P ierre Area Chamber of Commerce
March 2020 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 March 2020 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
2020 Chamber Board of Directors
  
Executive Board
Meredith Lee - President,
Lee Real Estate
Thomas Allerdings - Vice President,  ClubHouse Hotel & Suites
Angie Bollweg - Secretary,
Sanford Health
Melissa Puepke - Treasurer
First Dakota National Bank
Jennifer Anderson - Past President,  Anderson, Nill & Associates
 
Board Members
Steve Bass
Edgewood Senior Living
Russ Hofeldt
A-G-E Construction
Chris McConnell
Black Hills FCU
Aaron Fabel
Oahe YMCA
Kristie Maher
SD Discovery Center
Jodie Hickman Anderson
Strategic Association Services
Dennis Rounds
Consultant
Tori Reeves
BankWest
Pam Metzinger
Branding Iron Bistro
Jamie Maher
Maher Dental Clinic
Tanner Kost
Dakota Prairie Bank

Ex-Officio Members
Ron Wagner, PEDCO President
Pierre Mayor Steve Harding
Ft. Pierre Mayor Gloria Hanson
 
2020 PEDCO Board of Directors
  
Ron Wagner - Chair  
First National Bank
Andy Hubbart - Chair-Elect
BankWest
Mark Anderson - Secretary
SD Department of Labor
Kim Easland - Treasurer
American Bank & Trust
Doug Abraham
May, Adam Law Firm
Rick Dockter
Ameriprise Financial
Zach Clark
Clark Insurance
Dawn Morris
Morris Inc.
Kim Olson
Sen. Mike Rounds Office
Prakash Saripalli
My3Tech
Karl Richards
Avera Medical Associates
Damon Wheelhouse
Allied Plumbing & Heating
Gordon Woods
SD Intrastate Pipeline

Liaisons - Annual Appointment
Jamie Huizenga
Pierre City Commission
Meredith Lee
Chamber of Commerce
Kristi Honeywell
Pierre City Administrator
Norm Weaver
Hughes County Commission

Administration
Jim Protexter
Chief Operating Officer
Alicia Fabel
Administrative Asst.
 
Pierre Economic Development Corporation 
2020 Investor List
(From 1/18 to 2/20)
   
Thank you to the following businesses, organizations and individuals who are supporting economic development in Central South Dakota through their PEDCO membership investment.

Platinum Investor - $1000
Avera St. Mary's/Avera Medical Group
Montana-Dakota Utilities

Gold Investors - $600
American Bank & Trust
Brosz Engineering Inc.
SD Intrastate Pipeline Co.

Silver Investors - $300
Anderson, Nill & Associates Inc.
Bartlett & Weaver Eye Clinic
Clark Engineering Corporation
Farm Credit Services of America

Bronze Investors - $150
Anderson Dentistry, BPRO Inc., Capital Area Counseling Service, Cowboy Country Stores, Dairy Queen, Dakota Storm Roofing, Dentistry at the St. Charles, East Pierre Landscape & Garden Center, Feigum Funeral Home, Fine Line Auto, Governor's Inn, Halverson Hunts LLC, Ingram Pest Service, La Minestra, Leingang Home Center, Midcontinent Communications, Mustang Aviation, Olinger Law Firm, Peitz Heating & Cooling, Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company, Pergroup, Perkins Restaurant, Puetz Corporation, Reinke Gray Wealth Management, SDN Communications, Smith Plumbing, S.D. Electric Utility Companies, US Bank, Wheelhouse Plumbing, Willard & Associates Inc., WW Tire Service

Individual & Non-Profit Investors - $60
S.D. Chamber of Commerce & Industry, S.D. Discovery Center
 
 
For any questions related to Coaches Education please refer to " Become a Coach " on sosda.org
 

 

CEO's Report
Jamie Seiner, Chief Executive Officer
The Pierre Area Chamber is extremely lucky to have fantastic members!

Speaking of luck, do you ever notice how some people just seem to be luckier than others? One of my favorite sayings is, "chance favors the prepared mind." The more you get involved, promote your business, partner with others, focus on good customer service, the better chance you will have of success. The results aren't always instant but focusing on best business practices will leave others thinking the luck of the Irish is with you.

A few ways that the Chamber can extend the proverbial four-leaf clover:
  • Become informed about local reminders and marketing opportunities through the Chamber by texting 'Notify pierrearea' to 313131.
  • Sign up for our one-day leadership event, Leadercast, on May 21st. We will be broadcasting famous speakers on the topic of Positive Disruption, focusing on making positive and lasting change. The event is held at the Ramkota from 8:30am - 3:30pm. Seats are limited and available to Chamber members for $65. 
  • Promote your business at Chamber events, we have many sponsorship opportunities and with our new membership structure there is a lot of value packed within our investment tiers.
  • Join the Ambassador committee's referral group and meet others who are interested in helping share your needs so you can get leads.
Now, we can't guarantee you will be the luckiest person in the world, but you will be putting yourself in a position for success. Luck is likely to be on your side. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Thank you again for your membership and for your continued support of the Pierre and Fort Pierre communities!
 
Pierre Mayor Steve Harding's Report
Just as there's more to being a parent than feeding your kids breakfast, there's more to being the Mayor of Pierre or a Pierre City Commissioner than attending our Tuesday night commission meetings.
Each of our commissioners serves as a liaison between different city operations and the City Commission. They provide oversight to those particular areas, guide policy recommendations, and make sure the taxpayer perspective is considered during the decision making processes.
That certainly takes time outside of commission meetings. A good example of that is Commissioner Johnson. She has oversight of the Parks and Recreation operations. That means she's keeping tabs on the Park Board, the Arbor Board and the Golf Board. This winter, she's spent many noon hours with the Outdoor Pool Capital Campaign Committee. You'll also find her providing guidance and perspective to the citizen-led dog park effort. And those are just the obligations that are strictly City of Pierre responsibilities.
Our commissioners also serve on the boards of a variety of agencies that partner with the City. For instance, Commissioner Huizenga attends all the PEDCO and Discovery Center Board meetings. Commissioner Mehlhaff sits on the Central South Dakota Communications User Board; that's a group of local and state stakeholders who make sure the dispatch center here in Pierre that supports local, state and federal law enforcement is able to do its job.
Commissioner Barringer reaches across city lines to sit on the Expo Center board. The City of Pierre has a stake in the Expo Center because what's good for Pierre is good for Fort Pierre. Both communities benefit when we draw people to town for hockey tournaments, softball tournament, or other special events.
You'll find me spending time with the Chamber of Commerce, the Capital City Campus, the Bid Board, and working with state partners on the Capitol Complex Beautification Commission.
That's just a sampling of some of the unseen obligations our Commission works on regularly. Making a community a success requires a lot of partnerships, a lot lunch of meetings, and lot of energy. We are very blessed in Pierre to have a dedicated professional City Commission that is generous with its time and talent.
In the last three years, working together as elected leaders, community partners, and citizens we have accomplished a lot. Thank you for your support.
Fort Pierre Mayor Gloria Hanson's Report
When you grow up in central South Dakota, as I did, you quickly learn to appreciate the value of a tree. With water being a scarce commodity, I can remember carrying dam water by the bucketful to give our little elm seedlings a drink on hot summer days.

We enjoy a nice variety of trees in our community. Our early residents did a nice job of planting trees as the two cities developed. In addition, our riverside location provides an abundance of volunteer trees. So, it is alarming, to say the least, when a large percentage of our beautiful trees are threatened. The enemy? The Emerald Ash Borer, a critter that has already destroyed millions of trees in the US, made its first appearance in Sioux Falls two years ago. The Fort Pierre City Council just received an update from Ron Schreiner on the pest, its destructive nature, and a suggested timeline for communities and residents to prepare.

Many of you will remember the Dutch Elm disease which effectively wiped out a majority of elms in many areas of the US. In many cases, the elms that were removed were replaced by - you guessed it - ash trees. In our community 25 to 45 percent of all trees are ash.

In order to put together a logical plan to be prepared for EAB in the next 4-5 years, our small parks department (2 employees plus summer help) will need some assistance. I have asked my husband, Ron Schreiner, to lend his experience  gained while serving 8 years on the Pierre Arbor Board to help us get started.

I plan to have a motion establishing a Fort Pierre Arbor Board ready for the City Council to approve in the very near future. In the meantime, I am searching for good candidates who would like to serve on this board. One of the first tasks of the group will be to update a tree inventory so we know how many ash trees we have within the city and identify those that we can began removing.

Please let me know if you or someone you know might be interested in serving a term on the Fort Pierre Arbor Board. We will have more details available. My office number is 223-7690, and my email address is mayorhanson@fortpierre.com .



Capital City Economy
November 2019
Current Month
Same Month 2018
Percent Change
2019 YTD
2018 YTD
Percent Change
CITY TAX RECEIPTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pierre 2%
$680,769
$636,557
6.9%
$7,303,177
$7,139,121
2.3%
Pierre 1% BBB
$49,033
$47,696
2.8%
$501,025
$501,556
-0.1%
Fort Pierre 2%
$102,416
$94,825
8.0%
$1,106,175
$1,057,961
4.6%
Fort Pierre 1% BBB
$10,190
$9,961
2.3%
$111,631
$112,691
-0.9%
OCCUPANCY TAX
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pierre BID #1
$20,116
$20,442
-1.6%
$228,208
$225,228
1.3%
 
 
AIRPORT BOARDINGS
 
 
 
 
 
 
SkyWest
1,661
1061
56.6%
13,010
9836
32.3%
 
 
DAILY TRAFFIC
 
 
 
 
 
 
Missouri River Bridge
13,674
14026
-2.5%
160,041
161,811
-1.1%
US 14 East of Pierre
2,896
3061
-5.4%
33,003
32,821
0.6%
 
 
CITY OF PIERRE BUILDING PERMITS
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential:
New Homes
Stick Built - Number
0
0
5
10
   Dollar Amount
$0
$0
0.0%
$1,080,000
$2,549,428
-57.6%
Other* - Number
2
1
6
7
   Dollar Amount
$120,000
$19,000
531.6%
$269,900
$195,000
38.4%
Remodeling
Number
0
3
38
44
   Dollar Amount
$0
$51,756
0.0%
$323,112
$502,087
-35.6%
Commercial:
New Buildings
Number
0
1
9
7
   Dollar Amount
$0
$790,000
0.0%
$6,814,237
$6,467,082
5.4%
Improvements
Number
2
2
35
22
   Dollar Amount
$91,782
$24,000
282.4%
$3,022,546
$2,758,795
9.6%
Total Permits**
Number
22
36
603
819
   Dollar Amount
$389,984
$1,106,995
-64.8%
$15,141,481
$16,465,643
-8.0%
 
 
HUGHES COUNTY BUILDING PERMITS
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential:
New Homes
Number
1
0
8
10
   Dollar Amount
$389,000
$0
0.0%
$2,768,593
$2,650,800
4.4%
Other* - Number
0
0
4
3
   Dollar Amount
$0
$0
0.0%
$202,000
$205,000
-1.5%
Remodeling
Number
1
0
84
44
   Dollar Amount
$20,000
$0
0.0%
$1,652,866
$703,430
135.0%
Commercial:
New Buildings
Number
1
0
6
5
   Dollar Amount
$30,000
$0
0.0%
$801,316
$568,000
41.1%
Improvements
Number
0
0
3
0
   Dollar Amount
$0
$0
0.0%
$181,900
$0
0.0%
Total Permits**
Number
5
0
133
94
   Dollar Amount
$514,000
$0
0.0%
$7,129,734
$5,556,348
28.3%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
WORK FORCE              
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pierre MiSA***
Total Work Force
12,798
12,548
Total Employed
12,470
12,258
Total Unemployed
328
290
Unemployment Rate
2.6%
2.3%
* 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

PEDCO Backing Two Workforce Training Initiatives
Local businesses needing trained workers could find what they're looking for in one of two new training initiatives PEDCO is sponsoring.
The first, a partnership between the City of Pierre, PEDCO and the state's four technical colleges, provides a cash match grant to offset a business' cost of sponsoring a student. While the student enjoys a full-ride Build Dakota Scholarship, the business can count on a trained worker committed to employment for at least the first three years after graduation.
Build Dakota has identified high-need fields of study. Those include agriculture, automotive, building trades/construction, energy technicians, engineering technicians, healthcare, it/computer information systems, precision manufacturing and welding.
Whether you recruit the student or have the technical college offering your desired program find one for you, that student is essentially guaranteed a scholarship. Students must maintain a 2.5 gpa, and industry partners receiving a match grant must be PEDCO members located in Pierre, Fort Pierre or Hughes County. The match grant lowers the industry partner's cost by half.
If your company is looking for a pipeline of trained worker in one of these areas, visit the PEDCO website at pedco.biz and click on the Members tab, and then the Build Dakota logo. Or call PEDCO at 224-6610.
The second program is a community partnership with Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell.
DWU's Learn & Earn program is an affordable and efficient 16-month path to career and degree for students with industry-recognized certifications. The curriculum is developed in partnership with businesses and industries in the Pierre region and is designed to meet the specific needs of Pierre area employers.
Through Learn & Earn, students will pursue an Associate's Degree program offered right here in Pierre. After a four-month schedule of courses designed to prepare the student for working in a professional setting, coursework begins to be combined with paid internships provided by area businesses.
A kickoff presentation by DWU on Feb. 13 was well attended by area employers interested in offering a paid internship. More internship opportunities are needed, so if your business has a need for someone that will be trained in business management, human services, banking/insurance or coding/data analytics, contact Jan Larson at DWU, Jan.Larson@dwu.edu.
To learn more about Learn & Earn, visit dwu.edu/learnandearn, call PEDCO at 224-6610, or make plans to visit DWU staff when they are in town. DWU will host information sessions at Capital City Campus Feb. 25, March 24 and April 16.
Bakken Oil Area, Pierre Home Values Explode Over The Last Decade
What have been the hottest housing markets in the United States over the last decade?
Not surprisingly, Williston and Dickinson, ND, lead the list, fueled by industry investment and higher wages chasing the Bakken formation oil rush.
LendEDU analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau to track how median home values changed between 2010 and 2018 for nearly 800 areas and all 50 states, plus Washington D.C. At the time of this writing, 2018 is the most up-to-date year that is included in the Census Bureau's database.
The median home value in Williston grew 172.92 percent, from $93,800 to $256,000. Dickinson was right behind at 107.59 percent. In fact, five of the top 10 cities are in North Dakota.
Pierre values have skyrocketed as well. Of the 787 U.S. metropolitan or micropolitan statistical areas tested, Pierre ranks 56th at 32.18 percent. Our increase in value, from $130,500 to $172,000, ranks fifth in the state behind Mitchell, Aberdeen, Watertown and Vermillion.
Home values are a great economic indicator as they tend to rise and fall based on where high-paying jobs and industries are gravitating towards. Tracking home values over nearly a full decade can help predict what cities and states are best positioned for ongoing economic success as we head into the next decade.
Among the 50 states and Washington, D.C., South Dakota ranks fourth, behind only North Dakota, Colorado and Texas. Median home values here increased 30.2 percent, from $122,200 in 2010 to $159,100 in 2018.
LendEDU is a New Jersey-based website that helps consumers learn about and compare financial products.
Retail Briefs
Walmart plans to reap big savings from small changes
Walmart has found a new way to purchase shopping bags that will save the company $60 million a year, Chief Finance Officer Brett Biggs said during a presentation on the retailer's plans to reap savings from small changes. It will also switch to employee vests made from recyclable materials and cut $100 million in annual energy costs by changing the way it handles equipment maintenance in stores, he said. CNBC (2/18)

Walmart e-commerce makes inroads with affluent grocery shoppers
Walmart's online grocery business, which offers curbside pickup at 3,200 stores and same-day delivery at more than 1,600 stores, is starting to attract more affluent customers, including many who have never shopped at the retailer before and are outside its suburban, small-town and rural base. John Furner, president and chief executive officer of Walmart US, said the online services offer convenience that "aligns well with someone who is time-starved and has higher income levels." CNBC (2/18)

Analysts: Outbreak likely to cause US inventory shortages
Target and Best Buy are among the 19 US retailers likely to see merchandise shortages this spring as the coronavirus outbreak keeps factories in China closed or understaffed, Wells Fargo analysts note. Walmart and Dick's Sporting Goods are also on the list of retailers likely to experience shortages by about mid-April. Star Tribune (2/13)

Fashion brands brace for challenges amid coronavirus outbreak
China is vital to the global fashion industry both as a manufacturing hub and a growing consumer market, and companies say they're starting to feel the pinch as the coronavirus outbreak spreads. "We've talked about what would happen if China were to go to war with another country, and this feels like that, in terms of the disruption," said Beth Cross, CEO of boot brand Ariat, which depends on China for much of its manufacturing. Glossy (2/5) 

Experience to drive retail trends this year
Brick-and-mortar retail stores will remain relevant as experiential venues that help brands connect with consumers and fuel online sales, retail strategist and Lion'esque Group founder Melissa Gonzalez said. Retailers in the future will use more space for experiences and less for stocking goods, focus on fostering "Instagrammable moments" and open longer-term pop-ups. Forbes (2/4)

CEO: Walgreens plans growth after cost-cutting
Walgreens Boots Alliance is betting on cost-cutting measures to provide the means to invest in partnerships and future growth, CEO Stefano Pessina said at the retailer's annual shareholder meeting. Walgreens has already invested about $800 million in digital initiatives and has struck partnerships with companies including Kroger, Humana and UnitedHealth. Forbes (1/30)rding to the Commerce Department. Twelve out of 13 major categories showed gains, the department found. The Associated Press (1/16)

How Bath & Body Works thrives as malls' fortunes change
Bath & Body Works has remained popular with mall shoppers in changing times, with 1,600 stores, 40 consecutive quarters of sales growth and plans to open new locations. Its successful strategy includes a careful balance between prestigious and affordable products that appeal to shoppers of all ages, displayed in brightly lit stores. The Washington Post (1/13)

Walmart testing robots for filling online grocery orders
Robots are transforming how online grocery orders are picked and packed at a Walmart in Salem, N.H., a system that will be expanded to other Walmart stores. Thirty Alphabot units pull food and non-food staples from the shelves of the 20,000-square-foot warehouse, while humans handle the produce to fill orders. Business Insider (1/10)

Convenience stores grow thanks to food-and-beverage offerings
Convenience stores have become popular food-and-beverage destinations, allowing them to survive and thrive at a time when other types of retailers are dealing with store closures. Convenience store sales are up by about 30% from a decade ago, and the number of US convenience stores has increased by 28% since 2000, according to the National Association of Convenience Stores. CNN (1/12)
CVB Report
Tia Kafka , Convention & Visitors Bureau Director
In January, the Pierre Convention & Visitors Bureau launched the new 2020 Pierre Visitor Guide, which highlights everything Pierre has to offer visitors and residents alike. The guide is distributed to lodging, sport shows, convenience stores and the airport. It also goes out to convention attendees, interstate rest stops and other cities in South Dakota.

Every year the Pierre CVB takes part in the South Dakota Tourisms' Great Get-Aways program, which generates thousands of sales leads for visitor-related businesses in our area. A visitor guide is sent to each individual who expresses interest in visiting Pierre. 2020 looks to be a good year for tourism in our area, as we have already sent 4,000 copies to potential visitors.

If you are interested in having the Pierre Visitor Guide available at your business, or as handouts for your meeting, convention or conference, visit pierre.org or by calling 605.224.7361.

March is a busy month with the Girl's Varsity State Hockey Tournament to be held at the Expo Center in Fort Pierre, the Special Olympics Basketball Tournament to be held in Pierre and Fort Pierre, and State Amateur Billiards 8-Ball Tournament to be held at the Ramkota. Show your hospitality to everyone you meet; small interactions can be the pivotal influence of a positive or negative experience for visitors in our lovely community.

If your restaurant or business is having a special discount for a busy visitor weekend in Pierre, add it to our 'Hot Deals' page on the Chamber website and we will relay this information to organizations and groups coming to stay in our area. www.pierre.org.

Sport Show Season
CVB Director Tia Kafka and Buddy Seiner of Fish Stories (pictured) travled to Minneapolis, MN for the 2020 Pheasant Fest sport show to represent Pierre's premier hunting and fishing industries. Sport shows are sponsored by the Pierre BID #1 and are imperative in pulling sportsmen to our area over our competitors with similar offerings.
Membership Report
Katie Johnson, Membership Director
Just a friendly reminder of all the tips and tricks to help fully take advantage of the membership benefits available to you. If you have any questions, I am always happy to help!

1. Log into the Member Information Center

The number one way for us to keep you informed and share your business is by keeping your
directory listing up to date. Add a description and pictures to stand out in the crowd, submit
your events and hot deals to attract customers, post your job opening, register & pay for events,
enter your staff as representatives, network with other Chamber members, and choose from a
plethora of sponsorship opportunities. Visit www.pierre.org and login today. Contact the Chamber for assistance.

2. Take Advantage of your Investor Benefits

Review the benefits that are included with your level of investment. If you are
supplying web banner ads, please submit ads sized 480x60 pixels and 298x60 pixels.
Communicate ideal months for your business and supply any additional information for your
investment package.
 

3. Request a Ribbon Cutting

For a new location or Grand Opening, a ribbon cutting is a great way to gain exposure and host
other members in your location. We invite the media and our Chamber Ambassadors to the
ceremony. Ribbon and scissors are provided, and a photo is featured in our monthly Chamber
Newsletter, on our website and on Facebook.
 

4. Sign up for weekly What's Happening emails.

Make sure that we have added you to our email database (or go to our website to subscribe to
What's Happening). This is the best way to stay up to date with all the Chamber news.
Manage your subscriptions from the Member Information Center.
 

5. Follow us on Social Media

Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/pierreareachamber and Follow us @PierreSD on Twitter
 

6. Show your member pride

Proudly display your Chamber plaque sticker in your place of business on your door or window.
New Members
Craig Lee Studios
Craig Lee
102 N Pierre Street
Pierre, SD 57501
605-212-0256                                

Craig Lee Studios is a full-service photography and videography studio, now with a new location in Pierre. "We can't stop time, no matter how much we wish we could. But let's pause, for just a moment, and create something - together - that can be cherished for the months, years and generations to come."
 
Dakota Legacy Financial
Scott Bacon
347 S. Pierre Street
Pierre, SD 57501
(605)280-8384
 
To provide long-term confidence for yourself or your family, you must have a plan for success. Dakota Legacy offers comprehensive strategies utilizing a wide spectrum of financial services to help you pursue your goals through all phases of life.

Member Highlights


South Dakota Missouri River Tourism
Karen Kern, Executive Director
We can all agree that 2019 was a different year in the tourism world. Late snowstorms, flooding, state and national parks saw fewer visitors, and the struggling ag economy all contributed to a rather difficult year.

According to Secretary of Tourism Jim Hagen 2019 stats were better than expected when the year started. He reported the following at the Governor's Conference on Tourism held in Pierre the end of January:
  1. 14.5 million visitors traveled to South Dakota in 2019. An increase of 3.1%.
  2. Visitors spend 4.1 billion. An increase of 2.8%.
  3. Tourism contributed 308 million in tax revenue to state and local governments.
  4. Each household in South Dakota saves $890 because of Tourism.
  5. Tourism supported 55,157 jobs. One out of every 11 in our state - or 8.8% of all South Dakota jobs.
Those were all good statistics for 2019. Again, better than most in the tourism business expected.

Now to look forward to 2020. Hopefully Spring will get here on time this year. At SD Missouri River Tourism we are already getting calls from anglers wondering when the ice will be going out on the Missouri River so they can start fishing for northern pike. And, requests for our 2020 Visitor & Sportsmen's Guide are steadily coming in.

We are also getting our Visitor's & Sportsmen's Guide out at the five sports shows we are attending. Those shows are all in our target market area, which includes the states surrounding South Dakota.

We will be part of the South Dakota Tourism Magazine Coop again this year, with an ad in Parents Magazine highlighting the family recreation along the river. The Pro Walleye Tournament will be held in Chamberlain the first of May and we will also do marketing around that event. In addition, we are working on Tribal Tourism, group travel, additional hunting/fishing marketing, culture and history and events.

Mark Your Calendars : SD Missouri River Tourism will be holding our Annual Meeting on May 5 at the AmericInn in Chamberlain. We will have a luncheon for members and at 2 p.m. there will be a hospitality speaker. That part is open to everyone and is free. We are partnering with SD Tourism on the guest presenter. Watch for more information on the Annual Meeting!
Leadership Pierre


The objective of Leadership Pierre's session 6 on February 6th was to gain a better understanding of the healthcare services and operations available to the Pierre/Fort Pierre area communities. Thank you to our Leadership Pierre Champions BankWest and Avera for making these sessions possible.

Chamber Events

Thank You Sponsors!


Business After Hours
Winter Business After Hours was held at The Fieldhouse on Thursday, February 6. It was a great evening filled with food & drink, prizes, building new relationships and strengthening existing ones. Thank you to our co-hosts, BankWest, Easter Pierre Landscape & Garden Center, Maher Dental and The Right Turn! If you would like to participate in a future Business After Hours, contact Katie at 605.224-7361.


Ribbon Cuttings
 Cital City Campus
Capital City Campus celebrated the official name-change and new programs coming to CCC with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Tuesday, January 28th. Stay tuned for more information on their exciting new prospects!

Dakota Plains Federal Credit Union
Dakota Plains Federal Credit Union showed off their new digs with a Ribbon Cutting & Open House on Tuesday, February 18th. Find them for all your financial needs at 1525 N. Garfield

Lee Real Estate & Dakota Legacy Financial

Craig Lee Studios

Craig Lee Studios teamed up with PAWS Animal Rescue for his Ribbon Cutting & Open House on Thursday, February 27th. You can find Craig at 102 S. Pierre St.

Legislative Coffee
The Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce's Government Affairs Committee in conjunction with the League of Women Voters Pierre hosted the final Legislative Coffee of the 2020 session on Saturday, February 22. It was a great turnout with a lot of information shared and discussed.

Save the Dates!


March Calendar of Events

March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 : Open Skate . PAYSA Rink behind Walmart . For more information: Sara 407-590-7484 csdscnews@gmail.com http://Pierrefsc.com .
March 1 : Understanding Me For Parents and Caregivers of Infants & Toddlers - Why We Do What We Do. First United Methodist Church. For more information: The Right Turn 605-773 4755 kbly@midconetwork.com. FREE and Free Childcare Available Upon Request

March 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25 : Zumba Gold. Oahe Family Y. For more information: Mindy Cheap, Recreation Superintendent, 605 773 7445 mindy.cheap@ci.pierre.sd.us.

March 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30 : Arthritis Foundation Walk With Ease Program. Area Elementary Schools. For more information: Mindy Cheap, Recreation Superintendent, 605 773 7445 mindy.cheap@ci.pierre.sd.us .

March 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 12, 16, 17, 19, 23, 24, 26 30 : Reading Buddies. Pierre Senior Center (No membership necessary). For more information: Teri Royer at 224-3337 teri.royer@avera.org.

March 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30 : English As A Second Language (ESL). The Right Turn. For more information: 773-4755 http://www.TheRightTurn.org.

March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 : Knights of Columbus BINGO. Columbian Hall, 1221 E. Broadway Ave.. For more information: Pierre Knights of Columbus.

March 2 : Auditions for "Native Gardens". Grand Opera House 109 S. Pierre St.. For more information: Director Alisa Bousa at 605.280.3700 ademers@pie.midco.net http://www.pierreplayers.com.

March 2 : Canvasback Art Club. Rawlins Library, 1000 E. Church, Pierre. For more information: Bev Letellier 605-224-7993 ranchvet66@yahoo.com.

March 3, 10, 17, 24 : Seasoned Citizen Chair Workouts. Pierre Senior Center. For more information: Mindy Cheap, Recreation Superintendent, 605 773 7445 mindy.cheap@ci.pierre.sd.us.

March 3 : Volunteers needed at food bank. Assembly takes place at &Feeding South Dakota, 20562 Grace Avenue. For more information: andrew@feedingsouthdakota.org http://feedingsouthdakota.org/.

March 3 : Accounting Basic Terms & Concepts. CUC Room 111. For more information: Capital University Center 605-773-2160 gini.grannes@maxwellstrat.com https://cucpierre.org/. $50

March 3 : Beginning Spanish. Capital University Center Room. For more information: CUC at 773-2160 or download the registration form at https://cucpierre.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Spanish-Registration-Form.pdf gini.grannes@maxwellstrat.com http:////https://cucpierre.org/.

March 4, 11, 18, 25 : Seasoned Citizen Tai Chi. Pierre Aquatic Center multipurpose Room. For more information: Mindy Cheap, Recreation Superintendent, 605 773 7445 mindy.cheap@ci.pierre.sd.us.

March 4, 11, 18, 25 : River City Toastmasters. Lutheran Memorial Church--Basement Conference Room. For more information: Brian Underdahl at 605-220-1003.

March 4, 5 : QuickBooks. CUC Room 103. For more information: Capital University Center 605-773-2160 gini.grannes@maxwellstrat.com http://cucpierre.org/learning-seminars/. Part 1 - March 4 - $80 Part 2 - March 5 - $80

March 4 : Stanley American Legion Post 20 Monthly Meeting. Moose Lodge, 910 N Deadwood St, Fort Pierre. For more information: Kim Hallock, Post 20 Commander, 605-222-7065.

March 5, 26 : Breast Cancer Survivors. 415 S. Crow St.. For more information: 945-0827.

March 5 : Ag Appreciation Banquet 2020. Ramkota Hotel &Conference Center. For more information: 605-224-7361 jseiner@pierre.org https://petersonfarmbrothers.com/. Tickets are courtesy of area businesses who choose to sponsor this annual event.

March 5 : Conversational Spanish. CCC Room 111. For more information: CUC at 773-2160 or download the registration form at https://cucpierre.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Spanish-Registration-Form.pdf , gini.grannes@maxwellstrat.com , https://https://cucpierre.org/.

March 6 : Dan Mahar Concert. Drifters Event Center in Fort Pierre. For more information: Short Grass Arts Council , info@shortgrassarts.org , http://shortgrassarts.org/. $10 at the door

March 7 : Guitar Seminar with Dan Mahar. Pierre Music Store Northridge Plaza in Pierre. For more information: Contact Kerry Freidell at (605) 220-3088 for more details. info@shortgrassarts.org http://shortgrassarts.org/.

March 7 : #MMIW documentary "Somebody's Daughter". River City Public Transit 1600 East Dakota Ave (Meeting room), Pierre. For more information: Jenny Ponca: 6052224303, poncajxvi@yahoo.com OR Jennifer Arpan: jen_arpan@yahoo.com, https://www.somebodysdaughter-mmiw.com/. Free to public Facebook event for more details https://facebook.com/events/s/somebodys-daughter-documentary/2943984422319582/?ti=cl

March 8 : Understanding Me For Parents and Caregivers of Infants & Toddlers Keep Me Safe. First United Methodist Church. For more information: The Right Turn, (605)773-4755 , kbly@midconetwork.com. FREE and Free Childcare Available Upon Request

March 9 : Stately Stitchers Guild Meeting. Lutheran Memorial Church Basement, 320 E Prospect Avenue, Pierre. For more information: Pat Wheeldreyer, 605-224-4773.

March 10 : Chamber's Hospitality Committee Meeting. Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce Board Room. For more information: Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce.

March 13, 14, 15 : Hayes Play. Hayes, SD. For more information: Levi Neuharth, 605-567-3556 , clneuharth8680@gmail.com. $5 each at the door

March 13 : Women's Cancer Support. Avera St. Mary's Helmsley Center Cafeteria conference room. For more information: Gloria 224-3100 , gloria.rowen@avera.org.

March 13 : Rollin' Into Relay 2020 Kick-Off Event. Northridge Plaza. For more information: Tanya Krietlow, 605.280.6956 , tanya.grasselkrietlow@cancer.org. Free

March 14 : Central SD Survivors of Suicide Support Group. Monthly locations TBA. For more information: Julie Moore , julie.moore@avera.org.

March 16 : Bariatric and Weight Loss Support Group. Sanford Clinic Pierre, 521 E Sioux Ave., Pierre. For more information: Angie Bollweg, 605-945-5560 , angie.bollweg@sanfordhealth.org , http://www.sanfordhealth.org.

March 17 : St. Patrick's Day Parade. The parade route is the same as 2019. It will leave Pleasant and Highland, travel west to Pierre Street, move south to Dakota Avenue, turn right onto Dakota, travel two blocks to Central Avenue, turn left onto Central Avenue and continue to the Missouri R. For more information: Pierre Irish Club.

March 17 : Stroke Support Group. Conference Room @ 415 South Crow Street in Pierre. For more information: Countryside Support and Memory Center, Cindy M or Maxine, (605) 945-0827 , countryside@midconetwork.com.

March 19 : Breastfeeding Class. Avera Saint Mary's Hospital Room 106 South Building. For more information: Dawn Tassler, 605-224-3189 , gut1@dakota2k.net , http://www.growinguptogether.org. $10.00 and scholarships are available. Pre-registration is required

March 19 : Container Gardening Class - I. East Pierre Landscape & Garden Center. For more information: 605.224.8832 , info@eastpierregarden.com , http://www.eastpierregarden.com. Free

March 19 : Dementia Caregivers Support Group. 415 S. Crow St.. For more information: Countryside Hospice Support & Memory Center, 605-945-0827 , http://countrysidehospicesupport.com.

March 19 : Early Childhood Training Early Brain Development. The Right Turn. For more information: 605-773-4755 , kbly@midconetwork.com. $5.00

March 20 : Men's Cancer Support. Avera St. Mary's Helsley Center Cafeteria conference room. For more information: Gloria 224-3100 , gloria.rowen@avera.org.

March 21 : Container Gardening Class - II. East Pierre Landscape & Garden Center. For more information: 605.224.8832 , info@eastpierregarden.com , http://www.eastpierregarden.com. Free

March 21 : Dinner and Broadway. 117 N. Central Avenue First United Methodist Church, Pierre. For more information: Elaine Scott, 605-224-5939 , pierre1umc@mncomm.com. Cost is $12.00 and any profits will go to support the Church of Hope in the SD Women's Prison. Tickets must be purchased in advance and only 120 seats will be sold.

March 22 : Understanding Me For Parents and Caregivers of Infants & Toddlers How I Learn. First United Methodist Church. For more information: The Right Turn to register! (605)773-4755 , kbly@midconetwork.com. FREE and & Free Childcare Available Upon Request

March 22 : Make & Take Fairy Garden Class. East Pierre Landscape & Garden Center, 5400 SD Hwy 34, Pierre. For more information: 605.224.8832 , info@eastpierregarden.com , http://www.eastpierregarden.com. $30 (includes 2 plants, 1 fairy, soil, bowl, and rocks) + any extra materials (more plants, additional fairy decorations, etc.).

March 24 : Think & Drive - Stay Alive!. Riggs High School Theater or broadcasted live over KGFX-AM, KPLO and River 92.7. For more information: Dakota Radio Group, 224-8686 , http://www.drgnews.com/?s=think+and+drive.

March 26 : Early Childhood Training/. The Right Turn 115 E. Sioux Pierre, SD 57501. For more information: 605-773-4755 , kbly@midconetwork.com. $5.00

March 27, 28 : SD CDL Class A Test Prep Class. CUC, Pierre. For more information: Capital University Center, 605-773-2160 , gini.grannes@maxwellstrat.com , https://cucpierre.org/. $195

For future months, go to www.pierre.org