Chair's Column
SIOUX FALLS IS MOVING FORWARD

By Dave Fleck
2008-09 Chair of the Board

Dave Fleck 2008-09 Chair of the Board

I commend the Sioux Falls City Council for its recent approval of the Quality of Life bond and I was proud to be among the many community and business representatives who testified in favor of this measure, which was supported by the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

The projects that are part of the Quality of Life bond represent our future as a city. Developing and improving the river greenway project ... enhancing the Great Plains Zoo ... building a junior football complex ... expanding library services to the west side of our city ... all of these projects will put employees and construction companies to work right now. This will result in more building, more jobs and more progress for our city and area's economy.

The infrastructure that we develop today will also lead us to greater heights tomorrow and for future generations. We can thank our predecessors for having the foresight to lay the groundwork and create the infrastructure to build the quality of life we all enjoy today. We are responsible for developing the same quality of infrastructure for future generations.

And to me, infrastructure is more than just roads and buildings. A community's education system, arts programs, recreational facilities, athletic opportunities and neighborhoods are just a few of the things that make up a community's foundation, just as much as the roads that connect the buildings. Our Chamber of Commerce has consistently advocated for the advancement of our community's quality of life; in fact, it's in our mission statement: We represent our members by advancing and promoting the economic health and quality of life of the region.

Many people choose the location in which they want to live before choosing a career. These four projects will help sell our city to future residents just as much as they will benefit our current residents. Also working in our favor is the current construction project bidding climate, which should provide an excellent opportunity for favorable bids and will maximize the use of private and public funding.

For years now, Sioux Falls has been recognized nationally for its quality of life and economic vitality. Sioux Falls is being touted for what we're doing right during a downturn period in our nation's economy. Forbes has ranked our city as the best place for business and careers for seven years running. The Los Angeles Times recently wrote about Sioux Falls' resiliency during the present national economic challenges.

We can't lose sight of the hard work it takes to keep our city strong and vibrant. We cannot expect progress to come to us. It takes vision, leadership and hard work to keep Sioux Falls moving forward.