Hello [First Name],

This is the Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce, Pierre Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Pierre Economic Development Corporation's September 2021 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

One year ago, I could sit in my office and go hours without getting a single phone call or seeing another person. It felt like the world had pushed pause. What a change a year can make. As I sit here looking out my window at the construction of the new bridge, I can clearly see the changes Pierre is making for the better for residents and visitors alike.

In 2021, the South Dakota hospitality industry has seen record numbers in travelers over the summer. What does this mean for our communities? Our local shops are being visited, gas stations are being utilized, and our amazing restaurants are back in full swing. Please extend grace to area businesses; most are still working around product and employee shortages and are doing their best under the circumstances.

Getting to represent the ClubHouse, as well as the Pierre area community as whole, my favorite question from our guests is, “where should we go eat?” With my rebuttal of “what are you hungry for?” People are amazed that our community has such a variety of choices, most of which are locally owned. We all have our favorites in town, but that’s the beauty of Pierre. There is something for everyone!

While most communities around the state are beginning to see their peak tourism season wind down, Pierre is just about ready to welcome our two busiest months for travelers. Get ready to roll out the orange carpet for Rooster Rush in the Pierre area and show visitors what our Midwest hospitality and great outdoors are all about.

I am so proud to call Pierre home and to represent the community of Pierre and Fort Pierre. I hope each of you have gotten to enjoy the beautiful summer Pierre has seen this year.

These days a lot of people are considering business ownership. Whether you buy into a franchise, lease some space and start your own thing, or log onto the internet and begin building an ecommerce website, doing it on your own has never been more alluring. But just because you have an incredible skill or access to cheap goods does not mean you're ready to open the doors to your own business.

Starting a business without a strong foundation can hinder your sales. If you open your doors prematurely, you risk making a bad first impression or targeting the wrong audience. That can be hard to recover from. Before you hang that open sign and put out your welcome mat, ensure you know the answers to the following questions.

What Makes You/Your Business Unique?

Unless you hold the patent to a never-before-seen product, it's likely you're opening a business that already exists. This is not an affront to your abilities or genius. You are probably doing something that is already offered somewhere. If you're fortunate, it doesn't exist in your town or area. But you likely have some sort of competition for what you’re offering to do or sell.

So how do you entice customers to come to your business instead of that of your competitors?

You need to identify and communicate what makes you different. Many people claim their customer service sets them apart. Spend some time watching ads or reading them in your stream on social media. You'll realize that service is not a unique selling point. Everyone thinks they offer it.

Your unique selling point could be your sales environment, a guaranty, a pricing offer (although that’s a slippery slope to underbidding), something about how you perform your service, or what's included with the purchase.

Once you know what makes you unique, you want to create a plan to communicate that to your ideal audience.

Speaking of…

Who Are You Selling To?

If you just answered everyone, you're wasting your time and money. There's at least one group of people—hopefully several—who understand, need, and want what you're selling. Marketing to the rest of the world is a waste of resources. For instance, if you own a yarn store and you market specifically to people who love fabric arts and knitting, you will most likely bring in new customers. However, marketing to those who prefer active, physical hobbies may only get you a handful of clicks on your ads. Those clicks likely will not convert to sales. Focus on those you know you’ll have success with (your target market) before you consider converting others.

What Problems Are You Solving and Are They Worth It?

Most marketing gurus will tell you that you need to focus on a problem and present your business as the solution.

But that advice is only the beginning.

It’s expensive to offer the solution to a problem that most people don't realize they have or the problem doesn't bother them enough to seek a solution for it.

Some entrepreneurs will argue that if you call attention to a problem someone didn't realize they had (and you fix it) they will become loyal customers. But this is a magical equation.

There still must be a need that they feel bothered enough (once they know about it) to seek action on it.

I'm reminded of an episode of Shark Tank where a married couple lamented the problem of strands of her hair sticking to the shower walls (and eventually washing down the drain). To remedy this, they created a shower brush. They used it to brush the hair off the shower walls. The hair then became trapped in the brush’s bristles, and it could be disposed of easily after the shower without clogging the drain.

None of the Sharks invested. Why? The product solved a problem. Sadly, it was a problem no one was inconvenienced enough by to be spurred into action.

Who Is Supporting You?

It's important to answer this question from a financial perspective, but it's more important to think about this from a mental health and business resources perspective. You will be more successful in business if you have support of friends or family or someone within the community who can mentor you and help you with resources. When Jeff Bezos wanted to build a larger bed, his mother didn't stop him. In fact, she took him to the hardware store and helped him get the pieces he needed to create the sleeping area he had dreamed of. She supported his vision when she could have just gone out and bought him a new bed. You need someone like that in your corner when you decide to become a business owner.

In addition to someone who will support your vision, you need someone to help connect you with resources and introduce you to people who can make a difference in your business. Your Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber offers learning opportunities, networking events, and advocacy for businesses. In your quest to find support, it should be one of your first stops.

If you're looking to start your own business, answer these questions first. If you're someone who's already started a business, what questions do you wish you had asked before opening?

17 city commission meeting. All three will be back in front of the commission on Aug. 31.

Here's what the draft ordinances say.

Within city limits, there can be up to three medical marijuana dispensaries. That means there can be three retail sales outlets. Consistent with state law, the outlets are not allowed to be within 1,000 feet of any school, public or private, accredited by the state. Each of those dispensaries can operate from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. any day of the week.

Within city limits, we will also allow one testing lab, one cultivation facility, and one manufacturing facility. The testing lab can be located within a business or industrial district. The two remaining types of medical marijuana businesses can only be located in industrial zones.

Each type of medical marijuana facility requires a $5,000 annual local application fee. Those eligible for a facility license must be at least 21, have no felony record, have never had a medical marijuana license revoked by the State of South Dakota, be in good standing with the city, and be licensed with the state.

Staff from the city and Hughes County worked together on a joint jurisdictional area that surrounds city limits. It’s called the extra-territorial land and accounts for up to a three mile border around the city. Together with the county, we determined that no medical marijuana establishment will be allowed in that shared area.

These draft ordinances were months in the making. The city team has worked closely with the South Dakota Municipal League, other cities throughout the state, the SD City Planners Association, as well as multiple legal teams to develop the policy. We strived to strike a balance between accessibility, safety, and security. 

The ordinances under consideration in many communities across South Dakota are quite similar to ours. Though, you’ll see allowable dispensaries licenses within cities ranging from as little as one to more than a dozen. You also might notice some differences in operating hours and allowable locations.  

As I mentioned, the two zoning ordinances will be back in front of the city commission on Aug. 31 for a public hearing and, most likely, commission action. The licensing piece of the draft ordinance will also be in front of the commission again on Aug. 31.

If you’d like to take a look at the language, you can find the draft ordinances at cityofpierre.org.  

The Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce will be closed on Monday, September 6 in observance of Labor Day.

We will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, Sept. 7 at 8:00 AM.

The swimming pool is closed, and school has started. Fall is in the air, but in City government, summer isn’t over until the street projects are done!

We did our usual maintenance work, crack sealing and patching, followed by chip sealing and fogging, on a number of streets. This may not seem important if your street still rides well, but it is essential to the longevity of the surface.

One of our projects was one that was delayed last year due to COVID: two blocks of Second Street, south of Bad River. We addressed drainage issues, sanitary sewer improvements and the City crew installed new utilities where needed and finish- graded, and. C contractors will complete the curb and gutter and paving.

Another new construction project is the alley that runs east of the new elementary school. The City worked with the school to correct drainage problems, ; utilities have been installed, ; and the subsurface packedbase are prepared. Curb and gutter and paving will be completed by contractors.

The final construction project this year is Rowe Lane, a narrow street that runs looks like an alley behind the first block of Deadwood Avenue, east of the Hop Scotch, Chuckwagon and Chateau. Owners of those three businesses are working on improvements to their properties. This street connects Main Avenue with Rose Lane, River Lane and 2nd Avenue. When completed this fall, it will be paved with curb and gutter running the full length from Main Avenue to 2nd Avenue.  

One upcoming project, not street related, but still highly visible in our downtown area, is a painted mural on the north wall of the Hop Scotch. The concept includes four panels illustrating the early history of Fort Pierre: Native Americans and buffalo herds, Fort Pierre Chouteau, riverboats, and cattle ranching. Local artist Jill Kokesh and graphic design artist Tara Berg collaborated on the design.

Change is constant. Nothing ever goes quite as we planned. If we didn't believe this before 2020, we all know it now. Leaders everywhere are realizing that they must make major shifts in order to move forward to achieve their purpose. Changing directions is hard. It's risky. But it's the only way to get where we need to go. The future will be created by fearless, innovative leaders who have the courage... to shift. This leadership conference is exactly what any organization looking to develop their leaders' needs.

Leadercast 2021 - Shift is broadcast to hundreds of host sites, making it the largest one-day leadership event in the world. This year, attendees have the opportunity to watch twelve world-renowned speakers in any order at their own pace, from Monday, Sept. 13 - Friday, Sept. 17, with the capabilities to pause, rewind and re-watch! Members are able to attend this exceptional conference for just $65 per person, and sponsorship opportunities are available. If you have investment credit leftover, Leadercast 2021 - Shift would be a fantastic way to utilize it. Not sure on your credit status? We can help you with that. To register, you can go to pierre.org or reply to this email, but hurry, there is limited space available!

The speakers for Leadercast 2021 - Shift have successfully navigated through their own personal and professional shifts. Participants will learn from their experiences the practical insights, purposeful actions and catalytic insights that have the power to transform them into world-changing, visionary team builders.

At Leadercast 2021 - Shift you will get the supercharge you've been needing to leave the status quo behind to discover a better and brighter future. Join us to shift your leadership skills to levels you never thought possible.

Earn Continuing Education Units through Leadercast partners GCSU, HRCI, SHRM and ASNA. 
Continuing education credits will be available upon attendance.
SHRM (HR Professionals) - 4.75 credit hours
GCSU (General) - .5/5 credit hours
HRCI (HR Professionals) - 5.0 credit hours
ASNA (Nursing) - 5.0 credit hours

It has been a busy summer, but it’s not too early to start making plans for Rooster Rush, October 11 – 16, 2021. We will be doing some fun things again this year. One aspect  you should start planning for is Paint the Town Orange – when businesses and individuals decorate their yards or entryways with hunting displays. A new offering this year is an online store to order Rooster Rush apparel and products either for yourself or for your staff! Orders are only available for pre-sale until September 27, 2021. Personalization to add a business logo is available as well. Please make sure to note it in the 'order comments' section at check-out and someone from Quality Quick Print will reach out for details.

In addition to the fun activities planned by the CVB, we want to know what area businesses have planned as well. Add your Rooster Rush events to our community calendar, and please send the information to contactchamber@pierre.org to be added to the Rooster Rush Special Calendar of Events.

We are also getting the 2022 Pierre Visitor Guide ready for publication. Over 15,000 guides were printed and distributed last year. These guides go to: visitors interested in coming to Pierre, rest stops along the interstate, newcomers to the area, conventions and conferences held here, reunions, and at sport shows. If you are interested in being a part of this publication, please contact the Chamber for more information.

Don't hesitate to give our office a call at 224-7361 for more information on Rooster Rush and all the activities we have planned. Let’s have a fantastic fall season!

Oh September, my favorite month of the year! Kids are back to school, the daily routine is a little more normal, the days are warm with the nights cool, and soon the leaves will start to change color. After a very hot and dry summer I am looking forward to the cooler days ahead!

Business After Hours will be Tuesday, September 21st at the Silver Spur in Fort Pierre; note the change from our usual Thursday night event. As always, we will have five other businesses participate, there will be beverages for purchase, complimentary appetizers, and door prizes to win. If you have not attended a Business After Hours (BAH) event yet this year, be sure to mark this on your calendar! It is a great way to network in a relaxed environment. If you are interested in hosting or co-hosting a future business after hours, I would love to chat! We are currently securing our 2022 participating businesses.

Understandably, Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies have slowed down due to COVID and its ripple effects. If you have started a business, are a new owner, have redecorated your space, have made a name or location change, or have had any other reason to celebrate your business over the last year and a half, it’s not too late to host a ribbon cutting! Owning a business is hard work, and we love being able to help celebrate both the big and small victories of our members. We have options to help circulate the word about what is happening at your business, and work with you to make it as seamless as possible.

Looking ahead, Leadercast 2021 – Shift kicks off on Monday, September 13. Participants will have the whole week to watch the twelve world-renowned speakers at their own pace. You can register for the event until September 9. Rooster Rush week will be October 11-15th and we will be encouraging businesses to roll out the orange carpet to welcome the visitors in our community. Don’t forget, the 21st Annual Parade of Lights is scheduled for Monday, November 22, the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be the next day, November 23, and Shop Small Saturday will be November 26. Please consider shopping #Loyal2Local, not only during the holidays, but every day. Our community depends on it.  

Have a happy and healthy fall!

Katie Johnson

Sports/Travel Shows 2022

Sports and travel shows can be a large part of a marketing budget. Attending a show can be costly so you need to look for ways to keep the costs reasonable. The key is to plan wisely when putting your show schedule together.

Choose your shows wisely. Are they in your target market area? Always do the research before you book a show that you’re not familiar with. Can they get to your business or community easily?

Think about partnering with other communities, regions, or businesses. Yes, you’re all competitors, but you’re all there for the same reason. There are guidelines that can be set to make sure everyone is represented fairly. And, by partnering you can cut the cost down – and even take on a show or two you might not have been able to afford before. A win-win for each partner.

Handing out swag can also capture the attention of the show attendees. I’ve had people come up to the SD Missouri River Tourism booth a year after they had picked something up and want to talk again – you never know when they will decide to take that trip to your area. It’s called name and area recognition. Your promotional items must make a connection between your business and the customer.

Be sure whoever attends the show for you is someone that truly enjoys being at a show and talking to people for hours – answering the same question many times and always staying engaged with people walking by. A simple “hi” can bring someone to the booth that might otherwise walk by. Sadly, I’ve seen too many people in booths that don’t want to be there and it’s quite obvious – and your thought is “boy, are they wasting their money.” You have minutes or even seconds to make that first impression!

At SD Missouri River Tourism we are gearing up for shows in 2022 – and for our members there is a show co-o[ buy-in that they can take advantage of. For a small amount SDMRT will take brochures from your business or community to the shows we attend. If you are interested and are not a member of our organization – get ahold of us at 888-386-4617 or stop out at the Oahe Visitor Center and visit with us.

When exhibitors plan ahead after deciding to promote through sports/travel shows they can come away with great benefits. Research and planning is the key!

Leadership Pierre 2021-2022

Congratulations to the 2021-2022 Class of Leadership Pierre! It is going to be a fantastic year of growth and collaboration - we are so excited for what the year will bring!

Get Involved

• River City Toastmasters (9/1/2021)
• Pierre Senior Center Potluck and Entertainment (9/2/2021)
• Shop Where I Live Vendor Set Up Webinar (9/2/2021)
• Breast Cancer Support Group (9/2/2021)
• First Thursday Event Series (9/2/2021)
• Summer Patio Session (9/2/2021)
• Patio Sessions - James Van Nuys (9/2/2021)
• Capital City Farmer's Market (9/4/2021)
• Summer Concert Series at the American Legion (9/5/2021)
• Feeding South Dakota Needs VOLUNTEERS (9/6/2021)
• Gale Online Courses (9/8/2021)
• Capital Area Networking (CAN) Meeting (9/8/2021)
• Mobile Food Distribution - Volunteers needed (9/8/2021)
• Shop Where I Live Platform Tips & Tricks Webinar (9/8/2021)
• River City Toastmasters (9/8/2021)
• Pierre Senior Center Potluck and Entertainment (9/9/2021)
• Pierre Players Season Kickoff and Annual Membership Meeting (9/9/2021)
• State Skeet & 5-Stand - Willow Creek Wildlife (9/10/2021 to 9/12/2021)
• Women's Cancer Support (9/10/2021)
• Stirling Family Ranch Rodeo  (9/11/2021)
• Life Runners 5k (9/11/2021)
• Capital City Farmer's Market (9/11/2021)
• Family Fun Saturday: Kites & Bites (9/11/2021)
• Summer Concert Series at the American Legion (9/12/2021)
• Leadercast 2021 - Shift (9/13/2021 to 9/17/2021)
• Stately Stitchers Guild Meeting (9/13/2021)
• River City Toastmasters (9/15/2021)
• Pierre Senior Center Potluck and Entertainment (9/16/2021)
• Breast Cancer Support Group (9/16/2021)
• Dementia Caregivers Support Group (9/16/2021)
• Capital City Farmer's Market (9/18/2021)
• Calvin Jones Concert (9/18/2021)
• Horse Nations Indian Relay Race (9/18/2021 to 9/19/2021)
• Summer Concert Series at the American Legion (9/19/2021)
• Shop Where I Live Monthly Marketing Webinar (9/21/2021)
• River City Toastmasters (9/22/2021)
• Pierre Senior Center Potluck and Entertainment (9/23/2021)
• Shop Where I Live E-Commerce Best Practices Webinar (9/24/2021)
• Childbirth Class (9/25/2021)
• Childbirth Class (9/25/2021)
• Capital City Farmer's Market (9/25/2021)
• Fall Festival at Northridge Plaza (9/25/2021)
• Summer Concert Series at the American Legion (9/26/2021)
• River City Toastmasters (9/29/2021)
• Pierre Senior Center Potluck and Entertainment (9/30/2021)