From the desk of the Executive Director 

By Cathy Berg, Executive Director

Summer is finally here at last – what better time to be thinking about getting those new hires trained and TAM certified. We offer classes monthly in various areas of the state, as well as private business classes for those establishments that have 12 or more attendees to certify. With summer here, that only means that the Sturgis Rally will soon follow in the next couple of months. It’s never too early to be thinking about training your new staff with the high number of new hires needed to serve the many tourists that flood the area during the summer season. It’s important that your new staff have all the tools they need to be responsible and to know the laws of South Dakota in serving customers.

It was a very busy winter and spring as we worked through another legislative session. This year’s session brought 27 bills that directly affected the industry, and with the help and hard work of our lobbyist and board, we felt we had a great session in terms of the best outcome of what we were able to do to protect the interests of our members and the industry. Our lobbyist works diligently throughout the year, visiting with legislators and others in Pierre, as we prepare for the next year’s session. This also includes any summer study topics that the legislative executive board feel needs further discussion and research prior to the following year’s session.

In April, our board met in Sioux Falls for their annual spring meeting. We discussed the outcome of the legislative session and have already discussed ideas on bills we feel will be important to our members and the industry. We will be meeting in July again to discuss further those plans as we prepare for the fall and the 2019 session.

The primary election is soon upon us which is scheduled for June 5th. This is a critical time to be thinking about your choice in those specific seats in the legislature as well as our next Governor. With the many changes that you experience on an operational basis that affect the industry, be sure to check the legislature website as to how the candidates have actually voted on various bills affecting the industry. This is the time to do your due diligence on the candidates of your choice to make sure they are the “right” one to serve the state of South Dakota.

We continue to recruit for new members. Without our members there would be no association, and without an association, there would be no voice in Pierre to fight for the industry. If you aren’t a member, you should be. If you are already a member, we appreciate your continued support.

Our office is always available for your calls, ideas and thoughts. Don’t hesitate to contact us at any time if you have an issue or an idea. You can contact us at #800-721-1789 or visit our website at: www.sdliquorandgaming.com. You are also welcome to visit with any one of our board members as well.

Thank you, once again, to our members for their continued support of the organization. Your membership is valued in so many ways, as it is important that the association remains active and viable as we move forward into the future in this highly regulated industry.

Thank you and enjoy your summer!!

Cathy Berg, Executive Director