Chair's Column
Sioux Falls hosts lots of summer activities

By Dean Buckneberg
2007-08 Chair of the Board

With the arrival of July, summer is in full swing. The national economy is still on the soft side, and as a result many families are choosing to forego their usual summer vacations. Thank goodness we live in Sioux Falls - there's plenty going on this summer right here in our own city.

Dean Buckneberg 2007-08 Chair of the Board

Part of the mission of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce is to advance and promote the quality of life of our community. This issue of Chamber News explores the opportunities for fun available in Sioux Falls. We are fortunate to have so many great attractions in our own backyard that soft economy or not, there are plenty of reasons to stay in town this summer.

July is one of the biggest months for entertainment in Sioux Falls: JazzFest, Hot Summer Nites and Hot Harley Nights help bring thousands of visitors to the city within a two-week time period. The best part? The people-watching, live music and experiencing the rumbles of Harleys and Corvettes across the city are all free.

Sioux Falls was fortunate to receive a grant from the State Department of Tourism to help promote this two-week period, which the Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau is dubbing "Summer in the City." Promotions are running throughout the region highlighting these major events. The economic impact from these events is great - visitors stay in our hotels, shop in our stores, buy our gas and eat in our restaurants.

Canoeing down the Big Sioux River, riding the city's 22-mile bike trail or visiting the numerous attractions for families and people of all ages - the opportunities are endless. Visit the community's comprehensive community calendar to find out what's going on or to add your own events: www.siouxfallsevents.com. Make time to visit - or revisit - all our city has to offer.

What else can you do? Be sure to welcome our visitors from out of town. Support our local businesses in the hospitality industry and take your own family to our local attractions. Tell your friends and family about the affordable options for fun in the Sioux Falls area.