Learn More About the South Sioux City Symphony Orchestra

For over 100-years, the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra has entertained the people of South Sioux City and the surrounding areas with they’re beautiful sounds and entertaining performances. They’ve grown from just a 30-piece college ensemble to a 90-member professional orchestra. The start of the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra can be traced back to 1915, when the Morningside College Orchestra started, with the first public performance by the South Sioux City Orchestra being on February 27, 1916.

While the Conductor position has been passed around to only five other musicians, Ryan Haskins became the sixth Music Director and Conductor of the symphony in 2009. Ryan has proven himself to be an innovative and creative concert director and continues to draw crowds from surrounding areas for the orchestra's performances. During his tenure in the UK, Ryan held many positions with renowned ensembles and participated in many different festivals worldwide. Along with being an inspiring young conductor, Ryan also has a passion for inspiring young musicians, and often holds workshops around the world to help young musicians develop their skills and passion for music.

Ticket prices range depending on where you’d like to sit and can cost anywhere from $15 to $75. Season ticket holder options are also available. In addition to reasonable ticket prices, you don’t have to worry about dressing up to go to the symphony anymore, there’s no dress code! One of the biggest questions we get is, “Is it kid-friendly?” You know your child better than anyone else, so if you think your child would enjoy spending time watching an orchestra performance, we’d love to have them join you. Our performances are about two hours long, so if you think your child wouldn’t be able to sit through that, the symphony may not be the best option for them until they’re older.

The Sioux City Symphony Orchestra has a long, rich history in the South Sioux City area. Since the beginning, their mission has been to enrich the quality of life in Siouxland through symphonic music. If you’d like to learn more about the history of the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra, you can visit their website, and if you’d like to learn more about the current Music Director and Conductor Ryan Haskins, you can find that here. The South Sioux City Chamber of Commerce loves that we have such a diverse cultural presence in this area, and we can’t wait to see you at the symphony! For more information on the businesses in Siouxland, you can visit our website and like our Facebook page.

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References

http://business.southsiouxchamber.org/list/member/sioux-city-symphony-orchestra-1529

https://www.siouxcitysymphony.org/about

https://www.siouxcitysymphony.org/music-director

Why Supporting Small Businesses is Important

With big box stores and online retail giants slowly but surely wiping out mom-and-pop shops across America, it’s more important than ever to support small businesses. While wonderful initiatives such as Small Business Saturday promote shopping locally, it’s very beneficial to have that “shop small” mindset year round. Read on to learn the benefits of supporting your local small businesses.

Better service.

Local shop owners are very invested in their businesses, meaning you’ll receive top-notch customer service from them and the people they employ. Small business owners often hire people who are knowledgeable about the products they are selling and will also take the extra time to get to know customers and build relationships.

More support for the local economy.

Money spent in small businesses usually stays within the community, benefitting the local economy. Small local businesses also provide jobs to residents, so supporting mom-and-pop shops means more job opportunities within the community. Small business owners are also usually intent on supporting their fellow small businesses, further contributing to a healthy local economy.

Investment within the community.

Small business owners are usually intent on supporting their fellow local businesses, further contributing to a healthy local economy and sense of community. Local businesses owners live in the communities they serve, therefore are more invested in the community’s future and are less likely to leave. Local businesses are also twice as likely to donate to community causes than large chain retailers.

Better use of your tax money.

Local businesses require less infrastructure and less maintenance, meaning more of your tax dollars are available to benefit and beautify your community. Small businesses also make more efficient use of public services as compared to big-box stores entering the community.

Keeps your community one-of-a-kind.

If every town in America had the same retail and restaurant chains, we’d be pretty bland from coast to coast. Small businesses make our communities unique, and when there are successful small businesses within our communities, that entices new small businesses to move in, too. Communities with unique and thriving places to shop and eat will attract new residents, entrepreneurs, and future investors. It creates healthy competition, which means more choices and lower prices for the consumers. It’s a win-win.

South Sioux City Chamber of Commerce recommends that you always consider supporting your small businesses and buying local whenever you can.

Join Us At The Job Fair On February 6th

Do you know someone looking for a job? Tell them about our Job Fair on February 6th! It’s the perfect opportunity to make a positive first impression, learn about companies and what it's like to work for them. This is a unique opportunity to make personal connections that are impossible when merely submitting a resume online. Be sure to check out these tips to make the most of this opportunity!

Plan Ahead

Know which employers you want to connect with and what jobs they have available ahead of time but don’t rule any companies out. Show up with an ample supply of resumes, enthusiasm and a snack to keep you going.

Dress for an Interview

What you wear can be important. Employers notice the details so avoid wrinkled clothes, dirty shoes, and inappropriate jewelry.

Questions to Ask

You have already planned ahead and know what opportunities are available so stick to asking recruiters to elaborate on the information you've learned from your research. Mention something you read online about a new product or ask who succeeds in the available positions.

Prepare Answers About Yourself

Be concise; you don't have much time to make your impression before the recruiter is on to the next person. Plan to describe where your most recent employment was and describe your skills or what you learned in that job.

Join us at Comfort Inn & Suites, 7007 Grover St Omaha, Nebraska from 1-4 p.m. on February 6th, 2019! Don’t forget to check out some of the companies attending in advance:

Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies | Custom Diesel Drivers Training | Family Learning & Childcare | Globe Life & Accident Insurance | Gordman's Distribution Center | Job Source USA | Kum & Go | Lift Solutions, Inc. | Midland University | Monarch Oil | Papio Transport | Purdue University Global | Robert's Nursery, Landscapes & Lawns | SAS Retail Services | Torchmark Corp

The South Sioux City Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting growth and prosperity to our local businesses! Call us today to see how we can help you grow your business through networking and other activities at (402) 494-1626. Be part of the community and Join Today!!!

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References:

http://business.southsiouxchamber.org/events/details/febr-6-2019-job-fair-19397

https://www.jobfairsnebraska.com/

Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Benefits

Welcome to the South Sioux City Chamber of Commerce. Being a chamber member is an important step in growing your business. It helps increase positive perception with consumers, increases your visibility, and also gives you opportunities to meet other business leaders. By choosing to be a chamber member, you are not only investing in your business but also the community as well. Join the other 280-member companies and become a member of the Greater Sioux land community!

Members of the South Sioux City Chamber of Commerce work together to reinforce a strong local economy. They work on important issues that build community and strengthen business environment as well as host different community events for all to enjoy. We support the business community through a variety of member benefits. Some benefits include an array of programs and services to choose from and include:

1. Make Money - Generate sales by utilizing the Chamber to market to a targeted audience and develop new relationships. By joining the Chamber, you will get to promote your business, network with others, and increase your visibility.
2. Reduce Costs - Gain access to members and programs that will help in reducing costs necessary to operate your business. You will receive exclusive member savings!
3. Save Time - Work smarter, not harder! Reach out to more people in less time by getting connected with our members, get access to information, gain expertise from other business owners, and enjoy a Chamber orientation to introduce you to all the members.
4. Get Involved - When you join, you’ll discover that meeting others in business who can refer you to key contacts you’re trying to reach, is a huge benefit of a membership.
5. Face to Face Connections - Get out there and shake some hands. Meet new people and re-establish old relationships. You can't do it from behind your desk. Pick one of our networking events, Friday Coffee Hours, Promotions Committee, Ambassadors, Legislative Committee, Lunch & Learns, and make connections that count!

Being connected to business professionals, elected officials, and community leaders is important to the success of any business. The Chamber hosts a variety of events throughout the year that provide networking opportunities, education, and exposure. Connecting face to face builds your professional network, will help you generate leads, and give you the exposure your company needs.

Every member of the South Sioux Chamber of Commerce enjoys a comprehensive and cost-effective package of benefits and privileges designed to get your business noticed. If you are ready to join the Chamber, contact us today or visit our website to sign up! 

Mark Your Calendar for Small Business Saturday!

It may not feel like too long ago when you were laying on the beach on a lazy summer Saturday working on your tan. But there’s no denying that the month of November is coming to a close. Before we know it, we will be gathered around a dinner table, sharing a traditional (and delicious) Thanksgiving dinner with those closest to us. And you, of course, know what the arrival of Thanksgiving means; it means that the holiday season, or, more specifically, the holiday shopping season, has officially arrived.

If you haven’t started making your list and checking it twice, now is the time to plan ahead and think about who you will be shopping for and where you will be spending everyone’s favorite day to shop: Black Friday. While we’re sure you can get plenty of items from your list that can be bought at a major chain store, isn’t this the year to make your Black Friday just a little more special? Wouldn’t it feel great to know that while you are purchasing that sweater for your sister, or that watch for your spouse, to also know that you are supporting a locally owned stop?

Plenty of holiday deals and specials are ready for you not only on Black Friday but on Saturday, November 24th, otherwise known as Small Business Saturday. Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses and communities across the country. Founded by American Express in 2010, this day is celebrated each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. In the eight years since it’s official conception,  U.S. consumers have reported spending an estimated $85 Billion at independent retailers and restaurants. In 2018, you can get out and support the places you love in South Sioux City with the people you love on Nov 24.

Every Thanksgiving, we express our gratitude for the many blessings we have in our lives while enjoying a mouth-watering home-cooked meal. Every Thanksgiving also signifies the beginning of the most wonderful time of year.  The month of December is filled with festive celebrations, watching holiday movies with a mug of hot chocolate, and making plenty of shopping trips to make sure your Christmas tree is surrounded by thoughtful gifts.

As you plan out your Black Friday and the remainder of your December shopping, be sure to include small businesses and locally owned shops. Visit the South Sioux City’s Chamber of Commerce website for a full list of businesses that you can shop at during Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and all December long. We look forward to seeing you out shopping!

How Networking Helps Your Business

 

When it comes to your small business, networking can be a great way to get your name out into the community and help generate new business. These new clients can then spread the word about your new business, and generate even more buzz about the work you're doing in the community. Here are a few ways networking can help your new business.

1. Increased Business: as stated above, going to networking events can help spread the word about your new business and generate new clients and revenue. This is all good news for you as you’re trying to make it as an entrepreneur and business owner.
2. Opportunities: there are all kinds of new opportunities awaiting you at networking events. Whether it be joint ventures, new client leads, speaking engagements, and even sponsorship deals, these are all new opportunities to get exposure for your business.
3. Advice: having like-minded people at events can often lead to a great number of learning opportunities. If you’re new in the business world, or new at starting your own business, networking events can be a great way to gather information on the dos and don’ts of your industry.
4. Confidence: just because you own your own business doesn’t mean you have all the confidence in the world. Going out, networking, and talking with others who are in the same position you are can give you the confidence and tools to go out and try new things knowing others have had success with them.
5. Connections: the saying goes, “it’s not WHAT you know, it’s WHO you know.” This rings true when you have a business you’re just starting out with. Go to events and make connections with other people in your town or city, and help get your name and business name out there to the community.

If you’re looking to network and gain connections in the South Sioux City area, the South Sioux City Chamber of Commerce proudly hosts weekly Chamber Coffee Hour events during the fall. Each Friday morning from 9:30-10:30AM we invite you to come network with other professionals in the area. If this sounds like the event for you, please visit our event calendar for more information.

In addition to the weekly Chamber Coffee Hour, we will also be hosting our Speed Networking Happy Hour on November 15th. It can provide a perfect networking opportunity to make new business contacts and relationships with Chamber members. You can use it to promote your business or network with other professionals. If either you or your company is looking for a special seat at the table, fill out our sponsorship form. The registration for the event is available on our website. We hope to see you there!

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References

http://amazingbusiness.com/top-9-benefits-of-business-networking/

http://business.southsiouxchamber.org/events/details/chamber-coffee-hour-09-28-2018-18828

Preparing for College

Getting ready for college can be overwhelming. With so much to do to prepare for leaving home, it is important to plan ahead. Planning ahead will not only ensure success in school but will also save you money and stress. If you, your son, or daughter, are about to enter college this fall, here are a few tips:

The Final Year:

As many people will tell you, your senior year is very important. Not only is it the year that you apply to school, but it’s also is the last thing colleges will see on your transcript.  Fight the urge of “senioritis” and take a schedule that will challenge you, trust admissions will notice. Second, if you haven’t already, become good friends with your guidance counselor. These professionals can keep you up to date on all the application requirements, deadlines, and possible last-minute courses and outside activities that might look ideal on your application. Every school is different and requires various components of their applicants. Take testing for example, many colleges require different tests, whether that be the SAT, ACT, subject tests, etc. Counselors will help you manage that information depending on your school of choice. In addition, they can help you find scholarship information, which can come from the school itself or an outside organization.

Be Prepared:

Lastly, take time to visit the schools. Organize tours and meetings with professionals related to your career path. Be sure to ask questions about things like campus housing, Greek life, student organizations, intramural sports, etc. If visiting the school isn’t possible, ask your counselor about any college fairs that might be going on!.

Next Steps:

After you choose a school, there are other important things to consider. Apply for housing as soon as possible. Some of the best choices may go faster than you think so this isn’t a step you can be lax about.  Additionally, have several conversations with your parent or advisors about how tuition will be paid. Make sure everyone knows when payments are due and how to pay them. The sooner this is covered, the less stress there is for everyone.

Other Considerations:

When considering schools, other things you might want to note might be, what major/degree options are available, and what professors are teaching classes. While you don’t need to know your major just yet, it is important to know your options. Enroll as early as possible. The best classes with popular professors fill up fast, so act soon. If a class is “waitlisted” or “full” you can always email the professor directly about enrolling. For a more comprehensive list of college tips, visit some of the links in the sources below.

South Sioux City Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is dedicated to our mission of increasing the quality of life in the greater Siouxland Area. For more information, please visit our website or call us at (402) 494-1626.

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http://www.collegeprep101.com/uploads/1/1/7/2/11721368/senior_year_checklist.pdf

https://www.parenttoolkit.com/college-and-career/advice/4-year-college/checklist-making-a-plan-the-summer-before-college

http://www.ratemyprofessors.com/