SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA
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2011-12 Priorities

MEMBER SERVICES
We will further strengthen our relationships with members and market to new member prospects by communicating our successes and the benefits and value of membership.
•  Serve as the voice for business in addressing legislative issues affecting the Sioux Falls
    area.
•  Communicate with our members and the community at-large about business and
   community issues, utilizing traditional publications, electronic communication tools,
   social media and new technologies.
•  Encourage emerging leaders in the community to become involved in the Chamber
    through committees, task forces, advisory councils and leadership development
    programs.
•  Implement the annual membership development plans and strategies.
•  Continue to provide opportunities for personal and professional development through    workshops, seminars and other educational programs designed for Chamber members
   by Chamber members.
•  Promote the benefits of living and working and investing in the Sioux Falls area.

FORWARD SIOUX FALLS / ECONOMIC EXPANSION
We will provide leadership in promoting business and economic expansion in the Sioux Falls region, working with our joint venture partners, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, to implement the Forward Sioux Falls 2011-2016 program.
•  Implement and manage designated programs of the Forward Sioux Falls 2011-2016
    initiative as authorized by the Joint Venture Management Committee.
•  Increase the number of targeted business sector jobs in the Sioux Falls area and assist in
    the expansion of jobs in existing businesses and industries.
•  Actively pursue regional partnerships with area communities and local governments.
•  Maintain and enhance our favorable business environment at all government levels
    through our Chamber's business advocacy and public affairs programs.
•  Expand visitor development programs and initiatives working with the City of Sioux Falls,
   Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau, Governor’s Office of Economic Development, the    CVB's BID (Business Improvement District) Board of Direcors and the visitor industry       to maximize its economic benefit and impact on our region.
•  Support and promote agri-business development through our Agri-Business Division,
    including sponsorship of the annual Sioux Empire Farm Show.
•  Continue cooperative efforts with local government and private sector leadership in
    support of quality economic development in the Sioux Falls region.
•  Provide leadership and support at the local, state and national levels in securing needed
    funding for priority infrastructure projects and initiatives.
•  Encourage the business community to focus on ways to build a greener future for the
   Sioux Falls area.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & QUALITY OF LIFE
We will provide leadership to further improve our community’s quality of life and development.
•  Support the proposed Sioux Falls Events Center and provide education and information for
   our members prior to the Nov. 8, 2011 special election authorized by the Sioux Falls City    Council.
•  Working with other community partners, expand efforts to increase the education,
    involvement and support of members on quality of life issues and initiatives.
•  Work with the Sioux Falls Regional Airport Authority, City of Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls
    Development Foundation, Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sioux Falls
    Convention & Visitors Bureau BID Board of Directors and other organizations to provide     leadership and support to secure improved airline service and enhanced facilities through
    the Air Service Committee, which is organized and developed by Forward Sioux Falls
    2011-2016.
•  Support the Sioux Falls Diversity Council and Sioux Falls Multi-Cultural Center and
    participate along with other government, agency and community leaders to sustain efforts
    to build a safe and respectful community for people of all races and cultures in Sioux Falls
    area.
•  Working with our state and congressional leaders, continue to advocate for and support
    needed funding for the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System, railroad relocation, Blood
    Run Historical Site, EROS Data Center, South Dakota Air National Guard, flood control
    and other projects.
•  Continue to implement our Community Appeals process for scheduling capital
    fundraising campaigns to inform and educate our membership and the community about
    the campaigns taking place and the benefits of the program.
•  Continue cooperative efforts with the City of Sioux Falls, Downtown Sioux Falls, Sioux
    Empire Housing Partnership and other business partners in support of downtown
    development,neighborhood revitalization and Big Sioux River Greenway development.
•  Continue to support affordable housing programs and initiatives of the Sioux Empire
    Housing Partnership with the City of Sioux Falls, financial institutions, area business
    organizations and the South Dakota Housing Development Authority.
•  Continue efforts through Forward Sioux Falls' workforce development program to retain
    local post-secondary graduates as well as to recruit more trained professionals to Sioux
    Falls to provide for a stable and educated workforce.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
We will provide leadership for our members on community issues and also develop programs that educate and involve the next generation of community leaders.
•  Continue to increase the involvement of young professionals in Chamber activities, events
    and task forces.
•  Continue to support the Leadership Sioux Falls program, which now includes 743
    graduates.
•  Continue to work with area community organizations to utilize Leadership Sioux Falls
    graduates when seeking volunteer leaders.
•  Enhance the support of the Chamber’s successful Young Professionals Network to allow
    for continued growth and expansion.
•  Utilize Young Professionals Network members to communicate the Chamber’s message
    to the 21- to 39-year-old age group.
•  Continue other leadership development and business corporate responsibility programs
    and initiatives of the Business Leadership Council.
•  Provide education about the spring 2012 local elections, including the Sioux Falls School
    Board and Sioux Falls City Council, by co-sponsoring candidate forums and providing
    information to Chamber members.

EDUCATIONAL INVESTMENT
We will provide continued business community involvement, support and leadership at all levels of public and private education.
•  Continue planning through Forward Sioux Falls, South Dakota Technology Business
    Center and other strategic partners on future initiatives in developing the “Knowledge
    Community,” which is dedicated to developing technology and applied research,
    helping create the foundation for future economic growth for the Sioux Falls area and the
    state of South Dakota.
•  Plan for expansion at the GEAR (Graduate Education and Research) Center.
•  Help establish post-secondary programs to support expanding research opportunities
   and support efforts by area post-secondary schools to expand programs and
   opportunities for students.
•  Take part in the formation of a Sioux Falls Education Council as part of the Forward Sioux
    Falls 2011-2016 program.