Spend Time with your Family And Give Back this Holiday Season

The holiday season always remind us to spend as much time with our loved ones as possible, but what about those who aren’t able to spend time with their family? This holiday season, South Sioux City Chamber of Commerce wants to inspire you to give back, and spend some quality time with family. After all, they’re the greatest gift there is!

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army, in simple terms, gives back to those in need wherever, whenever, and however they can. They help disaster survivors, cure hunger, overcome poverty, provide shelter, equip families, teach kids, assist the unemployed, and brighten the holidays. Around the holiday season, you may see the Salvation Army more often because of their Red Kettle Campaign. This campaign is most easily recognized by those ringing bells in public areas next to the red kettle. If you and your family are looking for more ways to give back, the Red Kettle Campaign is a great way to go. The Siouxland Red Kettle Campaign will be ringing it’s bells around the area, and they’re looking for volunteers to help out. The campaign goal this year is $218,000, with the funds helping over 500 families this Christmas. If you’d like to learn more about the Red Kettle Campaign happening in Siouxland this year, please visit their Facebook event.

Cardinal Christmas Basket Program

With help from Dakota County, and support of South Sioux City, the Cardinal Christmas Basket Program will deliver 365 Christmas Food Baskets to underprivileged, disadvantaged, and financially challenged families, along with limited income senior citizens, the disabled, and the Siouxland Family Center. Your help is needed to deliver these baskets to those in need, and what better way to give back to your community and spend time with your family than helping those in need? If you’d like to learn more about this great program and help in the Siouxland community, please visit the Cardinal Christmas Basket Program website.

There’s no better way to celebrate the holidays than spending it with the ones you love. But if you want to go the extra mile, find ways to give back in the community this year. It can be as small as donating a dollar to the Salvation Army, or as large as spending the day helping raise money for those less fortunate. Whatever you decide on, the South Sioux City Chamber of Commerce is proud to help give back. Visit our website to browse events in our area, along with more ways you can spend time with your family during the holidays.

Reasons for Attending Networking Events

“It’s not WHAT you know, but WHO you know”. This is so true in business. Networking events provide you with a great source of connections, and can really open doors to talk to highly influential people that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to easily talk to or find. Networking events present a valuable opportunity to expand your knowledge, learn from the success of others, attain new clients, and tell others about your business.

Make New Business Contacts

Networking helps you to find people with lots of business experience who are often very willing to share their knowledge with you. Successful business people are usually generous with advice particularly with people open to listening.

Meet Chamber Members

This is the essential reason for networking. The more people you know who know what you do the more recommendations you will get. Successful businesses are built on referrals. And although the focus is primarily on business, networking can also bring you wonderful new friends. Strong friendships combined with strong business alliances are very powerful forces in building your network.

Promote Your Business

Getting out there and introducing yourself and your business to strangers soon teaches you the best way to get your message across. At first it can be very hard but practice and familiarity soon makes it second nature.

Network With Other Professionals

Meeting other business people and talking about business is a fantastic way of learning new ways to do business. Every business is different and all business people have their own ideas. Finding out how people in other industries, other markets, or with different products get business helps you to generate new ideas and perhaps adapt other people’s innovations to your own business.

The South Sioux City Chamber of Commerce & Tourism 2017 Speed Networking Social Hour is the perfect opportunity to make new business contacts and relationships with Chamber members while enjoying hors d'oeuvres and drinks. Register today to promote your business and network with other professionals. And don’t forget to bring plenty of business cards!!!

South Sioux City Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is dedicated to their mission of increasing business, quality of life, and employment in the greater Siouxland Area. Register here to attend the 2017 Speed Networking Social Hour on Wednesday, November 15th. For information on other events and attractions in the South Sioux City area, visit the website, or call (712) 255-7903. 

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Sources:

https://business.facebook.com/events/133592767266593/?acontext=%7B%22source%22%3A5%2C%22page_id_source%22%3A263795160408146%2C%22action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22page%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22main_list%22%2C%22extra_data%22%3A%22%7B%5C%22page_id%5C%22%3A263795160408146%2C%5C%22tour_id%5C%22%3Anull%7D%22%7D]%2C%22has_source%22%3Atrue%7D\

http://business.southsiouxchamber.org/events/details/2017-speed-networking-social-hour-17060

https://southsiouxchamber.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/17060

https://business.facebook.com/SouthSiouxCityChamber/

http://www.businessinsider.com/the-importance-of-networking-2011-5

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/the-importance-and-value-of-business-networking_us_5983209ae4b03d0624b0ac65

https://pixabay.com/en/woman-face-photo-montage-faces-1594710/

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1s41w97dfigiayb/AADpeem482V8KKbYMlnKF3-Ca/Business?dl=0&preview=20636234_S.jpg

Driver Safety Lunch & Learn

Join the Sioux City Chamber of Commerce on October 24th for a FREE Lunch & Learn event. This Lunch & Learn will feature a presentation about driver safety. Mark Segerstrom is currently working under a grant from the Nebraska Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office to talk to employers and employees across the state regarding the startling increase in road fatalities. In Nebraska, employers spend about $311 million per year on vehicle crashes. As an employer, you have fixed expenses associated with both on and off-the-job vehicle crashes.

Come to our free one-hour evidence based presentation to employees covering issues like seat belt and cell phone usage, and distracted and defensive driving. The purpose of this presentation is to remind your employees of the dangers on the road and encourage them to be mindful of their driving environment. The public is also welcome to attend and bring their own lunch with them. Coffee, tea, and water will be provided.

The Lunch & Learn will be held from noon to 1 pm October 24th at:

Cardinal Conference Center

4401 Dakota Ave.

South Sioux City, NE 68776.

You can register by calling 402-494-1626, or you may register online here. If your company could use a free driver safety presentation for your employees, don’t miss this Lunch & Learn event!

Relive the Middle Ages at the Sioux City Riverssance Festival

If you’ve never been to the Riverssance Festival, you really owe it to yourself to come out and join in the festivities this year! 2017 marks the 15th Annual Riverssance Festival, and this year’s event promises to be one for the (middle) ages! 2017’s Festival will be held at Riverside Park on September 30 - October 1, and it gives you the perfect opportunity to dress up as a knight, a rogue, a lady, or a wench and have the merriest time of your life!

While at the Riverssance Festival, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in authentic Medieval culture, from full armoured jousting, birds of prey, costumed characters and vendors, themed food and drink offerings, and singing and dancing. Both days begin with festivities at the opening gate, and end with a drumming event that you’ll feel to the depths of your being!

Your Costume

To truly get the most out of your experience at the Riverssance Festival, select a Medieval character type and dress the part! Grab a pirate hat and eyepatch, don a dusty apron and chef’s hat to go as a baker, or use your imagination and come up with your best royal or “wench” costume. Your garb can be as extravagant or as simple as you like, just have fun with it!

Entertainment

Riverssance Festival 2017 will include a wide variety of entertainment sure to delight patrons of all ages. Tap your toes to the sounds of strolling minstrels, join the show with the wandering characters, become part of the entertainment with the dance troupes, and try your hand at some of the feats of strength. One of the great things about Riverssance is that even the vendors become part of the entertainment by dressing in period garb. Each day at noon and 4pm, the jousters take to the field and put on a show that will be unlike anything you’ve ever seen!

Food and Beverages

If the number one rule of Riverssance is to have fun (it is!), the number two rule should be to arrive hungry! Food and drink offerings abound, and it’s the perfect time to sample that giant turkey leg, rack of ribs, or funnel cake you’ve been thinking about all summer. If you want to really commit to the Medieval spirit of the day, eat everything with your fingers! The more you let yourself get into the spirit of the day, the more memorable your visit will be.

The 2017 Riverssance Festival runs Saturday, September 30 from 10am to 7pm, and Sunday, October 1 from 10am - 5pm, at Riverside Park in Sioux City, Iowa. Tickets are on sale in advance at Sioux City HyVee Stores, or will be available at the gate. For more information, visit us online.

Riverssance Festival 2017

YOU HAVE TO SEE IT TO BELIEVE IT!

How to Prepare for Back to School

Back to school is a time of excitement, anxiety, and even a little bit of sadness for both parents and their children. Preparation is one of the best ways to handle the transition from carefree summer fun to a structured school setting. Completing a back to school checklist can help you stay on top of things and and make the transition easier on both you and your child.

Get school supplies ahead of time.

In the days leading up to the school year, expect a rush at the store to score school supplies. Beat the crowds and avoid picked-through products by purchasing all your back to school supplies now, instead of waiting until the last minute.

Plan your child’s wardrobe & back to school outfits.

Now is a good time to go through your child’s closet and see which items of clothing are in good shape and still in style. Organizing back to school outfits will help you decide which, if any, items of clothing you need to purchase or replace, saving you time and stress.

Reach out to your child’s teachers.

Attend meet-the-teacher night, orientation or other welcome events, but don’t stop there. Make a point of introducing yourself and learning about class activities and expectations for the year.

Start sticking to a schedule.

Establish a routine at home and stick to it. Be consistent with bedtimes, waking times, and getting-ready patterns.

Plan lunches.

Unless your kid plans to eat cafeteria food every day, you’ll want to plan and pack a healthy and tasty lunch for them. Knowing what you plan to pack for them ahead of time will keep you from scrambling in the mornings trying to throw a bag lunch together.

Open the lines of communication.

As with any relationship, communication is key. Talk to your child about going back to school, expectations, and any questions or concerns they may have. Make sure they know they can come to you for help with anything, whether it be trouble understanding a homework assignment or interpersonal problems with others.

If you have any questions about any of the schools in South Sioux City, you can contact the South Sioux City Area Chamber of Commerce for more information, including contact information for the school, upcoming events, and how to get involved.

Late Summer Fun in Siouxland

Back-to-school is just around the corner, and summer may be winding down, but there is still some serious fun to be had in the Siouxland area in August. Dakota City will be holding their 6th annual Cottonwood Days Festival from August 18th to 20th, with Hubbard’s 8th Annual Hoot Owl Days coming the next weekend, from August 25th to 27th. Both events promise to be full of fun and adventure, and we invite you to join in the festivities! Here are just a few of the items on the agenda for these festivals.

Cottonwood Days Festival - August 18 - 20

Dakota City’s beautiful downtown will be buzzing Friday night, August 18th as the Hamburger and Hotdog Feed starts the weekend off. From 5pm - 8pm, vendors will be serving up popcorn, burgers, hotdogs and chips. Be sure to bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy our outdoor movie starting at 9:30pm.

Saturday morning starts with a fantastic array of food and merchandise vendors displaying their wares at Cottonwood Cove Park. After you’ve done a bit of shopping, head over to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, where our very own Dakota County Historical Society will be running tours. The annual Cottonwood Days Parade starts Saturday in front of the American Legion, heading down Broadway and ending at Cottonwood Cove. Saturday’s events include a Car Show, Kid’s Fun Zone, Sand Volleyball and Horseshoes, watermelon and corn eating contests, and much more! End your day with a street dance featuring Locked N Loaded, from 9pm to 1am.

Sunday features breakfast at the American Legion, followed by a church service at the Methodist Church.

Hoot Owl Days - August 25th - 27th

For the 8th summer in a row, Hubbard will be celebrating Hoot Owl Days. Friday night, grab the kids and the grandparents and come on out and enjoy movie night at the Hubbard Community Center.

Saturday starts with a bang with our 5k Hoot Owl Fun Run and Decathlon Kids Fun Run. After your run, be sure to check out the Fishing Clinic at Kramper Lake, the Farmers Market and vendor stands, and the 150 Years of Statehood celebration at the Baseball Diamond. The busy Saturday continues with Isom’s Mini Carnival and Petting Zoo, Kids Crafts, a pet show, chair massage, and live music. Our famous Hooting Contest starts at 1pm on stage - this is not to be missed! Afternoon highlights include basketball and horseshoe tournaments and wagon tours of the Danish Alps. Our local rock’n’roll favorite, 35th and Taylor, will be the main event of the night. The band offers an alternative rock sound with a blend of classic and contemporary sounds with a heavy blues influence. Lead singer Anna Taylor was a contestant on Season 6 of The Voice and in 2015 the band was awarded the “Spirit Award” by the Iowa Rock and Roll Music Association. Come and join them for the night of Dancing and fun!

Sunday starts with a Catholic Mass at St. Mary’s Church, followed by a delicious country breakfast by Trinity Lutheran Church served at the St. Mary’s Parish Center. Finish your weekend strong with our signature Lawn Mower Poker Run at 3pm at the Community Center.

We look forward to seeing everyone at both of these fantastic community events!

50 Years of Family Fun: The 2017 Dakota Thurston County Fair

Summer just wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the County Fair. This year, the Dakota Thurston County Fair is celebrating 50 years of fun, food, and entertainment for the whole family! Presented by The Dakota and Thurston County Agricultural Societies, the Dakota Thurston County Fair is pleased to help keep the communities’ rural roots alive.

Wednesday, August 2nd

​​​7:00 PM: 4-H King & Queen and Little Prince & Princess Coronation

Don’t miss out on quite possibly the cutest attraction the fair has to offer - the 2017 Dakota Thurston County Little Prince & Princess Contest! The contestants crowned will have the honor of participating in various fair activities including: awarding ribbons and trophies at 4-H Livestock Shows, making appearances at the Tractor Pull and Rodeo, and riding on a special float in the Dakota Thurston County Fair Parade.

Thursday, August 3rd

6:00 PM: Dakota Thurston County Fair Parade - 11th & Dakota Avenue

The parade begins promptly at 6PM, although arriving early is recommended to ensure prime real estate along Dakota Avenue. Don’t forget to bring a chair for maximum viewing comfort! Local business, celebrities, organizations, community groups, and the adorable Little Prince & Princess will be tossing a variety of goodies, from candy to coupons, from their floats. A word of caution, there is a possibility of getting wet as the local fire departments roll through spraying their fire hoses.

7:00 PM: ​"Tri-State Shootout" Tractor Pull

Gates open at 5PM and registration begins at 6PM. Admission to this exciting event is only $5!

7:30 PM: Free Community BBQ

The fun continues as Conrad’s Kitchen provides fairgoers their famously, delicious pulled pork sandwiches. These are a must try!

Friday, August 4th

7-10 AM: Free Community Breakfast

5:00-8:00 PM: Wine & Beer Tasting

If you are an adult of legal drinking age, and enjoy sampling beer or wine, come raise a glass at the County Fair. Sponsored by HY-VEE.

7:00PM: Mutton Bustin

8:00 PM:  Live Rodeo action

Saturday, August 5th

10:00 AM: Kids & Family Day

$5 wristband for a full day of fun! Kids Day events go from 1:00 to 3:30 PM and include: Pedal Pull, Inflatables, Laser Tag, Kids Ranch Rodeo, Mutton Busting, and much, much more. See the fair schedule for specific times.

4:00 PM: Demolition Derby

$5 admission fee. Gates open at 2PM.

7:00 PM: Mutton Bustin

8:00 PM:  Live Rodeo action

Sunday, August 6th

4:30 PM: Jaripeo  

New to the Dakota Thurston County Fair this year, Jaripeo is a Mexican style of bull riding, and a must see! Gates open at 2PM.

There are many reasons to attend this year’s County Fair. Whether it’s draw is the food vendors, the events, or both, one thing is certain, there is something for everyone at the fair! Make sure to check out our new, air conditioned exhibit hall!

Learn more about the Dakota Thurston County Fair and other events and attractions in the South Sioux City area by visiting the South Sioux City Chamber of Commerce website or calling (712) 255-7903.

8th Annual Cardinal Festival

The South Sioux City Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the 8^th Annual Cardinal Festival on Saturday June 10^th. This year all of the events will be on one day, so don’t miss out on fun for the whole family! The event will be held at Scenic Park on Riverview Drive in South Sioux City. We have a packed schedule from dawn to dusk ensuring everyone will have a good time.

Food

If there’s one thing you can expect to find at the Cardinal festival, it’s great food. Think you have the tastiest BBQ? Register in the amateur BBQ competition!  We are offering a $100 prize for the winner! Only 12 teams are permitted to register, so hurry! Spots will go fast. Visit our website or contact Dave Mixdorf at (402) 494 -7545. The event will be help from 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM.

Some Cardinal Competition

We have something for everyone at the Cardinals Festival. Watch from the sidelines or throw on your sneakers for our 2nd annual Cardinal Honor Run. Participants can choose from a 10K, 5K, or just a fun run! All proceeds will benefit Veterans and Military families of Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota by providing food, shelter and support. The race will go over the Missouri river on the Veterans Memorial Bridge in Sioux City.  This event will also be the official event of the Nebraska Sesquicentennial, celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Nebraska's statehood. Running not your thing? Get down and dirty with some mud volleyball at Scenic Park or the Cardinal Festival Soccer Tournament. If you’re looking for a game of luck, we will also be hosting Bingo games!

Sioux City Showmanship

More of an outdoorsman than a sports fanatic? Bring your hooks, lines, and sinkers for the Fishing Derby at Crystal Cove. Land the biggest fish in the competition and earn some bragging rights. Are you a car fanatic? Take your baby out for a spin and let it shine at the Cardinal Festival Show and Shine on the riverfront. The first 75 participants get a goody bag and a dash plaque! If cars and fish aren’t your thing, take the stage and join the Cardinal Festival Lip Sync Battle!

For the Kids

The Cardinal Festival is a family affair, which means we have tons of events and activities for the little ones as well as the adults. Expect to see the Meyers Petting Zoo, where there will be a large variety of animals for you to pet and feed like donkeys, sheep, llamas, rabbits, and cute baby and full size goats. After the petting zoo, head over to the Kidz Zone where kids can run and jump in bouncy houses and other inflatable rides! Finally, don’t forget to visit Special K’z the Clown, for some balloon twisting, comedy magic, bubbles, and sing-a-long variety songs. Finally, end the day and make it one to remember by visiting our photo booth.

Enjoy the Show

There is so much to do at the Cardinal Festival, but even more to see! Come watch the Spanish Dancers, Estrellitas De Jalisco, take the stage and move to beat. Or, watch the New Stage Players in their production of Virtue & Justice Triumph Again. Following the show, stay for the featured family movie, Dusk. Finally, end the night with a beloved summer tradition: a fireworks show.

For specific times and locations, view the full schedule here. This old school festival is guaranteed to have fun for the whole family. We hope to see you there!