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Registered Representative offering investments through NYLIFE Securities LLC (member FINRA/SIPC), A Licensed Insurance Agency and wholly owned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance and an agent licensed to sell insurance through New York Life Insurance Company and may be licensed to sell insurance through various other independent unaffiliated companies. DBA is not owned or operated by New YorkLife Insurance Company or its affiliates. SMRU496908 (Exp.01/11/2015) © 2013 New York Life Insurance Company, 51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010

David L. Jorgenson, AgentNew York Life Insurance Company

115 W 12th, PO Box 296Mitchell, SD 57301Phone: (605) 996-4444

The Company You Keep®

12 www.visitmitchell.com CALENDAR OF EVENTS

19-20 Women in Blue Jeans Conference 5pm Friday, 8am Saturday Call 996-9010 for information 21 DWU’s Winter Band and LyricWood Concert Sherman Center, 4:00pm Admission is Free25-28 DWU Women of Lockerbie Theatre Production Hughes Hall, 7:30pm Th-Sat, 2pm Sun. $7 General Admission, $2 Students 26 Cracker Barrel Legislative Session MTI Trades Center Theatre; 12:00pm Free Call 996-556726-28 Love, Sex and the IRS Theater Performance 7:30pm Fri & Sat, 2:00pm Sunday Call 996-9137 for tickets 26-27 Sweat and Sparkle Women’s Event Ramada Inn, 6pm Friday Call 996-556727 Kiwanis Spaghetti Feed John Paul II Cafeteria, 11am-7pm

MARCH4-6 Love, Sex and the IRS Theater Performance 7:30pm Fri & Sat, 2:00pm Sunday Call 996-9137 for tickets 4-5 Holiday Arts Spring Craft Show Masonic Temple 9am-7pm Fri & 9am-5pm Sat5 Moose Lodge Vendor Fair 10:00am-3:00pm 516 W 15th Ave, Mitchell 5 A Night at the Races Highland Conference Center, 6:30pm Tickets $35 at County Fair Food Store 6 DWU Winter Choir and Bells Concert 4pm, First United Methodist Church Free admission 7-10 Sossy Mechanics Trick Boxing Workshops Pepsi Cola Theatre, All day event Call 996-9137 10 Sossy Mechanics Trick Boxing Performance Pepsi Cola Theatre, 7:30pm Call 996-913712 Wingapalooza Masonic Temple, 1:00pm Call 990-4500

APRIL2 KMIT Home & Spring Preview Show Davison County 4-H Grounds Call 996-96675 Spring Regional Job Fair Highland Conference Center 1-6pm; Call 996-11409 Mitchell Lions Pancake Feed John Paul II Elementary School Beginning at 7:00am 9 Mitchell Chamber Health & Wellness Fair Mitchell Christian School, 8am – 1pm Call 996-55679 Basket of Hope Luncheon Wesleyan Church, 12:00pm – 2:00pm Call 996-1212 for tickets12 A Tribute to Neil Diamond, Mitchell Area Concert Series Corn Palace, 7:30pm Call 995-8430 for tickets17 Linda Feterl Dance Recital Corn Palace, 5:00pm Visit www.lindadance.com 25-27 Shrine Circus Corn Palace, daily performances Call 995-8430 for tickets

ChamberViewFEBRUARY1 Cracker Barrel Legislative Session MTI Trades Center Theatre; 12:00pm Free call 996-55671 Cabin Fever Women’s Gathering Trinity Lutheran Church, 6:00pm Call 996-29434 Service and Non-Profit Fair Highland Conference Center, 5-7pm Free. Call 996-5567 6 Cornhole Tournament Wild Oak Golf Course, 1pm first toss Tickets $30/$40 per team Call 996-5567 to register 6 Elks Kids Ice Fishing Derby 9am, Sportsmans Club Free, call 630-43769 Shrove Pancake Feed 11am-1pm & 4-7pm, First United Methodist Church Call 996-772112 SD Ducks Unlimited State Convention Highland Conference Center, 6:00pm Call Don at 630-8696

Join us for these events!

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MITCHELL AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCEBOARD OF DIRECTORSChair Rob Schelske – First Dakota National Bank-MitchellVice Chair Ryan Thompson – Santel CommunicationsTreasurer Kyle Musick – Innovative SystemsPast Chair Gwenda Koch – Cornerstone Coffeehouse & DeliJay Wempe – American IceDeryk Thomsen – Sun Gold SportsJoe Childs – Mitchell School DistrictBrian Klock – Klock WerksJustin Luther – County Fair Food StoresBrenda Freidel – The Pin CushionRory Palm – The Daily RepublicBecky Pitz – POET Bio-refining

EX-OFFICIOJacquelyn Johnson – Dice Financial Service GroupTom Clark – Avera Queen of PeaceDr. Amy Novak – Dakota Wesleyan UniversityDr. Joseph Graves – Mitchell School DistrictMayor Jerry Toomey – City CouncilSteve Rice – City CouncilJohn Claggett – County CommissionersKari Kirchmeyer - Mitchell Main Street and Beyond

MITCHELL AREA DEVELOPMENT CORP.BOARD OF DIRECTORSPresident Jacquelyn Johnson – Dice Financial Service GroupVice President Tom Patzer – Patzer Woodworking Inc. Treasurer Roger Musick – Innovative SystemsTom Clark – Avera Queen of PeaceLarry Thompson – Vantage PointChris Krohmer – Krohmer Plumbing Inc.Terry Torgerson – Cortrust Bank Jeff Logan – Logan Luxury Theatre Corporation Joe Graves – Mitchell School District

EX-OFFICIO Mayor Jerry ToomeyJeff Smith – City CouncilRob Schelske – Chamber of Commerce BoardJohn Claggett – County Commission

MITCHELL CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU ADVISORY BOARDChair Cindy Gregg – Prehistoric Indian VillageVice Chair Dave Sietsema – Klock WerksPast Chairman Sean Moen – OverTime Sports Bar & SteakhouseEric Giblin – SubwayJason Wede – Cornerstone Coffeehouse & DeliTrish Oswald – Cabela’s Robin Weins – Crazy About CupcakesRod Brown – Dakota Discovery MuseumLaRee Rumbolz – Super 8

EX-OFFICIO Susan Tjarks – City Council Sonya Moller – Chamber Liaison

MANAGEMENT & STAFFBryan Hisel – Executive DirectorSonya Moller – Chamber DirectorKimberly Lofgren – Director of Finance & AdministrationRebecca Zabel – Program CoordinatorLaurie Cooper – Director of MADC OperationsDavid Lambert – Regional Development DirectorJacki Miskimins – Regional Workforce CoordinatorKatie Knutson – Convention & Visitors Bureau DirectorJen Johnston - CVB Marketing CoordinatorDale Odegaard – Director of Chamber EnterpriseBarb Odegaard – Gift Shop Marketing ManagerTroy Magnuson – Gift Shop Manager

CHAMBER MISSION STATEMENT:Provide leadership to unify community action that enhances the business environment and the quality of life in the Mitchell area.

Inside the ChamberViewWelcome New Members ................................................................................... 2Save the Date ...................................................................................................... 2State of the State ................................................................................................ 2Sweat & Sparkle Women’s Retreat ................................................................... 3Service & Organization Fair ................................................................................ 3Cheryl Garmong Lynde - Mitchell Realty Ribbon Cutting ............................. 4Chamber 101: Maximize Your Chamber Benefits ........................................... 4Leadership Mitchell ............................................................................................. 42016 Cracker Barrel Sessions .............................................................................. 5Business Day at the Legislature .......................................................................... 5Chamber Inaugural Cornhole Tournament ..................................................... 5Annual Banquet .................................................................................................. 6Mitchell Prairie Family Business ........................................................................... 6Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year ..................... 6Harold Hagen Award Given to Two Recipients .............................................. 7Community Service Award ................................................................................ 7National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic ........................................................... 8New Corn Palace Billboards .............................................................................. 8February Happenings ......................................................................................... 8Tourism Excellence Award ................................................................................. 95th Annual Wingapalooza ................................................................................. 9Save the Date! Job Fair set for April 5 ............................................................ 10Employer Registration Open for Spring Regional Job Fair ........................... 10Mitchell Hosts 35 Job Shadow Students ......................................................... 10Late Regristration Still Open for BIG Job Fair in Sioux Falls ........................... 10Thank You for Your Investment ........................................................................ 11Build Dakota Roadshow Coming to Mitchell ................................................ 11Corn Palace Poppings ..................................................................................... 11Calendar of Events ........................................................................................... 12The Chamberview Newsletter is published the first Monday of each month. This publication is done as a partnership between the Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce and The Daily Republic. This publication is distributed to 12,500 Households/30,000 readers in Mitchell and the surrounding area. If you are a Chamber member and your business is interested in advertising in this publication, please contact The Daily Republic at 605.996.5514.

The following businesses have renewed their membership.**

We invite local and area Business / Industry CEO’s, Human Resource Professionals, Economic Development Professionals, as well local and area high school counselors and administrators to attend and learn about strategies to build a future workforce.

Build Dakota is rebuilding South Dakota’s workforce, and this seminar will teach you how it can help strengthen yours.

The Build Dakota Scholarship Fund was created through a $50 million dollar investment in South Dakota’s young people, funded by a generous $25 million donation from T. Denny Sanford and a $25 million contribution by Gov. Dennis Daugaard from the South Dakota Future Fund.

The scholarship provides a full ride to students who will commit to working in South Dakota for three years after graduating from a technical program. The scholarship can be used at South Dakota’s four technical schools.

This event will be held in Mitchell on February 23, 2016- 1:00pm-3:30pm

It will take place at the Mitchell Tech. Nordby Trade Center Lecture Hall, 1800 East Spruce Street, Mitchell, SD 57301

For more information contact: Laurie Cooper, Mitchell Area Development Corp- lcooper@mitchellsd.org or 996-1140.

To register, go to https://www.builddakotascholarships.com/build-dakotatechnical-institute-roadshow

AKG North American Operations Inc.

AmeriPrideAvera Brady Health & RehabBruce SignsCabela’s Retail, Inc.Custom Plus Collision Center, LLCDakota Physical TherapyDakota Southern Railway Co.Dale Carnegie TrainingDer Platz - Bill and Ila’s Bed &

BreakfastDomino’s PizzaEd’s Pet WorldEinstein’s Costume RentalHeart & Sole Cancer WalkHendrickson USA LLCKMIT/ KOOL 98 Radio Lewis Family DrugLinda Feterl School of Dance, Inc.Martin-Trudeau InsuranceMary Kay Cosmetics-Sales DirectorMitchell Foundation for Catholic

Education

Mitchell Lion’s ClubMitchell Weekend Snack Pack

ProgramMitchell YWCANew York Life Insurance - David

JorgensonOrthopedic InstituteOvertime Steakhouse & Sports BarPepsi Cola of MitchellPizza RanchPorter DistributingPuetz CorporationRoby, Quintal & EversonSDN CommunicationsShafer MemorialsSouth Dakota Rehabilitation

ServicesWal-Mart #2990Woelfel Jewelry

**Paid as of December 17, 2015 – January 18, 2016

Welcome New Members!

State of the State

Creekside Veterinary Clinic; 1111 W. Spruce St., 605-990-3388; www.creeksidecares.com

Crystal Freund, Real Estate Appraiser; 204 W. Havens #188, Mitchell; 605-770-0328; crystallfreund@gmail.com

Governor Daugaard provided the State of the State message in Mitchell on Tuesday, January 26. Over 65 people attended.

SAVE THE DATEApril 5th

Spring Regional Job FairSee page 10 for details

Thank You for Your Investment in the Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce!

Build Dakota Roadshow Coming to Mitchell!

Between new merchandise coming in almost daily and helping our visitors, we have been busy the last month.

We have jumped into the social media age, that’s right, we now have an official Corn Palace Gift Shop Facebook page. Please feel free to look us up and of course like us as well.

We will be using this page mainly to show the new products that are coming in and whatever else the administrators feel is news worthy from the gift shop.

Til next month…Troy “Popcorn” Magnson

p.s. what do you call the red gooey stuff between an elephant’s toes…slow clown!!

Corn Palace Poppings!

10 www.mitchellsd.com MADC CHAMBER www.mitchellchamber.com 3

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GrindingDid you know… Most people grind or clench their teeth at some point during the day. Most do not know about it because it usually occurs while sleeping. � is can cause a person’s teeth to be worn down, teeth to crack, jaw soreness, and headaches. Teeth can also become more sensitive or tender. A small night guard can be made by your dentist to minimize these symptoms. For more information check out our website or call 605-996-9944 to make an appointment with Dr. Farnham or Dr. Weber.

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Late Registration Still Open for BIG Job Fair in Sioux Falls

Save the date! Job Fair set for April 5 Mitchell Hosts 35 Job Shadow Students

Employer Registration Open for Spring Regional Job Fair

Registration is now open for the Spring Regional Job Fair! This event will connect local businesses seeking to fill full-time, part-time, seasonal, or internship positions with job seekers looking to work in the Mitchell region.

The Spring Regional Job Fair will be held on April 5 from 1-6 p.m. at the Highland Conference Center. There is a $90 registration fee for businesses; however discounts are available to Chamber of Commerce, Mitchell Development, and Dakota Heartland Development members. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis; all registrations are due no later than March 15.

For more information contact Jacki Miskimins at 605-996-1140.

The 26th annual BIG (Business, Industry, Government) Job Fair, sponsored by the South Dakota Association of College Career Centers (SDACCC), will be held on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. Last year, more than 900 candidates attended to discuss full-time and internship opportunities.

Registration is now available online at www.getgrads.com (click on the BIG Job Fair logo and follow the instructions for “online employer registration”). The late registration fee of $300 provides each employer access to hundreds of eager job seekers, a large booth with table, chairs, and skirting, lunch for two, refreshments throughout the day, promotion to candidates, and inclusion of company information in the hard copy Employer Directory given to all candidates.

The Mitchell Area Development Corporation will be attending the BIG Job Fair to represent the Mitchell community and the many job opportunities available here. If your business will not be attending, the MADC staff will be pleased to promote job opportunities on your behalf; If your business will be represented, MADC will cross-promote your booth the fair. Whichever option is best for your business, please notify Laurie Cooper at 996-1140.

Mark your calendar for a Spring Regional Job Fair on April 5, 2016, from 1-6 p.m. at the Highland Conference Center. This event will gather businesses and organizations from the Mitchell area looking to fill full-time, part-time, seasonal, and internship positions.

The Spring Regional Job Fair is ideal for those looking at career transitions, building experience, summer employment, or those looking for something just a few hours each week. Additionally, this will be a resource for families or friends who want to find employment in the same area, as all companies will be located in or near Mitchell.

There is no cost for job seekers to attend, and all candidates will be eligible to win a door prize.

For more information or to register as an employer, contact Jacki Miskimins at 605-996-1140.

On January 15, businesses in Mitchell helped bring careers to life for high school students from Lake Andes. A total of 35 students spent several hours learning about potential careers ranging from manufacturing to music performance, veterinary medicine to auto body repair.

Job shadowing is an opportunity for students to see what a day in the life of a career is really like. By exposing students in high school to the realities of the workforce, educators hope to help connect the dots between school and the “real life” that follows their education.

Thank you to the following businesses and organizations that hosted or spoke to students about future careers!

Do you need a weekend away? Maybe just some quality time with your girlfriends? Well our new Sweat & Sparkle Women’s Retreat event is for YOU! This 2-day event brings you a fun evening of food and drinks with health and shopping vendors, makeup artists, games and a pool party! Then on the 2nd day you can enjoy a hot breakfast, fitness classes, health speakers and win some door prizes! Stay overnight and truly get a retreat away from your busy life!

Exclusive to women 21 and over, this event will allow you to kick back with your girlfriends while experiencing some unique fitness classes and learning about health issues and options available to you in Mitchell! Registration is just $65 per person and includes 4 fitness classes, makeup, pool party, health speakers, and breakfast & lunch on Saturday. You can also grab a hotel room and split the discounted rate of $60/night with your girlfriends and enjoy a slumber party and never have to go out in the cold while at the Sweat & Sparkle!

Find more information and a list of confirmed vendors on our Facebook event page or at www.mitchel lchamber .com. Call 996-5567 for more information or to get registered!

Come out to the service and organization fair to see what opportunities await you! If you have an interest or passion to help others, teach skills, work with children or plan events this is for you. There are over 15 organizations registered to attend so you will be sure to find something that matches your interests! We’ll see you at the Highland Conference Center on Thursday, February 4th from 4-7pm!

The fair is FREE and refreshments will be available.

Currently Registered Organizations:Area Community Theatre

Avera Queen of Peace HospitalBig Friend Little Friend

Carnegie Resource CenterCornerstones Career Learning Center

Dakota Discovery MuseumHelping with Horsepower

Imagine GuildIndependent Living Choices

Lakeview Lawn Bowling AssociationLifeQuest

Mitchell Animal RescueMitchell Area Optimist Club

Mitchell Area SafehouseMitchell Main Street & Beyond

Mitchell Prehistoric Indian VillageRSVP and Senior Meals

The Glass SlipperWeekend Snackpack

Sweat & Sparkle Women’s Retreat Service & Organization Fair

Daily RepublicDavison County Sheriff’s OfficeDWU/ AramarkDWU Music, Psychology, and Digital Media & Design DepartmentsGT Body

Lakeview Veterinary ClinicMitchell Public SafetyPaul’s TowingSouth Dakota Game, Fish & ParksSouth Dakota National GuardTrail King Industries

If your business or organization is interested in hosting future job shadow students, contact Jacki Miskimins at 605-996-1140.

4 www.mitchellchamber.com CHAMBER CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU www.visitmitchell.com 9

Cheryl Garmong Lynde – Mitchell Realty Ribbon Cutting

Leadership Mitchell

Cheryl Garmong Lynde is a Broker Associate with Mitchell Realty. Mitchell Realty specializes in real estate brokerage, buying, selling, auctioneering, and property management of residential and commercial properties in the Mitchell area including twenty counties. Mitchell Realty LLC is a member of the Mitchell Board of Realtors.

Mitchell Realty is located at 901 N. Main St. and is open 8am-5pm Monday-Friday. You can contact Cheryl at 630-4240 or by email at cheryl@mitchellrealty.net.

Tourism Excellence AwardThe Mitchell Convention & Visitors Bureau honors individuals, events and partnerships that have demonstrated excellence and propelled our local tourism industry forward. The Tourism Excellence Award honors those who have made major contributions to the visitor industry and this year’s award winner has demonstrated this year after year.

The fourth annual Tourism Excellence Award was presented to the Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo committee at the Annual Recognition Banquet on January 22. The organization started as a non-profit corporation by volunteers in 1971 offering a 2-day event, but has grown over the past 45 years making significant contributions to the tourism industry. For the past number of years, the event has consisted of four performances averaging 12,000 people in paid attendance each year and thousands of children have attended free of any admission charge.

Their volunteer committee of about twenty-five dedicated individuals meets monthly throughout the year and daily as the event nears each July. They not only organize one of the largest community events throughout the year but have increased attendance through a parade down Mitchell’s historic Main Street, chili-cook off, family fun day, church service, a pullover, golf tournament and more!

This group has inspired our community through its tireless efforts to fulfill its charitable goals, which have focused primarily on area children. The committee has supported nearly all youth athletic activities, as well as Boy Scouts, Big Friend/Little Friend, the Davison County Child Protection Team, the Mitchell Area Safe House, Avera Queen of Peace Foundation, the You’ll Never Walk Alone Foundation, Abbott House, Plankinton schools and numerous other groups and individuals. Most recently, the committee has partnered with the Man Up Crusade, to bring awareness to its efforts to stop domestic violence and partners with Campbell Supply to provide warm clothing to Mitchell’s grade school children in need.

Notable achievements include two time recognition as a “Great Event” by the South Dakota Department of Tourism. The Women’s Professional Rodeo Association National Best Footing Award and were recognized by professional rodeo cowboys on three occasions to be the Badlands Circuit Rodeo of the Year.

Because of the efforts of this committee, they were also nominated by then, Representative John Thune, for recognition by the Library of Congress for its “Local Legacies – Celebrating Community Roots” designation.

With their strong committee and award winning success they plan to make additional improvements to their infrastructure, provide superior animal and athlete care, and boost technology, all in effort to entertain spectators while increasing attendance each July.

Congratulations to the Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo committee on receiving the 2015 Mitchell Convention and Visitors Bureau Tourism Excellence award, and best of luck on the 46th year. We know they will do great things for our community! Cindy Gregg, chairman of the CVB Advisory Board, presented the Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo with the honor. Last year’s winner was the Pheasant Country Chapter of Pheasants Forever.

Thank You to Our Major Sponsors!

Thank You to Our Supporting Sponsors!Avera Queen of PeaceBusiness Products, Inc.

Cabela’sCentral Electric Coop

CorTrust BankELO Prof

Hofer Insurance AgencyMitchell Technical Institute

Mitchell Convention & Visitors Bureau

Welcome our 13 participants to Leadership Mitchel 2016! They represent the following companies: American Garage Door, CorTrust Wealth Management, Dakota Wesleyan University, LifeQuest, Make It Mine Designs, Mitchell Area Safehouse, Mitchell Convention & Visitors Bureau, Trail King and Wells Fargo Bank.

This year in celebration of our 30th Anniversary, all alumni will be invited back to our annual commencement program in May! We hope you are ready to party and rub elbows with all the leaders this program has created! Be sure you don’t miss out!

Do you know what all you get for being a member of the Chamber? There is probably a lot more that you can be doing with your membership and with the software we offer! Start getting the most out of your Chamber membership by attending one of our next sessions of Chamber 101 class on Wednesday, February 17 at 9am or Monday, March 14 at 12pm in the Chamber Boardroom! These 1 hour sessions will cover benefits you gain with having a Chamber membership, resources available to you, and what options you have when utilizing the Member Information Center – such as posting jobs and events for your business! To register for one of these FREE sessions, call Rebecca at 996-5567 or email rebecca@mitchellchamber.com.

Chamber 101: Maximize Your Chamber Benefits

5th Annual Wingapalooza

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No need for you to get bored this winter with the Chamber Cornhole Tournament on Saturday, February 6th! Bring your beanbag tossing skills and see what prizes you can walk away with!

The first toss will start at 1pm at the Wild Oak Golf Course. Register your 2-person team online or by calling 996-5567. Chamber Member teams are $30 and Non-Chamber Members are $40 per team. It will be a double elimination tournament with cash prizes to top teams as well as extra challenge winners!

Register your team by emailing Rebecca or calling 996-5567. Visit our Facebook event page to invite your friends! Showcase your business at the tournament by being a sponsor for just $100! Contact Rebecca for sponsorship opportunities!

The 2016 Cracker Barrel sessions have been scheduled! This is your opportunity to hear directly from your Legislators! District 20 Legislators Joshua Klumb, Tona Rozum and Mike Vehle will share their thoughts and answer questions from the audience. Meet with us for the first time on Monday, February 1 at 12pm in the MTI Trades Center Theater. This event is free and open to the public. A box lunch is available for $10, but must be ordered by Wednesday, January 27 by registering at www.mitchellchamber.com, calling 996-5567 or emailing rebecca@mitchellchamber.com. The second Cracker Barrel will be held on Friday, February 26 at 12pm in the MTI Trades Center Theater.

The 40th Annual Business Day at the Legislature and South Dakota Chamber Annual Meeting is set for Thursday, February 18, 2016, with events taking place at the Pierre Ramkota. Business Day provides an opportunity for our members and for community and business leaders from across the state to meet in Pierre and have a voice in legislative process.

Outline of Events11 AM – Registration opens at the Ramkota12 Noon – Networking Luncheon with guest speaker 1:15 PM – Legislative Update and our annual Business Caucus (audience

response session) Underwritten by 3M and US Bank - Sponsored by NorthWestern Energy2:30 – Open Schedule – Time to view the legislative process at the Capitol3:30 – Update at Capitol (Guest speakers addressing pertinent and

relevant issues being debated by the Legislature) 4:45 – Economic Developer’s Reception and Manufacturer’s Showcase Cosponsored by local economic development offices5:45 – Business Day Banquet with Keynote Speaker8:00 - Adjourn

This information will be updated as invited speakers are confirmed.

Member manufacturers will be invited to participate in the Manufacturer’s Showcase, which highlights products manufactured in South Dakota and the worldwide reach of our producers. A visual presentation will run throughout the Reception (sponsored by local economic development offices) and again during the banquet.

All of South Dakota’s legislators, the Governor and his Cabinet members, as well as Constitutional officers are invited to the banquet as the guest of our board of directors, local chambers of commerce and the South Dakota Chamber. This is an excellent opportunity to visit with officials about issues of importance to your business and community.

To register contact the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and IndustryPO Box 190222 East Capital, Suite 15Pierre, SD 57501-0190Phone: 605-224-6161or 1-800-742-8112www.sdchamber.biz

Chamber Inaugural Cornhole Tournament

2016 Cracker Barrel Sessions

Business Day at the Legislature

February HappeningsLadies, tired of being stuck in the house already? Well, swing on by the Cabin Fever Women’s Gathering tonight (1st) from 6pm – 7:30pm at Trinity Lutheran Church for an evening of food, s’mores, quilt trunk show, scarf tying techniques, door prizes and more. Even better – it’s free, so invite a friend!

The Chamber will be holding a Service and Non-Profit Organization Fair on February 4 from 4-7pm at the Highland Conference Center. This is FREE and open to the public – see what possibilities are available in Mitchell and how you can make a difference in the lives of others. Meet with leaders from many different groups and organizations all in one location!

Bring your beanbag tossing skills and see what prizes you can walk away with at the Chamber Cornhole Tournament on Saturday, February 6th! The first toss will start at 1pm at the Wild Oak Golf Course. Register your 2-person team online or by calling 996-5567. Chamber Member teams are $30 and Non-Chamber Members are $40 per team. It will be a double elimination tournament with cash prizes to top teams as well as extra challenge winners!

February 12-13 brings the South Dakota Ducks Unlimited State Convention to the Highland Conference Center.

February 19-20 is dedicated to the ladies again, with the Women in Blue Jeans event at the Highland Conference Center! A group of feisty women come together to relax, learn, and meet new people is sure to be a good time! Everyone comes knowing that when they leave on Saturday, they will have renewed their sense of pride in being from rural America, whether from a farm or a small town community. Don’t miss it!

On Sunday, February 21 head over to DWU’s Winter Band and LyricWood Concert at 4pm in the Sherman Center. Return to DWU’s campus for the Women of Lockerbie’ theatre production in Hughes Hall, February 25-27 at 7:30pm and the 28th at 2pm. “The Women of Lockerbie” is loosely inspired by a true story and written in the structure of a Greek tragedy. If tragedy is not what you are looking for in a theatre performance this weekend, catch the dramatic, Love Sex and the IRS at the Pepsi Cola Theatre. Performance begins at 7:30pm Friday and Saturday, and 2pm on Sunday.

Need a weekend away or maybe just some quality time with your girlfriends? Register today for the new Sweat & Sparkle Women’s Retreat event scheduled for February 26-27 at the Ramada Inn & Conference Center! This 2-day event brings a fun evening of food and drinks with health and shopping vendors, makeup artists, games and a pool party! Then on the 2nd day you can enjoy a hot breakfast, fitness classes, health speakers and win some door prizes! Stay overnight and truly get a retreat away from your busy life!

National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic

New Corn Palace Billboards

Don’t forget, there’s still time to partner with the CVB for National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic! We are headed out of town in a few weeks, and would love to promote your business in Kansas City, MO. Contact us today at 996.6223 or jen@visitmitchell.com

With the completion of the Palace renovations – we are excited to unveil new Corn Palace billboards along I-90 & Hwy 37! Keep an eye out, as they will be going up soon!

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Annual Banquet Mitchell Prairie Family Business Community Service Award

Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year

Harold Hagen Award Given to Two RecipientsThe Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce and

Mitchell Area Development Corporation along with the Convention & Visitors Bureau and Dakota Heartland Development Association held their Annual Recognition & Awards Banquet on Friday, January 22 at the Highland Conference Center. With over 340 people in attendance, the evening was in part the celebration of the organization’s members as well as a night of recognition of those who have made a difference in Mitchell’s success. Lt. Governor Matt Michels served as the evening’s masked emcee.

The banquet’s theme was “Unmask Possible” and highlighted various projects and events over the past year. Sponsorship of the banquet included: Mitchell Area Manufacturers Association, Entertainment Sponsor; Iverson’s, Social Sponsor; Midcontinent Communications, Banquet Sponsor, Prairie Ethanol-POET Bio-refining, Event Sponsor; Mitchell Technical Institute, Event Sponsor; McLeod Printing & Office Supply, Event Sponsor; Nepstad’s Flowers & Gifts, Event Sponsor; Highland Conference Center— Dessert Sponsor; The Hampton Inn and 44 businesses that decorated tables.

The Prairie Family Business Association serves family businesses in South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska. Their mission is to help family businesses grow, transition, engage and thrive. They have 160 members across the five state region. Family businesses are very important to the local economies and to the families who own and operate the business.

Robinson House Moving, Inc. was award the Mitchell Area Family Business of the Year. Robinson House Moving is a family business that was founded in 1958 by

Leroy Robinson. All employees are family members.

Leroy goes to work every day with his sons: Pat, Mike and Greg. Third generation family member Dave is also working for the family business. Prairie Family Business Association recognizes Robinson House Moving with this well-deserved award. What an accomplishment to prosper through their third generation.

The Community Service Award is a tribute to the fact that individuals can make a difference.

It is an award that recognizes that there are few things that are as valuable to the future of a community as people volunteering their time, talents and resources.

For nearly 60 years, the Chamber of Commerce has presented the Community Service Award for significant contributions and service to the Mitchell Community.

It is, quite simply said, the highest recognition that the Chamber of Commerce can bestow for a life committed to making a difference. The past Community Service Award winners exemplify the variety of ways of contributing to our community. Previous winners represent volunteerism, philanthropy, leadership and public service.

Each winner brings different gifts, talents and abilities making a difference in the lives of our people and our community.

Ever mindful of our young leaders, The Chamber knows that it is important that we tell the next generation that each person counts and that it is individuals and their personal efforts and service that have built the past success and will insure the future dreams of Mitchell, South Dakota.

This year’s Community Service recognition winner believes that what is good for Mitchell is good for our individual businesses.

No matter what community this individual lives, they believe in being active and involved. Boy Scouts, 4-H, parent groups that support the school band, and fund-raising carnivals are just a start to this person’s involvement.

Involvement in their church, treasurer for their

political party, along with service on volunteer boards including the Mitchell Area Safehouse Foundation Board and as president of the Mitchell Area Safehouse Board for 2 years and helping to revitalize a regional Habitat for Humanity organization lead to this year’s recipient success.

They have evidenced leadership as a founding member of the Mitchell Area Charitable Foundation where they served as chair, now that foundation has built an endowment that can award $100,000 annually to make a difference in the community.

She serves on the Mitchell Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, where she was Chairperson for 2 years; her involvement was instrumental in the successful completion of the community branding initiative.

Lest you think this year’s winner is all work and no play, interests include traveling, enjoying the book club that she helped form nearly a decade ago and making coffee in her small business dedicated to supporting and working with community groups.Suffice it to say, she is good for Mitchell! Congratulations Gwenda Koch.The Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated enthusiasm, dedication and leadership to

advance the mission of the Chamber though committee work. Making Chamber sponsored events possible, while setting an example for future Chamber volunteers. This year’s winner is George Breidenbach.

This recognition might not be awarded every year - but when it is awarded - it recognizes special life time commitment to the work of raising the economic standard of living for people in the Mitchell area.

This year’s Harold Hagen award went to not one, but two individuals…..Larry Thompson and Chad Glanzer of Vantage Point in Mitchell.

These gentlemen took the leap that all entrepreneurs have to take . . . setting aside financial security in an attempt to create something better. Their

efforts during that critical start-up phase and in the years since have had a substantial impact on our community. Companies from across the country look to Mitchell for the strategic advice and insight that these gentlemen and their team provide.

Their leadership provides good-paying, high-tech jobs for our community. The associated millions of dollars in payroll make Mitchell and the surrounding area stronger. Their commitment to employees is so strong they have recently converted to an “Employee-Owned” structure, allowing their team to share in the successes of the company.

The recipients show leadership outside of their industry. They are active in their church and in a number of community and state boards. Together they have participated in more than a dozen mission trips and projects, including building wells and churches overseas.

Both are registered professional engineers and have been working in the telecommunications industry for 30 years and are a registered Professional Engineer (PE) in multiple states.

Lt. Governor Matt Michels