Sioux Falls Business Journal

A compromise farm bill supported by South Dakota's congressional delegation is in the hands of President Bush, who has threatened to veto it.

Both chambers of Congress passed the $290 million bill by well more than the two-thirds majority that's needed to override a veto. The House approved the measure 318-106 May 14 and the Senate approved it 81-15 May 15.
Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson said he's glad the bill includes country-of-origin labeling and a safety net for farmers. However, he's disappointed about the lack of a meaningful payment-limitations provision and that the measure doesn't address packer ownership of livestock.

"This final farm bill is not a perfect piece of legislation, but it is the result of compromise and a desire to give our farmers and ranchers the ability to plan for the next five years," Johnson said. "I will not let perfect be the enemy of the good, and will support the bill. I hope the president does the same. Our producers deserve this bill."

Republican Sen. John Thune voiced strong support for the bill on the Senate floor shortly before the vote. He especially praised the bill's energy title, which includes a biofuels program that provides guaranteed incentives for the growth and production of cellulosic ethanol.

"South Dakota stands to reap substantial benefits thanks to the 2008 farm bill," Thune said. "This bill makes great strides in providing disaster relief, advancing biofuels production, making adequate conservation tools available and not just preserving, but improving the farm safety net."

Democratic Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin said the farm bill took longer than anticipated but was worth the effort because the policy implications are critical to the state's economy.

"This final version of the farm bill makes important reforms while at the same time includes a number of wins for our state, including a strong safety net for producers, an agreement for mandatory country-of-origin labeling, permanent disaster assistance and language to prevent the closure of FSA offices," Herseth Sandlin said. "Although the final bill doesn't include everything that we would like, I believe that the result of this long process ultimately does right by our farm and ranch families and rural communities in South Dakota."

A new office building for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of South Dakota should open before July 1, says Mary Olinger, president and chief executive officer of the organization.

A 3,500-square-foot office building is being constructed at 1400 W. 17th St., near the Sanford USD Medical Center campus.

The Make-A-Wish office is being built entirely with the aid of cash donations and donated materials and labor, Olinger says. Henry Carlson Co. is the general contractor.

The foundation presently has its office in a strip mall at 1010 W. 18th St. The new office building will have a house-like appearance.

"We've tried to make it neighborhood-friendly," Olinger says.

The Make-A-Wish foundation grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.
 

The South Dakota Safety Council will present a free one-day training program June 19 to help small businesses prevent electrical hazards.

The program is designed to help owners and managers of small businesses recognize and prevent hazards related to working around electricity. The course will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Ramada Inn & Suites Airport, 1301 W. Russell St.

The National Safety Council is partnering with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Susan B. Harwood Grant Program, which is funding the program..

For information about the program, or to register, call 361-7785 or (800) 952-5539.

Sioux Falls-based LodgeNet Interactive Corp. recently signed a multi-year deal with Loews Hotel to deliver a comprehensive HDTV and broadband Internet connectivity solution to U.S. and Canadian Loews properties.

As part of the agreement, the company has contracted to design, install and manage broadband services to more than 9,000 rooms in all 18 Loews hotels, and to provide broadband conference services to more than 500,000-square-feet of conference space in these locations.

LodgeNet will install an HDTV system that includes HD movies, TV on Demand and the DirecTV Sports package as well as the option of HD and regular free-to-guest network programming. The company also will provide a customized, flexible solution for in-room broadband Internet access and broadband conferencing that includes customized call center support.

"Loews Hotels has a rich history that spans over sixty years as a trusted brand for high-end guests who have come to expect luxury amenities," said Scott Petersen, president and chief executive officer of LodgeNet. "We  look forward to serving Loews Hotels and delivering an array of interactive entertainment and connectivity services to keep Loews' guests connected, informed and entertained."

Loews Hotels is a subsidiary of Loews Corp., which is headquartered in New York City, N.Y.

LodgeNet held its annual meeting May 14 in Sioux Falls.