"For 5 years is a row, Forbes Magazine has rated the city of Sioux Falls as the #1 small community to bring a business into and also live in," stated Governor M. Michael Rounds at the Annual Chamber Dinner attended by more than 1,500 people at the Sioux Falls Convention Center on October 16, 2007.

The Falls – Now and Then

This is the most obvious of themes – after all, the city was built around the Falls of the Sioux River. The falls were created about 14,000 years ago when the last glacial ice sheet redirected the flow of the river into the large looping bends of its present course. Fueled by water from the melting ice, the river exposed the underlying Sioux quartzite bedrock, the hard pinkish stone of the falls.  Other historical facts include:

·         Prehistoric people who inhabited the region before 500 B.C. left numerous burial mounds on the high bluffs near the river.

·         An August 1804 journal entry of the Lewis and Clark expedition describes the falls of the "Soues River." Famous pathfinder John C. Fremont and French scientist Joseph Nicollet explored the region in 1838 and also wrote a description of the falls.

·         The first documented visit was by Philander Prescott, an explorer, trader, and trapper who camped overnight at the falls in December 1832.

·         Captain James Allen led a military expedition out of Fort Des Moines in 1844.

The falls are a symbol of energy, of movement and of constant change.  Indoor waterfalls, rose quartz centerpieces, a tour of the Falls and other waterfall/water themed items can be integrated into any convention. There are numerous historic landmarks at Falls Park, along with a nighttime laser light show.

Historic Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls was founded by land speculators who hoped to build great wealth by claiming prime town sites before the arrival of railroads and settlers. This led to settlement, evacuation, development into Fort Dakota and then settlement again as the Sioux Falls area went through the same changes as the rest of the nation.  This theme describes how the Village of Sioux Falls, consisting of 1,200 acres, developed into the city of Sioux Falls.  Historic tours, kits from the Courthouse Museum or the Pettigrew Museum, and local historians make this an educational theme.

Lakota/Dakota Culture

Native American tribes of the Lakota and Dakota, widely ranging nomadic bison hunters, arrived sometime around the 18th century. Early maps indicate they used the falls as a place to rendezvous with French fur trappers, considered the first European visitors at the falls.  The South Dakota Historical Society has a wide array of displays and other Native American artifacts that will help recreate the Lakota/Dakota culture in a tasteful and respectful way. Native American hoop dances provide a once in a lifetime visual experience.

Sister Cities

Sioux Falls has three sister cities, as designated by Sister Cities International, Inc. (SCI):

·         Potsdam, Germany

·         Strabane, Northern Ireland, UK

·         Surgut, Russia

Using these three cities, a “festival” atmosphere in the vein of Germanfest or Irish Days can be created for convention goers.  The history of the cities – and the sister city partnership – can lead to a rich educational experience.

Art of America

By showing art by local artists, the Sioux Falls Convention Center can become both a meeting place and a destination.  This will also strengthen the idea that the Sioux Falls Convention Center represents the local population.  Likewise, meeting rooms can be named after local artists in an act of preserving history and supporting our local celebrities.  A tour of SculptureWalk could be included.

SculptureWalk

Branching out from the Art of America, a SculptureWalk theme could include a tour of SculptureWalk and surrounding sculptures, including the historic Statue of David replica.  The theme could include ice sculptures of Sioux Falls landmarks, replicas and original sculptures from local residents, and speakers that discuss the importance of art in the Sioux Falls area.  The Sioux Falls Trolley – a bus in the style of an old San Francisco Cable Car – delivers people for free up and down Phillips Avenue, past most of the SculptureWalk exhibits.

Rock On

The rose quartz of the Sioux Falls area is both striking and abundant.  If rose quartz can be placed in strategic places, we have an automatic tie to both the Falls and the rock that the city was founded on.  Rose quartz is literally the foundation of our city – most of the city is built on some layer of quartz.  Special quartz souvenirs could be given out.  Quartz layered bars and serving tables, if possible, would add to the experience.

Beautiful City on the Prairie

The prairie might seem down home and comfortable.  And it is.  But it’s also exciting and beautiful.  Prairie culture is what the Midwest was founded on.  A description of prairie grasses, plants and landscape can be paired with a wildlife exhibit. The volatility of the prairie can be described through fire, dust, drought and tornadoes.   A trip to the Outdoor Campus describes the history and culture of prairie life.

Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum

Discover the Wild Kingdom with both live animals at the Great Plains Zoo and historic taxidermy at the Delbridge Museum.   As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums the Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History strives to fulfill four major objectives: Education, Conservation, Recreation and Discovery.

The Great Plains Zoo is a 45-acre park that features over 500 animals in simulated natural habitats, including an Asian Cat Habitat, Bear Canyon and a new African Savannah. The Children’s Zoo gives visitors an up close and personal chance to interact with the animals.  Inside, the Delbridge Museum of Natural History features an impressive collection of mounted animals from five continents displayed in simulated natural environments.  A theme based on this could include a trip to the zoo, live animal handlers or other animal themed decorations and events.

Hunting

People fly from around the country to hunt in South Dakota.  Over the years, this has made South Dakota one of the nation’s most respected and desired hunting destinations.  Hunting expenditures are commonly account for nearly $275 million in South Dakota commerce, with $135 million alone coming from pheasant hunting.  South Dakota is commonly seen as one of the best pheasant hunting states in the nation.  This theme could encompass a wide scope, ranging from camouflage decorations to a special gun show and hunting seminar.  Not only does this strengthen Sioux Falls’ standing in hunting circles, but it gives people a chance to witness South Dakota’s hunting opportunities.

Harley Davidson – Hot Harley Nights

Sturgis is on the other end of the state.  But Sioux Falls has its own Harley culture.  Stores like J&L Harley are known throughout the region, and Hot Harley Nights leads a summer filled with Harley Davidson-themed events.  And to top it off, Sioux Falls is located right on Interstate 90, so it’s a natural stop off point the day before or the day after visiting the Sturgis Bike Rally.  J&L Harley could help design a theme, with a sponsorship deal possible.

Joe Foss and his Air Base

Joe Foss Field is home to South Dakota's 114th Fighter Group, nicknamed the Lobos.  Joe Foss the historical figure was a WWII ace, former governor of South Dakota and founder of the state's Air National Guard.  Because of his successful careers in the military, political and business environments, Foss is immortalized at Joe Foss Field – both the airport and air base.  Additionally, he was elected the first commissioner of the American Football League.  Foss’ story is one of World War II and of local business acumen.  An air base theme could include ANG decorations and a tour of the air base.

(In a “sort of” related side note, Joe Robbie [former owner of the Miami Dolphins and financer of the current Dolphins Stadium] was also a large part of the original AFL.  He was born in Sisseton, SD, at the northwest corner of the state.)

Where Your Money Goes – The Credit Card Industry

Because of a combination of low/non-existent business taxes and a business-friendly environment, Sioux Falls has experienced a large upswing in financial and credit card companies – from call centers to national headquarters.  This distinction as America’s Credit Card Depot means that, chances are, you’re getting a bill from somewhere in Sioux Falls.  Tour the credit card industry, learn more about the business climate and see how national banking chains have changed the landscape of Sioux Falls.  Set up sponsorship with one of the local credit card companies and give out special cards, or invite one of the credit card company executives to give a heartening and inspirational talk.

Advancing Health Care – Sioux Falls’ Health Industry

Everyone knows that Rochester, Minnesota is a health care hub – thanks to Mayo Clinic – but Sioux Falls is neck and neck with Rochester in terms of health services and medical advances.  Not only is Sioux Falls home to two nationally acclaimed hospitals – Sanford Hospital and Avera McKennan – but it also serves as a hub for health care in the four state area: from specialized heart hospitals to research centers.  Health care drives the Sioux Falls economy and has helped to make the city one of the nation’s best.  Tours, medical themed giveaways and an internal medical motif will strengthen the theme.

Raven Industries – Ballooning

Raven Industries is one of Sioux Falls’ oldest and most stable institutions.  Raven Industries is responsible for a good chunk of hot air balloons throughout the United States and creates floats for many of the nation’s most popular parades.  Major advancements were made in ballooning – both scientific and recreational – thanks in part to Raven’s research.  Additionally, Sioux Falls is a wonderful location for hot-air balloon launches, and balloons can often be seen in the evening sky throughout the summer.