P ierre Area Chamber of Commerce
 October 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 October 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
2018 Chamber Board of Directors
  
Executive Board
Bryan Beck - President
Beck Motor Company
Jennifer Anderson - President Elect
Anderson, Nill, and Associates
John Hight - Vice Presient
Crooked Creek Outfitters
Steve Bass - Secretary
Edgewood Senior Living
Meredith Lee - Treasurer
Lee Real Estate
Melissa Puepke - Past President
First Dakota National Bank
 
Board Members
Thomas Allerdings
Clubhouse Hotel & Suites
Angie Bollweg
Sanford Health
Paul Bowen
Slumberland Furniture
Michael Holland
Avera St. Mary's
Russ Hoffelt
Feeding South Dakota
John Clark
Capital Journal
Kim Larson
Farm Credit Services
Kristie Maher
South Dakota Discovery Center
Dan Park
BankWest
Dennis Rounds
Consultant
Ex-Officio Members
Mark Anderson, PEDCO President
Pierre Mayor Steve Harding
Ft. Pierre Mayor Gloria Hanson
 

 

President's Report
Bryan Beck, Board President

There is a common saying in the marketing world- "Promote your promotions". This thinking rings true with towns and communities as well. Here in Pierre and Ft. Pierre, we have a lot to offer and should remember to keep that in mind in our daily interactions- especially during this time of year. Not many communities our size can present the dining and lodging opportunities that we offer. And with some bigger stores in town, as well as many great local niche retailers, the shopping opportunities are good and getting better. We also have plenty to offer in entertainment- with local bars and organizations really stepping up to bring some great acts and events. Even in the 7 years since I've been out of college, the entertainment opportunities for young adults in the area have grown tremendously.
It seems that every day I see another great new thing happening in Pierre/Ft. Pierre that makes me stop and think "this is a great place to live". Of course, we should always strive to better our community, but there's just no reason to ever sell ourselves short. If I could ask one thing, it is to please keep this in mind over the coming months as you interact with the scores of hunters that will be visiting our area. We all know of several aspects upon which our communities could be improved. I'm asking you to focus on the good. Let's put our best foot forward. For us here in central South Dakota, Pheasant season can be thought of as a big "promotion" for our area. It's a wonderful opportunity for us to brag about our great little corner of the world. And for us to benefit the most from this opportunity, we must all "promote our promotion". Thank you and stay safe as you take to the fields this year.
Pierre Mayor Steve Harding's Report
 
The outdoor pool season is officially over, but outdoor pool discussions are really ramping up.
 
As you might remember, in February, I appointed a nine-member Outdoor Pool Committee to develop a plan to replace Pierre's current outdoor pool. For the last six months, those volunteer committee members have been hard at work researching solutions and sifting through data to develop an outdoor municipal pool that makes sense for Pierre.
 
Certainly, research has been done before. Plans have been made in the past. However, this group has taken the research and planning process to a whole different level. They are being very purposeful and thorough in their work.
 
The committee has spent months reviewing the local aquatic amenities that already exist, as well as the demands on those water opportunities. They have looked at the size and features of pools and aquatic facilities across the state, paying special attention to those in like-sized communities. They have considered locations for a replacement pool. The committee has also looked at previous communities' surveys to identify the needs and wants of Pierre residents.
 
They are currently reviewing a number of conceptual designs. In this stage of the process, they are prioritizing features and determining which designs and features are reasonable for this community. Before they are done, they'll carefully consider the impact of their design ideas relative to project funding and operational costs.
 
I commend the Pool Committee for the heavy lifting they have already completed, and look forward to the recommendation they will ultimately bring to the City Commission later this year.
 
As you are aware, the City doesn't invest in an outdoor pool very often. It is a big deal to have a well vetted proposal. While no plan is ever entirely flawless, I have absolute faith that this group is putting in the time and the effort to develop a pool plan that is well suited to meet the needs of the Pierre community.

Fort Pierre Mayor Gloria Hanson's Report
 
Congratulations, Pierre and Fort Pierre residents! You have won South Dakota's Outstanding Philanthropic Community Award. And while Mayor Harding and I get the privilege of attending the awards luncheon in Rapid City to publicly accept the honor, all 16,000 of you made this recognition possible. (Unfortunately, I'm guessing this might be more people than can be served at the luncheon.)
I have been asked whether I think it's appropriate that Pierre and Fort Pierre are jointly receiving this award, and my answer is "absolutely." While we are two separate and distinct municipalities, when it comes to fundraising, the line gets very blurred and we become one community. Whether the event or entity is physically located in Pierre or Fort Pierre, residents on both sides of the river get behind it with their time, talents and treasure.
Think about some of the recent major capital projects that have been made possible by your generosity: the new Helmsley Cancer Center, Capital Area Counseling Services, Community & Youth Involved Center renovation, and Hyde Stadium, to name a few. The United Way's annual campaign is able to increase and meet its goal because you understand its importance to the community. Special events such as Fort Pierre's Bicentennial, Oahe Days, and Trader Days could not take place were it not for the generosity of our businesses and residents. Area churches and schools rely on financial gifts and volunteerism, as do museums and other non-profits.
Frankly, I'm not surprised that our communities were selected for this award because I have witnessed your giving spirit first hand. We need go back only a few years to the flood of 2011 to remember how neighbor helped neighbor. Those not personally affected by the high waters spent hours helping those less fortunate to sandbag and evacuate. They delivered meals, donated cash, or opened their homes to house evacuees.
Many thanks for your philanthropy and congratulations on this award that recognizes your generosity. You deserve it, and you make Fort Pierre and Pierre great places to live!

 
PEDCO Opposes Amendment W
 
There are several bills, amendments and initiated measures PEDCO will be following this year. We're excited at the opportunities that can be found when the sales tax is levied fairly to both brick-and-mortar and online retailers. Lifting the federal ban on sports betting might also create some local opportunities.
 
However, Amendment W is just plain wrong.
 
The PEDCO board of directors has reviewed the Massachusetts proposal on the South Dakota ballot this fall referred to as "Amednment W" and has voted to oppose it. PEDCO's opposition is in concert with the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as many local chambers and economic development organizations across the state.
 
Amendment W creates an entirely new Article of the South Dakota Constitution and declares that the new article is superior to all other sections of the constitution. It creates a non-elected tribunal called "The State Government Accountability Board," forces the legislature and Governor to fund it and allows that Board to go to court for more money.
 
Overall, the PEDCO board finds Amendment W to be ill-concieved, poorly written and in violation of standards of fairness.

 
Capital City Economy
June 2018 Current Month Same Month 2017 Percent Change 2018 YTD 2017 YTD Percent Change
CITY TAX RECEIPTS            
Pierre 2% $662,346 $694,400 -4.6% $3,821,566 $3,793,080 0.8%
Pierre 1% BBB $45,721 $45,448 0.6% $256,613 $262,062 -2.1%
Fort Pierre 2% $117,301 $110,114 6.5% $532,195 $539,072 -1.3%
Fort Pierre 1% BBB $13,720 $12,825 7.0% $56,602 $58,303 -2.9%
OCCUPANCY TAX            
Pierre BID No.1 $24,538 $23,824 3.0% $108,140 $108,551 -0.4%
   
AIRPORT BOARDINGS            
ADI 900 1,006 -10.5% 5050 5,120 -1.4%
   
DAILY TRAFFIC            
Missouri River Bridge 16842 17,225 -2.2% 85,731 90,100 -4.8%
US 14 East of Pierre 3453 3,377 2.3% 16,575 17,062 -2.9%
   
CITY OF PIERRE BUILDING PERMITS            
Residential:
New Homes
Stick Built - Number 2 2 5 6
   Dollar Amount $446,000 $320,000 39.4% $1,261,000 $1,374,203 -8.2%
Other* - Number 1 2 1 18
   Dollar Amount $35,000 $19,000 84.2% $35,000 $725,000 -95.2%
Remodeling
Number 3 2 35 40
   Dollar Amount $7,500 $42,500 -82.4% $454,696 $668,588 -32.0%
Commercial:
New Buildings
Number 0 1 4 4
   Dollar Amount $0 $19,934,000 0.0% $2,093,112 $23,299,151 -91.0%
Improvements
Number 1 4 8 22
   Dollar Amount $16,750 $31,452 -46.7% $1,582,721 $562,982 181.1%
Total Permits**
Number 127 84 398 389
   Dollar Amount $1,139,229 $20,748,620 -94.5% $7,751,580 $28,685,230 -73.0%
   
HUGHES COUNTY BUILDING PERMITS            
Residential:
New Homes
Number 1 2 4 3
   Dollar Amount $270,000 $634,184 -57.4% $1,000,000 $904,184 10.6%
Other* - Number 1 0 1 1
   Dollar Amount $35,000 $0 0.0% $35,000 $11,000 218.2%
Remodeling
Number 6 1 18 6
   Dollar Amount $63,907 $20,000 219.5% $276,368 $549,255 -49.7%
Commercial:
New Buildings
Number 1 0 5 0
   Dollar Amount $463,000 $0 0.0% $568,000 $0 0.0%
Improvements
Number 0 0 0 1
   Dollar Amount $0 $0 0.0% $0 $270,000 0.0%
Total Permits**
Number 13 7 36 24
   Dollar Amount $892,978 $752,551 18.7% $2,346,897 $2,049,326 14.5%
             
WORK FORCE                           
Pierre MiSA***
Total Work Force 12,887 13,044
Total Employed 12,585 12,710
Total Unemployed 302 334
Unemployment Rate 2.3% 2.6%
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
 
Notice of PEDCO Annual Meeting
 
All PEDCO members are invited to attend the Board of Directors Annual Meeting at Noon Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2018, at the Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce, 800 W. Dakota Ave.
 
The main purpose of the annual meeting is to elect nominees to the board of directors. A nominating committee will develop the slate of nominees to be printed in the November newsletter. Members interested in consideration by the nominating committee may contact PEDCO at [email protected].
 
The annual meeting will also include an update on corporation activities, the nomination of officers, consideration of any proposed changes to the Bylaws, and the presentation of the corporation's annual Vernon Award for Excellence.
 
Lunch will be provided to registered members. To register for the annual meeting, email PEDCO at [email protected] by Tuesday, Nov. 13.
List Your Available Building or Office Space with PEDCO

Pierre building owners are welcome to list their available office or commercial space on the PEDCO website at no charge. We had
just one office space listed and it has now been rented. We'd like to help you find a renter or buyer too.
 
To list your property with PEDCO, simply email [email protected]. We will send you a form to complete along with a request for quality digital photos of the building or offices. An example can be found at www.pedco.biz under the Real Estate tab and blue "Available Commercial Buildings and Land" box on the right. All we ask is that you let PEDCO know when the building or space is no longer available so we can keep our information accurate.
 
Pierre Regional Airport Update
Total enplanements rose to 6,878 through August. Based on the current trend, PIR is on track to make 10,000 enplanements for the year. This is the minimum enplanements needed to qualify for federal airport improvement funding.
Only 2 of the 105 flights were cancelled and 88.6% of departures and 90.5% of enplanements were on-time.
  
The Path to Affordable Housing

South Dakota Housing Development Authority is hosting its signature event Oct. 30-31 at the Ramkota in Pierre.
 
Each year SDHDA brings in national speakers and local experts to discuss all things housing. The Path to Affordable Housing - this year's conference will offer participants two days of informative workshops, entertaining presenters, and engaging networking events.
 
To learn more about the conference or to register, visit SDHDA.org.
 
SDHDA is also looking for exhibitors. Approximately 300 professionals from all aspects of the housing industry attend. For $225 per booth, you will be provided with one conference registration, a table, tablecloth, and two chairs in a 6' x 8' area. Exhibitor forms can be found on SDHDA's website under the "About" tab.

Retail Briefs
Report: Retail sales grew more slowly in Aug.
US retail sales rose 0.1% in August from the previous month, missing economists' forecast for a 0.4% increase, according to the Commerce Department. The July sales increase was revised upward to 0.7%. Bloomberg (9/14)
 
Economists expect Americans to keep spending this holiday season
Labor Day sales grew to $2.08 billion, a 23% increase over 2017, with big-ticket items performing well, per data from Adobe Analytics. Economists expect the momentum to continue into the holiday season due to low unemployment, improved consumer confidence and wage growth. The Washington Post (9/13)
 
Subway to give franchisees more flexibility
Subway is now giving franchisees the option of dropping the chain's $5 Footlong promotion and it's experimenting with new menu items, including panini and cheesesteaks. The chain has also cut the cost of remodeling restaurants in half to speed up franchisees' transition to the Fresh Forward and Fresh Start designs, which it hopes to have at all 44,000 stores within five years. USA Today (9/10)
 
Midwest retail centers seek solutions as anchors move on
The loss of Bergner's at Market Place Mall in Champaign, Ill., is an example of how retail centers in the region are struggling to fill vacant space left from large anchors moving out. With limited interest in these spaces, owners such as CBL Properties are looking to redevelop, such as by converting the J.C. Penney space at Bloomington's Eastland Mall into a Planet Fitness, Outback Steakhouse and H&M. The News-Gazette (Champaign-Urbana, Ill.) (9/9)
 
Walmart adds incentives to woo new truck drivers
Walmart will begin offering $1,500 referral bonuses for qualified truck drivers and cut the time it takes for new hires to get started on the job. The retailer has had much lower driver turnover than the overall industry, but it's starting to feel the pinch of a nationwide driver shortage that's affecting shipping costs. Bloomberg (9/10)
 
Walmart finds challenges with high-end outdoor-gear e-commerce
Walmart has removed some high-end outdoor gear from its e-commerce site at the request of brands including Black Diamond Equipment, Deuter and Leki. The move came after specialty outdoor retailers expressed concerns when Walmart announced it would add the pricier products to the lineup it sells through online outdoor-gear retailer Moosejaw. The Wall Street Journal (9/7)
 
Millennials, Gen Z rank their favorite retailers
Victoria's Secret, Sephora, Nike, Ulta Beauty and Nordstrom were retailers that ranked high with millennials and Gen Z this year, according to a new index from Goldman Sachs and Conde Nast. High-end brands including Gucci and Kate Spade made the top 25, along with mass retailers Target and Walmart. CNBC (9/6)

CVB Report
Lois Ries, CVB Director

It's fall and we are getting ready for the big hunt. Lodging, restaurants, convenience stores and hunting outfitters will be putting on their orange hospitality gear to welcome all the hunters to the Pierre Area. The Convention & Visitors Bureau will again be doing a partnership with South Dakota Tourism in promoting pheasant season opener on October 20th called Rooster Rush. Every business in the Pierre area profits by the dollars coming into our area during the hunting season. For other hunting events in our area, visit our website pierre.org.
Ideas are being considered for the 2019 marketing plan. There are many ways to market the area. If you have some thoughts to share about the promotion plan, contact me at the Chamber of Commerce office - (605) 224-7361.
The Pierre Visitor Guide for 2019 will be printed next month. About 20,000 copies of the Visitor Guide have been distributed this year. If you would like to be a part of the Visitor Guide, give me a call.
Check out our website for events going on in the next few months - www.pierre.org. It's an exciting time to look forward to - change of season and hunting.

 

 

Membership Report
Katie Johnson, Membership Director
 
It's October - my favorite time of the year! The hoody sweatshirts, the crisp air, and of course all the beautiful fall colors. I couldn't imagine living in a place where the seasons didn't change!
October is also the beginning of PHEASANT season, and Rooster Rush is alive and well in the Pierre, Ft. Pierre area! Every year we greet hunters at the airport with treats and have giveaways for them at Dakotamart and Runnings. It is our way of saying 'thank you' for coming to the Pierre area to hunt.
Tradition is a big part of hunting; every year the Convention and Visitors Bureau encourages businesses to participate by decorating their store fronts for the hunting season - also known as Orange Spirit Day. Simply decorate your store front, call us to schedule a time to come take a picture of your display with your staff, and you will be entered into a contest of who has the best Orange Spirit! Many of you have done this for years, and we would like to encourage everyone to participate. It is a great way to welcome visitors into our communities and let them know we appreciate their patronage.
It isn't too early to start thinking about the Parade of Lights, either. The event will be Monday, November 19th - mark your calendars! We kick off the holiday season with the parade, followed by the lighting of the trees at the Capitol Building on Tuesday, November 20th, Thanksgiving is that Thursday, followed by shop small Saturday! It is a great week to be in Pierre and we hope to see your float in the parade!

 

 

New Members
   
Brad Beeler Fishing Guide
430 Cow Creek
Pierre, SD 57501
605-999-8505
Guide business specializing in Walleye, Salmon, Northern and Bass.
 
Fort Pierre Tourism and Promotion Council
08 E. 2nd Ave
Fort Pierre, SD 57501
605-223-7603
605-280-2895
The Marketing and Promotions arm of the city of Fort Pierre.
 
Lee McCurrin Construction, Inc.
28180 Cowan Place,
Pierre, SD 57501
605-280-7176
We are here to help with all of your construction needs, new construction, remodel, and commercial.
 
Missouri Shores Domestic Violence Center
PO Box 398
Pierre, SD 57501
605-224-0256
Missouri Shores is a domestic violence and sexual assault shelter located in Pierre. For more information please give us a call.
 
Oahe Hockey Association
1610 N. Lowell
PO BOX 87
Pierre, SD 57501
Nonprofit youth organization

 
Chamber Events

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) celebrated their new program, now available in Pierre, with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and presentation on Thursday, August 30.

SAVE THE DATE
Leadership Pierre
Leadership Pierre began its inaugural year with a kickoff event on Tuesday, September 4. The first session was held on Thursday, September 7 with a day focused on tourism and natural resources in the Pierre area. Thank you to First Dakota National Bank and Sanford Health for sponsoring the two days.

October Calendar of Events

October 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31: Seasoned Citizen Tai Chi class at the YMCA from 10:00 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Contact: Mindy Cheap - 773-7445. Free to Pierre Senior Center Members or $24 per week.
October 1: Canvasback Art Club at Rawlins Library from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.   Contact: Bev Letellier - 224-7993.
October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Seasoned Citizen Tai Chi classes at the Pierre Senior Center from 10:00 a.m.-10:45 a.m.  Contact: Mindy Cheap - 773-7445. Free to Pierre Senior Center Members or $12 per class.
October 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 31: Zumba Gold class at the Pierre Senior Center from 11:00 a.m.-11:45 a.m.   Contact: Mindy Cheap - 773-7445. Free to Pierre Senior Citizen Center Members or $12 per class.
October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Basic Spanish at CUC (925 E. Sioux Ave.) from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Contact: CUC 773-2160. Fees: $130 plus book.
October 4-31: Rooster Rush Art Show at participating Pierre & Ft. Pierre businesses. A list of participating businesses can be found at the Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce. Contact: Lois Ries - 224-7361.
October 4: Ben's Brewing Tap Takeover at Drifters Bar & Grille from 4:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
October 4, 11, 18, 25: Spanish Conversation Course at CUC (925 E. Sioux Ave.) from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Contact: CUC - 773-2160. Fees: $130 plus book.
October 5, 6: 9 th Annual "R U TUF ENUF to Eat Pink" Fundraiser for American Cancer Society at Cattleman's Club Steakhouse (29608 SD Hwy 34) from 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
October 7, 14, 21, 28: Open Skate at PAYSA rink behind Walmart (1610 N. Lowell) from 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Fees: $3 admission, $2 skate rental.
October 7: Self Defense "The Best Defense is a Good Offense" at the YMCA. Contact: Missouri Shores - 224-0256 to sign up. Fees: Free
October 8: Stately Stitchers Guild Meeting at Lutheran Memorial Church Basement (320 E. Prospect Ave.) from 6:45 p.m.-8:45 p.m.   Contact: Myrna Buckles - 222-6847. Fees: $12 dues, free to attend as a guest.
October 8: Open Auditions for: 'Whodunnit, Darling?' at the Grand Opera House (109 S. Pierre St.) from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Contact: Director Alisa DeMers - 280-3700 or [email protected].
October 9, 16, 23, 30: Common Sense Parenting Class at Oahe Child Development Center (2307 E. Capitol) from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Contact: Dawn Tassler - 224-3189. Fees: class and reference book are free.
October 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29, 31: Walk with Ease from 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. at the YMCA. Contact: Mindy Cheap - 773-7445. Fees: Free to Pierre Senior Center Members or $10.
October 11: Fall Business After Hours at Drifters Bar & Grille from 4:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m.; co-hosted by: Central Dakota Eyecare, Missouri Shores Domestic Violence Center, Oahe Federal Credit Union, Prairie Pages and Riverside Technologies Incorporated (RTI).
October 11: Domestic Violence Awareness Month Vigil at Lutheran Memorial Church from 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
October 12: Wild Prairie Rose Ribbon Cutting and Open House in the St. Charles Building (207 E. Capitol Ave., #106) from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
October 13: World Fest Manhu Concert at Drifters Event Center from 7:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Contact: Barb Wood 605-567-3597. Fees: $15 for adults, students & children free.
October 15, 22, 29: Basic Dog Obedience Class on Monday's at the Boys & Girls Club (110 S. Ree St.) from 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Contact: CUC - 773-2160. Fees: $40, pre-registration required.
October 15: Marine Band National Concert Tour at TF Riggs High School Theater from 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; concert is free, but tickets are required and limited to 4 per request. Contact: Mackenzie McKeithan Jensen at [email protected]
October 18: Breastfeeding Class at Avera St. Mary's from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Contact: Dawn Tassler - 224-3189. Fees: $10 and scholarships available.
October 23: Living with Alzheimer's Series - Part 3 - Late Stages at Edgewood Senior Living Center (1950 E. Fourth St.) from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. Contact: Kim Brakke - 494-3400. Fees: Free! Please RSVY by Friday, Oct. 19.
October 27: First Lady's Prairie Art Showcase at Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center (920 W. Sioux Ave) from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Contact: SD Arts Council - 773-3301. Fees: Free and open to the public.
October 28: Pierre Concert Series - California Guitar Trio at Riggs High Theater from 7:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Contact: 224-7909. Fees: Admittance by season membership only. Memberships may purchase memberships at the door of each performance.
October 31: Trick-or-Treating at Edgewood Senior Living Center from 3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Contact: Kim Brakke - 494-3400. Fees: Free
For future months, go to www.pierre.org