fishing time and again.
An Elite Series tournament held on the Sabine River in 2013 obliterated previous attendance records by drawing 33,650 people for the four-day event in Orange. The event also reset the one-day Elite Series attendance record by drawing 14,950 fans for the Saturday semifinal weigh-in.
The overall record was broken later in 2013, when 34,100 people turned out for an August Elite Series event in Waddington, N.Y. But judging by the big turnout at a Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open held in Orange in mid-June, the city could be ready for another run at the record.
The third and fourth Elite Series tournaments of the year will also be held at familiar venues, with the trail stopping at Grand Lake O' the Cherokees in Grove, Okla., April 26-29, and at Kentucky Lake in Paris, Tenn., May 4-7. Grand Lake hosted the Classic in 2013 and 2016, and Kentucky Lake has been the site of a dozen high-level B.A.S.S. events, including the 2015 BASSfest.
The Elites will fish one more tournament in May - the Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest benefiting the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The special $1 million tournament combines the best features of the Texas Toyota Bass Classic and BASSfest and will be held May 17-20 at a location to be announced later.
What is known for certain is that after Texas, the Elite pros will travel to La Crosse, Wis., for a return visit to that area's bass-filled section of the Mississippi River. The trail visited La Crosse in September 2016 when Tennessee angler Ott DeFoe won with 63-10.
From there, the schedule takes one of its more intriguing turns in years with a trip to Lake Oahe, which straddles the border between South Dakota and North Dakota, and which recently ranked ninth in the Central Region of Bassmaster Magazine's 100 Best Bass Lakes list.
It will mark not only the first time B.A.S.S. has visited the mammoth 370,000-acre lake, but also the first time the organization has held a high-level tournament in the state of South Dakota.
The fourth-largest reservoir in the United States may be the closest thing to an unknown commodity that the Elites have seen since the trail's inception in 2006. That could make for a particularly interesting tournament, considering the new "no-information" rule that prohibits anglers from soliciting or intentionally receiving information about locating bass on tournament venues from the moment the schedule is announced.
Under current Elite Series rules, anglers are allowed to obtain information about a fishery until the official off-limit period goes into effect four weeks prior to an event.
"It means a lot of things will change, including no more sharing of waypoints of hot spots found by other fishermen," said B.A.S.S. Tournament Director Trip Weldon. "The no-information rule has the support of the Elite anglers - and it will make it more important than ever for everyone to be able to go out and find their own fish."
Another departure from traditional Elite Series schedules is the increase in the number of events ending on a Monday. Almost invariably (GoPro Bassmaster Elite at Dardanelle presented by Econo Lodge being an exception) competition days are Thursday through Sunday. Elite tournaments next year at the Sabine River, Kentucky Lake and Lake Oahe will take place Friday through Monday. The Sabine was scheduled differently to avoid practice fishing on Easter Sunday, and the other two start later because they are part of back-to-back events.
From South Dakota, with the race for the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year title heating up, the schedule will move to Havre de Grace, Md., for an event on the upper Chesapeake Bay. It was in 2015 on Chesapeake Bay when Aaron Martens all but sealed his third AOY title, scoring a dramatic victory with 70-2.
The final regular-season event will be held on the St. Lawrence River in Waddington, N.Y. - where more fans turned out for a B.A.S.S. tournament in 2013 than ever before or since. The river, which is known for producing gigantic smallmouth bass, ranked third in the Northeastern Region of Bassmaster Magazine's 100 Best Bass Lakes list.
Two postseason Elite Series events - the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship and the Classic Bracket - will be held in late September. Locations will be revealed at a later time.
|
|
|
Membership Report
Katie Johnson, Membership Director
Seems like every year the 'back to school' season starts sooner. Back to school shopping, school supplies, clothes, shoes, can all be purchased in Pierre and we hope you will shop local first.
Just because it is back to school month does NOT mean the tourist season is over. In fact, we often see more travelers in August and September than we do May through July. Visitors come to Pierre to see the State Capital, the Oahe Dam, the SD Cultural Heritage Center, to fish and to camp; but my favorite visitors are the "going to" visitors. The visitors that are going somewhere and Pierre is on the way there. The visitors that ask "what should we do? What should we see? and where should we eat?" These visitors are looking for more in-depth information on recommendations of what to see and do-and the Chamber gets to share all of our information on what our members have to offer. We consider it a privilege to be able to make suggestions on behalf of our members, and to help our visitors have the best experience while they are here, "going to" wherever their destination may be.
|
|
|
New Chamber Members
Advance Auto Parts
Clayton Boyle
410 East Sioux Ave
Pierre, SD 57501
605-224-7374
Looking for a Pierre auto parts store? Choose Advance Auto Parts on 410 E Sioux Ave. to find what you need at an affordable price.
To do your own vehicle repairs, you need quality auto parts, ranging from truck or car batteries for reliable starting power to truck or car brakes for safe driving. In the 410 E Sioux Ave store, you'll find shocks and struts for a smooth comfortable ride, what's needed for a proper tune up, including motor oil, filters, belts and much more.
At your Pierre auto parts store, there's much more than the items needed for repairs and maintenance. There are also friendly, knowledgeable Team Members who will answer questions and recommend the parts needed to do your own repairs.
|
|
| |
 |
The Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce Agri-Interest Committee is offering their annual Ag Scholarship to qualifying area students. Area school counselors will be receiving scholarship applications for interested students the first week of school.
The scholarships will be awarded to two students in our area in the amount of $500 each. In order to qualify to win the scholarship the student will be attending an accredited university, college, technical school or other recognized program in the fall of 2017 and must be enrolled in an agricultural related field of study.
Applications are due and must be filled out and sent to the Chamber no later than Tuesday, October 3, 2017. For any questions concerning these scholarships, please contact the Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce at (605) 224-7361.
|
|
 2017 Ag Tour to The Korkow Ranch
|
|
| Jim Korkow explains to the group how the Korkow Ranch got its start over 80 years ago. |
|
|
| A group of young mares run to greet their visitors during the Ag Tour to the Korkow Ranch on July 18, 2017. |
|
|
|
The group of 35 attendee's take a look at an area that used to be a regular stop for the Sioux Native Americans. Rocks are still in the circular formations that were once used to secure teepee's.
|
|
|
|
August Calendar of Events
August 1-4
- Bike Week Capitol Tours at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 2:30 p.m. at the Capitol Building. Fees: Free
August 1
- Albert and Gage with Kenny Putnam at the Riggs High School Theater. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:00 p.m. Advance tickets: $15, $20 at the door. This will be a fundraiser for the Dakota Western Heritage Festival.
August 1
- Volunteers needed at the food bank at the Feeding South Dakota building from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. 20-30 volunteers are needed for this project. Contact: Russ or Andrew at 494-3663 or email
[email protected]
August 1-3 & 8-10
- Water Exercise Classes at the Pierre Outdoor Pool every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 5:45-6:45. Contact: Mindy Cheap 773-7445 Fees: $35 all access card-good for all classes and lap swims, or $3 per visit.
August 1, 8, 15
- Common Sense Parenting Class at Avera St. Mary's from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Contact: Dawn Tassler 224-3189
www.growinguptogether.org
Fees: $45.00 with scholarships available.
August 2
-
Tai Chi from 10:00 a.m.-11:45 a.m. near the Griffin Park band shell Contact: Mindy Cheap 773-7445 Fees: $20
August 2
- Stanley American Legion Post 20 monthly meeting from 6-8 p.m. at the Moose Lodge in Fort Pierre. There will be a potluck dinner at 6:00 p.m. and a membership meeting at 7:00 p.m. All veterans are invited to attend and enjoy a meal on Post 20 and have fun. Contact: Royce Loesch, Post 20 Commander
August 3, 17
- Breast Cancer Survivors from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. at the Countryside Classroom. Contact number: 945-0827
August 3, 10
- Financial Peace University at River Center Church from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
August 3
- Tales on the River - The Stavig Letters, Exploring Norwegian Roots at the Ft. Pierre Moose. There will be a meal at 6:30 p.m. and the presentation at 7:00 p.m. Contact: Don Boyd Fees: Presentation is free, meals priced weekly.
August 3, 10
- Childbirth Class from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. at Avera St. Mary's Hospital. Contact: Dawn Tassler 224-3189 Fees: $40 and scholarships are available.
August 5
- Riverman/Riverwoman Sprint Triathlon at Farm Island Recreation Area. Registration and check-in at 6:30 a.m.-7:30 a.m. Rules meeting at 7:40 a.m.-mandatory. Contact: Farm Island Recreation 605-773-2885 Fees: Early registration(postmarked by July 12)-$20 individual, $40-team Late registration (July 15 and later)-$30 per individual, $60 per team. Make checks payable to Boy Scout Troop 27.
August 5-6
- Men's Slowpitch State Championships at the Oahe Softball Complex Contact: Doug Mahanka, SDASA Men's Slowpitch Deputy 605-691-1443
August 6, 13, 20, 27
- Ecumenical Sunday Worship Service at the Oahe Chapel from 8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m.
August 7
- Canvasback Art Club monthly meeting from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. at Rawlins Library. Contact: Ralph Stephens 224-1841
August 7, 14, 21
- Horseshoe League at Griffin Park. Check-in time at 6:20 p.m. and start pitching at 6:30 p.m. Contact: Carl Chambers 605-280-9337 or Carlene Barber at 605-212-7675. Fees: $2 to join the League and $1 each night you pitch.
August 8
- Chamber Hospitality Meeting in the Chamber Board Room
August 10
- Tales on the River-Michael McDonald explores S.D. poetry and history through music at the Ft. Pierre Moose from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Meal is at 6:30 p.m., presentation at 7:00 p.m. Contact: Don Boyd Fees: presentation-free, meal priced weekly
August 10
- Movies in the Park at the Steamboat Park Amphitheater from 9:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. This will be the final movie in the park "Brave". Fees: free
August 11-12
- Ballroom Swisher's Dance Club at the American Legion Cabin from 8:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. Free lesson from 7-8:00 p.m. Contact: 605-222-1401 Fees: $10
August 12
- Family Fun Day-Terrific Transportation at the Cultural Heritage Center from 10:00-11:30 a.m. Contact: Cultural Heritage Center 605-773-3458 Fees: free
August 12
- Kids Carnival at the Ft. Pierre Moose Lodge from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Fun, games, and food and many prizes. Open to the public.
August 14
- Central SD Survivors of Suicide Support Group from 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. with monthly location to be announced. Contact: [email protected]
August 14
- Stately Stitchers Guild Meeting from 6:45 p.m.-8:45 p.m. at Lutheran Memorial Church basement. Social time is 6:45 p.m., meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. Contact: Myrna Buckles 222-6847 Fees/admission: no fee to attend as a guest, when you join the guild dues are $12 per year.
August 17
- Pierre Players Community Theater Membership Kickoff at the Grand Opera House from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Join us for tours and update on our 50th season, refreshments, photo booth, and door prizes. Contact: 605-224-7826
August 17
- Tales on the River at the Ft. Pierre Moose from 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Gary Heintz and Carmen Cowan Woodward explain and promote the Western Heritage Festival. 6:30-meal and Plains Folk will perform, 7:00-presentation. Contact: Don Boyd Fees: presentation is free and meal is priced weekly.
August 18-20
- S.D. 4H Finals Rodeo at the Stanley County Fairgrounds.
August 19
- "Born to Buck" Documentary 50th year Reunion at the Casey Tibbs Rodeo Center from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Contact: Cindy Bahe 605-494-1094. Fees: free will offering
August 22
- PHS Boys Golf Invitational at Hillsview Golf Course from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
August 24
- Breastfeeding Class at Avera St. Mary's Hospital from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Contact: Dawn Tassler at 605-224-3189. Fees: 10.00 and scholarships available.
August 24
- Tales on the River at the Ft. Pierre Moose from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Meal is at 6:30 with the presentation at 7:00. Dale Lamphere provides the story behind the Dignity Sculpture at the Chamberlain rest stop. Contact: Don Boyd Fees: free presentation, meal priced weekly
August 26
- State Doubles Horseshoe Tournament from 10:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at Griffin Park. Check in time at 10:30 with start time at 11:00 a.m. Contact: Carl Chambers 605-280-9337 Fees: $20
August 27
- State Singles Horseshoe Tournament at Griffin Park from 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Check in time at 8:30 a.m. with start time at 9:00 a.m. Contact: Carl Chambers 605-280-9337 Fees: $20
August 30
- Wagon Train and Trail Ride sign-up deadline. The wagon train and trail ride will be September 15 leaving the Stanley County Fairgrounds at 8:30 a.m. There will be an historical parade through downtown Ft. Pierre at 3:30 p.m. Contact: Randy Seiler 605-222-8877 Fees: $40 per person which will include the steak sandwich feed and entertainment. Kids under 13 are free for the wagon train and can choose to buy a ticket for the supper.
August 31
- Feeding South Dakota host Business after Hours from 5:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at their location on Grace Avenue.
|
For future months, go to www.pierre.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
