May 11, 2021

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Teresa Schreier, public affairs and communications assistant for the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce.

 Name: Teresa Schreier

Age: 35

Hometown: Emmetsburg, Iowa

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

My husband’s career. He was living in Sioux Falls and working part time at the same organization I was at in Iowa. We were set up by mutual friends, and the rest is history! After we were married, I moved to Sioux Falls so we could start our life here.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

Sioux Falls has the big-city feel with the small-town vibe. I love being able to have the mall, restaurants and entertainment options in close proximity. It’s a 15- to 20-minute drive to get almost anywhere in town. Sioux Falls also has sand volleyball, which is my favorite summer sport!

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

The staff, volunteers and all of the connections I’ve made through the chamber! Every day is something different and can change on a dime. I get to work with these amazing people within committee meetings and in planning events such as the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the annual meeting and Washington, D.C., fly-ins. I am also assisting with the eighth Forward Sioux Falls campaign, which is going great!

How did you get connected to your industry?

When I was growing up, I would help my dad do bookwork by making sure everything was in order, correct and balanced. This organization led me to helping with planning small parties, from budgeting, mailing invites, ordering food and getting the decorations. My previous position allowed me to plan events for students and staff retreats. I get to continue my love of events at the chamber by planning both small and large events from beginning to end. There are different types of events such as committee meetings, birthday parties to small and large events. What each of these have in common is that they take the same preparation on creating and sticking to a budget, inviting your guests, creating the menu and putting final touches on decorations. Some people love doing this more than others, and I am lucky to love what I do.

Describe the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce in three words.

Community. Connections. Collaboration.

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

I grew up on a farm in northwest Iowa, and my first job was picking rock. Living on the farm led us to riding ATVs. Our love of ATV/UTVs has taken my family on a yearly vacation to go “mudding” in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

I currently sit on the HIS Ark Christian Child Development Center board of directors as the vice chair. This is a great opportunity to learn something new about this organization that is connected within my church and bring my skill set to the table. I am also on our family’s American Cancer Society Relay for Life team, to honor our grandma and friends who have passed away from cancer. It is so cool to see the community come out and support such a great cause!

 What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

Cheesecake Factory! I know Hy-Vee occasionally sells the famous cheesecake, but it is not the same as eating in the actual restaurant!

Where do you see yourself in five years?

The last five years have not gone according to plan; it has been better than expected!  Moving on to the next five years, I am hoping to plan a few vacations with my husband, attend my nieces’ and nephews’ sporting events, hang out with my family and friends, and cross some things off my bucket list. I want to challenge myself to read more books and continue to improve myself professionally and personally. Life goes fast; we need to remember to slow down and smell the roses!

Photo credit: Chad Phillips Photography