Join us THIS SATURDAY at our first Cracker Barrel of the 2019 SD State Legislative session! These free events, hosted by the Yankton Chamber, are held monthly during session and serve as an open forum for discussions with our three elected officials, Cwach, Hunhoff and Kennedy, about issues that affect businesses.

This event is open to the public and held at the Avera Professional Office Pavilion.
Coffee will be provided free of charge.
The Yankton Chamber will be hosting Yankton Day and meeting with the cabinet secretaries of key state agencies during the day and hosting a legislative reception in the evening. 

Yankton leaders are encouraged to attend this event. Call the Chamber at 665-3636 if you'd like to sign up or learn more.

Now that the 2019 SD Legislative Session has officially begun, we look forward to updates from the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and will pass the information along to our members.

This issue contains:
 
The 2019 Legislature By The Numbers  
What Do Legislators DO?
HB 1034 - Unemployment Insurance Contribution Rates


 Business Day at the Legislature is set for Thursday, February 21, 2019.
 
Thank you for your support of the
South Dakota Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Craig Kennedy, Senate | (605) 773-3851 | craig.kennedy@sdlegislature.gov
Jean Hunhoff, House | (605) 773-3851 | jean.hunhoff@sdlegislature.gov
Ryan Cwach, House | (605) 773-3851 | ryan.cwach@sdlegislature.gov
Releases from GP Dam Set to Increase

Following the third-highest runoff in 120 years, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will increase Gavins Point Dam releases this week. The Corps announced Tuesday it will raise the releases from the current 20,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 24,000 cfs. The winter releases normally range between 12,000-17,000 cfs.

First National Bank Gives Back to Veterans

Proud to salute all military veterans who served or are serving in the United States Armed Forces. Today our employees packaged over 36,000 cookies as well as letters and notes of thanks and encouragement to send to service members overseas. #FNBOInsiders

SD Employee Benefits Survey Results
Results of a South Dakota Employee Benefits Survey are now  available online  from the Department of Labor and Regulation.

Highlights from the Employee Benefits Survey include:

• 12 is the average number of days of paid vacation leave provided to employees by firms employing full-time workers.

• 29.7 percent of employers pay more than $600 per month per employee to provide single medical insurance coverage for workers.

• 55 percent of firms employing full-time workers offer an employee medical insurance policy.
SBA 504 Program & Government Shutdown Update:
From South Dakota Development Corporation:

The January 2019 funding is complete and once again we saw interest rates drop for the 25, 20 and 10 year debentures. This is great news for South Dakota Businesses and for Economic Development in our communities. While the current Federal Government shutdown does have an impact on the SBA 504 program, the SDDC is still able to accept and process applications in anticipation of the Federal Government and SBA resuming work in what we hope is the near future! This is actually a great time to contact our office to discuss projects and prepare applications. Our Board of Directors will meet as needed to approve applications so that we have everything ready when we are able to submit 504 applications to the SBA again.
 
January 2019 rates:
 
10 year: 4.66%
20 year: 4.76%
25 year: 4.89%
Communities and  businesses alike can bolster their current marketing efforts by choosing from a wide selection of cooperative tactics, all of which leverage the South Dakota Department of Tourism's extensive research, preferred media partnerships, advanced technology and audience targeting.

You'll find options from successful magazine and direct-mail co-ops, to new social media influencers and email programs in this revamped program. Consider your community’s or business’s marketing budget and goals, then select the tactics which best address your needs.

To learn more about the à la carte opportunities, please review the 2019 catalog below and complete the application form when ready to apply. Note space is limited and will sell fast! For more information on any of the available programs contact  Ashley Worth  or call 605-773-3301.



3D Archery League
Tuesdays Starting January 22
6:30 pm
NFAA Easton Archery Complex

Applied Engineering & Freeman Co. Open House
Saturday, January 26
9:00 - 11:00 am
2008 E. Hwy 50
Feed Your Mind
Friday, February 1 at 12:00 pm
Mead Cultural Education Center
82 Mickelson Drive

Yoga & Live Music
Friday, February 1
Soul Story Yoga
215 West 3rd Street

Question : “How do I get a loan from the Small Business Administration (SBA) for my business?"

Answer: The first step is to contact your local lender and inquire about a business loan. The SBA works with lenders to provide loans to small businesses. The agency doesn’t lend money directly to small business owners. Instead, it sets guidelines for loans made by its partnering lenders and community development organizations. The SBA reduces risk for lenders and makes it easier for them to access capital.
The Yankton School District School Board regular meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 5:30 pm in the YSD Administration Building unless otherwise arranged.

The Yankton City Commission meetings are held the second and fourth Monday of every month at 7 pm in the RTEC City of Yankton Community Room, 1200 W. 21st Street.

The Yankton County Commissioners meet the first and third Tuesday of the every month at 4 pm in the Commission's Meeting Room of Government Center.
2018 Chamber Board
President -  Barb Rezac;  Vice President -  James Grotenhuis; Secretary/Treasurer - Ashli Danilko;
Past President - Becky Souchek; Board Members -  Cheryl Beck - Shawn Brock - Lee Gill - Kami Guthmiller
Lacey Johnson - Mike Krajewski - Jason Larsen - Cynthia Miller - Stephanie Moser - Tom Schroeder - Todd Woods