SFBJ cover story: Growing the arts as an industry in Sioux Falls

Here’s a preview of the Sioux Falls Business Journal cover story for January 13, 2016, about the ways the arts are growing in Sioux Falls, what might be holding them back and the possible ways the arts industry can grow going forward.
You can read the full story here.

Most people would have seen a somewhat drab, empty office building.

When Zach DeBoer looked at the vacant DM&E building downtown, he saw a one-of-a-kind chance to showcase local art.

“It was very sterile, and that was the beauty of it: The sadness and emptiness of the building. So seeing the work in that was kind of fun,” he said. Continue reading

Sioux Falls Business Journal: Earlier holiday sales create retail challenge

Here’s a preview of my December 9, 2015 Sioux Falls Business Journal cover story, looking at how retailers navigated the trend of consumers doing their Christmas shopping earlier and earlier. Companies like Lewis Drug, Chelsea’s Boutique and Montgomery’s Furniture had to decide whether to push their deals up to September or try to play the long game to serve holiday needs right on to the big day.
You can read the full story by clicking the link below.

The date hasn’t changed, but Christmas still came early this year.

In mid-September, CreditCards.com reported that 32 million Americans, or 14 percent of consumers, had already started hunting for holiday gifts. Even more surprising, 4.6 million were done with their lists. Continue reading