Hello [First Name],

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

I can honestly say this is my favorite time of year. The Governor and Buffalo fall sports are underway, and soon we will get to see the Oahe Capitals begin their season too! I am the person that complains about the heat from the moment it reaches 75 degrees, and love a good snow storm!

However, this is the time of year that Loyal2Local really impacts our community the most. Tourist start to slow down, and Christmas gifts are being bought for the season. I encourage you to stay local with your gift purchases and consider the options we have in the Pierre area. Get to know the local shop owners and all that they do for the community.

On November 18, the Chamber will be holding its annual board meeting that is open to all chamber members. I would encourage you to come and get to know the incoming board member candidates who are nominated for 2022.

Lastly, I want to say thank you for the chance to serve as your Chamber Board President in 2021. What a year it has been. We have made many positive changes this year, and so many more are to come. I am certain our 2022 team will keep the ball rolling and am excited to see what the future will bring!

Thank you,

Thomas Allerdings, 2021 Board President

The Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce’s nominating committee is offering a slate of candidates for 2022.

The proposed 2022 Executive Board will consist of President Aaron Fabel (Oahe Family YMCA), Vice President Jodie Hickman Anderson (Strategic Association Services), Secretary Jessica Mefferd (Mefferd Agency, Farmers Union Insurance), Treasurer Jaymason Bramblee (Oahe Federal Credit Union) and Past President Thomas Allerdings (Clubhouse Hotel & Suites).

Nominations for the three-year terms include: Thomas Allerdings (Clubhouse Hotel & Suites), Jaymason Bramblee (Oahe Federal Credit Union) and Stephen Webb (Gateway Ford, Lincoln & Toyota).

Incoming president Aaron Fabel will appoint Uriah Steber (Drifters Bar & Grille), Kevin Tiger (Silver Spur), and Jill Janecke (Rising Hope Counseling) to each serve a one-year term.

Any additional chamber member in good standing who is interested in submitting his or her name for consideration for a position on the Chamber Board of Directors can do so by submitting a statement of willingness to serve to the Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce (800 W Dakota Ave; Pierre, SD 57501). Such statements shall be forwarded to the nominating committee no later than November 14, 2019. His or her name will be added to the ballot and voted on by all members represented at the annual meeting that will be held on November 18, 2021 from 11:30am-1:00pm. The nominees receiving the majority of the votes shall be declared elected to the Board of Directors. Should a tie occur, the nominating committee shall cast the deciding vote.  In the event no other chamber member submits his or her name, the nominated slate will become the 2022 chamber board.

Newly elected and appointed board members shall be seated at the December board meeting and shall be considered participating members until their term ends.

The Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors wants to extend a special thank you for the commitment of Melissa Puepke (First Dakota National Bank), Angie Bollweg (Sanford Health) and Chris McConnell (Black Hills Federal Credit Union).

The Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce will be closed on Thursday, November 11 in observance of

Veterans Day. We will be back in the office at 8:00 AM on Friday, November 12.

The Chamber will also be closed on Thursday, November 25 and Friday, November 26 to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with loved ones. We will return to normal hours on Monday, Nov. 29 at 8:00 AM.

The troubles with the supply chain are daunting. We’re seeing predictions that the holiday shopping season will be marred by empty shelves and disappointed children. While the problems are serious, there are some businesses that will triumph in the face of adversity, and this very well could be the best holiday season for them yet. If you are one of those fortunate businesses, it’s time you market the benefits of shopping with you for the holidays.

The supply chain issues are affecting restaurants, stores, and other merchants who rely on pieces and parts from other vendors and manufacturers from across the country and the world. But local artisans or restaurants that rely on locally grown food may have a significant advantage this holiday season.

Marketing Tips for the Holidays

If you are a business that is removed from the larger supply chain, it may be time to get the word out. While some box stores are expecting empty shelves in certain departments this season, you can be fully stocked and ready to help shoppers. But they won’t know unless you tell them.

1. Let them know you are ready with “the goods.” People don’t know what to expect from supply chain shortages and they don’t fully understand the ripple effect. They may assume that if a large chain store is out of something, so are you. Make sure they know you’re fully stocked with holiday delights.
2. Use this as a chance to highlight the awesomeness of local. Without offending those who are struggling with supply chain issues right now, this is an ideal opportunity to highlight yet another benefit of shopping local.
3. Offer local delivery. If you’re able to cover the cost and man hours, consider offering local delivery or pick-up options. People tend to buy online and from box stores because they don’t have to leave their homes to do it. But this year, even reliable delivery services are having issues now (and we’re way ahead of the holiday shipping rush). Tout the reliability of your deliveries and pickups.
4. Use bags and tags. Consider creating your own stenciled shopping bags or gift tags that mention this gift was made locally and selected by someone who cares. This messaging will be carried around town by your customers and attached to gifts making a big impression on a larger audience.
5. Work with your Pierre Area Chamber on a shop local campaign playing up the value and availability of items made locally. As understanding as shoppers may be that everyone is in the same boat, they are tired of hearing COVID as an excuse. If your local business can help make a few holiday dreams come true, it will have a big impression on your future customers. Speaking with the Chamber is also a good idea if you’re a business that is struggling with supply chain. We may know of local businesses that can help you with new stock or items/services to get you through the season.

​Finally, if you’re doing a great job marketing and advertising the benefits of shopping with you this season, consider extending your business hours to accommodate last-minute shoppers and those who work in another town during the day. Some potential customers may avoid shopping locally because they figure local businesses close before 5.

Some local businesses may have the advantage this holiday season. If you’re among the fortunate that’s not disrupted by the supply chain, these marketing tips can help you have the best season ever.

• Improve Your Networking Results with a Four-Point Plan
• How to Revive Connections with Former Customers
• 5 Ways Your Retail Business Is Losing Out on Sales
• How to Take Your Customer Relationship to the Next Level

Treated Water Coming Soon, System Flushing Coming Sooner

In June 2018, Pierre voters decided we should improve our drinking water by building a water treatment facility. In July 2020, the building design and construction plan was unveiled. By this time next year, people living in Pierre should be enjoying that new drinking water.

We have already completed the water intake located on the north side of Sioux Avenue near the car bridge. You might remember, in March, we floated and sunk a 714 foot pipe just north of the train bridge. That pipe brings water to the pump structure that we built just west of the Ramkota. That pump structure then conveys the water under Sioux Avenue to the new treatment facility.

That treatment facility is taking shape! Much of the exterior work is done. That means interior work is underway including painting, concrete work and installation of the treatment equipment. The intake and water treatment facility are two pieces of this very large system. The third component is the distribution system –the pipes that take the water from the treatment facility to your faucet.

We’re fortunate that we can retrofit our existing distribution system for the new treatment facility. But before we start pushing new water through those pipes, we need to clean them. Our existing water has a high mineral content. Those minerals can settle in the pipelines. So, for the next several weeks, we’re going to push a whole lot of water at a high speed through the pipes to clear out pipeline deposits. This is similar to the flushing process the fire department does each year.

The flushing process can cause temporary water discoloration. Despite any temporary color change, the water remains safe for drinking and bathing. To clear discolored water, when your neighborhood is flushed, run cold water, preferably from an outside spigot, until the water color returns to normal. Consider waiting to use home filtering systems, water softeners, dishwashers or washing machines until the water runs clear.

Also, pressure variations during the flushing process may cause some fire suppression systems to alarm.

The lines will be flushed in zones. We’ll start in the northern part of the community and then move south from there. Clearing all six zones could take up to a month. 

To find out when your neighborhood is being flushed, visit public.alertsense.com. There you can opt into a free text message or email that will alert you when your neighborhood is scheduled for flushing. In the meantime, visit cityofpierre.org and click on the drinking water treatment facility link. There you can find an outline of the flushing sequence, as well as frequently asked questions about the flushing process.

This will take us one step closer to the new water that we have been working on for nearly four years. Treated water will be here soon! 

Sometimes you need to look behind you to realize just how far you have traveled.

During a staff meeting last week, we talked about how much Fort Pierre has grown and changed over the last 20 years.  Rick Hahn, City Engineer and Public Works Director, and Finance Officer Roxanne Heezen, volunteered to put together some information for the Council meeting.  The table below will provide some highlights:

Comparing Google Earth maps of the city in 1991 and 2017 tells an even more dramatic story.  Entire residential developments (Marions Garden, Marions Pastures, Marions Acres, Vintage Square Estates, and Compton’s Cove) have sprung up, and the Teton Island Business Park transformed that area.

We appreciate the foresight of previous mayors and councils who saw the need for infrastructure to accommodate growth.  And we will always be grateful to the entrepreneurs and developers who invested (and continue to invest) capital, time and dedication to the future of our beautiful little city on the rivers.  

The Pierre Economic Development Corporation will nominate board members at its Nov. 23 annual meeting. In accordance with PEDCO’s bylaws, the nominating committee is submitting the following slate for approval by the membership:

Aaron Fabel, Oahe YMCA (Chamber Liaison)

Current board member nominations for renewal:

Andy Hubbart, BankWest

Kim Easland, American Bank & Trust

Rick Dockter, Ameriprise Financial

Damon Wheelhouse, Allied Plumbing & Heating

Additional nominations may be made from the floor by members during the Annual Meeting.

Other parts of the Capitol building will also be decorated, including the grand marble staircase and the Capitol grounds. The big South Dakota tree featured in the rotunda, which is being donated by a family in Pierre, will be decorated by the Christmas at the Capitol committee in honor of the 40th birthday of Christmas at the Capitol.

The holiday season brings many local events to the area. Please be sure to check our Chamber of Commerce community calendar regularly for event details or to add your event to the calendar. 

Ribbon cutting season is not over, we will celebrate two ribbon cuttings this week. The first will be Tuesday October 26th at the Farr House located at 106 E. Wynoka from 4-6pm! We will cut the ribbon at 4pm, and the open house will be from 4:30-6pm. The Farr house will also be hosting a free Halloween Photo opportunity Friday, Saturday and Sunday October 29th-31st.  Be sure to check out their Facebook page for more information. The second ribbon cutting will be on Thursday October 28th at 11am at the new Karl’s location in Northridge Plaza! Join us for live vendor demonstrations, exclusive in-store specials and sign up to win door prizes from 11am to 2pm.

Also coming up this week is Downtown Trick or Treat Night, Thursday, October 28th from 5:30-7:30.  Be sure to enter the kids in the costume contest being held at the BankWest Plaza at 6pm! If you or your business is interested in hosting a table during downtown trick or treating, you can contact Scott at The LB – Longbranch for more information.

Help us ring in the holiday season by joining us for the Chamber’s 21st Annual Parade of Lights. Line up for the parade in Riggs High parking lot starting at 5pm on Monday, November 22; the parade will begin at 6pm. Registration forms are available online and at the Chamber. Pre-registration is requested but not mandatory. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place entries, in addition to the Mayor's Choice, Griswold and People's Choice awards.

Tuesday, November 23 is the Grand Tree Lighting in the Capitol Rotunda; the trees are always so beautiful, and it really gets you in the Christmas spirit!

Shop Small Saturday is Saturday, November 27. It is a great opportunity to be Loyal2Local and shop our locally owned retailers as you start your holiday shopping. Many great items can be found right here in the Pierre/Ft. Pierre area, and you don’t have to worry about any shipping issues – Win/Win!

Mark your calendars, you won’t want to miss the Chamber’s Annual Celebration on Thursday, December 9 at the Ramkota. Celebrate the holidays with us and reserve a table for you and your colleagues today! Enjoy entertainment by hypnotist Kellen Marson, an awe-inspiring performer, and dynamic entertainer who can get the best out of every single on-stage opportunity. With more laughs per minute than any other comedy hypnotist performing today, Kellen is dedicated to making hypnosis ‘HIP’ again and revolutionizing the profession. Tables for 8 can be purchased on our website or by calling the Pierre Area Chamber at 605.224.7361.

Coming up faster than you may realize in 2022 is the Chamber's Back to Business Legislative Welcome. With disruptions in the supply chains, now is the time to order your promotional items for the December 21 deadline!

Katie Johnson

Membership Director

Customized gloves by Dakota Glove are a great tool for promoting your business, thanking your clients and recognizing your employees. Dakota Glove offers a variety of glove styles, including leather and canvas, which can be branded or decaled with your company logo. These gloves are perfect gifts and are a unique way to brand your corporate image.

Need a meeting space, a work retreat, or a guest room to rent? This historic home is a gem waiting for your overnight stay, tour or event! Contact Ashley for your special event today!

Ribbon Cuttings & Open Houses

The Alley Exchange

The Alley Exchange celebrated moving into their new location with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 16. You can now find the mixed vendor marketplace at Northridge Plaza, 1615 N Garfield, from 9 AM - 8 PM Monday through Friday,  10 AM - 6 PM on Saturdays, and noon - 5 PM on Sundays.

Rooster Rush 2021

Leadership Pierre 2021-2022

 Leadership Pierre enjoyed their second session on Oct. 14, which focused on education. The objective of the session was to learn more about educational opportunities  in the Pierre area, from our area public schools, to Capital City Campus, to The Right Turn, South Dakota Discovery Center and more.

Get Involved

The South Dakota Discovery Center needs your help and input! Please take a few moments to fill out the survey.

• Discovery Center Open House (10/26/2021)
• The Farr House Ribbon Cutting & Open House (10/26/2021)
• Wallace Halverson Day (10/26/2021)
• High School Volleyball (10/26/2021)
• BankWest Presents: Finance FUNdamentals - The Ins and Outs of Individual Retirement Accounts (10/26/2021)
• History Trivia Night (10/26/2021)
• BankWest Presents: Finance FUNdamentals - Health Savings Accounts 101 (10/27/2021)
• Karl's Ribbon Cutting & Open House (10/28/2021)
• Pierre Players Presents "A Little Piece of Heaven" (10/28/2021 to 10/30/2021)
• Trick or Treating on Pierre Street (10/28/2021)
• Grey Goose Halloween Display 2021 (10/28/2021 to 10/31/2021)
• You Gotta Have Friends (10/28/2021)
• Free Halloween Photo Fun (10/29/2021 to 10/31/2021)
• Halloween Karaoke PARTY! (10/29/2021)
• Haunted Doggie Hustle (10/30/2021)
• Capital City Farmer's Market (10/30/2021)
• Trick or Treating at The Alley Exchange (10/30/2021)
• Trick or Treat at Northridge Plaza (10/30/2021)
• Trunk or Treat (10/30/2021)
• Feeding South Dakota Needs VOLUNTEERS (11/1/2021)
• City of Pierre Seasoned Citizen Programs (11/1/2021)
• Reading Buddies (11/1/2021)
• Pizza Ranch Fundraiser for the Pierre Tennis Association (11/1/2021)
• Understanding Me Parenting Classes (11/1/2021)
• 2021 Light Up the Pierre Area - Registration Deadline (11/2/2021)
• City of Pierre Seasoned Citizen Programs (11/2/2021)
• Reading Buddies (11/2/2021)
• KCCR 1240AM/98.9FM (11/3/2021)
• City of Pierre Seasoned Citizen Programs (11/3/2021)
• River City Toastmasters (11/3/2021)
• Reading Buddies (11/3/2021)
• Understanding Me Parenting Classes (11/3/2021)
• Christmas at the Capitol Volunteer Meeting (11/4/2021)
• Pierre Senior Center Potluck and Entertainment (11/4/2021)
• Breast Cancer Support Group (11/4/2021)
• Shop Where I Live Vendor Set Up Webinar (11/4/2021)
• Book Talk (11/4/2021)
• Hayes Play (11/5/2021)
• Moose Lodge Craft Show (11/6/2021)
• Try Hockey for Free (11/6/2021)
• Take-to-Make a Holiday Ornament (11/6/2021)
• Hayes Play (11/6/2021)
• Hayes Play (11/7/2021)
• City of Pierre Seasoned Citizen Programs (11/8/2021)
• Reading Buddies (11/8/2021)
• DWU Learn & Earn Informational Session (11/8/2021)
• Understanding Me Parenting Classes (11/8/2021)
• Stately Stitchers Guild Meeting (11/8/2021)
• City of Pierre Seasoned Citizen Programs (11/9/2021)
• Reading Buddies (11/9/2021)
• Gale Online Courses (11/10/2021)
• Hunger Heroes Food Drive (11/10/2021 to 11/14/2021)
• Capital Area Networking (CAN) Meeting (11/10/2021)
• City of Pierre Seasoned Citizen Programs (11/10/2021)
• Mobile Food Distribution - Volunteers needed (11/10/2021)
• Shop Where I Live Platform Tips & Tricks Webinar (11/10/2021)
• Take a Bite Out of Cancer (11/10/2021)
• River City Toastmasters (11/10/2021)
• Reading Buddies (11/10/2021)
• Understanding Me Parenting Classes (11/10/2021)
• "Read What You Want" book club (11/10/2021)
• Pierre Senior Center Potluck and Entertainment (11/11/2021)
• Women's Cancer Support (11/12/2021)
• Zonta Craft & Vendor Show (11/13/2021 to 11/14/2021)
• City of Pierre Seasoned Citizen Programs (11/15/2021)
• Reading Buddies (11/15/2021)
• City of Pierre Seasoned Citizen Programs (11/16/2021)
• Reading Buddies (11/16/2021)
• Shop Where I Live Monthly Marketing Webinar (11/16/2021)
• City of Pierre Seasoned Citizen Programs (11/17/2021)
• River City Toastmasters (11/17/2021)
• Reading Buddies (11/17/2021)
• Pierre Senior Center Potluck and Entertainment (11/18/2021)
• Breast Cancer Support Group (11/18/2021)
• Fall Business After Hours 2021 (11/18/2021)
• Best for Last (11/18/2021)
• CPR Training (11/18/2021)
• Dementia Caregivers Support Group (11/18/2021)
• Childbirth Class (11/20/2021)
• City of Pierre Seasoned Citizen Programs (11/22/2021)
• Reading Buddies (11/22/2021)
• Parade of Lights 2021 (11/22/2021)
• City of Pierre Seasoned Citizen Programs (11/23/2021)
• Reading Buddies (11/23/2021)
• Grand Lighting Ceremony - Christmas At the Capitol (11/23/2021)
• City of Pierre Seasoned Citizen Programs (11/24/2021)
• River City Toastmasters (11/24/2021)
• Reading Buddies (11/24/2021)
• Christmas at the Capitol 2021 (11/24/2021 to 12/26/2021)
• Pierre Senior Center Potluck and Entertainment (11/25/2021)