sioux falls business magazine september-october 2012
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Sioux Falls Business Magazine September-October issue 2012TRANSCRIPT
SEPT/OCT 2012
JULIE NELSONGOING BEYONDBANKING BASICS
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE/ / / PublisherJEff VEIrE(605) [email protected]
/// editor-in-chiefGrETa STEwarT(605) [email protected]
/// director of salesTammy BEINTEma(605) [email protected]
/// creatiVe directorSTEVE rUmL(605) 310-4643 [email protected]
/// HOw tO REacH US
To modify your free subscripTion or To reQuesT muLTipLe copies conTAcT:[email protected]
WiTh sTory ideAs conTAcT:[email protected]
To AdverTise conTAcT:Tammy BEINTEma (605) [email protected]
all article PhotograPhy by
ImaGEry PHOTOGraPHy(605) 336-9378www.imagery-Photo.com
JJ PUBLISHING, INC.SIOUx faLLS BUSINESS maGazINE1608 w. 2nd streetsioux falls, sd 57104(605) 553-1900www.SIOUxfaLLSBUSINESSmaGazINE.COm
©2012 SIOUx faLLS BUSINESS maGazINE. aLL rIGHTS rESErVED. no Part of this Publication may be reProduced without written Permission from the Publisher. sioux falls business magazine does not necessarily endorse or agree with content of articles or adVertising Presented.
ON OUR cOvER / / leadershiPJulie Nelson has built a strong foundation with a philosophy of serving others. Learn more about Nelson and how she’s broken the glass ceiling of the banking industry.
aPP aTTaCk / /technologyApps are everywhere. But what is THE app you need now?
EyE ON THE TarGET / / communityTwo gun clubs are taking shots for the betterment of our community. See what they’re taking aim to do before hunting season starts.
frOm aUTOS TO BrIDES / / entrePreneurHow did the owner of Ideal Wedding and Party Center go from working with cars to brides? It’s a story about fate and opportunity.
PrOfESSIONaL OrGaNIzaTIONS fOrTHE yOUNGEr GENEraTION / / sales & marKetingWhy are Synergy and the Young Professionals Network key to developing our future leaders? We find out.
NO SLOwINg DOwN / / legacyBernie DeWald has been in the same business for 52 years and has no signs of slowing down. What does he most want you to know about his career?
PUTTING THE LIfE IN LIfELIGHT // communityIt brings in thousands of people each September. But beyond the economy, this annual concert is providing plenty of opportunities to give and receive. Meet the “life” of LifeLight.
THE PrESSUrE OfPrESS rELEaSES / / sales & marKetingWhat are media outlets looking for in a good press release? Meet two guys in charge of deciding what qualifies as a good story. Their answers might surprise you.
CONSErVING ENErGy / / f inancialHow can you reduce your bottom line AND improve energy efficiency? We found some key initiatives that will help.
NON-PrOfIT PrOfILELearn more about the Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Dakota and how it benefits the community.
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ON a frIDay afTErNOON IN LaTE JULy, two long-time customers of Great Western Bank were doing some housecleaning. After their move to the Touchmark at All Saints retirement community, this husband and wife decided it was time to get rid of the large collection of loose change that had accumulated over the years and deposit it into their account. They sent the tin box filled with their treasure along with the Touchmark driver to the bank with instructions to entrust the box and its contents to Julie Nelson.
Which is why on a recent afternoon, Julie Nelson, senior vice president of business development for Great Western Bank and one of the most senior women in the banking industry in Sioux Falls, spent a few moments of her day reconnecting with these two precious customers by running a small errand and returning their tin box, relieved of its cargo.
That is what makes Julie so special. She humbly downplays her importance, but it is Julie’s knack for developing solid, long-term relationships with customers that has propelled her 20-plus year banking career and made her one of the most recognizable faces in the Sioux Falls business community.
Julie grew up on a farm northwest of Flandreau and went to public school there before attending Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell with a double major in economics and business administration.
During college, Julie’s incredible work ethic developed on the family farm was polished. She worked her way through school with a variety of jobs. Some were full time, including typing for the athletic department, vacuuming the girls’
dormitory, serving in the food service, and working in the college PR office. During her junior year, she took a position with the financial aid office and was there full time even after graduation, up until the time her son was born.
“I had full intentions of going back to work, but that was a life-changing event for me. So I really wanted to stay home,” Julie says.
With her focus now on her children, Julie switched careers to being a full-time mom, but she continued to work part time through the family’s move from Mitchell to Pierre and, finally, to Sioux Falls.
When Julie moved to Sioux Falls in 1989, she knew she wanted to find a position that would allow her to maintain the balanced priorities of faith and family in her life. Ironically enough, that focus on her core values is what led Julie to the banking industry and a position at Valley Bank.
“Sometimes, I think, ‘why banking?’” Julie says. “For me, any job where I was serving people I probably would have loved just as much. I truly feel like I was put here to serve people. But I chose Valley Bank, because I could be with my kids. It had everything I wanted for that balance in my life.”
Her experiences at Valley Bank also led Julie to embrace the community banking model of service and relationships with customers, which would be a strong focus for the rest of her career in banking. Julie started her career “in the trenches,” as she says, in customer service and as a teller. By the end of her time there, she was managing their location at 26th Street and Western Avenue.
One day in 1992, a local newspaper photographer snapped a photo of Julie handing out popcorn to bank customers, and shortly afterwards, Julie was approached
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WHAT DRIVES JULIE NELSON’S APPROACH TO BANKING?BY CHRISSY SPOO
I LOOK AT MY POSITIONAS BEING THE POINT GUARDON A BASKETBALL TEAM.– JULIE NELSON
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by First Premier Bank to develop its “Premier 55” club. The program offered group travel opportunities, special events, and social programs for the bank’s “55 and wiser” customers.
Then, in 1995, Julie was recruited by Founders Trust, which was later acquired by Great Western Bank in 2001. She was recruited specifically to focus on retaining the bank’s core customer base, but over time her role has changed to focus on business development.
Julie jokes when referring to what her co-workers say about her at the office. “They say, ‘So, what does she really do over there? We see her all over. She’s bouncing from one thing to the next.’ That’s what we joke about.”
However, Julie’s key role in helping the bank to develop long-term, meaningful relationships for its customers is no joke. Julie explains that despite the many changes in banking over the years – from writing out loan forms by hand to the Internet banking of today – the one thing that has remained of constant importance is the relationships between the bank and its customers, which is where Julie excels. She has a unique ability to work across all areas of the bank – from business banking to the mortgage department and to trust and wealth management – to focus on truly serving the bank’s customers.
“I look at my position as being the point guard on a basketball team,” Julie explains. “I bring the ball to the point and then I hand it off. And basically that’s what I do, but of course it’s different because there’s so much more to the game. What’s invaluable are the relationships that you manage for years and years.”
Julie has built many of those relationships through her tremendous community involvement in so many organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce, where she’s been a diplomat for 20 years. Betty Ordal, director of membership services for the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, says that as a volunteer, Julie has boundless energy and a gift of making everyone feel special.
“One of the many reasons Julie is so successful in her diplomat efforts is because she is so genuine in her relationships,” Ordal says. “She always makes the interests and needs of the member a priority.”
In addition to her role with the Chamber, Julie has also been involved with many other community groups over the years, including Sales & Marketing Executives, United Way, Junior Achievement, South Dakota Achieve, Rotary West, and Make-a-Wish.
As one of the few women in the banking industry in Sioux Falls early on in her career, Julie forged a trail for many of the young women who are now following in her footsteps. Although she denies having shattered a “glass ceiling” she does hope that young, female executives experience fewer of the challenges that she did.
/// JULIE NELSON
“I think any female in this industry would tell you that there are challenges, but you know, for me, my priorities have always been faith, family and then work. It’s really important for me to work in harmony with my values. I really love what I do, I love the friendships I’ve developed, and I guess I wouldn’t choose any other career right now.”
As a mentor to others – male and female – Julie simply advises to be passionate and pursue dreams, because if you love what you do, you can be successful at it.
Peter Scott, a vice president and trust officer for Great Western Bank, says Julie’s stellar advice and knowledge make her a great mentor and that many who have had the privilege of working with her call her “Mama Nelson” with great affection.
“I was blessed to be able to start my banking career under Julie and learn from the best,” Scott says. “Not only about banking, but also about relationships and treating everyone with the respect and dignity they deserve. She has taught me to never give up and to keep striving to move ahead, even when there have been bumps in the road.”
For Julie, she defines her own personal success in terms of the important relationships in her life. “I’ve gotten to develop friendships and build relationships that are invaluable to me, and I was able to raise my family and still continue to have quality time and get away and not be distracted by work when I want to have quality time with my little grandson.”
And today, it is the grandchildren of many of her long-time customers that Julie has cultivated decades-long relationships with who continue to think of Julie as a friend first and a banker second. Her foundation on serving others and focusing on making every customer who walks through the door at Great Western Bank feel like a treasured friend is what makes Julie so special. n
• Born in Flandreau, S.D.
• Attended school at Flandreau Public Schools
• Attended Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, double-major in Economics and Business Administration
• Musician: plays piano and organ, played in bell choir as well as Sang in and directed choir at her church
• Julie is active with many boards and organizations in Sioux Falls: Chamber of Commerce, Sales & Marketing Executives, United Way, Junior Achievement, South Dakota Achieve, Rotary West, Make-A-Wish Foundation
• Other hobbies include walking, kayaking, golf
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UNLESS yOU OPEraTE your business from under a rock, you know that cell phone technology has advanced to offer more than just voice communication. Texts, photos, videos and Internet abilities abound in even the least tech-savvy areas of the Great Plains.
Apps – or applications – are usually third-party created offerings that allow smartphone users the ability to work or play games from wherever they are using their device. For business owners trying to unshackle themselves from their storefront, they can use such applications to help in their day-to-day operations and find new ways to make business transactions easier.
With over 500,000 apps currently available for use ranging in price from ‘free’ to ‘I can’t afford that’, businesses should consider what would work for their own unique needs. But there’s no doubt that such cloud technology – essentially a centrally-located storage area for your information - makes business life easier.
“Apps make it easier to gather information and documents on the fly,” according to Phil Brinks, owner and project manager of Brinks Web Solutions, a local company offering turnkey web design and smartphone apps. “The cloud services make it easier to do everything online and just pull info wherever you are.”
Ryan McGinnis, director of data services at Wireless World says the benefits of a business offering an app for their customers is first and foremost convenience. “The example we can all relate to is banking,” McGinnis says. “Let’s say I am at a store and want to make a purchase but do not have enough money in my checking. I can simply take out my phone and transfer money from savings to checking within a few minutes. It’s just very quick and easy compared to the old method of running across town to my bank.”
GoogleApps claims to be utilized by 20 percent of businesses. And in a 2011 AT&T study, more than one third of all small businesses said they would find it difficult to survive without using mobile apps. Locally, apps are also a growing resource for businesses. McGinnis says if you’re on Facebook, you’re doing the right thing. “One of the
most downloaded apps to no surprise is Facebook,” he says. “If you own a business this should excite you. Facebook is no longer just for kids. If you do not have a Facebook account for your business, you are missing out.” McGinnis explains, “You can do something as simple as posting a coupon on Facebook, require that the customer ‘like’ your business to get the coupon and now it posts on their wall that they ‘like’ your business. If they have 500 friends, you have just connected to 500 people through one coupon.”
Brinks says another popular app is Google Maps. He says it’s great
for businesses because it allows for audible turn-by-turn directions. This means not only do you get a list of the directions but it will actually show you driving down the road right on the phone, holding your hand the whole time.
When it comes to developing apps, McGinnis says the difficulty varies depending on how advanced the app is. There are many programs and developers out there for hire. When thinking about creating an app for your business, “Think of it like the website to your business,” he says. “It is worth spending a little more to ensure it looks and works right.” Should a local business be interested in building their own app, specific to their business, the cost can be affordable.
“A lot of people use apps created by others, but many are on the edge of developing apps for their own business, and what they don’t realize is that they don’t have to spend a ton of money,” Brinks said.
So when it comes to finding the perfect app for your business, Brinks and PC Magazine suggest some apps for businesses to further research and consider using, such as:
Such local apps, which are increasing fairly rapidly as the number of smart phone users continues to grow, may be the latest way to reach out to your clients.
“If you have an established relationship with clientele, creating an app solidifies that relationship. It’s all to better serve clients,” Brinks said. McGinnis agrees and says they are the wave of the customer service future. “Apps are truly the next big thing in connecting to your customer. In a world where there is more and more competition and less and less loyalty, apps can be great tools that will end up retaining your customers.” n
Facebook – instantly access your Facebook account wherever you are without having to use a web browser
Encamp – like bootcamp for project management, it brings to-do lists, projects, messages, and deadlines all together in an easy-to-read dashboard view
FlightTrack or FlightTrack Pro – keeps track and updates user on all of their flight info, cancellations, delays, gate numbers, and more, letting you spend less time at the airport
mbPointer – connects with Microsoft Powerpoint and turns your phone into a remote control during your next presentation
Twitter – follow your interests; instant updates from your friends, co-workers, industry experts and more
LinkedIn – use this app to add contacts immediately at your next meeting, and no longer lose their business card again
QuickOffice – view, edit, and exchange Microsoft Word and Excel docs from your phone
DropBox – Dropbox is a free service that lets you bring all your photos, docs, and videos with you. Access files from anywhere
BizXpense Tracker – keep track of all mileage and various business expenses
Evernote – add voice memos, notes, pictures and more outside of the office, and easily sync it up with your computer when you return to business home base
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Hunting season in South Dakota brings in more than 200 million dollars annually, so it’s safe to say people flock to our fields for fun. But whether you’re out in the field or shooting targets at a gun club, the goal is to just go out and have a good time. Two gun clubs near Sioux Falls are offering a good time but are also making a significant impact on our community.
Crooks Gun Club, PVa PartnerIn Unique relationship
The Crooks Gun Club has partnered with the North Central Chapter Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) and offers an annual national trapshoot circuit. This event, going into its 16th year, is a competition open to all shooters, whether they are sitting or standing. “The goal with the PVA trapshoot,” says Steve Wagner, a volunteer with the PVA, “is to just get paralyzed vets out of the house, become involved and be competitive,” he says.
an Equal OpportunityMike Olson is a member of the North Central Chapter
PVA and has been coming out to the Crooks Gun Club before the annual trapshoot began in 1996. “We used to come out here and shoot league,” he says. “But then we found out about the circuit and a partnership naturally formed. It’s the cheapest tournament in the area and many of us don’t fly so it’s really easy to get here.” Wagner says he is grateful for the Crooks Gun Club. “It’s so great to give these people (paralyzed vets) an opportunity to participate and be an equal. We couldn’t do this each year without the club’s help.”
Olson says it’s so much fun to come out each year and see friends he’s made from past years and make new friends as well. Wagner says at one time this was the largest trapshoot in the region. But due to declining numbers because of revenue and the economy, he hopes to have 70 shooters
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TrophiesBY GRETA STEWART
GUN CLUBS OFFER EXPERIENCE FOR EVERYONE
/// TRAPSHOOTS TO TROPHIES
this year. “There are people who come here from as far as California, Wisconsin and it’s amazing to see people up there shooting and shooting well and you just don’t know how they can do it.”
Terry Steenholdt is the president of the Crooks Gun Club and says the partnership with the PVA is “a real win-win. We’re real glad they’re here,” he says. “It’s a real humbling experience, seeing guys with a missing leg or arm and I think, ‘I wish I could shoot that well.’” Olson laughs and says, “It’s all about pivoting. You have to be more organized prior to the shot.” Wagner says he’s always amazed at some of the guys in wheelchairs. “Believe me, there are people in chairs who shoot better than people who can walk!”
Thankful for VolunteersWhile Wagner says the gun club is there for people
to enjoy the sport of hunting, he also says he couldn’t have enjoyed the success of the partnership without volunteers. “You need volunteers,” he says. “If you don’t have volunteers, an organization, including events like the trapshoot, can’t survive.” Olson nods in agreement. “We can’t say enough about the volunteers out here at the gun club,” he says. “We really appreciate them as volunteers and respect them immensely.” Steenholdt smiles and remarks, “this is great. It just keeps getting better and better.”
PARALYZED VETERANSOF AMERICA (PVA)
ABOUT
The North Central Chapter PVA serves the states of South Dakota, North Dakota, Southwest Minnesota, and portions of Montana and Wyoming.
Most of PVA’s members use wheelchairs for daily living, which creates special needs.
PVA is the only Congressionally chartered veterans organization dedicated solely to serving the needs of veterans.
The PVA is for veterans who were honorably discharged and have spinal or nerve-related injury or disease. Those who are not veterans but would like to be part of the organization can become associate members.
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people laugh, cry, say a few choice words now and again and it all just brings a smile to my face.”
Corey Davis is a field director for the Sioux Council Boy Scouts of America who manages district executives in Yankton, Pierre, and Mitchell. He says the best part of the shoot is the camaraderie that is formed between the two organizations. “I love seeing businesses and individuals come together for a fun event and support a great cause. The weather is always nice, and everyone has a good time.”
Chamness says this event is great for men and women, as well as kids of all ages. “For the guys, it’s all about the competition, along with the pride of whose score is tops.
Hunter’s Pointe Shooting Club Inc. –making a “Pointe” To Give Back
Hunter’s Pointe Shooting Club Inc. in Humboldt, S.D., is another club that is giving back to the community. Every year, they help with the Sioux Council Boy Scouts of America Shootout, put on the local boy scouts chapter to raise money for the Boy Scouts of America in the area. The world-class sporting clays course offers a 100-target shoot and benefits the 11,000 youth served annually by the Sioux Council Boy Scouts of America. Chris Chamness, general manager and co-owner of the gun club, says, “The best part about offering a world-class course for clay shooting is that I get to make
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Crooks Gun Club TrapshootWhen: Friday, Sept. 7-Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012Where: Crooks Gun ClubCost: $150
Hunter’s Pointe Shooting Club2012 Boy Scout ShootoutWhen: Tuesday, September 18 Where: Hunter’s Pointe Gun ClubCost: $800 for a team of 4 or $200 per individual
Hunter’s Pointe Shooting Club2012 Pink ShootoutWhen: Saturday, October 6 Where: Hunter’s Pointe Gun ClubCost: $400 for a team of 4;$200 for a second team
For the gals, it’s the visual thrill of breaking a target and trying to get as good as their husband, friend, boyfriend or whomever. For the kids, it’s that amazing grin from ear to ear and hearing them say, ‘I did it!’”
In addition to the Boy Scout event, Hunter’s Pointe is also doing a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness month in October. Chamness says, “My wife Brenda has lost three female co-workers to cancer in the last few years at Howalt-McDowell Insurance (Marie Haney, Mari Bryson and Sandy Folkerts) and this is something she feels strongly about and wanted to do something in loving memory of each of them.”
So Chamness and his wife are offering a “pink shootout” with all proceeds from the shoot going to the Edith Sanford Breast Cancer Foundation. Chamness says plans for the day include offering florescent pink clay targets, pink camouflage t-shirts, pink shells and a lunch. Chamness explains as a business owner, he feels not only should he give back to the community but also he takes pleasure in doing so. “We work with the Sioux Falls Catholic School Shoot, Young Life, and Children’s Miracle Network to name a few organizations,” he says. “When you love what you’re doing and believe in it, as I do, it’s not a job. It’s almost as good as being Santa Claus.” n
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SfBm /// ENTREPRENEUR
rEmEmBEr THE INfamOUS polka dot building that once sat as a local landmark in downtown Sioux Falls? Today, you’ll find a church parking lot, a far cry from the successful wedding and party business that stood there for nearly 50 years. Most locals remember Ideal Wedding and Party Center. Many probably purchased their wedding and party supplies there. Although the building may be gone, the business itself has been booming for the last ten years in its new location and under new ownership. But those aren’t the only things that have changed. For owner Blake Dede, it was all about adapting the long-time business to create something he was passionate about while remaining competitive.
Over ten years ago, Blake was a college graduate who envisioned a career in management. “At the time, I was working in the auto industry,” adds Blake, who ended up following his vision. But after only a few years working as a general manager for an auto parts store, the owner of Ideal Wedding and Party Center put Blake’s career at a crossroad with an intriguing offer. “The agreement was that I would work as the manager for five years and then would have the option to purchase the business or walk away,” says Blake. “It was a difficult decision,” he adds. “I never thought of myself working in the wedding industry, let alone, owning a business.”
areasontocelebrateLandmark LocalBusiness Thrives After Faceliftby Jennifer Dumke
/// A REASON TO CELEBRATE
An Unexpected ChallengeBlake spent the next two years working in the polka dot
building where he learned about the wedding and party business when his five-year agreement was suddenly cut short. “The church next door wanted to expand and so the owners of Ideal Wedding and Party Center decided to sell the building,” says Blake. “The business opportunity was literally
put in my lap three years before I expected it to be,” he says. Blake went to work looking for a new location. Once that was secured, he officially purchased and moved the business, despite some initial apprehensions. “Business was good for the first year because we were able to put up signage on the windows and doors of the previous location informing customers of the new location. But once the building came down, that was it.”
It didn’t take long for Blake to take the reigns of change. “I knew that if I was going to make this work, I had to turn the business into something I looked forward to doing every day,” says Blake, who was only 27 at the time. He began the planning process for what was to be his new business model; a full service rental, wedding, party, cake and candy supply store. “When I first started, we only had a few tables, chairs, centerpieces, candelabras and arches.” But shortly after the move, he found himself growing the rental department and discovering a new passion.
The second year in the new location saw a slip in sales as the previous building was now gone, and so was the signage. Though there was less cash in the bank, he had to increase marketing. “One of the first things I did was create a new rental inventory brochure,” says Corinne, his then girlfriend, now wife. Meanwhile, Blake was learning how he could grow the rental department while maintaining the retail departments. “It definitely was difficult to transition a business that once was a local landmark,” Blake says. But with the new business model, they could now offer a wide variety of rental items along with planning and delivery assistance. Everything from china and linens to dance floors and portable stages were now available at the new Ideal Wedding and Events. “My goal was to stay competitive in our market and still capitalize on what the original business had already established in our community.”
A Fresh FocusToday, they are more focused on events rather than
just rentals and the retail departments. Blake even took it one step further by establishing relationships with local
vendors so they can offer more options to their clients. “By developing partnerships with other businesses, we can work together on projects and continue to grow.”
It didn’t take long for growing demands to encourage Blake to expand into offering large event tents, lighting and pipe and draping services. “With the growth there have been many obstacles to overcome and a fair amount of credit to be given for the success we have experienced,” says Blake. “Without an outstanding team of employees and vendors to
keep the wheels in motion it would have been impossible to achieve all that we have.” And with the growing business demands also came the challenge of balancing work and family, which now includes their son Kasten. “I have many things to give thanks for when it comes to my wife,” Blake says. “The support and encouragement she had given as well as the sacrifices she has made for the success of Ideal has been tremendous.” Even though the bulk of his business lies in the wedding industry, Blake has a number of large community and corporate events under his belt. “This definitely wasn’t what I envisioned my life being but it has been a rewarding path. Owning a business is like walking to the edge of a cliff and deciding whether or not to jump. It requires tremendous drive and an ability to pick up new skills. Luckily, for Blake and Corinne, the business is thriving and they continue to look for new opportunities to pursue. n
“When I was six years old, I purchased a Silver Fox bicycle at Ideal Yardware. Who would’ve thought that 30 years later, I’d own a part of that business.”
Blake Dede
“My goal was to stay competitive in our market and still capitalize on what the original business had already established in our community.”
Blake Dede
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SfBm /// SALES & MARKETING
Synergy Creates EnergyOne of those organizations is Sioux Falls Synergy.
According to Felan Ritze, chair for the organization and operations director for Junior Achievement of South Dakota, “Sioux Falls Synergy is the innovation of community-minded young professionals who believed Sioux Falls needed a way for their peers to come together to network, volunteer and connect with the city,” she says. Ritze says Synergy is the brainchild of Cindy Elifrits Peterson, who transferred to Sioux Falls. “It was in December 2005 that conversations began,” Ritze says. “Cindy wanted to get involved in the community and meet other young people with similar goals. At the time there was no such organization, so she brought together a group of five other established Sioux Falls young professionals who wanted the same thing.” On May 11, 2006 Sioux Falls Synergy was launched.
Since then, Ritze says more than 400 young professionals have joined and has hosted more than 135 events in the community. Chris Huls has been a member of Synergy since the beginning. The production manager at HenkinSchultz Communication Arts says he decided to get involved because of his love for community involvement and the desire to meet other like-minded
individuals. “The unique thing about Synergy,” he says, “Is that there is something for everyone. As everything else in life, it’s what you make of it!” Huls, who was named the 2011-12 Dave Duman Member of the Year for leadership and involvement, says, “I would highly recommend Synergy to
any young professional. It’s a great way to get involved in the community, help others, build your own professional network, and network your business.”
Ritze says joining Synergy was one of the best professional decisions she’s made. “Since I work at Junior Achievement, which focuses on youth leadership development and financial literacy, it is easy for me to extend my passion to young professional development. So, of course, my favorite part of Synergy is that it incorporates civic events.”
Young Professionals Networking With YPNAnother organization in Sioux Falls is the Young
Professionals Network (YPN), which is associated with the Chamber of Commerce. The group began as an identified priority to the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce at their annual planning session in 2008. Throughout the years, YPN as a group has grown considerably, and now has more than 700 members.
Lesa Jarding, a community development officer with Wells Fargo, is a young professional who serves on the steering committee of YPN. She says when she moved to Sioux Falls in 2008 she was looking for ways to get more engaged in the Sioux Falls community. “I learned more about the YPN at the Chamber’s 2008 annual meeting and I’ve been involved ever since,” she says. “Through my
For Young ProfessionalsOrganizations Create Buzz
For Young ProfessionalsSynergy, YPN Offer Networking, Growth Opportunities
BY GRETA STEWART
TakE a LOOk arOUND yOUr OffICE. Who do you work with? Maybe the person in the cube next to you is twice your age. Or maybe your boss is someone a decade younger than you. Whatever the case, history is being made. For the first time ever, four distinct generations share the workplace: the Silents (who are in their mid-60s on up), Baby Boomers (mid-50s to mid-60s), X-ers (mid-30s to mid-50s) and Millennials (the newest workers).
There will always be stereotypes about how each generation works but one thing is clear in Sioux Falls, young professional organizations are being sought out by younger generations, and are capturing the attention of those more seasoned in their careers.
/// YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
involvement, I’ve been fortunate enough to join other non-profit boards in the community and continue to develop my leadership abilities.” Jarding says the best part about being involved with YPN is that people “instantly have access to a pretty large network. The YPN takes networking to a whole new level,” she says. “Young professionals have the chance to connect with other professionals their age, business executives and civic leaders from across the region.”
Jarding explains, “I enjoy meeting new people and connecting young professionals There are different members attending YPN events, which allows me to meet and become friends with people that I would have never had the opportunity to meet. We work hard and we play hard, and I truly believe we are all stronger together, making Sioux Falls even better.”
Ritze says that is the main goal--making Sioux Falls and South Dakota stronger. “If we can continue to grow
my generation to think about how their actions can positively impact the community, we will grow stronger cities and local economies.”
Aging Professionals: A Natural Flow To Other GroupsOne question you might wonder as you think about these young
professional groups is, “what happens as you get older?” Both Jarding and Ritze say members in both groups naturally flow to other professional development organizations. “Many of the past members are now the leaders in their organizations and manage staff,” says Ritze. “The past members (of Synergy) provide encouragement and guidance to continue with the mission of Synergy, but choose other opportunities. Many continue to be involved with the chamber, just at a different level.” Jarding says that is the goal for many young professionals in YPN. “As the members surpass the age bracket, it is our hope and likely result that those members become immersed within the Chamber. The YPN and the Chamber are a family and work well to offer a variety of volunteer opportunities for members.”
So if you’re a young professional looking to network and maybe even take some advice from those who have been in their careers for a few years, now is the time to submerge yourself in an organization such as Synergy or YPN. As Ritze puts it, “We (as young professionals) are the future of Sioux Falls and South Dakota. We are the future leaders, the future CEOs, the future presidents. This is our time to develop our skills and meet other young professionals that will be our future leaders.”n
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SfBm /// LEGACY
WHEN YOU HAVE A JOBLIKE I HAVE AND LOVE ITAS MUCH AS I DO, THERE’SNO POINT IN QUITTINGJUST BECAUSE YOU’VEREACHED A CERTAIN AGE.– BERNIE DEWALD
LEGACY
/// BERNIE DEWALD
BErNIE DEwaLD IS CONSIDErED ExCEPTIONaL even among the illustrious group of businessmen and women in Sioux Falls. Furthermore, his peers view him to be one of the hardest-working and most dedicated businessmen in the area. Not only has he been a tremendous advocate and ambassador for the insurance industry by working diligently at McKinneyOlson Insurance for the past 52 years, but he has also given thousands of volunteer hours toward the betterment of the Sioux Falls community. Bernie has proven that a job doesn’t just have to be a job. It can be truly meaningful work that has a profound effect on an entire community. In fact, despite being 74 and nearly a decade past “normal retirement age,” Bernie still has no plans of slowing down anytime soon because he is simply having too much fun at work. “People always say to me, ‘Bernie, you’ve been doing this for 52 years, why don’t you retire,’ or ‘don’t you want to retire and go out and do what you want to do?” says Bernie. “Well, I have no plans to retire because I’m already doing what I want to do. When you have a job like I have and love it as much as I do, there’s no point in quitting just because you’ve reached a certain age.”
A DIFFERENT PATHBorn in Tripp, S.D. in 1938, Bernie was one of eight
children – three girls and five boys. As he recalls the events of his youth, Bernie vividly remembers the years of working on the farm and the life lessons it brought forth. “I come from a large family,” he says. “When you’re one of eight siblings, it requires a lot of sharing. I learned early on to always do the right thing, and I’ve kind of been that way my whole life.”
However, Bernie never had aspirations to take over the family business. “When I was in high school, two of my brothers were in the service,” he says. “I told my dad that after I graduated, I was going to join the Army and never come back to the farm.” And that is exactly what he did. In the fall of 1956, shortly after he graduated from high school, Bernie enlisted in the Army. After finishing basic training in Fort Ord, Calif., he was assigned to the Panama Canal where he worked as a clerk and processed prisoners in and out of the stockade. “The one thing I could do really well in high school was type really fast,” he says. “So, I went to clerk school at Fort Ord.”
AT HOME IN SIOUX FALLSIn 1959, Bernie moved to Sioux Falls and attended
Nettleton College, where he later graduated with a degree in accounting. “When I came back from the service, I honestly had no idea what I wanted to do,” he says. “I had a cousin who had gone to Nettleton and it sounded interesting. I knew I didn’t want to attend a four-year university, and didn’t want to go back to the farm or do construction, so decided to come to Sioux Falls and go to school here. I really enjoyed my year there.” In 1960, even before graduating from Nettleton, he managed to get a job at McKinneyAllen, a parent corporation of McKinneyOlson. Bernie, who is currently the chairman of the board, says he has held every position at McKinneyOlson over the years, including president and CEO, and has enjoyed each position as well as every moment of his chosen career path. “Bernie is the consummate professional when it comes to the manner in which he handles his clients,” says Bob Whitmore, current
Mentor, Advocate, HumanitarianBERNIE DEWALD
BUSINESSMAN’S WORK ETHIC ENSURES GREAT SUCCESS OVER 52 YEARS
by Ashley Sandborn
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SfBm /// LEGACY
CEO of McKinneyOlson Insurance. “He is continually looking out for their best interests as though they were his own mother or best friend. Bernie loves the insurance business and is a tremendous advocate and ambassador for the industry.”
Bernie is very humble. In fact, whenever the words, “success” or “role model” are even mentioned, he is quick to shy away and not take any praise for his impressive list of work-related accomplishments. Instead, he emphasizes giving credit to others. “I’ve always felt really comfortable here,” he says. “I really like the people who work here. I’ve had success because they have always been tremendous role models and they taught me the insurance industry from the ground up.”
After spending 10 years typing up insurance policies and working behind a desk at McKinneyOlson, Bernie was approached by his boss, J.B. Allen. He inquired about whether Bernie would be interested in trying the sales side of the insurance industry. “It scared the heck out of me,” he says. “It’s a lot different than working behind a desk, but I told him I would try it. He told me he wanted me to still work the standard eight-hour shift during the day, but then go out and sell at night. I did that for five years, and had some great success. It got to a point where I couldn’t do both, so I went into full-time sales. The rest is history.”
A BUSINESS MENTOR AND ROLE MODEL Sitting in the conference room at the agency, Bernie
happily reminisces about the past 52 years he’s spent at McKinneyOlson as well as the overabundance of work-
related blessings he feels have been bestowed upon him. “I’ve been very fortunate,” he says. “I have had the best bosses you could ever have. In my 52 years in business, I’ve never had a boss who questioned what I did or reprimanded me for something I did. I always appreciated the opportunity to work for them.”
Julie Nelson, senior vice-president and business development officer of Great Western Bank, says, “Bernie has been my business mentor and role model for over 20 years. Anyone who observes Bernie, knows that he is 100 percent genuine. He treats everyone with kindness and respect, and exemplifies professionalism in all of his behaviors and his dress. Bernie sets the business ethics benchmark high and has donated countless hours for the betterment of our community. I am so blessed to be one of Bernie’s students.”
PASSION FOR PHILANTHROPyAside from his full-time job at McKinney Olson,
Bernie has also given much of his time over the years to countless non-profits in Sioux Falls. He’s been involved with the United Way since the early 1960s, the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce since 1968 and was the past president of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce in 1978, and helped start the Girls Club. He has also been on the Junior Achievement board for the past twelve years, and a member and past president of Downtown Rotary. Lastly, he has been greatly involved in the organization and implementation of the Festival of Bands in Sioux Falls. “Every community should have a Bernie DeWald,” says Jim Schmidt, executive director at the Sioux Empire Housing Partnership and a good friend of Bernie’s. “Bernie’s community spirit is unmatched and is proven in his volunteer achievements. Bernie has been a mentor for me and countless others in giving back to our community. I have had the pleasure of working with Bernie on everything from the Chamber to Rotary to Lincoln Band Parents and everything in between. I greatly admire his leadership.”
Bernie, along with his friends Jim and Teri Schmidt, Sylvia Henkin and Dr. Dennis Knutson, are responsible for spearheading the effort to bring the annual Festival of Bands to Sioux Falls. “My two children were both in the Lincoln High School Marching Band,” says Bernie. “Dave Haugen always wanted to have a festival of bands in Sioux Falls, like they do in Luverne and other places. The school system
/// BERNIE DEWALD
kept turning him down because they thought the marching bands would destroy Howard Wood Field. At the end of the concert year in 1987, I asked Dave if he was still interested in doing a festival here because I knew some people on the school board. We all got our heads together, got an appointment with the school board, and later presented our case about bringing a festival to Sioux Falls. They approved it and that was the start of the Festival of Bands. That is one of the things I feel really good about, because it involves a lot of kids and a really good program.”
Today, Bernie is still busy working at McKinneyOlson and volunteering for causes in his beloved community. However, he has also found time
to sneak away for trips with his wife, Rose, two children and three grandchildren. He also treats himself to an occasional game of golf. As for the future, Bernie has no definite plans. “It’s really hard to give up something when you’ve been doing it for so many years,” he says. “It’s kind of hard to just one day say I’m not going to do this anymore. I can honestly say there has not been one thing I’ve disliked about my time at McKinneyOlson. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my work.” n
5 Things That HelpedBernie’s Career
Complete support from my wife and children to put in the extra time in the evenings.
I have a very competent office staff.
Always maintain a strong work ethic.
Develop strong organizational skills to deal with customers and companies.
Develop people connections.
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SfBm /// COMMUNITY
LifeLight Music Festival:LifeLight Music Festival:By Ashley Sandborn
Celebrating 15 Years of Fellowship, Faith and Fun
THE LIfELIGHT SOUTH DakOTa mUSIC fESTIVaL has become the largest, free Christian music festival in the nation. It attracts people from all over the United States and the world. The vision for the festival truly came alive in 1998 after its founders, Alan and Vicki Greene, went on a mission trip to Juarez, Mexico. During their trip, the couple witnessed people with a profound faith in God, despite living in arduous circumstances. Furthermore, they were deeply inspired to pursue a full-time ministry, and felt God’s call to create a place to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. “I went down there as an arrogant American, thinking that we were going to fix all their problems,” Alan says. “We felt like God really spoke to us on that trip, and that we needed to make some changes in our own lives. Furthermore, we felt a call upon our hearts from God to take the church outside the walls. Shortly thereafter, we had our first music festival on a local church lawn.”
The Greenes had always been particularly drawn to music and the couple found a way with the LifeLight Music Festival to present the Gospel in a new and exciting way.
/// LIFELIGHT
The Numbers
LifeLightMusicFestival:
A look at some of the figures behind the event.
$0
320,000
$900,000
3 15COST OF
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2011 ATTENDANCE
2011 BUDGET
NUMBER OFDAYS THEFESTIVAL IS
HELD EACH YEAR
NUMBER OFYEARS THEFESTIVAL HASBEEN GOING
NUMBER OF
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impact on the state of South Dakota in 2012. “When I heard that number, it really blew me away,” he says. “We had thought that we maybe had a $10-12 million impact, but nowhere near that number. It’s pretty incredible.” Greene credits a large majority of their success to a combination of community support, grassroots campaigns, and word-of-mouth advertising. “We have been so blessed not to have to spend a lot of money on advertising,” he says.
Volunteers and SponsorsInstrumental in the Success of Event
Another significant reason the event has been so successful is due to its gracious sponsors and devoted and enthusiastic volunteers. Pizza Ranch has been one of its loyal supporters for the past five years. The company was particularly drawn to the festival because their mission and vision is very much in line with LifeLight’s. “We have at least a dozen Pizza Ranch corporate office staff members who assist with the LifeLight Festival each fall, along an additional 12 - 20 restaurant staff that help with assisting vending booths,” says Adrie Groeneweg, president and co-founder of Pizza Ranch. “The staff members that volunteer annually have a renewed faith in the impact that we can make on lives of those at the festival. It has been a great
A Growing ImpactFrom 1998 to 2000, the festival was held on a church
lawn and drew roughly 2,000 people. By 2001, the festival moved to the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds to accommodate the rapidly growing crowds. In 2002, attendance had tripled from the previous year, growing to 32,000 attendees over a three-day weekend and was moved to the festival grounds at Wild Water West. Today, LifeLight has grown to six stages, a budget of nearly $900,000 per year and an overall ministry budget of $2 million as well as a total of 320,000 attendees over a three-day weekend. The festival has also found a permanent home on a 225-acre family farm near Worthing, S.D. “The land was graciously given to us by the Peterson family,” he says. “When we relocated to the acreage in 2009, it was a major turning point for the festival and the ministry. When the media and general public learned that we were no longer having the festival at the waterpark, a lot of questions were being asked among those in the community, like: ‘Where are they going?’ and ‘Are they locating to another city?’ Communities here in South Dakota had courted us as well as in Tennessee. However, we always felt like this event was supposed to be in Sioux Falls.”
According to the South Dakota Department of Tourism, the LifeLight Music Festival had a $53 million economical
SfBm /// COMMUNITY
/// LIFELIGHT
experience to make relationships with the restaurant staff that attend the festival every year, as well as festival attendees that come each year. “
Since its inception in 1998, the LifeLight Music Festival has grown from a small church lawn with a few thousand attendees, to one of the nation’s premier Christian music festivals. The festival is showing no signs of slowing down, with the recent addition of four more festivals in Missouri, Texas, Guatemala and Haiti to be held in 2013. The festival is a true testament that with hard work, faith, and comradery, anything is possible. n
$2 MILLION
$53 MILLION
2011 MINISTRY BUDGET
TOTAL REVENUE LIFELIGHTHAS CREATED FOR
SOUTH DAKOTA
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Smaller Budget
? by Randy Grimsley
Promoting Your Business & How To Get You Noticed
LEaN markETING BUDGETS mean businesses make every dollar count. Some businesses are quite adept at remaining in the public eye, even without the budget to plaster the city with advertising. We recently spoke with Catherine Forsch, the director of development and marketing for the YWCA, to learn from her example.
Sioux falls Business magazine (SfBm): You have so much going on at the YWCA. How do you go about promoting your events without breaking the bank?
Catherine forsch (Cf): The YWCA has a limited budget. When you have a small budget, you have to find creative ways to promote. We use newsletters, Facebook, Twitter, press releases, television interviews on morning shows, radio personalities… the list is extensive.
SfBm: How do you get so much coverage?
Cf: We use press releases for every event.
We make it specific for what it will offer the community. And we do it multiple times. For example, for our Tribute to Women event, we submit a press release for businesses to nominate women. Then we send one for the public when
tickets are on sale, with the names of who was nominated. And after the event, we send a follow-up one as well.
SfBm: So many businesses submit press releases for things. Some even try to submit things that are really not news worthy, but just advertising. Do you do anything to ensure your press releases get noticed amongst all of the others?
Cf: You have to be at the right place at the right time with media. If something big is going on in the community, like politics, weather or a big sporting event, hold off and send it a little later. That may help you to get better noticed.
And cultivate your media contacts. There are a lot of journalists. Find out those who cover your industry. Some may cover health and fitness, some financial, and so on. It all starts as offering your knowledge and expertise to help put them in contact with others or to act as a resource for them. If you can be a good resource, they are likely to turn around and be one for you.
SfBm: Is there anything that can be done to make whatever information you submit have a better chance of being used by the media?
Cf: Make it easy for them. We had our kickoff to the women’s leadership program and did a press conference, we did a press release to all media, and we posted our logos and photos onto a website, and taped the event and put clips on there as well for them to use.
SfBm: Do you have a specific kind of tone or content to your press releases, to help them along?
Cf: We like to celebrate our successes. People really like to hear about the good stuff, the new programs, the people
SfBm /// SALES & MARKETING
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nominated for awards, for example. Tell your story over and over. If they don’t listen today, they will tomorrow.
SfBm: It seems like you’ve been really successful in using things like press releases to keep the media and the public informed on everything happening at the YWCA. Are there any other benefits to using such methods?
Cf: In marketing, there’s no substitute for activity. Whether it’s networking, printing flyers, putting out press releases…as long as it reaches your potential customers. We’re all growing our customer base.
The YWCA is just one example of a company that understands a solid marketing presence, which often goes beyond purchased ad space.
“Please, Release Me”As the assignment
editor at KELO TV, Dexter Grownseth may be one of the most powerful people you don’t know. He shapes when and if a story is featured on the states’ highest-rated news programs.
Chad McKenzie, radio host at KSOO in Sioux Falls, not only has decades of radio experience under his belt, he continues to be one of the most trusted voices on the airwaves. And if you are a small business owner trying to get some love for your company event, both men should be part of your e-mail lists.
Since Grownseth gets ‘over a hundred per week’ and McKenzie receives ‘several’ every day, you may be interested to hear how to make your press release stand out.
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SfBm /// SALES & MARKETING
SfBm: When and how should a press release be submitted?
Growseth: A week out is fine. Don’t send it too early or it could get lost. And a phone call follow-up prior to the event is important. It reminds me and shows me you are passionate about it. Fax or emailing it doesn’t matter.
mckenzie: Two weeks in advance is fine. And send it to the news director or the person who handles public announcements. Most people prefer to email it nowadays, because radio has to do more with less people and snail mail could end up getting it on the wrong person’s desk. Including a photo is ok, because radio stations have websites and it may be put on there. You can even attach audio clips to it, which can help as well.
SfBm: What can be done to make one press release stand out over others?
mckenzie: Brevity. It doesn’t need to be real long. One page is fine.
Growseth: The follow- up phone call. I get hundreds of calls every day. Don’t think you are bothering me.
SfBm: Is there anything that you won’t cover, and may even be a waste of time to submit?
Growseth: The thing that bothers me the most is vagueness. A ‘big announcement’ or a ‘big event’ (are mentioned) but no details are included. If I don’t know what it is, I doubt I’ll send a reporter to cover it.
mckenzie: There are times when businesses who don’t do any advertising submit things, and honestly, we’re a business, too. If there are two businesses up against each other, and only one is an advertiser, we’ll probably have that one be mentioned over the other. If we have a business having a grand opening, and if we know they are spending money at (a competing media) Brand X and they are wanting us to cover their opening…they probably won’t see anyone show up. n
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SfBm /// FINANCIAL
ENErGy. wE aLL USE IT. LOOk arOUND. Your cell phone. Your computer. The central air conditioning that was so necessary this summer. Everything we do uses energy. According to www.epa.gov, the United States releases more harmful CO2 emissions than all of Europe and Canada combined. As business people, we can lead the charge to go green and save money in the process.
DecreasingEnergy Usage
Sure, we’ve all been scolded by our mothers to turn off the lights when we leave a room, but what do we really know about conserving energy? There are many things a business can do to decrease its energy usage.
“Windows can be a very important aspect to the whole picture when trying to conserve energy,” says Bill Carney, president of Wilsey Company, distributor of Pella Windows. With over 30 years in the window business, Carney has
seen glass and window technology make significant advancements, going from single-paned glass to triple-paned glazed windows. Building owners should know what type of windows they have and consider replacing older, less efficient windows.
Lighting is a major component of energy use and is an easy and inexpensive way
to save energy. Jim Johnson of Johnson Environmental says that replacing your current light bulbs with energy-efficient bulbs will pay itself off in a few years or less. “Lighting is the cheapest and easiest upgrade,” says Johnson. For instance, one solar lighting tube will
give 750 square feet of light, and pay for itself in a matter of months.
Upgrading your HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system is
another good way to save energy, and does not have to be as complex as one would think. Brian Miller
is with PEAR Inc., an independent sales agent for Johnson Controls. PEAR (Power & Energy Advanced Resources) provides commercial HVAC equipment to contractors, focusing on high premium efficiency equipment. Miller recommends replacing or upgrading your equipment if it is more than 10 to 15 years old, but indicates some systems
REUSE EMISSIONS
Another way to conserve energy is to reuse what has already been spent.Energy recovery equipment can be installed to pre-condition outside air on its way into the building, capturing and re-using 70% of exhaust emissions.
MONEY SAVING TIP
Speakers Include:Richard Matteson, Director, MDU Resources Group, Inc.Tom Rolfstad, Executive Director, Williston Economic Development CorporationKathy Neset, Owner, Neset ConsultingChris Faulkner, CEO, Breitling Oil & GasAndy Peterson, President, North Dakota Chamber of CommerceVicky Steiner, North Dakota State Representative & Executive Director, NorthDakota Association of Oil Counties and Coal Conversion CountiesBrent Brannan, Oil & Gas Research Program Director, N.D. Ind. CommissionJerry Chavez, President, Minot Area Development CorporationAce Lanahan, CEO, Emerald Lodging AdvisorsJoe Ryan, CEO, Oppidan Investment CompanyPeter Elzi, CEO, THK AssociatesKent Busek, President, Stone Bridge Farms of MinotJeff Zarling, President, Dawa SolutionsDean Dovolis, CEO, Annabelle Homes
Tim Fisher, President, Bakken Energy ServicesDennis Lindahl, Govt Affairs, Target Logistics & City Council, Stanley City, N.D.John Biggs, Manager & Architect, LJA Architects & EngineersPaul Hegg, President, Hegg CompaniesMike Moeller, General Manager, EnbridgeBrady Pe lton, Executive Director, North Dakota Association of Oil Counties andCoal Conversion CountiesGarrett Smith, PRG Commercial
INVITED: Ed Schafer, Former Governor of North Dakota, Former U.S. Secretaryof Agriculture & Current Board Member Continental ResourcesINVITED: United States Senator John Hoeven INVITED: United States Representative Rick Berg
Why Attend:Learn from industry experts at the vast number opportunities that North Dakota has to offer. Over 25 billion barrels of recoverable oil has positioned NorthDakota with the lowest job unemployment rate in the United States. North Dakota, The Bakken & The Williston Basin is in the very early stages of growth andprosperity. Oil experts, real estate experts and political leaders will outline why it is not too late to invest in North Dakota and how your organization can dowork or invest in North Dakota.
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• Commercial janitorial service
• Family-owned business serving the Sioux Empire for over 10 years
• Offers the best customer service in the industry
• Will meet or beat the competition...guaranteed
• Free estimates!
605-351-2392 • www.siouxempirecleaning.com605-351-2392 • www.siouxempirecleaning.com
Big Problem? Small Problem? NO PROBLEM!
Big Problem? Small Problem? NO PROBLEM!
can be improved without being replaced. Updating fans in the air handling system is a relatively easy fix that makes a big impact on energy usage. The smaller, more efficient fans “can be retrofitted into existing systems,” says Miller. “The smaller components are easier to maintain, make less noise and expend less energy.”
Something as routine as ventilation uses a large amount of energy in commercial buildings. Air quality sensors that measure the amounts of CO2 and VOC (volatile organic compounds) in the building’s air can greatly cut down on the use of energy by preventing under-ventilating and over-ventilating. Building owners or managers can even receive alerts and control their systems through their mobile phones.
Why Should You Upgrade?There are many reasons to improve your business’s energy
efficiency. The obvious reason is your bottom line. Not only will you save on utility costs, but your business may qualify for a tax deduction.
“The 179D Energy Efficient Commercial Building Deduction allows for an immediate deduction for energy-efficient projects placed in service through December 31, 2013. Generally, these deductions may be claimed by the building owner. Taxpayers constructing energy-efficient
property may claim up to $1.80 per square foot, if specific qualifications are met. The taxpayer reduces the basis in its 39 year property equal to the deduction,” states Jeffrey Paulsen, CPA with Anderson Group CPA. Regulations change annually, and “speaking with a CPA will ensure the most beneficial options for a business owner.”
Beyond the practical concern of the bottom dollar is the moral aspect. In short, it is the right thing to do. We are using energy at a faster rate than it is being created. It is crucial to use less today so there’s more in the future.
Going green is a win-win situation because most upgrades are high on the cost-benefit scale, and we can all agree it is the right thing to do. So make your mother (and Mother Nature) proud, “turn off the lights,” and go green. n
BOILER SYSTEMS CAN STAY
Many older boilers can be recalibrated into very efficient systems. Most boilers waste energy because they are producing more BTUs than what is needed. Recalibrating the boilers to produce the correct amount of BTUs is a relatively easy process.
MONEY SAVING TIP
SfBm /// FINANCIAL
/// GO GREEN, SAVE GREEN.
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Sioux City AreaToll Free: (800) 579-4425
Sioux Falls AreaToll Free: (888) 646-7695www.libertynationalonline.com
College Expenses?Find out how a Home Equity Line of Credit can help!
Contact Emily Anderson,Mortgage/Consumer Lenderfor more details.605-782-4506
Member FDICNMLS#915712 LNBNMLS#401405
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WebConcentrate_Ad_4.7x4.7_060112.pdf 1 6/1/12 9:50 AM
Who we are• A program of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce created in 2009• More than 700 YPN members ages 21-39 from the Sioux Falls area
Benefits for employers & membersYPN members gain:• Broadened perspectives & enhanced potential• Assistance in opening doors for greater corporate/
organizational community involvement & visibility• Opportunities to influence positive change
in the community• Unique contact with community leaders
& elected officials• Access to YPN/Chamber members only events• Volunteer opportunities• Membership Card featuring discounts & offers
from Chamber members• Variety of events to fit any schedule
The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
Young Professionals Network creates business
opportunities, supports civic involvement and promotes
an overall investment in the future of the community.
A membership in the YPN benefits both the employer
and the young professional. Why wouldn’t you want
to be a part of the region’s premier young
professionals network — that’s managed by
the region’s leading business organization?
YPN?JOIN THE
Sign up today!For more information call
605.336.1620or visit siouxfallsypn.com
siouxfallsypn.com
Why
Annual Membership • $25-Employer is a Chamber member• $25-Student (must be 21)• $50-Employer is not a Chamber memberIf you are a Chamber member and own your own business but have no employees the membership fee is waived.
YPN Off the Clock
YPN Kringle
YPN members listen to Gov. Dennis Daugaard
SfBm /// NON-PROFIT PROFILE
Organization Name:
ronald mcDonald House Charities of South Dakota
Organization Address:
Administrative Office825 S. Lake AvenueSioux Falls, SD
Organization Website:
www.ronaldmcdonaldsouthdakota.org
Mission Statement:
The mission of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Dakota (RMHC) is to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well being of children.
Important Events / Dates:
mckilts – men in KiltsJuly 20
UnCorked – wine tasting event
at johnny carino’s august 30
Golf Ball DropOctober 5
adopt-a-familyDecember
AT MERRILL LYNCH, WE BELIEVE INTHE POWER OF THE RIGHT ADVISOR.™
Source: Barron’s “America’s Top Advisors: State by State,” February 20, 2012.
Barron’s is a trademark of Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All rights reserved. The Bull Symbol, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and The Power of the Right Advisor are registered trademarks or trademarks of Bank of America Corporation. Merrill Lynch Wealth Management makes available products and services offered by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, a registered broker-dealer and member SIPC, and other subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.
© 2012 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.
AD-04-12-0528 ARG490T3-02-12 Code 439804PM-0412
CONGRATULATIONS TO
DAVID R. OLSONFOR BEING RECOGNIZED
ON THE BARRON’S TOP 1,000 LIST.David was ranked No. 1 in the state of South Dakota.
Our Financial Advisors demonstrate every day how their hard work, insight and dedication earn them the most important place of all—a place in the lives of our clients.
To see what the power of the right advisor can mean to you, please contact:
David R. Olson, CIMA® Wealth Management Advisor
Merrill Lynch 110 South Phillips Avenue Sioux Falls, SD 57104
(605) 335-0515
www.fa.ml.com/david_r_olson
Business Transfers • Business ValuaTions • CommerCial sales/lease
naTional neTwork markeTing • liCensed in sd, ia, mn & nd
We Help People Buy & Sell Businesses
April R. BoucherPRINCIPAL/BROKER
www.theprofessionalsgroup.com
“With l8 years experience and multiple successful transactions, our team is uniquely
suited and ready to go to work for you.”
605-275-7650
/// RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES
Describe the services/
programs that you provide:
The Ronald McDonald House makes an immediate, positive impact on children’s lives through our two core programs serving South Dakota, Southwestern Minnesota, and Northwestern Iowa: Ronald McDonald House and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile. The house provides a ‘home away from home’ for families with sick and injured children receiving medical care at area hospitals. The Care Mobile is a mobile dental unit that is managed by Delta Dental and housed in Pierre. This dental unit travels across the state providing free dental care for children who do not have access to dental care or insurance.
Demographics you serve:
RMHC provides services to children and their families from birth to age 21.
Other information that you
would like to share:
The families that stay at our house are often simultaneously faced with the emotional exhaustion of being in the hospital room by their children’s side from morning to night, the stress from being far away from home and sometimes additionally overwhelmed by the mounting financial burden of the situation. While the hospital cares for the young ones, families find solace at the Ronald McDonald House; a shoulder to cry on, a caring soul to share their pain, a homemade meal, and a quiet room to call home. It’s all here, in the House That Love Built. n
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HEALTH INSURANCE
Avera Health Plans3816 S. Elmwood Ave, Ste. 100Sioux Falls, SD 57105p. 605-322-4500 www.AveraHealthPlans.com
Since 1999, we provide the most
cost-effective, innovative health plans
for employer groups, individuals,
seniors and families in South Dakota,
Iowa and Nebraska.
TECHNOLOGY
CHR Solutions110 N. Minnesota Ave, Ste. 300Sioux Falls, SD 57104p. 605-996-9646 www.chrsolutions.com
CHR is the largest provider of business
process outsourcing, engineering,
software, and technology managed
services to independant communications
service providers. We help clients grow
revenue and
improve
operations.
GOURmET fOOd
Cleaver’s Market5009 South Western Avenue Sioux Falls, SD 57108p. 605-271-6328 www.cleaversmarket.com
A Food Lovers Paradise. Gourmet foods
and specialty meats. New to Cleaver’s
Market, Cheese of the Month Club!
stop in or call for more information.
AUdIO/vISUAL
fINANCIAL
First Dakota National Bank101 N. Main Avenue Ste. 101Sioux Falls, SD 57104p. 605-333-8200www.accountforyourdreams.com
Whether your dream is to buy your first
home, send your child to college, or
start your own business, First Dakota
understands it takes more than just
money to make it a reality.
Member FDIC
RESTAURANT
Grill 26 by Minervas1716 South Western AvenueSioux Falls, SD 57105p. 605-444-1716Grille26.com
Fresh, authentic ingredients. A creative
chef. A casual, contemporary ambience.
And one of the most inspired dining
experiences around.
BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY
Marco, Inc.621 West Russell StreetSioux Falls, SD 57104-1420p. 605-336-1484 www.marconet.com
Marco is a 100% employee owned
company that helps organizations
manage their information by applying
network expertise to voice, data, video,
and print solutions.
INTERIOR fURNISHINGS
Canfield Business Interiors402 West 9th StreetSioux Falls, SD 57104p. 605-339-1411 www.canfieldco.com
CBI is a leading provider of interior
design guidance along with furnishings
including workstations, stand-alone
desks, carpet, finishes,
raised access flooring
and moveable walls.
EdUCATION
University of Sioux Falls 1101 W. 22nd St.Sioux Falls, SD 57105p. 605-331-6600www.usiouxfalls.edu
USF is a Christian liberal arts university
located in the heart of Sioux Falls.
We offer 35 academic majors, 7
pre-professional degrees and adult
learning programs in business, degree
completion, education and nursing.
SfBm /// RESOURCE DIRECTORY
MuzakCommercial Audio/Video101 N. Minnesota Avenue Sioux Falls, SD 57104p. 605-339-1863 www.muzakmidwest.com
CAV is the region’s Muzak affiliate for
background music as well as being a
full service provider of A/V systems
and installation
in any office or
public assembly
space.
TENTS | TECHNOLOGY | SCREENS | STAGING | SOUND EQUIPMENT | LIGHTING | TABLESCHAIRS | DISHWARE | LINENS | OUTDOOR HEATERS | BEVERAGE STATIONS | AND MORE...
Let Ideal Wedding & Events simplify the load.
605-362-02232425 S. SHIRLEY AVE. SUITE 102, SIOUX FALLS, SD 57106www.idealweddingandevents .com www.facebook.com/idealweddingandevents
FOR ALL THE EVENTSYOUR BUSINESS HOLDS.
FOR ALL THE EVENTSYOUR BUSINESS HOLDS.
ph 605.996.9646 CHRSolutions.com
You are known by the company you keep...That is why we are partnering with the best and brightest.CHR Solutions is proud to be a Microsoft Certified Gold Partner, developing best of breed software solutions that integrate seamlessly with Microsoft Dynamics CRM.
Through our partnerships, we are well-positioned to realize our potential and create new opportunities.
Sioux Falls Business Mag Ad.indd 1 8/2/2012 10:17:49 AM