In this issue...

I ssue 13 • August 2017

P.2 Business Spotlight

Great Western Bank

P.3 Business Spotlight

Travis Electric

P.4 Ribbon Cuttings

P.5 Ribbon Cuttings

P.6 HADC Report

P.7 Chamber Director Report

P.8 Jamboree Days

P.9 New Superintendent

P.10 New Chamber Members

P.11 Job Fair

Letter from the President

It’s hard to believe 2017 is alreadypast the half way mark! Your HartfordArea Chamber of Commerce has beenbusy with many activities and events thisyear and we are excited to have even moreevents coming up! One of the main proj-ects the Chamber undertook at the begin-ning of this year was putting together theHartford Community Guide. This guidehighlights many of the wonderful aspectsof our community, giving both visitorsand residents a good overview of all theexciting benefits of Hartford! The Cham-ber also held its first Job Fair this springand it was a great success with severalbusinesses gaining valuable employees.We look forward to continuing to offerJob Fairs in the Spring and Fall of eachyear. Another great event your Chamberworked on was sponsoring the JamboreeDays Carnival. Because of the generosityof the Chamber businesses, we were ableto offer over 10,000 ½ price carnival tick-ets. We look forward to continuing tosponsor this great event for years to come.A big thank you to the Jamboree commit-tee for their dedication and hard work onthis great community event! We are look-ing forward to hosting the 2nd annual“Business in the Park” at the end of July.This is a great opportunity to network with

other business members and leaders of ourcommunity. Along with these events, wehave had a number of ribbon cuttings andmixers, while also working to market ourlocal Chamber businesses through variousavenues such as social media, direct mail-ings and door to door through our commu-nity welcome bags.

There are so many ways to get in-volved in your Hartford Area Chamber ofCommerce. Are you part of a business inthe Hartford area? If your business hasnot yet signed up for Chamber member-ship, do so today! If you are a member al-ready, we encourage you to get asinvolved as possible. Know your benefitsand take advantage of the many opportu-nities to network and market your busi-ness. Beginning in August our nominatingcommittee will be looking for new boardmembers. If you are not interested in aboard position, we have many committeesneeding more volunteers. Our currentcommittees include the following: Events,marketing, bylaws, membership, website,& welcoming. Being active with yourChamber is the best way to maximize yourbenefits, while also having an impact ingrowing and making the Chamber a vitalpart of community and business growth.Get involved today!

Hart ford Area Chamber of Commerce Newslet ter125 N Main Ave, Hartford, SD 57033 | (605) 528-3338

N e w s l e t t e r

b y S h e r r i G o e b e l , S u n s h i n e F o o d s

600 S. Western Avenue, Hartford SD Located directly south of the new St. George Church

605-336-2640 |  www.millerfh.com

605-695-9433 | Hartford, SD

Carpet Cleaning, DuctCleaning, Janitorial

Services, and 24/7 Fire &Water Damage Restoration

Tables, Chairs &Popcorn Machine

No event too large/smallWE DELIVER

Business Spotlight

©2016, Great Western Bank

Making Life Great®

in Hartford!Hartford: 202 W. Highway 38

Great Western Bank is proud to be part of the vibrantcommunity of Hartford. Founded 80 years ago, GreatWestern Bank (NYSE: GWB) provides full-service bank-ing through more than 170 branch locations, more than20,000 surcharge-free ATM’s, online (GreatWestern-Bank.com), and mobile devices.

Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, ourbanking model seeks to balance the best of being a “bigenough” and a “small enough” bank, providing capabili-ties typical of a much larger bank, with a customer-fo-cused culture usually associated with smaller banks.

Great Western Bank is well recognized within ourmarkets for local, efficient decision making. We focuson business and agribusiness banking, complimentedby retail banking and wealth management services.

Our mission is to Make Life Great by taking out-standing care of our customers and creating long-termrelationships. We live by our values and strive to al-ways put the customer first, get the basics right, anddo the right thing.

To learn more about us, please visit our website atwww.greatwesternbank.com.

Great Western Bank

Business Spotlight

BIG ‘SJBar & Grill

est. 2014

Humboldt, SD 605.363.6000

511 S Salem, SD 57058

McCook Therapyand Wellness

McCook Central Valley ~ GreatLife418 E. HWY 38, Hartford, SD Phone: 1-844-425-3303

Travis Electric, Inc.tric has been working on six four-plexeslocated close to Tammen Auto & Tire inHartford that are under construction.Hartford continues to experience recordbreaking growth, a plus for businesses

like Travis Electric. Travis has been an ac-

tive member of the commu-nity since moving here in1998 with wife of 24 years,Wendy, and children Dal-ton, 23, Madison, 21, andJocelyn, 14. He served onthe Planning and ZoningBoard and currently repre-sents Ward 1 on the Hart-ford City Council. Prior tomoving to South Dakota,

Travis served in the Minnesota ArmyNational Guard for 13 years and wasnamed South Dakota’s 2016 Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year.

Contact Travis Electric for all ofyour residential, commercial, or contractelectrical work needs! For more informa-tion, please visit www.traviselectricinc.com or call 605-212-7647!

Travis Kuehl has been a licensedelectrician in the Sioux Falls area since1994 and an active member of the Hart-ford Area Chamber of Commerce for anumber of years. He started Travis Elec-tric Inc. in 2005 in Hartfordand has been offering hiscustomers exceptional serv-ice ever since for a varietyof electrical needs. Atten-tion to detail, honesty, hardwork, and priding himselfon doing things the rightway has developed TravisElectric Inc into one of themost trusted electrical com-panies in the Sioux Fallsarea.

Starting the business out of his homeand a storage shed, Kuehl has expandedthe business regionally and opened an of-fice in Sioux Falls on 39th & Cliff threeyears ago. Travis Electric employs ateam of seven highly skilled profession-als and offers residential, commercial,and contract electric services in andaround the area. Recently, Travis Elec-

For all yourresidentialcommercialor contractelectrical

needs.

T r a v i s K u e h l

www.traviselectricinc.com

Visit our website!

JBSCONCESSIONS

PO Box 40 | Hartford, SDPhone: 1-605-446-3761

208 East Highway 38 in Hartford SDwww.knottygnome605.com

Handmade Projects|Crafts|Clothing | Decor

Ribbon Cuttings

The Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce and theSioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce held a joint rib-bon cutting ceremony at Central Valley Golf Club onMonday, June 26. Both Chambers joined together to cel-ebrate the new clubhouse at Central Valley and the part-nership with GreatLife. Hartford is fortunate to have ahigh quality course like Central Valley along with theGreatLife gym on Vandemark. As part of the celebration,GreatLIFE also introduced GreatLIFE Fitness PLUS andGreatLIFE Golf & Fitness PLUS. Now all annual fitnessand golf memberships are GreatLIFE Fitness PLUS andGreatLIFE Golf & Fitness PLUS, which means that mem-bers get more awesome perks for the same low price.PLUS benefits include FREE movies at the West Mall 7theater – all day, every day; FREE bowling, FREE Ca-naries Night on Wednesdays, discounts to the GreatPlains Zoo, the Butterfly House and Aquarium, Skyzone,Skate City, Sioux Falls Canaries, Thunder Road and WildWater West. The Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a

ribbon cutting ceremony for Hoyt Consulting on Tuesday,June 27 at Hartford City Hall. Through Hoyt Consulting,Jodi Hoyt (holding scissors) provides writing, proofread-ing, and editing services for any personal or businessneed. Specialties include digital content creation andcopy writing for social media platforms, websites (withan emphasis in SEO tag words and key phrases), andprint materials. Jodi grew up in a small-town where herfamily owned a business. She understands the value ofmaking strong connections in the community and feelslike Hartford is the perfect place to help other small busi-ness owners. Hoyt Consulting has been a member of theHartford Area Chamber of Commerce since 2016 andJodi has enjoyed the opportunity to meet new peoplealong the way. In her spare time, you can find Jodi work-ing part-time at the Central Valley Golf Club or in herother role as an adjunct instructor at STI. For more infor-mation please visit www.hartfordsdchamber.org orwww.hoytconsulting.net.

GreatLife Central Valley Golf Club

Hoyt Consulting

Windshield Replacement • Rock Chip Repair • Mobile Service

“We’re your best price in the area”1-800-260-4247 | 605- 336-1220

www.autoglasssd.com

800 South Western AveSuite B, Hartford, SD 57033

JAMES J. BUSS -CPA • 528-1670james@bussaccounting.com

Har tford Dental Clinic PC

A healthy smile starts at Hartford Dental Clinic!

605-528-6750PO Box 757, 304 West Hwy. 38,Suite 138, Har tford, SD 57033

www.hartforddentalclinic.com

Full Service Convenience Store

201 E. HWY 38 - Hartford - 528-3746SNACKS - CAR WASH - BEVERAGES

100 W Hwy 38 | 605-528-1900Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy

Ribbon Cuttings

The Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce held a rib-bon cutting for Modern Woodmen of America/Wendy Sim-mermon on Friday, March 10. Simmermon opened herlocation in Hartford after working out of her home, northof Hartford, for a few months. Wendy chose Hartford be-cause of her ties to the community and because she sawHartford as a progressive community that continues tobuild upon its success. Since opening in Hartford back inSeptember of 2016, Simmermon has seen an improvementin her business which she accredits, in part, to the im-proved exposure of having a location in town. ModernWoodmen of America is a generous organization that in-vests in the communities they serve. By doing good workwith their products and services, they are able to providegood works throughout the community. Modern Woodmenrecently donated $500 to the West Central After-PromParty and another $500 to the American Legion Baseballteam to purchase equipment this summer through theirmatching funds programs. Stop on by Modern Woodmenat 129 N. Main Ave in Hartford and welcome Wendy to thecommunity!

Caribou Coffee opened in the Hartford Coffee CupFuel Stop on December 13, 2016. It’s been a natural fitfor Hartford, offering both residents and travelers a na-tionally recognized coffee option in an already respectedbusiness. Whitni Baker was hired to be the general man-ager and has thoroughly enjoyed working in Hartford.“I’m happy I said yes to the position as I’ve gotten tomeet some amazing people, both customers and teammembers, plus making some of these beverages is justdownright fun!” Hartford has seen an explosion in growthover the last couple of years and that has attracted newbusinesses to consider locating in town. Caribou is justone of several new businesses that have recently openedand more are on the way.

“I’m looking forward to growing with the town,”Baker said. “It’s amazing how quickly the communityseems to be growing and I’m glad to be a part of it. Per-sonally, my goal is to provide, not just a great product,but also a great experience for each customer. I look for-ward to being the ‘go to’ place for coffee AND smiles!”

Caribou Coffee

Modern Woodmen of America

Hartford Area Development Corporation Report

b y J u s t i n E i c h

Chamber of CommerceUpcoming Events

With summer in full swing; base-ball, vacations and camping are sureto be a few activities that are keepingfamilies busy. One thing that is al-ways going on within the Hartfordarea is economic development.

With Foundation Park only ahandful of miles away taking shapeand the first anchor tenantbeing announced the be-ginning of May, thingsare looking good in ourarea. Wind Chill, LLCpurchased 54 acres of the800 acres available atFoundation Park. Howdoes this have any impacton Hartford you may ask?The company plans tohire 30-35 employees fortheir first phase. The com-pany expects the buildingto be up and running bynext spring. This is where Hartfordmay receive an impact from Founda-tion Park. Of those employees to behired; there is a decent chance a fewof the employees would like to live ina smaller setting such as Hartford.With the various housing develop-ments that have lots available or thedevelopments that are developing ad-ditional lots; Hartford should play anactive role in helping these employeesfind a new home. With businesses de-

ciding to build in Foundation Park, aneed for local companies to supplythese businesses with supplies is apossibility. With this being said,smaller companies may look to outly-ing communities to build a businessor relocate to provide such businesseswith products.

Economic develop-ment is a process thattakes time, dedication,and planning just to namea few to witness results.There are many hoursspent by various peoplethat have passion for eco-nomic development. TheHartford Area Develop-ment Corporation meetsmost Friday's at 7:30 a.m.for about an hour at cityhall. This is an open doormeeting unless discussing

a lead from a company looking tomove to Hartford or anything thatneeds to be confidential.

If you have been busy this sum-mer with various activities; take a fewminutes and drive around Hartford.There are various projects being de-veloped. From building streets tobuilding places to live economic de-velopment is happening right beforeyour eyes.

- Justin Eich, HADC President

“The companyplans to

hire 30-35employees

on their first phase”

Every Thursday7:00pm

Thursday, September 141:00-7:00pm

Monday, September 256:00pm

Tuesday, October 315:00pm

Commerce and Coffee at StompingGrounds

Fall Hartford Area Job Fair at the Hartford Plaza Event Center

Community Information Night at the Becker Center

A Haunted Hartford Halloween at theHartford American LegionBring the whole family for an evening ofkid friendly games and a free meal!

Phone (605) 528-5000

Fax (605) 528-5001

1031 Diamond Circle

Hartford SD 57033

www.americinn.com

Director’s Reportb y J e s s e F o n ke r t

If it’s important to you, you will find a way.

If not, you will find an excuse.

24 HOURS A DAYTANNING & TRAINING

Call Today 605.528.6000

306 West 2nd StHartford, SD

528-HELPCALL TODAY!

Commercial, Residential • Licensed, Bonded & Insured

Chuck Vockrodt • www.a1hartford.com

J e s s e F o n ke r t

The Future Is BrightMy fiancé and I have been here a little over a year now and we are proud to say that we live in Hartford, SD. Neither of us thought we would ever live in a town without stoplights (at least permanent ones) but this

has quickly become something to boast for us.

When I tell people that I serve as the Chamber and EconomicDevelopment Director for the City of Hartford, the first questionI usually get is, “Oh, so do you actually live there?” This questionand the way it’s framed serve as a constant reminder of the powerof preconceived notions. There are many people in our regionthat believe Hartford to be a backwards town in the Wild Westof Minnehaha County. Some believe that we’re too small or toofar away to consider living in, things we all know to be false. Soan innocent question casually tipped with ignorance quickly be-comes an opportunity for me to sell Hartford as the town andcommunity we proudly call home.

Our town is experiencing steady growth that is preparing usfor a bright future. According to the US Census Bureau, Hartfordreached about 3,200 residents in July 2016. Growth is evident,just take a drive around and you’ll quickly see dirt moving andbuildings going up. Cresswood Estates on our southern border isin the midst of adding a new cul-de-sac with about 14 lots. KellyPoint on our eastern side is quickly building out two new cul-de-sacs each with six lots. On top of that our newest subdivision,

Turtle Creek Highlands on our southeastern side will be comingonline soon and will eventually add almost 200 new lots to town.Western Meadows also has lots for sale and is conveniently lo-cated close to exit 387. And don’t forget the South Main Additionwhich seems to put up another home every time you drive by!

It is up to each of us to showcase our community to the outsideworld. We are fortunate to have many Hartford residents workingand involved in Sioux Falls. While some might see this as a dis-advantage for a small town, I see it as an opportunity. It allowsour residents to interact with people that might be looking for anew, growing, and clean community. I challenge you to inviteyour coworkers or outside friends to come to Hartford for supper,a drink, coffee, or anything. Take them around town and impressupon them the high quality of life that accompanies living in ourtown. There is a reason it is difficult to find a home for sale inHartford; people want to move here! Luckily, we have severalsub-divisions open and ready for development. With more peo-ple, come more businesses and amenities. Get ready Hartford,our future is bright.

Jamboree Days

We’ll always make time for you

Vince Reilly,Owner/Pharmacist

Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-7pm | Sat 9am-1pmPhone: 605-528-2000 | Fax: 605-528-2003304 W Hwy 38, Suite 102 | Hartford SD 57033

R PLACE KENNELTraining Solutions That Work!

O BED IE NCE • F I E LD • PUPP IE S

Located 2 Miles West of HartfordOn Hwy 38 • 528-PETS (7387)

• Surveying

• LandscapeArchitecture

• EngineeringSioux Falls, SD605-338-6668

New Superintendent

Open Every Day 6AM to 9PM | Phone 605-528-7194Check our website for specials at www.sunshinefoodshartford.com

PRODUCE • FLORAL • BAKERY • DELI • BEER-WINE-SPIRITS

Specializing in Butcher Fresh Top

Quality Meats Since 1931!

– Mankato and returned to South Dakotato serve as Director of Bands for MitchellHigh School from 1992 - 2003. While in

Mitchell, Mr. Berensearned his Specialist De-gree in Education andthen served as theMitchell Middle SchoolPrincipal from 2003 -2014. He also served asDirect of Bands forDakota Wesleyan Uni-versity as an adjunct fac-ulty member from 2006- 2014 during his tenure

in Mitchell.In 2014 Mr. Berens accepted the posi-

tion of Assistant Superintendent of Ad-ministrative Services for the Rapid CityArea Schools where he served until 2017.Mr. Berens and his wife Lisa have fourchildren ages 26, 24, 22, and 12. Theyalso have a one-year-old granddaughter.

Brad Berens has 32 years of experiencein education as a teacher and administra-tor. Originally from Gregory SouthDakota, he graduatedfrom Gregory HighSchool in 1980. While astudent in Gregory hedeveloped a passion formusic, and pursued a de-gree in Music Educationat Northern State Uni-versity in Aberdeen, SD.Upon graduating fromNSU with a doublemajor in music, he taughthigh school choir and grades 5 - 12 bandin Eureka South Dakota and the followingyear became Director of Bands for RiggsHigh School in Pierre South Dakota; serv-ing in this position from 1986-1990.

Desiring to further his education, Mr.Berens obtained his Masters in Music Ed-ucation from Minnesota State University

West Central Welcomes New Superintendent

BRAD BERENS

First day of school is Thursday, August 24.

B r a d B e r e n s ,S u p e r i t e n d e n t

Aug. 8

Aug. 14

Aug. 16

New StudentRegistration

9th GradeStudent Registration

10th-12th GradeStudent Registration

CHAD VANDERWOUDE 605-351-7680Excavating & Dirt Work Services * Basements Additions * Demolition * Tree Removal * Gravel

Rock * Sand * Septic Tanks * Waterlines Hydrants * Snow Removal

*OPEN 24HRS*I - 90 Ex i t 3 87605 - 528 - 4622

• 24 Hour Pumps• Casino• Gas/Diesel • Convenience Store

Dr. Teri Michaels, DVM • Phone 528-3344 • Fax 528-3398901 N. Oaks Hartford, SD 57033 • hartfordvet@gmail.com

Monday-Friday 8am-5pm • Saturday 9am-Noon

For all your small animal needs

New Members

Justice Fire & SafetySilver MemberMark Brenneman

Dave & Co. Hegg RealtorsBronze MemberDave Larson

Stomping GroundsBronze MemberJustin Eich

McCook Therapy and WellnessBronze MemberAmy Heumiller

DB Cleaning ServicesBase MemberEric Bublitz

Hartford Plaza Event CenterBase MemberLee Knigge

Northside Mobile Home ParkBase MemberRoger Haugo

MidAmerican EnergyBase LevelCraig Van Meeteren

ZL EntertainmentBase MemberJason Zomer and Dave Larson

Christ Lutheran ChurchNon-Profit LevelPastor Dave Lund

You can apply online by visiting our website!

www.hartfordsdchamber.org

Interested in becoming a

CHAMBER member?

TOPS (Taking Pounds Off Seriously)Non-Profit LevelDeanna Bies

We are committed to caring for the whole family, and providing you a lifetime of health and healing.

Call 605-312-5600 to schedule an appointment

At Sanford Health Hartford Clinic, we recognize youwant comprehensive health care from local providersyou know and trust. Providers who are convenient.Close to home. Connected to the community.

“3 Generations Strong”

101 w mickelson rd • hartford sd 57033

JOINTODAY

605-275-0999 | Sioux Falls, SDwww.joingreatlife.com

103 S Main Ave, Hartford, SD | 605-528-3233Member FDIC

Hartford Chamber Holds Job Fair, Second One Planned

Hartford Area Job Fair

One of the most discussed issues facing small busi-nesses in the Hartford area right now is workforce recruit-ment. The fact that the Sioux Falls Metro Statistical Area(MSA), which includes Minnehaha, Lincoln, Turner, andMcCook Counties, has a 2.4% unemployment rate bringschallenges to those seeking employees. Businesses in thearea have struggled finding long-term reliable help due tothe low unemployment rate and changes in workforce be-

havior. In an effort to support our membership, the HartfordArea Chamber of Commerce held a job fair on May 10th atthe Hartford Plaza Event Center. Numerous area job-seekersshowed up to talk with area employers about their next ca-reer move. Multiple businesses have now hired attendeesfrom that job fair and are eager to hold another one this fall!Mark your calendar for Thursday, Sept 14th for the fallHartford Area Job Fair. It will be held at the HartfordPlaza Event Center (100 W. Hwy 38, Ste D) and run from1:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Attendance is free to all area job seek-ers! For more information, please visit www.hartfordsd-chamber.org /job-fair.

Chamber Listing

PO Box 181Hartford, SD 57033www.Hartfordsdchamber.org

ECRWSS PRE-SORTED STANDARD

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

HARTFORD, SDPERMIT NO. 16ZIP CODE 57033

POSTAL PATRON

WESTERN MEADOWS DEVELOPMENTLots available for single family, multi-family,

and commercial development. Call Costello Investments at 605-336-7737 or visit www.costellolotstore.com

GOLD MEMBERS• Central States Manufacturing• Cressman Sanitation, Inc• Great Western Bank• Hartford Dental Clinic, PC• Medicap Pharmacy• Reliabank Dakota• Sunshine Foods• Travis Electric,Inc.

SILVER MEMBERS• AmericInn Hartford• Golden West • Hartford Building Center• Jones Family Eyecare, LLC• Justice Fire & Safety• Pizza Ranch• Sanford Health Hartford• Sioux Valley Energy• Tammen Auto & Tire

BRONZE MEMBERS• A1 Electric, Plumbing, Heat & Air• Affordable Rentals/INTEK Cleaning and Restoration• ATS• Auto Glass Express LLC• Big J's Roadhouse

• Buss CPA• Central Valley Great Life• Coffee Cup Fuel Stop• Costello Investments• Dave & Co. - Hegg Realtors• Get N Go• Hartford Steak Co. Tavern• Hartford Veterinary Clinic• Hartford's Best Paint & Body, LLC• Heart T Stop• Hegg Realtors / Michelle Thompson• JBS Concessions• Knotty Gnome Variety and Salvage• Lemke's Fitness & Training Co.• McCook Therapy and Wellness• Miller Funeral Home• Nothdurft Constuction, LLC• Prairie Rehabilitation Services• R Place Kennel, Inc• Sideline Diesel Repair• South Bar• Stockwell Engineers• Stomping Grounds• The Goat Bar & Grill• US Bank

BASE MEMBERS• A-1 Portable Toilets• ABR ANTIQUE MALL• AK Video Plus• Allegiant Emergency Services, Inc.• American Sports• Anderson Publications Inc• Arrowhead Properties, LLC• Aunt-T's-Ques Wayside Shoppe• Backdoor Garden• Big D Technology Solutions, Inc.• Cemcast Pipe & Precast• Concept Sales Inc.• DB Cleaning Services• Eich Law Office, Prof. LLC• Fast Tax Income Tax Service• Gillespie Outdoor Power Equipment• Hartford Farmers Elevator• Hartford Plaza Event Center• Hartford Professional Centre• Hoyt Consulting• Ideal Weight Solutions• Jarding Construction• Kore Cares, LLC• Leisure Living II,Inc.

• Mark Luke Companies• MidAmerican Energy• Midwest Custom Taxidermy• Minnehaha Messenger• Modern Woodmen of America• Northside Mobile Home Park• Novak Sanitary Service• Pampered Pets Grooming• Paul Nelsen Construction, Inc.• Puthoff Insurance• SF Area Chamber of Commerce• Terry Hagen Construction• ZL Entertainment

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS• Bill Zortman• Gail Olson-Duck• Scott Nelson

NON-PROFIT MEMBERS• Central Valley Struttin' Gobblers• Cowboy Way Church• Christ Lutheran Church• Hartford Legion• Hartford Senior Citizens• Hartford United Methodist Church• TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)• US Postal Service