Sioux Falls Chamber signals push to involve more women, people of color with latest board noms

The future of Sioux Falls' business community is apparent in the city's schools, where thousands of children of different races, of different religions and from different countries come together to prepare for their eventual spot in the city's workforce.

Leadership for the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce want the same for their board of directors.

Five area business leaders floated to join the group's leadership board later this year come from a range of backgrounds, both by industry and by race and gender. 

"This is an intentional act on our part not just to bring people ceremoniously on the board," said Jeff Griffin, Chamber President and CEO. "There is research proven valuable that men and women and people of color, we need these different perspectives to make sure were making the right decisions."

The nominees are:

• Kim Burma with Midco
• Tamien Dysart with Think 3D Solutions
• Kayla Eitreim with Junior Achievement of South Dakota
• Tolcha Mesele with Smithfield Foods
• Nathan Stallinga with DakotAbilities

The Chamber's board of directors includes various business leaders in the Sioux Falls community. They serve in a rotating capacity for a minimum of three years—longer if they hold a cabinet position.

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The candidates this year were picked because they represent the community and protect the future of Sioux Falls' economy.

This is only the start of the process of bringing on the next round of Chamber board members, and each of the five individuals named this week by the selection committee must still meet approval by the full board during the group's Aug. 26 meeting.

Their terms won't officially start until Oct. 1.

"The one area where we still lack is people of color and female leadership in our board room," Griffin said.