South Dakota Chamber Of Commerce & Industry

Legislative advocacy and research - the chamber functions as an advocate for our members and for all businesses in south dakota. This advocacy is done in the legislature, before state agencies, and directly with the public in the form of initiative campaigns. Each year, the south dakota chamber monitors legislation for bills that pose a threat to our members and to the overall business climate of the state. We are present every day to lobby for our members. When important issues are discussed at the department level, the chamber is at the table, bringing a respected voice to the conversations. Each week during the legislative session members have the opportunity to participate in online legislative briefings and receive regular issues of a newsletter titled "capitol-ism" which gives analysis of key issues in a way that members can apply to their business or updates as key bills move through the process.

Business day provides an opportunity for attendees to gather in pierre and learn about current legislative issues being debated and hear from leading speakers. Attendees vote their opinions on legislative issues during the annual business caucus via text messages, with the results being tabulated and displayed. The results, representing diverse demographics, are delivered to state legislators the next day.

Economic outlook seminar - the annual seminar provides attendees with updated information on the state's economy, an education about the factors that drive the economy and features speakers addressing a certain segment of the economy.