January 2022 Newsletter

Hello [First Name],

This is the Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce, Pierre Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Pierre Economic Development Corporation's January 2022 E-Newsletter.

Take a few moments to enjoy an update from the Chamber as we promote prosperity, growth, and our way of life in the lower Oahe region.

-Your Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce Staff

Happy New Year! I have always been a fan of New Year’s; a time to reflect on the past twelve months with enthusiasm for the blank canvas and new opportunities a fresh year provides. 2022 will be the beginning of my first full year at the helm of the Chamber, adding another element of excitement to the new year for me. The Chamber team has been discussing and planning the contents of 2022 since my first day. We are continuously working to keep the Chamber relevant and provide excellent services and value to our members.

This year, albeit still a bit off, has been a year of recovery. Our tourism numbers were up, our hoteliers saw numbers that rivaled, if not surpassed, 2019. Restaurants, although battling a workforce shortage, have continued to provide exceptional service to patrons eager to dine with family and friends once again, and area retailers were excited to see customers filling their stores. Thank you to those of you who have continued to stay Loyal2Local by supporting the Pierre/Fort Pierre retailers, service providers and Chamber members all year long.

The new year will hold some exciting things; new events, added programs, the reorganization of Chamber committees, and a quest toward accreditation. Throughout these first few months I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with so many of you, and I am looking forward to meeting many more.

As we move into the new year, remember, you are the driving force behind the Chamber. Please let us know how can best serve you in 2022 and beyond.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy new year!

As business owners, we understand what overwork feels like. We throw ourselves into growing and promoting our businesses, we devote ourselves to our customers and clients — and yes, we end up exhausted.

That tired feeling that weighs you down might come from any of several sources. Once you understand why you're so tired, you can start to make some changes to give you the energy you need to run your business. Take a look at some of the sources of exhaustion as well as some tips to boost your energy so you can accomplish what you set out to do.

What's Making You So Tired?

When we're honest without ourselves, we can usually pinpoint the reasons we're tired. But sometimes they're not so obvious. Generally, that fatigue you feel boils down to one of three reasons:

1. You're Not Taking Care of Yourself

Are you eating well, sleeping well, taking time for yourself? As entrepreneurs, sometimes we don't even know the answer to those questions — but the answers can have a profound effect on our energy level. Maybe you're giving yourself a boost with sweet snacks, relying on the sugar high to keep you going.

And then there's caffeine. Yes, that cup of coffee in the morning gets you going — but if you're drinking more four cups a day (that's the equivalent of two energy drinks, by the way), the crash you feel when the caffeine wears off can be exhausting.

How about your sleep habits? Do you stay up scrolling through social media and realize you're going to bed an hour (or two) later than you should? If you don't practice good sleep hygiene, you can't expect to arrive at your office with the energy you want.

2. You're Stressed

You might be proud of how many hours you work per week to keep your business thriving — but those long hours are the primary cause of your exhaustion. And when you don't give your body time to unwind, it forgets how to do relax. How many nights have you spent staring at the ceiling in an ending cycle of stress as you review everything that went wrong yesterday and all the things that might go wrong tomorrow.

Stress affects your body's hormones in a negative way, so the problem feeds on itself. When you're stressed, your body produces cortisol, often known as the "stress hormone" — and its presence in your system keeps you awake, which makes you more exhausted, which makes you more stressed — and the vicious cycle continues.

Of course, the workplace isn't the only source of stress. If your relationships or home life causes stress, or if your personal to-do list is piling up, you'll find yourself surrounded by negative emotions in all directions.

3. Your Body is Working Against You

We talked about cortisol, the stress hormone, above. But other hormonal imbalances can also make you fatigued and irritable. Estrogen, progesterone, melatonin and thyroid imbalances should all be treated by a physician. Various auto-immune diseases, such as lupus, fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, can all affect your energy level. Once you've made the appropriate lifestyle changes, if you're still feeling regular exhaustion, don't try to diagnose yourself, but head to your doctor's office for diagnosis and treatment.

How to Boost Your Energy During the Work Day

Fortunately, there are proactive steps you can take to end fatigue and regain energy. Take a look at some small things you can do to boost your energy levels.

• Unwind before bedtime. Turn off your screens — TV, computer, and smartphone — at least two hours before you go to bed.
• Take breaks during the workday. Many people finding that taking just a few minutes for deep breathing and meditation helps refocus their mind and their energy.
  Clean up your sleep hygiene. Abstain from caffeine before the evening, and go easy on alcohol. Turn your bedroom into a haven, with blackout curtains and a noise machine if needed — and don't lounge on your bed outside of your normal bedtime.
• Hand off tasks other people can do. If you're working 60 to 80 hours a week, ask yourself how much of that time is spent doing things only you can do. Delegating routine tasks to others will help rejuvenate your energy and your mindset.
• Get some exercise. Climb the stairs to your office. Park as far from the front door as possible. Take a walk at lunch. Exercise releases all sorts of good chemicals that boost mood and energy.
• Get outdoors. Sometimes staring at the same four walls produces exhaustion (even if one of those walls is a window). Make sure you get outside your office for part of your workday each day.

• 16 Reasons to Shop Local Instead of Online
• Celebrating Small Business Season
• Creating a Memorable Buying Experience This Small Business Season

The Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce will be closed on Friday, December 31 to ring in the New Year with our loved ones. Happy holidays to you and yours!

Whenever a new year is nearing, I like to set aside some time just to try to recall the whole year. Every time I do this exercise, I think how soon we forget. Each year brings big challenges, big opportunities, and a series of accomplishments.

Here’s a look at some of the big projects that are pushing Pierre forward.

Our skyline along the western side of Pierre has changed a number of times. This is thanks to the large dueling crane operations along the Missouri River.

In March, ground was broken on the Missouri River Bridge project. This project is driven by the S.D. Dept. of Transportation, but nonetheless it will have a major impact on Pierre. I like to think that the finished project will provide a beautiful new welcome mat to the capitol city. At last check, that welcome mat is expected to be complete in 2024. As part of this effort, the city will build a plaza adjacent to the new bridge.

In 2021, major strides were made on the city’s drinking water treatment facility. Nearly all of the exterior work at the treatment facility is complete. Operations have primarily moved to piping and electrical work on the inside of the structure. But for me, the most awesome piece of the project this year was the floating and subsequent sinking of the 714 foot intake pipe into the Missouri River! 

This fall, we also flushed more than 100 miles of water main to clear the pipes for the new treated water. If all stays on track, by this fall, you’ll have treated water flowing to your faucet.

The silhouette is also changing on the east side of the community. We’re in the midst of $15 million modernization project at the wastewater treatment plant. It will change how wastewater is treated from the time it is received at the plant until it is fully treated and discharged. A number of buildings will be decommissioned during the process and eventually demolished. The project is expected to be complete in early 2023.

If you cruse past Griffin Park, the changes are very apparent! Earthwork is well underway for the City’s new outdoor pool. We have removed about 15,000 yards of poor soil and brought in another 20,000 yards to replace that soil and elevate the pool out of the water table. If all goes according to plan, the pool will be done in time for the 2023 swim season.

This year, the City also rehabilitated 660 feet of storm sewer under River Road, rebuilt Airport Road, added a parking lot at the airport, built a new skate park, remodeled the sand volleyball court, installed a new bathroom at the Griffin Park swim beach, made improvements to nearly 200 blocks of city street, and stood up a medical marijuana licensing program.

And that’s just some of what was accomplished - it’s no wonder it’s hard to remember all that happened this year.

Cheers to a successful 2021. May our 2022 be just as productive!

Looking Back at 2021

As I write my last column for the year, I am tempted to leap forward into all the exciting things coming up for 2022. But it’s also important to take a look at where we’ve been and what the good folks in Fort Pierre have accomplished in 2021. Here are some high points:

REVENUE. I hate to put money in the #1 spot, but a city can’t do much without it. Revenue, in all categories (sales tax, BBB, and occupancy tax) have all exceeded budget projections. In fact, the sales tax receipts the first 9 months exceeded the 12-month projections.

STREET PROJECTS. Thanks to a nice, long fall and good weather, we were able to complete the three projects:  2nd Street, School Alley, and Rowe Lane. The last two were funded with TIF revenue, and fulfilled a long-time desire to improve our downtown area.

NEW AND EXPANDED BUSINESSES. Through ribbon cuttings and open houses, we celebrated Floyd’s Trucking’s expansion and new Kubota dealership; Shane’s Pharmacy’s beautiful new building; and Fun Time Rentals. Coming up this spring we will cut ribbons for Bad River Furniture’s big new warehouse, new office buildings at AGE and Morris, as well as Teton Arms Gunsmiths’ new location.

REDISTRICTING. With the completion of the 2020 Census, it became obvious that our City’s growth created some population inequity in the three Wards. Ward 1 had 450 registered voters, Ward 2 had 506, and Ward 3 (to the far north) had 670. With the assistance of the staff of the Central Enhancement District, we created several options for the Council to consider. The one that was adopted equalizes the numbers without making any changes in the incumbent council members’ representation. A copy of the new map will be available on the web site after it becomes effective January 1.

EVENTS. Fort Pierre wouldn’t be Fort Pierre without our events. From multiple big rodeos to horse races, from Trader Days and 4th of July activities and First Thursdays, our little City hosts thousands of visitors. None of these events would be possible without a multitude of dedicated volunteers, a talented and helpful City staff, and leadership from Fort Pierre Tourism, Fort Pierre Chamber, Fort Pierre Development, and Stanley County Fairgrounds. It truly does take a village.

Next month, I’ll focus on plans and priorities for 2022. In the meantime, you have our warmest wishes for a blessed Christmas holiday, and a safe and fun New Year.

The Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) has a busy January planned. Our office helps to coordinate the sport shows supported by the Pierre Business Improvement District. Annually, the CVB attends four sport shows. The Pierre Area will be represented at sport shows in St. Cloud, MN, Eau Clair, WI, Denver, CO and at Pheasant Fest in Omaha, NE. Attendance at these events helps bring fisherman and hunters to our area to take advantage of the many resources Pierre has to offer.

This month the CVB will also be attending the American Bus Association (ABA) Marketplace held in Grapevine, Texas. The ABA conference is the premier business event for the group travel industry. The Marketplace event provides the opportunity to meet face-to-face with bus tour operators from all over the country to talk to them about Pierre and what we have to offer visitors. In addition to the marketplace, the conference offers professional education seminars and numerous networking opportunities.

Last but not least, he South Dakota Tourism Conference will be held at the end of January. This conference is a great opportunity to visit with other tourism industry associates about activities in the coming year that will potentially draw visitors to and/or through our community. The Pierre and Fort Pierre communities will be vying for the Cacklin’ Community Award. Pierre was awarded the title in 2018 for our Rooster Rush promotional efforts, and we hope to reclaim the title again this year.

2022 is off to a great start. Happy New Year!

What does it mean to be a member of the Pierre Area Chamber, and what are the benefits to your business? Contrary to what some people believe, the Chamber of Commerce is not a government entity; nor are they some super, secret business fraternity, nor a country club for business people. A Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization that advocates on behalf of local businesses. We are backed by a board that is comprised of business-people from the local community. The Chamber is a resource, advocate, and connector for business. We promote prosperity, growth, and our way of life in the lower Oahe region.

Search Engine Optimization is the main reason why every small business in Pierre/Ft. Pierre should be a Chamber member. Chambers of Commerce are strongly trusted entities by Google and other search engines. When your business is added to our website the high-quality connection signals to search engines that you are a well trusted source, placing you higher on the generated list of websites given. This is your search engine optimization (SEO). Being listed on the Chamber’s website gives a business, with or without their own website, an online presence. Patrons can’t buy products or services from you if they don’t know you offer them, or even exist.  

When you join the Chamber of Commerce you also build your business locally. Networking facilitates in developing new relationships and nurturing your existing partnerships. Membership gives you online and local visibility, networking opportunities, referrals, events, and programs. Business connections can help you meet your neighbors and explore new ideas. The Chamber refers its members to people seeking specific product and service recommendations on a daily basis.

In 2019, we started offing sponsorship in an A La Carte format; a menu to almost all sponsorship opportunities the Chamber offers. As you will see by this year’s A La Carte options below, there are many sponsorship opportunities to fit your specific business and target market. Notice we have added a new fall golf tournament at Dune’s, Golfapalooza, in addition to the Chamber’s usual spring Golf Classic at Hillsview. If you would like to discuss sponsorship, or a specific event, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. If you would like to increase your businesses top of mind awareness within the community, call me today and let’s visit about what would work for you and your budget. Don’t forget, we are now able to accept monthly payments, quarterly payments or annual payments.

Dear Local Businesses & SD Post-Secondary Educators:

We are very excited to announce our 4th Annual T. F. Riggs High School Post-High Planning & Career Fair.  It is scheduled for Wednesday, January 26, 2022, from 8:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. in the Riggs High School Gyms.  

This event will present valuable information to our students about the multitude of career options available to them upon graduation. Your much-appreciated participation will be vital to the success of this annual event.  Invitations will be extended to all high school students enrolled at both Riggs and Stanley County schools.   The students will be attending the event via a rotating schedule that allows each student approximately 50 minutes to tour the booths and visit with those businesses and schools which offer the careers of most interest to them.  

If you will be able to participate in this experience for our students, please click here to RSVP for the CTE Career Fair and to reserve your spot at the event by January 14, 2022.

Please bring along any materials you feel would be beneficial to the learning process of the students; including pamphlets, diagrams, models, etc., and if you choose to hand them out, business cards for the students.  Consider the following:

• What are you able to show students for a better understanding of your program/career?
  
• What type of work and everyday jobs are available at your business/profession?
  Information on training for your career (i.e., Where could a student receive training
• What courses would you recommend they take if they are interested in this career/profession?)

We encourage you to be creative in your presentation endeavors. If your occupation allows for you to present a demonstration to engage the students, please let us know ahead of time so we may assist in accommodating any special needs you may have.   Your demonstrations are an integral part of the learning process and greatly contribute to the excitement of the fair. If you require internet access, electricity, or extra space, please let us know when you RSVP, so the necessary arrangements can be made.

Our gym space will be available for booth setup from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. Wednesday morning prior to the fair. If you believe you may need additional time to setup, please contact Cheryl Ulmen at (605)773-7350 to coordinate alternative arrangements.

Thank you, in advance, for your time and consideration. Once again, we wish to stress the importance of having you, our community members, involved in the education of our youth.

Sincerely,

T. F. Riggs Career & Technical Education Department

Cheryl Ulmen, Chair

Cody Jakobson

Terri Johnson

LaKisha Jordan

John Wayne Kalda

Kate Olson

Tom Rogers

Alexis Terwilliger

Justin Tostenson

Light Up the Pierre Area

There are only a few days left to cast your vote for the best Light Up the Pierre Area display!  View the map of participating locations, and then VOTE online, or by texting (516) 253-2565.

You can also view the displays online here, although a photo just doesn't do them justice!

Winners in four categories will be announced on Jan. 30.

2021 Annual Celebration

The Pierre Area Chamber is proud to announce the first of six award winner's from the Chamber's 2021 Annual Celebration! Congratulations to the Neuharth family of Prairie Paradise Farms on being named the 2021 Farmer/Rancher of the Year!

Congratulations to the 2021 Outstanding Hospitality award winner, Kory LaFurge from Jake's Good Times Place, on this well-deserved honor!

The Pierre Area Pride award was created in the 70's to recognize those who go above and beyond to improve our communities. This year, we recognize the Oahe Family YMCA as the 2021 Pierre Area Pride award recipients - Congratulations! A very well-earned honor.

The Pierre Area Chamber recognizes Meredith Lee of Lee Real Estate as the 2021 Ambassador of the Year. Thank you for your never ending support of the Chamber and Pierre area!

Family businesses are the backbone of our economy. We are proud to announce the 2021 Family Business of they Year award recipients, Midwest Construction & Development - Congratulations on this deserved recognition!

The Pierre Area Chamber is proud to announce that the 2021 Pierre Area Business of the Year award went to... Lariat Lanes! Congratulations on this fantastic achievement, and thank you for your steady commitment to the Pierre area residents and visitors.

The Chamber and its attendees had a fantastic time watching our fellow member employees get hypnotized by comedy hypnotist Kellen Marson! Thank you to the volunteers for being great sports.

The Chamber's Annual Celebration entertainment was sponsored by BankWest - Thank you!

Meet Santa's Reindeer Event

The Chamber was excited to once again able to host Santa and his reindeer at East Pierre Landscape & Garden Center for the second year in a row! Thank you to Leonard Management McDonald's for donating Santa's favorite snack (milk & cookies) with us to share with everyone who stopped out.

Leadership Pierre 2021-2022

 Leadership Pierre enjoyed their fourth session on Dec. 2, which focused on community services. The objective of the session was to learn about the various ways in which you can get involved in the Pierre area, and how those services impact our community and its residents.

Get Involved in What's to Come