About the Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce
See Also:
What does a Chamber of Commerce Do?
Any Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization, primarily a non-profit that is a resource to the community and a voice for its members. The Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce mission statement is as follows:
“The Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce is organized to promote the interests of local and regional individuals, businesses, and organizations. Our commitment is to provide quality services and representation in the areas of government, health, agriculture, education, and culture to enhance our presence in the state of South Dakota.”
In order to be successful, it is imperative that membership based organizations have a mechanism for input and feedback so that we can insure that we are meeting your needs. How do we know what you want? We ask you at membership visits, in surveys, in seeking and responding to phone calls and email inquiries, via our live chat feature on our website, via our committees and networking opportunities such as Business after Hours, ribbon cutting and Open Houses. We also speak with a lot of businesses and organizations who are not currently members in order to better understand their concerns. Our job is to be an umbrella organization over the Pierre area which enhances our ability to work, live and prosper here. In other words, we seek to enhance the business climate and quality of life in this area so you choose to stay here and expand your business.
We’ve discovered that it’s important for us to continually demonstrate to members and potential members the answer to the question “What’s in it for me?”. The following bullets should help to identify some of the valuable services that the Chamber provides for its members and how networking and referrals can translate into sales.
· The Chamber provides you with management assistance and development information designed to make your business more profitable.
· We are your voice representing the best interests of the business community in government affairs.
· The Chamber supports commerce between members. You will increase your business contacts by attending monthly Chamber functions.
· Members save money on chamber seminars and training programs.
800 W. Dakota Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501
Phone: 605-224-7361
Toll-Free: 800-962-2034
Staff:
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Laura Schoen Carbonneau Chief Executive Officer |
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Lois Ries CVB Director
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Tony JockheckMembership Directortjockheck@pierre.org
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Natalie LiknessCommunications & Community Outreach Coordinatornlikness@pierre.org
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John Hight Captain of the Capital City Queen
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Board of
Directors:
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Chris Rounds President Fischer Rounds & Associates
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Melissa Puepke Vice President South Dakota Housing Development Authority
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Brandon Campea President - Elect BPro, Inc.
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Pat VanLith Past-President
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Dave Kelley Bob's Lounge Treasurer
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Chad Cooper Secretary St. Mary’s Healthcare Center
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Terry Hipple PEDCO Board President Century 21 - Fischer Rounds & Associates
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Laurie Gill Mayor of Pierre City of Pierre |
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Sam Tidball Mayor of Fort Pierre City of Fort Pierre
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Chris Anderson CommTech
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Jason Dodson Leisure Palace Pool & Spa
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Terry Fitzke BankWest
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Brad Reinke Reinke Gray Wealth Management
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Nancy Ronning Morris Inc.
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Pat Buscher South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks
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Ryan Beck Personal Group
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Ron Woodburn Capital University Center
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Dawn Nagel Holiday Inn Express |
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DeWayne Donaldson Oahe Family YMCA |
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Sandra Zinter Bureau of Personnel |
Mission Statement:
The Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce is organized to promote the interests of local & Regional individuals, businesses & organizations. Our commitment is to provide quality services & representation in the areas of government, health, agriculture, education, and culture to enhance our presence in the state of South Dakota.
Committees:
Agri-Interest Committee- To establish communications between the business community and the rural agricultural community; and to increase education and promote interest and understanding of the agricultural community. The Ag committee facilitates the Ag Banquet, Ag Field Day, Ag Tour and the Ag Scholarships.
Ambassadors Committee- To be the public relations are of the chamber at all ribbon cuttings, new business openings, ground breakings and Business After Hours networking events.
Beautification Committee- Serves as the chamber's voice for the downtown revitalization project and for other community projects as needed, selects monthly Beautification Award Winner, develops signage plan.
Events Committee- To create and maintain events that benefit the Chamber and its members while following Program of Work. The events committee facilitates the Annual Celebration, Golf Tournament, Teacher Appreciation and business seminars/training.
Government Affairs Committee- To strengthen communication between the community and government entities; and serve as the catalyst for forums, panels, town meetings, ect. This committee facilitates the Legislative Welcome, Cracker Barrel Sessions and meetings with other elected officials. Holds candidate/issue forums prior to elections.
Hospitality Committee- Develops strategies to bring visitors to the area, facilitates combined calendar of events, cross promotes area events and attractions, and encourages improved customer service practices.
Membership Committee- Develops leads and follows up with potential chamber members. Works on member outreach and member retention programs.
Transportation Committee- To coordinate city, county, and state officials to communicate key issues and projects for the community in the areas of ground, rail, air, rural, and city roads.
Sports Committee- Build a coalition of those involved in all sporting activities. Work on a combined calendar of events and identify events and tournaments to recruit. Maximize the usage of our existing facilities and provide services to advocate for future facility needs.
