Dunes General Manager Reflects on a Decade of Local Change

Schelm, the General Manger for Country Inns and Suites in Dakota Dunes for just over ten years, has noticed many changes in the community over the past decade, and how it is working to perpetuate growth.

"When I started there wasn't even lights off the exit. They finally lit the exits. In the beginning, not much was developed out here. We've been through a lot of dirt moving," Schelm commented.

The ongoing growth and construction in Dakota Dunes is almost a daily topic of conversation with guests visiting the area and staying at the hotel.

"People will ask us, "Oh what's that? What's this being built?"" Schelm noted of her conversations with her temporary Dunes guests. "Sometimes you get the people that lived in Sioux City all their lives and they stay out here. And, especially when that last set of houses came that you can really see off the interstate, you really get a lot of comments like, "Oh wow, that has really changed out there.""

During her time as General Manager at the hotel, Schelm has also watched the changes and growth of the retail and service sector of Dakota Dunes.

"Our business is always changing. When I started we were just going crazy with keeping up with the Gateway business," Schelm commented.

Gone are the days of hotel rooms filled with Gateway executives, vendors and technicians. Now the Country Inns and Suites in Dakota Dunes houses those affiliated with the many medical facilities in the area, vendors for local businesses and those associated with Tyson, Alorica and Premier Bankcard according to Schelm.

One of the popular eating establishments in Dakota Dunes has also seen its fair share of change over the past 10 years.

Attached to the Country Inns and Suites is Graham's Grill. Both business are owned by Dunes Hospitality.

"We've seen the restaurant go through a few cycles. It opened as a Country Kitchen," Schelm noted. "We complement each other so well. I can't do it without them. They can't do it with just my customers. They need the community also."

There is an overall feeling of comradery in the Dunes business environment. Since it is a smaller community, the need to help each other succeed is evident to continue the successful rate of growth the area has enjoyed.

"We understand the whole concept of "we want this area to work,"" Schelm commented as a thriving member of the business community. "With the surgery center doing well and growing it's helped us, it's helped Graham's."

Working together with other businesses on local promotions also helps the Dakota Dunes business community thrive.

The hotel offers a "Stop and Energize" package where guests receive bottled water, a power bar and a gift certificate to Cup O' Joy for some energizing coffee.

Schelm helped establish the partnership with Cup O' Joy, as a way to keep business local.

"Well of course we're going to use our cute little coffee shop that's just across the street and keep them (our customers) right here on the corner. We have seen what other places do and then trend it to our area," Schelm commented.

Schelm is optimistic about the future in Dakota Dunes. She noted that anytime new businesses come in to the community, it's a win-win situation for all the businesses since they share the same customer base and can offer services to each other's clientele.

Continual growth and expansion is on the horizon for this South Dakota community. With all the changes that lie ahead, there is one thing you'll have to remember when driving in Dakota Dunes. Look left, and right, at all intersections. Those dead-end streets don't last long.

After 10 years of leaving the same parking lot each day, Schelm has learned a valuable lesson.

"Now when I pull out of the driveway I have to look left, because there's traffic coming from that way. It used to be a dead-end. It's wonderful to see the growth."

***This article was originally published in the North Sioux City / Dakota Dunes Times by Sedgwick Publishing.***