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/

Reasons to Attend a Networking Event

Some people don’t like attending networking events, they find them uncomfortable and have a hard time finding topics to keep the conversation going. However, if you go into an event with a plan and goal, you can turn it around to work in your favor.

Choose Your Events Wisely

There are many different types of networking events out there, so before you decide on an event you want to go to, put some research into it and find the best one that fits your career and goals. It’s best to choose an event that happens regularly so you can attend often and build your relationships. Some fields, such as marketing or medical fields, have very specific networking events geared to helping you network within your field. If you feel more comfortable attending those first before a more general event, start with one of those.

Watch How Others Network

If you’re nervous about networking and aren’t sure how to best network with others, look and listen to how other professionals act and converse with others at the event. Listen to other professionals when they introduce themselves and talk about what they do. Always be in learning mode when attending professional events and learn from others in your profession.

New Business Relationships Can Mean New Business

Attending networking events and making new relationships in your field can mean new business relationships and more business and revenue. The more you talk with others about your business, the more likely they’ll want to work with you more in the future. Remember that the event is only the beginning, what really counts is the follow-up. After you’ve made new business relationships, make sure you follow-up with them to keep your name relevant. 

 

References

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140908162020-2584116-10-reasons-to-attend-business-networking-events/

https://www.aib.edu.au/blog/career-development/7-reasons-why-you-should-attend-a-networking-event/

Attend Our July Speed Networking Lunch

South Sioux City Chamber of Commerce prides itself on hosting events that are beneficial to all community members, and our July Speed Networking Lunch event is no exception! If you’re a local business owner in town, or just want practice in a networking setting, here’s your chance.

South Sioux City Chamber of Commerce is hosting their next networking event on July 19th, from 12-1:30 pm. This is a great opportunity to make next business contacts and connections within the community and to talk to other like-minded professionals in the business. Stop by during your lunch hour and share your business cards with other attendees.

The event will be hosted at the Delta Hotels by Marriott South Sioux City Riverfront, which is located at 385 E. 4th Street, in South Sioux City. Admission is $15 for chamber members and $25 for non-members. We’d like to thank Powell Broadcasting and LegalShield for sponsoring our event and for being a supporter of the South Sioux City Chamber of Commerce.

Wondering how a networking event would be beneficial to you? Here are some reasons you should attend:

• Networking events allow you to meet people you probably would have never met otherwise. It allows you to make new business contacts from around your area and grow connections with new people in the community. People who have a lot of knowledge, no matter what it’s about, tend to like to share that information with others who are willing to listen. This is a perfect opportunity to learn some new things, not only about running a business in a certain industry but the area you’re located in.

• Attending networking events that are put on by a specific group, such as a Chamber of Commerce, allows you to meet key members of the community. If you make a good impression, these members are more likely to spread the word about you and how the work you’re doing is important.

• Not only do you get to network and meet new business connections, but talking to others who either own a business or have experience in the business world is a great way to learn about different ways to run your company and promote your business.

If you’d like to attend our next networking event, you can find all of the relevant information listed above on our Chamber of Commerce website. We can’t wait to network with you!

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References

http://southsiouxcitycoc.blogspot.com/2017/11/reasons-for-attending-networking-events.html

Summertime and Livin’ is Easy: Cardinal Festival Days offer something for everyone.

Memorial Day is the unofficial kick off to summer and festival season! Whether it’s music, dancing, food, car shows, activities for the kids or just simply exploring the area, Cardinal Festival Days has a little something for everyone. The ninth annual event is June 8th and 9th in South Sioux City and features exciting events throughout the day. The event begins with at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, 8th Chamber Coffee Hour at the Riverview Outdoor Center. The downtown Block Party celebrations begins at 6:00pm featuring the local favorite band - Top Down. There will be a Beer Garden and local food trucks.

The fun continues all day Saturday starting bright and early with the annual Cardinal Festival Soccer Tournament at 8:00 a.m. Events following the tournament include South Sioux City’s Cooperative Learning Gardens Tours at 9 a.m., 1030 5th Avenue (behind Tri-State Communications). The High School All-Class Social begins at 1 p.m. at the school with, 50 years of Year Books, history and snacks. The parade kicks off at 4 p.m. from Klasey Park.

A non-judged Show and Shine car show will allow festival participants to view beautiful and unique classic cars. Dash plaques and goody bags will be given to the first 75 entries in this exciting event. The event is set to start at 5 p.m. Kids will love playing in the bounce houses and will be entertained by magicians starting at 5 p.m.. Everyone can try their luck at some amazing prizes during FREE Bingo from 5-8 p.m!

Rounding out a fun-filled day will be a family drive inn movie at dusk followed by the Fireworks Extravaganza! If this doesn’t get you excited for the summer, we don’t know what will! Mark your calendars and get ready for some fun with your family!

 

What: 9th annual Cardinal Festival Days
When:
Friday, June 8th, 2018
Downtown (1st Avenue behind the new fire station), South Sioux City
Saturday, June 9th, 2018
Riverview Outdoor Center, 1280 Riverview Drive, South Sioux City

For more information and a complete lineup of events visit: http://visitsouthsiouxcity.com/visitors/events/cardinal-days/
https://www.facebook.com/Cardinal-Festival-Days-390808517630258/
 
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. Be part of the community and Join Today by calling (402)494-1626 or visit us online http://www.southsiouxchamber.org.

Embark on Art in the Park...

 “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” - Thomas Merton

Art has a way of drawing people together (pun intended) while building community pride and appreciation for culture. Mark your calendar for the first annual Art in the Park, May 12th at Crystal Cove. Art in the Park, is the first  Arts festival in South Sioux and is a project through the Leadership Dakota County. Christine Wolf, Deb Copple, and Gabe Gill, who are members of the 2018 Leadership Dakota County class, have organized the free, family-friendly event which will feature visual artists from the region, local non-profit groups, children’s art and activity center, street performers, food trucks and more. 

The festival was opened up to all artists and craftspeople within accepted medium categories ensuring the event will have a little something for everyone. Just a few of the featured artists will include:

• Vonglan Pottery from Norfolk, NE

• Kristy Tremayne From Homer  Custom made Santa Claus’

• Sue Morfeld – Jewelry

• Steve’s Photos – Local, Regional, International Landscapes, wildlife and historical landmarks.

• NYE Street Studios, Features Unique perspective photography of Nebraska, other states and overseas.

• Jay Lewis – Western Art.  Drawings, Paintings, Wood Sculptures, 2D and 3D Mixed Media

• Siouxland Artists – Painting, Glass and Jewelry.

•  Lakeport Pottery - Lynn Johnson from Sioux City.

• Expressive Arts - from Akron, IA.

• Johny Binkard from Ponca - Watercolor, Wearable art.

Not only do art festivals pull the community in, the economic benefit cannot be denied. According to Arts & Economic Prosperity, the United States nonprofit arts industry generated $134 billion in economic activity during 2000, including $53.2 billion in spending by nonprofit arts organizations and $80.8 billion in event-related spending by arts audiences.

Introducing your children to art has also been linked to an increase in development, including, motor skills, cultural awareness, language development, decision making, visual learning, and, Inventiveness. 

 
According to a report by Americans for the Arts, art education strengthens problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. The experience of making decisions and choices in the course of creating art carries over into other parts of life. “If they are exploring and thinking and experimenting and trying new ideas, then creativity has a chance to blossom,” says MaryAnn Kohl, an arts educator and author of numerous books about children’s art education.

 
Furthermore, studies have shown a correlation between art and improved academic performance.  

If that hasn't convinced you enough to stop out and enjoy this amazing event, what if we mentioned there will be balloon animals, face painting, and a food truck with funnel cakes, kettle corn, spiral potatoes, and lemonade! See you there! 

Crystal Cove
W 39th St & Timberline Drive
South Sioux City, NE 68776

The South Sioux Chamber of Commerce loves spotlighting community events and showcasing our beautiful community.  With long-standing roots in our community, our mission is to increase business, quality of life, and employment in the greater Siouxland Area. If you are interested in becoming a member, or want to learn more about upcoming events please visit http://southsiouxchamber.org. 

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Sources:

https://www.pps.org/article/how-art-economically-benefits-cities

http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/music-arts/the-importance-of-art-in-child-development/

5 Historical Landmarks to Visit While in South Sioux City

In addition to the many wonderful restaurants and stores to visit while in South Sioux City, there are a few historical landmarks you’ll want to add to your list of places to visit. These landmarks are what makes South Sioux City so interesting, and makes it fun to learn about the history of our great city.

Blackbird Scenic Overlook

Lewis and Clark and 10-men climbed a hill to the burial site of Blackbird, an Omaha Chef who died four years earlier of smallpox. Today you can view a modern model of an earth lodge and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Missouri River. This beautiful site also contains information about the Omaha Tribe.

Dakota City Train Depot

Constructed in 1922, this one-story brick depot building is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. This facility was a key link in the Omaha to Minneapolis rail corridor from 1922 until 1957 when it was abandoned. The rails and ties are still located immediately north of the building.

Fourth Street, Historic District

Historic 4th contains a concentrations of late – 19th century commercial buildings. Most of the larger buildings are notable for their distinctive Richardsonian Romanesque style of architecture popular to the late 1800s. The area features antique and specialty shops, pubs, and restaurants.

Flight 232 Memorial

This beautiful memorial is located on the riverfront, near the Anderson Dance Pavilion. Commemorating the heroic rescue efforts shown by the Siouxland community after the crash of the United Flight 232 in 1989, the statue depicts Colonel Dennis Nielson carrying a child to safety.

Lewis and Clark Wayside

This scenic overlook is located on the bluffs of the Missouri River, about 3-miles from where the expedition had their longest encampment. It’s also about 4 miles from where they caught over 1,300 fish in one day. This outlook commemorates the historic discovery and provides a breathtaking view of the beautiful Missouri River.

Sergeant Floyd Monument

This 100 foot high stone obelisk memorializes Sgt. Charles Floyd who died on the 1804 Lewis and Clark Expedition. The memorial overlooks a breathtaking view of the Missouri River, it was the first historic landmark registered by the U.S. Government in 1960.

We hope you’ll visit these amazing landmarks in South Sioux City, along with the other amazing landmarks we have to offer. Visit our website to learn more about these landmarks, and find other activities to do while visiting our beautiful town.

Explore Our Area Nature Parks

There is something invigorating about getting our children and families outdoors! We truly benefit from the great outdoors. Studies show children who grow up experiencing natural environments may benefit developmentally and have a heightened environmental awareness as adults than those who don't.

At Sioux City Chamber of Commerce, we would like to point you to the great outdoors, beginning with many of our area parks.  

Albertson Bridgeview Park

This park features fifty flags. The idea was a flag representing each state to commemorate patriotic pride in honor of all the servicemen and women during the Desert Storm War.  This is the place to take school age children as they are learning about the US and the history our fifty states!

W. 6th Street & Dakota Avenue

South Sioux City, NE

Cottonwood Cove Park

A 4.5-acre park located on the banks of the Missouri River. Features a public boat ramp, camping, shelter and play equipment.

14th & Hickory

Dakota City, NE

(712) 251-2189

Cottonwood Cove Park

Curry Park

Located at Crystal Cove Park dedicated to Jerry Curry and his family that has done so much for our community.

Covington Park

W. 4th & 5th Avenue, South Sioux City, NE

Crystal Cove Park

A beautiful park located on the Southwest corner of South Sioux. Crystal Cove is a 60-acre park with lake, 1.5 miles bike/hike trail, nature trails, fishing & shelter for rent. In 2005 underwent a $1.5 million renovation project to dredge the lake to improve habitat enhancement. Here you can see  over 200 species of birds and wildlife.

Visitors love their bird watching The lake is stocked 3 times yearly with fish for summer and winter ice fishing. In 2011 a new 18-Hole Disc Golf Course was installed.

South Sioux City, NE 68776

Dakota Gardens

16th & Dakota Avenue

South Sioux City, NE

Danish Alps State Recreation Area (SRA)

Near Hubbard, Neb. is a 746-acre state recreation area on Kramper Reservoir, a 226-acre lake. Danish Alps includes RV and tent camping, equestrian camping facilities, day use areas, a walking and hiking trail and excellent angling and wildlife watching opportunities.

Kramper Reservoir, a 226-acre lake, was planned with shoreline fishing and boat fishing in mind, and a wide spectrum of aquatic habitat features were incorporated to make this new reservoir suitable for fish to reproduce and grow rapidly. The lake has been stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, walleye and channel catfish. Anglers are reminded that Kramper Lake is a no-wake lake and that live bait fish are not allowed. Boaters are asked to clean, drain and dry their boats to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species such as zebra mussels. A Nebraska park entry permit is required for each vehicle entering the park.

Hubbard, NE Contact Nebraska State Park System for reservations 402-755-2284.

Klasey Park

Located 1 block off of Dakota Ave. It is home to Voss Fields & the SSC Legion Baseball. Voss Fields host multiple tournaments each summer including District and State Tournaments.

W. 11th & 1st Avenue

South Sioux City, NE

John Douangdara Memorial War Dog Park

This memorial is incorporated into a five-acre dog park, pays tribute to the devoted four-legged companions whose dedication to their masters was unparalleled in combat.

The park houses the Memorial in honor of fallen Navy SEAL, John Douangdara, who along with 29 fellow service members and his assault dog, Bart, were killed when their helicopter crashed in Afghanistan in 2011. It is connected to the Siouxland Trails system.

1101 Foundry Road,

South Sioux City, NE

Raymond Park

E. 23rd & C Street

South Sioux City, NE

Scenic Park

South Sioux City Parks & Recreation Department offices are located in Scenic Park. It is home to an 85 site Campground with full and basic hook-ups, SSC Outdoor Pool, newly remodeled tennis courts, playground equipment, shelters for rent, Missouri River boat ramp, Riverview Ball Complex, Dible Soccer Complex & home of the Jeffrey C. Dible Multiuse Complex.

801 Riverview Drive

South Sioux City, NE

(402) 494-7531

Siouxland Freedom Park

Here is 55 acres of land located in the heart of Siouxland along the banks of the Missouri River. In full view of the river’s bluff it is easily accessed from I-29 by simply crossing the Veterans Bridge, and turning directly onto Riverview Drive. The park houses the Memorial Dog Park in honor of fallen Navy SEAL, John Douangdara, who along with 29 fellow service members and his assault dog, Bart, were killed when their helicopter crashed in Afghanistan in 2011. It is connected to the Siouxland Trails system.

Construction of a 5,000-square-foot Interpretive Center will be completed within the year.

On site - a 250’ granite wall engraved with more than 58,000 fallen service members from the Vietnam War. A fifty-space lighted concrete parking lot with a 150’ flagpole that flies the 30’x60’ American flag, are adjacent to the Wall and Interpretive Center.

1801 Veterans Drive,

South Sioux City, NE 68776