P ierre Area Chamber of Commerce
 July 2018 Newsletter


Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce, Pierre Convention & Visitors Bureau & Pierre Economic Development Corporation E-News


This is the electronic version of the Pierre Area Chamber's July 2018 newsletter. We continue to provide a hard copy of this document in the Capital Journal as well.

Life is good on the river,
The Staff at the
Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce

In This Issue
Pierre Economic Development Corporation
2018 Investor List
(from 5/26 to 6/21)
  
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
Midwest Development Inc.

 


CEO's Report
Jamie Seiner, Chief Executive Officer

The Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce has been faithfully serving area businesses for the last 75 years. It's an honor to be considered the premier organization for member businesses to unite and help each other prosper. THANK YOU all for making our community so great to live in! We believe community collaboration is paramount to the work we do. We take great pride in our dedicated team and our commitment to lasting member relationships. As the new Chief Executive Officer of this organization, it is my pleasure to take part in this tradition and humbling to serve our growing community.   
The Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce provides networking, training development, business promotion & referrals, community engagement, voter education and a platform of tools to promote and support your day-to-day business operations. Our focus is on YOU!  Made evident through our newly revised mission statement:
"The Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce promotes,
serves, and advocates for its membership to
succeed today and prepare for tomorrow."
 
The Chamber staff and Board of Directors will be working to complete goals and objectives outlined in our most recent strategic plan. One of our main priorities will be executing a survey to facilitate member-focused change for this organization.  We will be working hard to maintain an open dialogue with our members to ensure that we continue to deliver services that you value and fresh community perspectives to help businesses grow and our community to thrive.  
 
The Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce intends to remain a vocal business advocate, a responsible leader in the community and a trusted partner for many decades to come. Thank you for investing your business in this local membership organization and for being a part of a 75 year legacy of community collaboration.
 
As a host city for the Bassmaster Elite Series, Pierre will do a festival in conjunction with the weigh-ins at Steamboat Park. The Great Outdoors Festival will be held from 11:00am-5:00pm on Saturday, June 30 & Sunday, July 1, 2018 in Steamboat Park.

Activities both days will include: Bassmaster Elite Series Expo with their official sponsors, inflatable joust, laser tag, fish touch tanks, Wii ski station, traveling aquarium, and a nature craft activity station; backyard bass game for little tykes (11a.m.-1p.m.), a casting and fishing station (1:30p.m.-4p.m.), and kayaking & paddle boarding (11a.m.-3p.m.).
Saturday schedule of special events: Kayaking competition at 1:00 p.m.
Sunday schedule of special events: Fish fillet demo at 12:00 p.m., and a paddle boarding competition at 1:00 p.m.

The Great Outdoor Festival will have delicious food from local restaurants in the Pierre and Fort Pierre area, a beverage tent to benefit Oahe Hockey Association, and local entertainment. It's fun for all ages! Local events are not done after the weigh-in is over, either - in the evenings there will be events at the Pierre Trappers ballgame, downtown Pierre Street, and in Fort Pierre. For more information or to volunteer, call the Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce office at (605) 224-7361.

Shuttle rides by River Cities Transit will be available from the Georgia Morse Middle School gravel parking lot by Wegner Auto to Steamboat Park periodically. Benches will be located along Missouri as bus stops from the park. Call RCT at (605) 945-2360 to schedule your ride.
Pierre Mayor Steve Harding's Report 
 
It's summer in Pierre -get out and enjoy it!
Did you know that between Pierre and Fort Pierre, we have more than 50 miles of interconnected biking and walking trails? They are a great way to explore our community, get some fresh air, and discover the improvements that have been made along the way.
For instance, you might notice, that Steamboat Trail between the Missouri River car bridge and Poplar Avenue got a facelift this summer. The pathway was rehabilitated and widened. Although all of the finishing touches aren't quite done yet, soon the path will also include rest stops with seating, ADA accessible drinking fountains, trash receptacles and landscaping.
The trail that leads you to Farm Island is also scheduled for enhancements this summer. Thanks to a matching grant from the Wellmark Foundation, we have the ability to define and resurface the walking trail near Downs Marina that serves as the connecting link between the City's trail system and the Lewis and Clark Trail. With the grant, we'll add a new surface, trail lines, as well as, lighting, seating, a rest area and access to a fishable body of water.
We have some very ambitious and generous community members to thank for the additions to Pierre's Trail of Governors. In June, three new life-size bronze statues of former South Dakota governors were unveiled. Those privately-funded statues will extend the literal Trail of Governors you can find between the Capitol campus and downtown Pierre. Governor Herseth will be placed on the north side of Broadway Avenue near the Becker-Hanson Building. You'll be able to find Governor Sharpe at the bottom of Pierre Street right in front of the American Legion cabin -near Lake Sharpe. And Governor McMaster will be greeting downtown shoppers at the corner of Pierre Street and Sioux Avenues.
What's more, the Trail of Governor's has garnered some multi-state attention this year. Thanks again to some ambitious community members, there is a now a Run with the Govs annual event that takes people on a four-mile path past all of the statues. This year, 100 people participated in the Run, including at least one former Governor and several out-of-state runners.
We have much to be proud of in Pierre, including outstanding opportunities that promote active lifestyles. If you haven't seen the enhancements, I encourage you to take a walk.
Happy Trails!
Fort Pierre Mayor Gloria Hanson's Report
 
We in Fort Pierre love the 4th of July, and we invite you to celebrate with us. Events kick off with the rodeo at 7 pm on July 3, followed by the Annual 4 on the 4th Road Race in downtown Fort Pierre, beginning at 8 am July 4. The big parade will start at 10 am this year, the rodeo will start at 7 pm, with the traditional fireworks display beginning after the rodeo, about 10 pm.
But Independence Day isn't just about rodeos, parades, and fireworks. It's about love of our country and remembering the heroes who assured our freedom. I was recently honored to be part of an event at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida that commemorated the 76th anniversary of the Battle of Midway, a conflict that historians recognize as changing the course of the war, and perhaps hastening the end of it by as much as 18-24 months.
The event I attended in Pensacola was a beautiful combination of military precision and patriotic ceremony, complete with the national anthem performed by a Navy band, 21 gun salute, special guests, and an inspiring keynote speech. A special feature was the showing of South Dakota Warrior, a documentary produced by John Mollison highlighting the life of Fort Pierre native, LCDR John C. Waldron. Waldron was a WW II Navy torpedo bomber pilot who played a pivotal role in the Battle of Midway, one that not only helped establish a timely American victory but also drew upon the man's Native American (Lakota) heritage.
Waldron was born and raised on a Bad River ranch near Fort Pierre. In my remarks, I talked about his childhood on the prairie and how that experience might have prepared him for his heroic actions at the Battle of Midway. I also emphasized the high esteem in which Waldron's squadron held him saying "they would have followed him to the ends of the earth. In reality, they did exactly that."
Francis Whitebird, a former Secretary of Indian Affairs during the Mickelson administration, Harvard graduate, combat medic in the Vietnam War, and recipient of 2 purple hearts, was also invited to speak. Francis was featured in South Dakota Warrior, helping viewers understand the Lakota culture and what it means to be a warrior. As he always does, Francis stole the show with his sense of humor and passionate convictions.
As you drive across the Lt. Commander John C. Waldron highway bridge connecting Pierre and Fort Pierre this Independence Day, think about the hometown hero for whom it is named, and make sure your children know his story.

 
PEDCO Tees Off at the 2018 Chamber Golf Classic
Jim Protexter, PEDCO COO
 
Despite high winds, extreme heat, bright sun, medical maladies and a complete lack of concentration, Team PEDCO was able to score below par June 14 at the Chamber of Commerce golf tournament. Representing PEDCO was Doug Abraham, Kim Olson, Rick Dockter and Jim Protexter.
  
Capital City Economy
March 2018 Current Month Same Month 2017 Percent Change 2018 YTD 2017 YTD Percent Change
CITY TAX RECEIPTS            
Pierre 2% $553,194 $550,451 0.5% $1,907,312 $1,839,262 3.7%
Pierre 1% BBB $38,750 $37,551 3.2% $124,468 $131,052 -5.0%
Fort Pierre 2% $90,344 $85,764 5.3% $242,294 $247,839 -2.2%
Fort Pierre 1% BBB $8,690 $10,088 -13.9% $23,792 $26,837 -11.3%
OCCUPANCY TAX            
Pierre BID No.1 $17,996 $16,942 6.2% $49,620 $48,433 2.5%
   
AIRPORT BOARDINGS            
ADI 831 799 4.0% 2550 2,401 6.2%
   
DAILY TRAFFIC            
Missouri River Bridge 13105 14,404 -9.0% 38,830 41,039 -5.4%
US 14 East of Pierre 2369 2,720 -12.9% 7,248 7,624 -4.9%
   
CITY OF PIERRE BUILDING PERMITS            
Residential:
New Homes
Stick Built - Number 1 0 1 0
   Dollar Amount $420,000 $0 0.0% $420,000 $0 0.0%
Other* - Number 0 13 0 14
   Dollar Amount $0 $486,000 0.0% $0 $588,000 0.0%
Remodeling
Number 7 3 17 20
   Dollar Amount $19,851 $11,250 76.5% $110,451 $285,689 -61.3%
Commercial:
New Buildings
Number 1 1 3 1
   Dollar Amount $151,500 $1,971,003 -92.3% $1,132,647 $1,971,003 -42.5%
Improvements
Number 0 7 6 11
   Dollar Amount $0 $32,420 0.0% $1,561,971 $171,420 811.2%
Total Permits**
Number 48 71 94 121
   Dollar Amount $1,429,559 $2,992,344 -52.2% $4,140,089 $4,134,741 0.1%
   
HUGHES COUNTY BUILDING PERMITS            
Residential:
New Homes
Number 2 1 2 1
   Dollar Amount $460,000 $270,000 70.4% $460,000 $270,000 70.4%
Other* - Number 0 0 0 0
   Dollar Amount $0 $0 0.0% $0 $0 0.0%
Remodeling
Number 2 1 7 3
   Dollar Amount $19,000 $12,000 58.3% $128,000 $124,000 3.2%
Commercial:
New Buildings
Number 0 0 0 0
   Dollar Amount $0 $0 0.0% $0 $0 0.0%
Improvements
Number 0 1 0 1
   Dollar Amount $0 $270,000 0.0% $0 $270,000 0.0%
Total Permits**
Number 5 5 11 9
   Dollar Amount $483,500 $612,000 -21.0% $592,500 $771,000 -23.2%
             
WORK FORCE                           
Pierre MiSA***
Total Work Force 12,565 12,538
Total Employed 12,157 12,118
Total Unemployed 408 420
Unemployment Rate 3.2% 3.3%
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
Retail Briefs
Over the past five years this section has included many updates and encouragements for support of a sales tax "Fairness Act" or other avenues for congress to level the playing field for local retailers. On June 21 the United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of overturning the outdated standard set in of the 1992 Quill decision that prevented states from collecting sales tax for online purchases. The decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair was 5-4 and signaled that the justices recognized the need to bring the law into the 21st century
The victory means that state's rights have been restored and they will now be allowed to implement sensible laws to collect the sales tax they depend on. The next step is for state and federal lawmakers to create formal tax policy that supports fairness and PEDCO will be following the progress closely.

 
CVB Report
Lois Ries, CVB Director

The summer is off to a great start. Oahe Days was a huge success. Thousands of people enjoyed great bands, food and refreshments in the park.
This next weekend, June 29 - July 2, 2018, Pierre will be hosting the Bassmaster Elite Series on Lake Oahe. The launch starts at about 6:00am at Spring Creek resort. Everyone is invited to attend. The field has 110 anglers fishing the first two days, the third day there will be 50 and the fourth day only 15. The weigh in takes place in Steamboat Park in Pierre each day.
As host city, Pierre is obligated to create a festival like atmosphere at the weigh in. The Great Outdoor Festival is free and open to the public. It takes place June 30 - July 1, 2018. Activities in the park include Fish Touch Tanks, Wii Ski Station, Traveling Aquarium, Kayak and Paddle Boarding, a Casting and Fishing Station, Backyard Bass Game, Inflatable Joust, Laser Tag and more. Food and beverages are available for purchase.
Also at the park will be Nitro, Skeeter and Triton Demo Boat Rides, The latest from Toyota & a chance to win prizes, the Berkely Experience Trailer with live aquarium. If you join B.A.S.S. you can get official Bassmaster merchandise. Shop HUK for apparel and gear and win prizes from Carhartt.
For specific event and activity times, visit: www.pierre.org/Bassmaster . Shuttles will be available from Steamboat Park at the GMMS gravel parking lot by River Cities Transit.
Come down to Steamboat Park and have a great time at this spectacular event. Hope to see you all there.

School House Clean-Up
For the second year in a row team BankWest has undertaken the task of cleaning up Pierre's First School House that was established in 1881. Thank you BankWest!
Membership Report
Katie Johnson, Membership Director
 
June is a very busy month for the Pierre Area Chamber. This year we had the golf tournament, a couple of ribbon cuttings, Taste of Pierre, Oahe Days, and Bass Master Elite. The beginning of June I spent a week at Institute for Organization Management, or IOM in the nonprofit world. There are several places throughout the United States you can attend these classes, I have attended class in Madison Wisconsin all three years, and will graduate next spring.
We have had some classmates leave our class to attend other IOM's, and we have had new classmates join us every year. Putting like-minded people in a class room and letting them talk, discuss issues and share successes has a way of getting to the 'feels', you can relate and want to hear more of their story. The networking continues after class as well as we have IOM functions to attend, class dinners, and we have been known to watch the sunset over lake Mendota from the terrace at the University of Wisconsin as well. I have class mates, now friends, in Illinois, Minnesota, Florida, and Ohio, just to name a few of them, the networking and the resources available to me are endless. From the faculty, the Board of Regents, the class advisors, to my classmates, all make themselves available to help the Pierre Area Chamber succeed.
If you are a chamber member, it is probably because you understand the credibility that your membership brings to your business and know how important it is to network with other like-minded members. Thank you for investing in your Pierre Area Chamber.

 

 

 
Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies

South Dakota Association of Realtors
The South Dakota Association of Realtors celebrated moving into their new building at 2302 Patron Parkway on Tuesday, June 12th.

Steamboat's Inc.
Steamboat's Inc. celebrated the start of summer with a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, June 20th - stop in for all your summer fun on the river!
SAVE THE DATE


16th Annual Chamber Golf Classic
  
The 16th Annual Chamber Golf Classic ended in a draw on Thursday, June 14th. Brosz Engineering and Boyd Conzemius Agency, Inc. tied with a score of 54.



July Calendar of Events
 

July 1 & 2 - Bassmaster Elite Series will launch at Spring Creek Marina & Resort at 6:00 a.m., weigh-in's will be at Steamboat Park at 3:00 p.m.
July 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 - Oahe Chapel Ecumenical Sunday Worship Service from 8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m. Located adjacent to the Visitor Center on the east end of the Oahe Dam, approximately four miles north of Pierre on SD Hwy 1804.
July 1 - The Great Outdoor Festival from 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at Steamboat Park. Activities in the park are free and open to all ages! Food & beverages also available for purchase. Contact: Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce, 224-7361.
July 1 - An American Salute Concert from 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church 117 N. Central Ave. Contact: Elaine Scott, 224-5939.   Free concert, any donations will go to support the Church of Hope in the SD Women's Prison.
July 2, 3, 6, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 20, 23, 24 & 27 - Walk with Ease Program from 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. at the Pierre Senior Center. Contact: Mindy Cheap, 773-7445 or email mindy.cheap@ci.pierre.sd.us . Free.
July 2 - Canvasback Art Club from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. at Rawlins Library 1000 E. Church. Contact: Bev Letellier, 224-7993.
July 3, 5, 6, 10, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 24, 26 & 27 - Walk with Ease Program from 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. at Parkwood Apartments. Contact: Mindy Cheap, 773-7445
July 3 - Pizza Ranch Fundraiser from 5:00 pm.-8:00 p.m. for the Pierre Composite Squadron of Civil Air Patrol.
July 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 - Volunteers needed at food bank from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at Feeding South Dakota 20562 Grace Ave. Contact: Russ or Andrew, 494-3663.
July 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 & 31 - Pierre Outdoor Pool Water Exercise Classes from 5:45 p.m.-6:45 p.m. at the Pierre Outdoor Municipal Pool on Tuesdays. Contact: Mindy Cheap, 773-7445. Fees: $2 per visit or $40 punch card.
July 4, 11, 18 & 25 - Capital City Bank Concert from 8:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. in Steamboat Park Amphitheater.
July 5 - Drifters Summer Patio Sessions from 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. on Drifters Bar & Grille patio with Library Prophet. Free.
July 6 - Pints & Politics: Pierre from 5:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at Drifters Bar & Grille.    Contact: American Civil Liberties Union of South Dakota, chaptermedia@aclu.org .
July 10 - Oahe Federal Credit Union Ribbon Cutting Ceremony from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at 221 E. Pleasant.
July 11 - Missouri River/Lake Sharpe Cleanup from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at Downs Marina in Griffin Park.   Contact: Paul Lepisto, 224-7110 or 220-1219 plepisto@iwla.org . Bret Afdahl, 222-2972 bafdahl@hotmail.com .
July 11 - Fitness in the Park from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at Steamboat Park for PiYo. Free. Contact: Karla, 224-1683 or karla@oaheymca.org .
July 13 - Lonestar at the Silver Spur Restaurant. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., concert starts at 8:00 p.m.. Contact: Todd or Miles, 605-494-2100 or go to www.silverspurrestaurant.com  for ticket information.
July 14 - Liver and Onions plus Meatballs from 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at the Pierre Senior Center, 401 W. Pleasant Ave.   Contact: 224-7730.   Fees: $10 for adults, $5 ages 10 and under.
July 14 - Dueling Duo on the Patio at Drifters from 8:30 p.m.-11:00 p.m. Contact: Kayla or Emily for event details, 605-220-5014 or events@driftersbarandgrille.com . 21+ only.
July 17 - Pierre Players Preview Performance "Guys and Dolls" from 7:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m. at the Grand Opera House, 109 S. Pierre St.   Contact: 224-7826.   Fees: $5 at the door.
July 18-21 - Germans From Russia Heritage Society International Convention at the Ramkota Convention Center. Contact: Rachel Schmidt, rachel@grhs.org . Go to www.grhs.org  for more info.
July 18 - Fitness in the Park from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at Steamboat Park for Yoga. Contact: Karla, 224-1683 or karla@oaheymca.org .
July 20-22 & 26-29 - Pierre Players Presents "Guys and Dolls" from 7:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m. with Sunday matinees from 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. at the Grand Opera House, 109 S. Pierre St.   Contact: 224-7826 or info@pierreplayers.com .   Fees: $15 general admission adult, $13 general admission student or senior citizen.
July 21 - Little Wings on the Prairie Festival from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at Oahe Downstream Recreation Area.
July 25 - Fitness in the Park from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. in Griffin Park for Bootcamp. Contact: Karla, 224-1683 or karla@oaheymca.org .
July 26 - Drifters Summer Patio Session with Andrea Royer from 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. on the patio. Free.
For future months, go to www.pierre.org