Chair's Column

Chamber plays a role in
helping business succeed

By Barb Stork
2011-12 Chair of the Board

Barb Stork 2011-12 Chair of the Board

Your Chamber has served as an advocate for business for 105 years. We can't take all of the credit, but we have certainly played a part in cultivating a strong business climate for all types of businesses to grow and succeed. Our diverse economy is evident by some of the activities your Chamber is involved with this month. Just look at what's ahead:

The legislative session kicked off with our annual Good Morning Sioux Falls Legislative Breakfast on Jan. 5, attended by more than 300 members. Thank you to all of the Sioux Falls area legislators who participated in the breakfast and for sharing your insights about the session, which officially opened yesterday.

One of our primary roles at the Chamber is to provide opportunities for our members to interact with their elected officials. This session you'll have a number of opportunities to do that — from Legislative Coffees to our annual trek to Pierre, Sioux Falls Day at the Legislature, on Feb. 9. We also keep you up-to-date with our electronic publication, Legislative Lookout, as well as updates via social media. Check out the calendar on page 10 to learn more or contact the Public Affairs & Communications Department at 336-1620.

Last year was my first introduction to the Sioux Empire Farm Show, though the Chamber has sponsored it for nearly six decades. The Sioux Falls area economy has certainly expanded since the 1950s, but we continue to pay homage to our agricultural roots at this important annual event. The Farm Show brings tens of thousands of visitors to our community, with an economic impact in the millions. And we get to see market livestock decked out in their Lambajams — which was my personal highlight from last year's Mayor's Round-up & Sale of Champions!

In all seriousness, the Farm Show is a great event that brings the community together and celebrates agriculture. I invite you to check out the schedule and attend any of the events, from ribbon cuttings to shows and sales to the Mayor's Round-up & Sale of Champions. Return to your roots or help support our livestock producers by bidding on an animal at the sale — watch your email for more details about how you can be a part of this fun event!
No matter your business size or industry, there's no place better to do business or raise a family than here in Sioux Falls. While I'm not a Sioux Falls native, I have found this city a great environment to start and expand a business — both from my own experiences and by watching our Chamber members' success.

And I'm not alone in thinking this. At the end of 2011, South Dakota was recognized as a great place to do business:

• No. 1 for business costs and No. 17 overall in the Best States for Business survey (Forbes)
• No. 1 for public policy climate for small business and entrepreneurs (Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council)
• No. 10 for financial health, with the third lowest unemployment rate and fourth lowest rate of foreclosure (24/7 Wall Street)