Joe Knoepfler

Owner, Knoepfler Chevrolet

What are you working on now that benefits the community? 

Currently, we are implementing programs that create a culture of growth leading to a better, stronger community. We provide several scholarship programs for our employees, as well as the public in hopes this leads to more opportunities personally and professionally.

 In addition to education, I also believe the arts are an important cornerstone of a community’s culture. As a founding board member of the Vangarde Arts and the current President of Sculpt Siouxland, I continually strive for artist opportunism within Siouxland. Together, I believe the support of education and artistic expression will add exponentially to the development culture within our community.

What is your vision for the future?

More than a vision, I believe it is a psyche and one word comes to mind, PRIDE…a community filled with people who are proud to be a part of it. A lot of wonderful aspects in our community are often overlooked, undiscovered, or not celebrated enough. Let’s celebrate our education system. Our public and private schools provide an exceptional educational experience for our community, this is something to be proud of. We should be proud of our stable economy, although we would all like to see this expand – we are in a great spot. As other areas of our country fluctuate drastically, we have been able to obtain a sense of balance. Look at the unemployment rate (prior to the pandemic) in Northwestern Iowa. It is remarkable. Lastly, we are surrounded by great people with great ethics. We come from a strong background of doing the right thing, working hard for what is yours, and taking a stance when it is appropriate. I was once hired for a job in Florida with little experience just because I was from Iowa. Their exact words were, “Oh, you’re from Iowa, I already know your work ethic”.

What would you like to see happen in Siouxland?

It would be great for the community to continue to develop a culture that supports local businesses and incentivizes other companies to relocate or start up a new endeavor. Although our local government has continued to roll out funding and incentives, I believe this is bigger than what our local commerce can tackle on its own. We need the support of the state. Look at cities such as Fargo, Billings and Sioux Falls. All these places had populations like the Siouxland area 30 years ago. With a strong partnership between the state and the amazing men and women that head up our Economic Development, there is no reason we cannot see the same influx of high quality jobs coupled with talented, well educated, young professionals eager to call Siouxland home.

What are you going to do to make that happen?

Overall, I believe we are headed in the right direction. Although this may sound strange, I think we need to brag a little more to remind or teach people about what our community has to offer us. I continue to encourage my employees and community members to get out there, discover their passion, make a difference and be a part of something bigger than themselves. I couldn’t be happier to be back in the city I grew up in and I proud to share my story whenever I can. 

How can people help you make that happen?

I would like to see companies and individuals continuing to support personal and professional growth. There are so many things to experience that are unique to this area. Current residents and also people considering living in this community need to know about them. By supporting the long list of tenured local businesses and organizations, we will foster an environment where prospective companies are excited about putting roots down in our community. In return, this attracts young, viable, well educated professionals to employ.

What quote inspires you?

“Re-examine all that you have been told… dismiss that which insults your soul.” – Walt Whitman

Volunteer Organizations

Sculpt Siouxland – President

GM Local Marketing Organization – President

Sioux City Growth Organization 

VanGarde Arts 

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