Chamber hosts par-tee

The Hill City Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Golf Par-Tee.

The event is part fundraiser and part get- together, said executive director Erin Loder.

“While we’re excited to gather and enjoy time together as a community, we’re also raising funds to support the Hill City Chamber of Commerce. This is a chance to connect, celebrate and contribute to something meaningful,” Loder said. 

The event takes place Sept. 19 at 9 a.m. at Rocky Knolls Golf Course in Custer. The 18 hole tournament is open to teams of four, with registration including green fees, lunch, a golf cart and reception.

Loder came up with the idea and proposed it to her board.

“They were really excited about it,” Loder said.

 The idea came from her previous position as  executive director of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce. With no tourism dollars available, everything at that position was fundraising based. 

“We actually did two golf tournaments a year, and they were always very successful and very fun for the community,” Loder said. 

The golf events became one of several signature events that chamber held and people looked forward to. 

“That is my hope for ours, that we can continue this forward and make it something fun that the people of Hill City and surrounding areas want to be a part of for a long time,” said Loder.

Loder said she chose golf because “it’s a fun and inclusive way to bring people together of all skill levels, never golfers and forever golfers, that offers multiple fundraising opportunities in one event and gives supporters a chance to network and connect while backing a great cause.”

That cause is to support the Hill City Chamber’s marketing efforts.

“Every dollar invested in marketing has a multiplying effect—bringing in visitors, boosting sales tax revenue and supporting local businesses,” Loder said. “It’s not an expense; it’s an investment in our town’s future.”

The chamber requested  $225,000 from the city for fiscal year 2026.  

“While we do get money from the city to support these efforts, we want to ensure that we can provide whatever additional funds we can in order to continue to push the goal forward. It’s about growth, sustainability and pride of the Heart of the Hills,” said Loder. 

There is still time to register for the event. Loder said the chamber is also accepting event sponsors and raffle prize donations. 

To find out more visit the Hill City Chamber of Commerce on Facebook or call the visitor information center directly at 605-574-2368.