P ierre Area Chamber of Commerce
 March 2018 Newsletter


Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce, Pierre Convention & Visitors Bureau & Pierre Economic Development Corporation E-News


This is the electronic version of the Pierre Area Chamber's March 2018 newsletter. We continue to provide a hard copy of this document in the Capital Journal as well.

Life is good on the river,
The Staff at the
Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce

In This Issue
Pierre Economic Development Corporation
2018 Investor List
(from 1/26 to 2/23)
  
Thank you to the following businesses, organizations and individuals who are supporting economic development in Central South Dakota through their PEDCO membership investment.

Platinum Investors - $1000
Montana-Dakota Utilites

Silver Investors - $300
Dakota Prairie Bank
Dougherty & Company LLC
Stulken Petersen Lingle Walti & Jones LLP

Bronze Investors - $150
All Around Graphix, Anderson Dental, Bob's Lounge, Brakke Financial Services, CommTech, Dakota Storm Roofing, Forell Limousine & Bus Service, Halverson Hunts LLC, Ingram Pest Service, La Minestra, Olson Plumbing Inc., Pizza Ranch, Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center, RedRossa Italian Grille, State 123 Theatre

 

CEO's Report
Laura Schoen Carbonneau, CEO

Life is full of fun experiences if you are willing to put yourself out there. A month ago, I was fortunate to volunteer at the Super Bowl in Minneapolis. Being part of Crew 52 was an amazing experience and it also taught me a few things about volunteer and event management. Many of the lessons can apply to our chamber members, whether you are managing people or providing an experience for clients. Read on and feel free to use any of the tips:
 
Don't be afraid to step outside the box
While I like football, I don't have a favorite pro team. But when I heard last summer that Super Bowl LVII was looking for 10,000 volunteers, it sounded like a once in a lifetime experience, so I decided to apply. The Crew 52 captains sent word in October that I was selected to be a Skyway Host. My job was to give directions in the Minneapolis Skyway system. Since I have only been in the 8+ mile skyway system once or twice before, I was a little unsure of how helpful I would be. Turns out, all I really needed to know was where the nearest bathroom or coffee shop was located, how to get to the Minneapolis Convention Center and US Bank Stadium. I took a lot of photos and met a lot of great fans - all because I took a chance to do something a little out of my comfort zone.
 
Swag is nice, but appreciation is the best reward
While the volunteers didn't get paid, we did receive a complete uniform including a polo shirt, jacket, overcoat, scarf, mittens and a hat which we were able to keep. There were also incentives for completing all three volunteer commitments (pins, socks, water bottles, etc.). But the best part were the words of encouragement we received from the team leaders and the thanks we got from the host committee. It really felt like we were an important part of a very well run event. The next day after the big game, all 10,000 volunteers were listed in the Star Tribune. I'm guessing that is the first and last time you'll see my name printed in Minneapolis.
 
It's all in the details
Imagine what it would take to select, train, outfit, feed and process 10,000 volunteers. I can't say enough about the organization and professionalism of the Crew 52 captains. Everything from the transportation to the volunteer signups was thought through and communicated clearly. While questions did come up along the way, answers came quickly and the overall flow of the volunteer experience was amazing.
 
Be Proud to be Part
Each day before our shift, all volunteers came to the headquarters to check in and wait until we were ready to be deployed. Imagine a room full of people in blue and purple excited to begin their day of fun. People who had never met before were meeting and greeting, talking about their experiences or giving advice from the previous day. Everywhere you went, you saw people in the blue volunteer uniform and over and over we heard how nice and friendly everyone in this part of the country are.
 
While Pierre won't ever host a Super Bowl, there are many wonderful community events which give our residents an opportunity to be involved. Whether it's helping out in the Oahe Days Beer Tent, dumping water during the Bassmaster Elite or organizing a parade, you gain so much from volunteering. And for the event organizers and business owners, appreciation, organization and communication is always appreciated. The next time you hear about an event happening in town, give us a call, we're happy to connect you with ways to make Pierre and Fort Pierre shine.

 

 

 

 

 

Pierre Mayor Steve Harding's Report
 
By mid-March, we'll know what airlines are interested in flying in and out of Pierre Regional Airport.
 
The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) currently has an Essential Air Service (EAS) contract with ADI, Pierre's commercial air service provider. For its part of the contract, the USDOT subsidizes ADI to ensure Pierre has access to commercial air service. As an EAS provider, ADI is required to serve the Pierre market. That contract will expire on July 31 of this year. That means it's time for a new contract.
 
The USDOT leads the contracting process by calling for proposals from airlines interested in serving the Pierre market. The USDOT originally asked for all proposals to be submitted by mid-February. However, because ADI requested an extension, the submission deadline is now mid-March. The USDOT will share the submitted proposals with the City then. From there, local experts will join city staff to review the proposals and recommend the airline that will best meet the needs of our community. If the USDOT sees no concerns with the recommendation, we will again have guaranteed commercial air service in Pierre for another two years. This is the same process that was used to vet and eventually secure ADI as Pierre's commercial air service provider in 2016.
 
Already, the City has heard from a couple of airlines interested in serving Pierre. This is great news! Because of our boarding records, multiple airlines are seeing the Pierre route as a profitable one. It also means there's competition for the market. That ultimately leads to better air service for those traveling in and out of central South Dakota, and ongoing economic activity in our community.
 
I can't speculate on the specifics of the proposals, but I do expect that our next contract will provide our community with equal to if not greater service than we already receive. Stand by, the City will work to keep you informed of the process with updates at City Commission meetings. In the meantime, keep flying Pierre!
 
Fort Pierre Mayor Gloria Hanson's Report
 
The City of Fort Pierre recently met with representatives of Wellmark regarding the Healthy Hometown program. As their material reads, "Your Zip Code could impact your health more than your genetic code." Gets your attention, doesn't it?
A few years ago, the City of Fort Pierre took part in an "Active Transportation" study conducted by SDSU students in partnership with the SD Department of Health, which gave us some good ideas for future planning of improved access to walking and biking trails, as well as safer pedestrian routes especially near schools.
This new initiative would expand on that study and we would want to include ways to eat healthier in our community, such as farmer's markets and community gardens. Our first summer of farmer's markets on Tuesday evenings was a great success, and planning has begun to continue it this summer. We have some people interested in establishing a community garden. An obvious location in Fort Pierre would be one of the vacant lots bought out by the Corps.
We plan to have our first informational meeting (about an hour) sometime in March and will schedule a more comprehensive planning meeting (about 3 hours) in April. If you would like more information, or would like to be part of a Fort Pierre Wellness Committee, please contact me. I also need to know how many people are interested in having a community garden plot.
You can call my office at 223-7690. Feel free to leave a message if I'm in a meeting or away from the office. My cell phone is 222-5530 - call or text. Email is mayorhanson@fortpierre.com . I look forward to working with you for a healthier Fort Pierre!
The Irish Get Ready to Roll
The Saint Patrick's Day Parade and all that is green will be on display Saturday, March 17th. The Irish Club of Central South Dakota and the Pierre/Fort Pierre Lions Club are the proud sponsors of this event. They encourage all students, school activity groups, family floats, businesses, hobby groups, fraternal and service organizations to get involved.
The Lions will be hosting their annual Irish Stew Feed at the American Legion Cabin before, during, and following the parade until approximately 7:00 p.m. or until they run out of stew. Cost for the Irish stew is $8 for adults and $4 for ages 10 and under. If you would like leftovers, the Lions will be offering $12 containers of stew to-go.
Parade staging will take place at the Georgia Morse parking lot at 4:30 p.m. The parade is scheduled to begin at 5:15 p.m. The 22nd annual St. Patrick's Day parade will proceed down Pleasant Drive to Pierre Street, turn right on Dakota Avenue going past Bob's Lounge, and turn left on Central Ave to end in the American Legion parking lot near Steamboat Park. The new route will alleviate crowding near the American Legion Log Cabin, which will be hosting the annual Irish Stew Feed.
You can contact Kevin with any questions by phone (605) 223-2970. May the luck of the Irish be with you!
  

 

 

 

 

 

Dairy Cows and Chinese Ringnecks
Jim Protexter, PEDCO COO
Over the past two weeks I have attended meetings focused on developing or enhancing the current climate in the county for ag-related industrial development and pheasant habitat.
Board-level discussions about ag-related industrial development (AID) or Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) has been a constant here for as long as I can remember. That's 21 years to be exact. There have been some success stories and some failures. Most of the failures failed before they even got started. Often it was because there was not a suitable site to be found in all of Hughes County.
On Feb. 20 we heard from Emeline Hoblick, a planner with the Central SD Enhancement District, that worked with the SD Department of Ag on the county's new site assessment. The effort's purpose was to determine locations that would accommodate CAFOs and AID projects in the county based on multiple factors. It was not a surprise to learn there are not many "better" or "best" sites, but for the right project, there could be several "good" sites.
The problem we'll have is identifying those better or best sites that also have an owner that is willing to work with us and a prospect company, whether that's a land sale or partnership investment. The assessment only considered sites of at least 40 acres, which when combined with the other factors like quality roads, utility services and zoning, narrows the options in a hurry.
While we know locating big projects here is not easy, there is mounting evidence (created by the hard work of the SD Dept. of Ag development team) that the dairy industry is growing in the state and we should be prepared to address any opportunities. Besides dairy, we have talked at length about future opportunities for an egg laying facility.
Our interest, as usual, is for more good jobs and significant investment. What is somewhat unique to these projects is that the companies often supply the workforce, say 20-30 employees, so that hurdle is mostly cleared.
We will continue the discussions and research. If you are one of those 40-acre landowners that feels your site might be perfect for an ag-related industrial project, please let me know.
Another presentation was at Pheasant Fest in Sioux Falls. What a great show by the way. The presentation was called 2018 Community-Based Habitat Access Program.
The decline in the pheasant population is attributable to weather and habitat, and we can only control one of those. So the focus needs to be on habitat. And before you "go there," the Pheasants Forever biologists are convinced that buying and releasing hens is like "pouring money down the drain."
The program Lois Ries and I heard about was born in Aberdeen, and now being somewhat replicated in Mitchell. In Aberdeen's case, they have raised $100,000 to provide a $25 per acre crp sign-up bonus for a 10-year contract. The acres will be planted to crp and must be open to the public. They expect to establish 4,000 new walk-in acres in Brown County in the next few years.
Our interest in that, obviously, is to see our local hotels and businesses filled with orange every season (weather permitting). There was a lot of talk, too, about preserving our hunting heritage and having a place to take youth so that they can keep the tradition alive. I'm certainly all for that!
We'll be talking about the Aberdeen Pheasant Coalition program, and dairies, and egg laying facilities, at many of our upcoming board meetings. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Capital City Economy
November 2017 Current Month Same Month 2016 Percent Change 2017 YTD 2016 YTD Percent Change
CITY TAX RECEIPTS            
Pierre 2% $625,570 $656,284 -4.7% $7,046,161 $7,559,976 -6.8%
Pierre 1% BBB $46,711 $47,009 -0.6% $493,988 $499,425 -1.1%
Fort Pierre 2% $87,893 $95,366 -7.8% $1,069,608 $1,100,287 -2.8%
Fort Pierre 1% BBB $8,883 $10,851 -18.1% $112,674 $105,729 6.6%
OCCUPANCY TAX            
Pierre BID #1 (Est. 8/2014) $19,744 $20,708 -4.7% $219,535 $232,045 -5.4%
AIRPORT BOARDINGS            
Aerodynamics Inc. 1,311 1,173 11.8% 10,750 5,572 92.9%
DAILY TRAFFIC            
Missouri River Bridge 14,607 14,356 1.7% 167,894 172,299 -2.6%
US 14 East of Pierre 3,005 2,898 3.7% 33,028 33,695 -2.0%
CITY OF PIERRE BUILDING PERMITS            
Residential:
New Homes
Stick Built - Number 1 1 16 14
   Dollar Amount $257,000 $344,484 -25.4% $3,836,603 $3,549,900 8.1%
Other* - Number 0 0 27 8
   Dollar Amount $0 $0 0.0% $998,500 $354,716 181.5%
Remodeling
Number 2 4 56 67
   Dollar Amount $8,200 $16,907 -51.5% $888,888 $1,157,169 -23.2%
Commercial:
New Buildings
Number 0 0 9 11
   Dollar Amount $0 $0 0.0% $26,236,951 $7,106,927 269.2%
Improvements
Number 0 2 32 29
   Dollar Amount $0 $20,000 0.0% $1,021,098 $3,975,470 -74.3%
Total Permits**
Number 30 41 795 1135
   Dollar Amount $471,501 $766,889 -38.5% $37,514,880 $25,198,276 48.9%
HUGHES COUNTY BUILDING PERMITS            
Residential:
New Homes
Number 2 1 10 16
   Dollar Amount $896,000 $225,000 298.2% $3,141,184 $3,971,604 -20.9%
Other* - Number 0 0 2 1
   Dollar Amount $0 $0 0.0% $98,147 $60,000 63.6%
Remodeling
Number 0 1 25 6
   Dollar Amount $0 $100,000 0.0% $633,740 $159,772 296.7%
Commercial:
New Buildings
Number 0 1 0 1
   Dollar Amount $0 $28,100 0.0% $0 $38,000 0.0%
Improvements
Number 0 0 2 1
   Dollar Amount $0 $0 0.0% $312,000 $23,000 1256.5%
Total Permits**
Number 3 3 66 67
   Dollar Amount $902,000 $353,100 155.5% $6,066,453 $5,563,121 9.0%
             
WORK FORCE                           
Pierre MiSA***
Total Work Force 12,947 12,995
Total Employed 12,578 12,713
Total Unemployed 369 282
Unemployment Rate 2.9% 2.2%
For local job opportunities, visit http://dol.sd.gov/localoffices/pierre
* Includes multi-family, mobile and manufactured homes
** Includes residential, commercial, and all other permits.
*** Pierre Micropolitan Statistical Area includes Hughes & Stanley counties
Source: Pierre Economic Development Corporation Research
Retail Briefs
Subway beefs up loyalty program to boost sales
Subway will roll out a revamped loyalty program next month in a push to drive more frequent visits and reverse slowing sales. The revised program will give members $4 to spend on any menu items once they've spent $100 and reward frequent customers with "surprise" perks, including chips and cookies. Bloomberg (free registration) (2/22)
 
Mnuchin: Trump supports collection of tax for online retail sales
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said during a House Ways and Means Committee hearing that President Donald Trump favors a tax for online retail sales that would be equivalent to what brick-and-mortar retailers must impose. E-commerce sales in the last quarter of 2017 are estimated at $119 billion, US Census Bureau figures show. ConsumerAffairs (2/16)
 
Yankton Mall in S.D. to see renovations soon
The company planning to renovate Yankton Mall in South Dakota says its financing for the project is approved. The project is likely to move forward in 2018. WNAX-AM (2/13)
 
Female employees at Walmart on the decline
Despite the fact that Walmart has recently named several women to executive-level positions, the overall number of female employees at the company is declining, according to federal documentation. More than 40% of female Walmart employees said they were concerned about receiving the same pay as their male counterparts, according to an OUR Walmart survey. Bloomberg (free registration) (2/12)
 
NRF: 2018 retail sales set to rise up to 4.4%
US retail sales are on track to grow between 3.8% and 4.4% this year, as consumers' wages grow and unemployment remains low, according to a National Retail Federation forecast released Thursday. "The push and pull of forces both external and internal to the U.S. economy will continue to provide challenges, but on balance we expect a good year," said Jack Kleinhenz, NRF's chief economist. CNBC (2/8)
 
Report: Best Buy to end CD sales in the age of digital music
Best Buy has told suppliers it will stop selling CDs on July 1, according to a report in Billboard, reflecting consumers' shift to digital music. Revenue for streaming services such as Apple Music and Spotify has surged in recent years while CD sales slumped, according to the International Federation of Phonographic Industry. USA Today (2/6)
 
Survey: Consumers to spend more for Valentine's Day this year
More than half of US consumers will celebrate Valentine's Day this year, each spending an average of $144 on jewelry, flowers, candy and other gifts, according to a National Retail Federation survey. Total spending is on track to hit $19.6 billion, an increase over the $18.2 billion spent in 2017. MediaPost Communications (2/2)

CVB Report

Lois Ries, CVB Director

The Convention & Visitors Bureau has been busy making plans for the

Bassmaster Elite Series on Lake Oahe June 29, 30, July 1, & 2. As a host city, Pierre is obliged to do a festival in connection with the weigh-in at Steamboat Park.

 

We will be doing an outdoor festival with help from Game, Fish and Parks and South Dakota National Guard. The Oahe Hockey Association will be taking over the beverage tent, and Pierre Music will provide entertainment in the amphitheater. And certainly, we will need food. Drifters, Ritchie Z's, Longbranch and Big Tom's will be showing off their local favorites in the park. The festival will be held June 30th and July 1st. The final weigh-in will be July 2nd.

Of course, with any event in Pierre, we are in need of volunteers. You can call our office at (605) 224-7361 if you would like to be involved.

The Pierre Visitor Guide is being distributed through requests by potential visitors and at sports shows. Over 4,000 books have been distributed. If you are interested in having Visitor Guides at your business, conference, meeting, convention or reunion, give our office a call.

There are many events going on in Pierre in March. Show your hospitality to everyone you meet!
 


 

February Sports Shows

Pierre was represented at three sports shows in the month of February. Saint Cloud, Lincoln and Pheasant Fest were all a great success. The sports shows are sponsored by the Pierre Business Improvement District.
 
SD Outstanding Customer Service Award 
PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Department of Tourism has recognized 141 businesses and organizations across 44 communities in South Dakota for their outstanding customer service.
The Great Service Star Program is designed to recognize businesses that develop and complete hospitality training programs for their staff; reward employees for offering great service; and find unique ways to show customer appreciation. Those that meet the criteria are awarded a star symbol from the Department of Tourism for use in marketing their business and to visually show visitors their commitment to great service.
"The Great Service Star recognizes the importance of offering each guest a warm welcome and a great experience," said Jim Hagen, Secretary of the Department of Tourism. "A great customer experience drives repeat visitation and word-of-mouth marketing about our state. The Great Service Star Program encourages the development of these skills that make South Dakota stand apart from other states." South Dakota Department of Tourism, 2018. (South Dakota Department of Tourism, 2018)
The Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau were recognized with the 2018 Great Service Star Award from the South Dakota Department of Tourism. Employees include: Laura Schoen Carbonneau, Lois Ries, Katie Johnson, Mallory Gordon and Penny Andersen.


 

Membership Report
Katie Johnson, Membership Director
 
Have you seen your business name spotlighted in our What's Happening email? Every week we draw a random Chamber member to be the spotlight 'Business of the Week'. It is basically your business card in our weekly What's Happening email that is sent out every Monday. We have roughly 1974 recipients of our What's Happening email, and it is growing all the time. The information we can track from those emails is the best part, and most beneficial to you. We average 29% open rate, which means 572 people are opening and reading the email. Out of those 572 opened emails, an average of 26 people click on the business ad - which means they are looking at your Facebook page, your webpage - and learning more about your business.
Are you receiving the weekly What's Happening email? It is a great way to stay up to date on what is going on in the community. It is easy to get signed up - simply go to www.pierre.org , click on the What's Happening tab at the top of the page, and enter your email address.
If you would like to submit information to be included in our What's Happening email blast, go to www.pierre.org and click under the blue scrolling Calendar Highlights on 'click here to view all events'. In the upper right-hand corner of the new page, you will see 'submit new event' - enter your information and click submit for approval. Be sure to include as much information as possible; the more descriptive you are, the better informed our readers will be on your upcoming event. I am always here to help or answer any questions. Have a great March!

Winter Business After Hours, 2018
After careful consideration to do a complete overhaul of Business After Hours, the Chamber is very happy with the turnout and overall flow of the newly formatted event. The shift in timeframe makes it easier for individuals to stop in and show their support to local businesses without taking up their entire evening. In contrast to offering 10 Business After Hours' per year, having 4 makes it feel more like an 'event' than an obligatory networking function. Having several hosts in one location brings together a wider variety of patrons and clients, where they have the opportunity to connect with businesses they may not frequent. The registration forms act as an ice breaker, and encourages attendees to visit with each participating business while there.
 
After counting registration forms there were roughly 100 people in attendance at the 2018 Winter Business After Hours. Our hope is that the new format will only continue to gain momentum and grow from here. The next Business After Hours will be in May, 2018. If you would like more information on the new format, or to take part in a future Business After Hours - give the chamber a call and chat with our Membership Director, Katie Johnson. (605) 224-7361.
 
 
New Members
 
Lenny's Remodel Etc. Inc
Pierre, SD
605-280-0638
Let us help you with all of your remodeling needs! New construction, pole barns, foundations, and concrete work! Give Lenny a call today!
 
Riverwood Consulting
306 S. Coteau St., Suite B
Pierre, SD 57501
Greg 605-222-0025 - greg@riverwoodconsulting.com
Michelle 605-220-3295 - michelle@riverwoodconsulting.com
Founded in December 2017, Riverwood Consulting is the South Dakota and North Dakota representative of the popular B.A.N.K. Code system. Its constultancy and education has proven to improve communication, build relationships of all kinds, and increase sales by 300% in companies of all industries and all sizes. The new company's mission is to educate sales teams, non-profit leaders, teachers, and more, on how to determine personality types and customize communication skills. Riverwood Consulting's powerful team currently includes Michelle Maupin Barrett and Greg Deal, collectively possessing more than 60 years of executive management and sales experience. For more information about Riverwood Consulting, visit its website at

 

           

Featu

We Love Our Members

Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce Board members and membership ambassadors handed out 2018 Chamber membership plaques on Valentine's Day. We love our members!
                       
Featured Article
                       
March Calendar of Events
 

March 1 - Breast Cancer Survivors from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. at the Countryside Classroom. Contact number: 945-0827
March 1 - Free rides for seniors age 60+ every Thursday for three months-March-May to the pot-luck luncheon at the Pierre Senior Center through River Cities Public Transit. Riders will need to pre-register with RCPT and call in at least the day before to arrange their pick-up time. Return trips should also be scheduled at that time. Contact information: Brett at 605-945-2360   Fees: free.
March 1 &8 - Spanish classes at CUC from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.  Contact information: CUC 773-2160   Fees: $130 plus the cost of the book
March 1-3 - Pierre Players present "The Three Musketeers" from 7:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m. at the Grand Opera House. Contact information: 605-224-7826   Fees: General Admission: Adult tickets are $15 General Admission-Student (high school and under) and Senior Citizen tickets are $13.
March 2-4 - 2018 SD Short Course State A Championships at the Pierre Aquatic Center/Oahe Family YMCA. Contact information: Becky Burke   Fees: Free for spectators. Concessions, swim gear, and shirts will be available for sale.
March 3 - Wild Game Feed by High Plains Wildlife Association from 5:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. at Izaak Walton. Contact information: Ron McMahon 605-280-4878 Fees: $15/ person donation Kids 12 & under free.
March 3 - FashionRx Opening Day from 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at The Alley Exchange.   Contact information: Ashley Severyn
March 3 - Dueling Duo at Drifters Bar and Grille from 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.   Contact information: Derk Campbell 222-9927   Single ticket: $30, Table for 8: $200
March 4 - Japanese Taiko Drum Ensemble ONDEKOZA Performance at TF Riggs auditorium at 2:00 p.m. Contact information: Short Grass Arts Council (Barb Wood) at 605-567-3597 or oahehill@goldenwest.net Fees: Cost for adults and students, children under twelve free
March 5, 12, 19, 25 - City of Pierre Seasoned Citizen Activities from 10:15 a.m.-6:00 p.m. at the Y/Pierre Aquatic Center Multipurpose Room/ Pierre Senior Center. Times will vary, contact information: Mindy Cheap, Recreation Superintendent at 605-773-7445. Fees: vary per class
March 5 - Canvasback Art Club monthly meeting from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. at Rawlins Library. Contact: Bev Letellier   605-224-7993
March 5 - Pizza Ranch Fundraiser for Oahe Child Development Center from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
March 5 - Pierre Players Auditions: "Cookin' with Gus" from 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. at the Grand Opera House Contact information: Katie Duenwald at cduenwald@msn.com
March 6 - Volunteers needed at the food bank at the Feeding South Dakota warehouse from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Contact information: Russ or Andrew at 605-494-3663 or email andrew@feedingsouthdakota.org 20-30 volunteers are needed for this project.
March 6 - Edgewood 3rd Birthday Celebration at Edgewood from 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Contact information: Kim Brakke-Area Marketing Manager 605-494-3400   Fees: free
March 7 - Stanley American Legion Post 20 monthly meeting from 6-8 p.m. at the Moose Lodge in Fort Pierre. There will be a potluck dinner at 6:00 p.m. and a membership meeting at 7:00 p.m. All veterans are invited to attend and enjoy a meal on Post 20 and have fun. Contact: Royce Loesch, Post 20 Commander
March 8 - Banking and Financing Workshop from 12:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m. at the SD Department of Labor-Job Service-116 W. Missouri Ave. Contact information: 773-3372   Fees: Free
March 8 - Breastfeeding Class from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. at Avera St. Mary's Contact information: Dawn Tassler 605-224-3189 Website: http://www.growinguptogether.org Fees: $10 and scholarships are available.
March 10 - Concert Fundraiser featuring "The Spirit of the American Cowboy".   Doors open at 6 p.m. and the concert starts at 7 p.m. at TF Riggs Theater. Fees: $15 at door, $12.50 in advance. Tickets available at American Bank and Trust, Dakota Prairie Bank, Prairie Pages, or any Kiwanis member.
March 11 - Drifters Bridal Showcase 2018 from 12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. at the Drifters Event Center. Fees: free
March 12 - Stately Stitchers Guild Meeting from 6:45 p.m.-8:45 p.m. at Lutheran Memorial   Church basement. Social time is 6:45 p.m., meeting starts at 7:00 p.m.   Contact: Myrna Buckles 222-6847   Fees/admission: no fee to attend as a guest, when you join the guild dues are $12 per year.
March 13 - Chamber's Hospitality Committee Meeting in the Chamber Board Room from 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
March 13 - Boy Scout Chili Feed Fundraiser from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church. Contact information: Joan Schueller, Boy Scout Troop 27 Committee Chair at 605-224-0252   Fees: $5.00/ticket
March 14 - Edgewood Pi Day from 3:15 p.m.-4:30 p.m. at Edgewood. Contact information: Kim Brakke-Area Marketing Manager 605-494-3400   Fees: free
March 14 - Central SD Survivors of Suicide Support Group from 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. with monthly location to be announced. Contact: Julie Moore @ Avera.org Fees: no charge
March 15 - Breast Cancer Survivors Meeting from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. at the Countryside Classroom. Contact information: 945-0827
March 17 - St. Patrick's Day Parade and Stewfeed from 5:15 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Contact information: Mark Gageby 224-4172 or Kevin Merscheim 223-2970   Fees: no charge
March 19 - Dog Obedience Class Owner Information at the Boys and Girls Club from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Contact information: CUC   Fees: $40 for this seven week class held on Monday nights beginning March 26.
March 20 - Alias Brass-The Pierre Concert Series from 7:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. at the Riggs High Theater. Contact information: 605-224-7909   Fees: Admittance is by season membership only. Memberships can be purchased at the door at each performance.
March 22 - Pierre Ducks Unlimited Annual Membership Banquet from 5:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. at the Pierre Ike's Clubhouse. Contact information: Kyle Potter 280-3280 for Pierre SD Ducks Unlimited Chapter on Facebook. Fees: $45 single, $60 couple, $15 youth
March 23 - March 30-Online Subzero Wilderness Survival Class. Location: online self-pace class on Google class that will begin on March 23 at 6:00 p.m.   Contact information: dallins549@gmail.com or call 208-351-3407   Fees: $15 per adult, $5.00 per child, or $30 per group or family
March 24 - March 25-AAUW 30th Annual Book Sale at Northridge Plaza. Saturday-10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., bag sale-Sunday 12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Contact information: Kristi 280-3289 or Liz 413-8481
March 24 - American Cancer Society 38th Annual Spring Salad Luncheon from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at the Pat Duffy CYI Center   Contact information: Tanya Krietlow 605-280-6956 Fees: $20 per ticket or $160 to reserve and decorate a table.

For future months, go to www.pierre.org