Legislative Update with Chesney

“Inside Washington” with the Sioux Falls Chamber features prominent discussions with South Dakota’s delegation. Plus, save the dates for these Pints & Politics advocacy events! 

by Chesney Garnos, Director of Political & Grassroots Affairs

Federal Delegation Back in the Dakotas
The "Inside Washington" series is back, which is an event put on by the Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce that features prominent discussions with South Dakota’s federal delegation. The series provides a unique platform where attendees can engage directly with their federal representatives through a Q&A session. Last week’s event featured U.S. Senator John Thune, who highlighted the slow progress in Congress regarding the new Farm Bill, crucial legislation renewed every five years. He cautioned that its passage might face delays due to intricate negotiations currently underway on Capitol Hill.

Additionally, I had the opportunity to sit down with two of Senator Thune’s staffers that handle his banking portfolio. This is actually one of my favorite parts of my job! Meeting with our delegation staff allows me to gain a better understanding on what is happening in D.C., and it allows the staffers to understand our credit union concerns and create a positive working relationship, benefiting us all!
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South Dakota Basketball Hall of Fame
Switching from politics to sports, I attended the South Dakota High School Basketball Hall of Fame ceremony this weekend. It was a proud moment to see my cousin, Jill, inducted among this year’s honorees. A graduate of Mitchell Christian High School and former SDSU basketball player, Jill has always been someone I have looked up to over the years. It was a memorable event for our family, celebrating her well-deserved recognition. Photo: A throwback to wearing some SDSU gear at one of Jill’s last basketball games at Frost Arena – don’t worry Coyotes, this is the only time you’ll ever see me in Jackrabbit gear!
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Finally, I would like to congratulate the entire “Class of 2024” Hall of Fame inductees: Jay Ellwein; Kay (Stormo) Freund; Roger Hammerbeck; Derrick McCauley; Dick Padrnos; JoEllen (Hofer) Salmen; Jill (Young) Sargent; Troy Schaefer; Brian Shanks; Dennis Smith; and Tara (Batcheller) Volesky.

While I'm eagerly anticipating basketball season already, I'm equally excited for fall football. But first, let’s look forward to our Pints & Politics events! Check out the upcoming dates in South Dakota:

September:

• September 16th – Gregory, The Homesteader at 6:00 p.m. CT
• September 19th – Webster, The Galley Bar and Grill at 6:00 p.m. CT

October:

• October 3rd – Rapid City, Hay Camp Brewing Co. at 6:00 p.m. MT
• October 9th - Pierre, luncheon at Oahe Federal Credit Union at 12:00 p.m. CT
• October 15th - Huron, Top Floor Events at 6:00 p.m. CT
• October 16 - Yankton, Ben’s Brewing Co. at 6:00 p.m. CT
• October 17th - Sioux Falls, JJ's Bar at 6:00 p.m. CT

​See you there…oh, and SKOL VIKINGS! 

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