Director’s Notes

YVONNE TAYLOR | SDML EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

We hope you are all preparing to come to Watertown for the Annual Conference, October 4-7! I have long said that our conference is like a big family reunion – if you really like your family! The City of Watertown has worked hard and enthusiastically welcomes this conference, and we are very pleased to join them in offering a packed agenda of information, great speakers, and relevant topics this year.

It seems early to be gearing up for the legislative session, but to us, a big part of the Annual Conference is hearing from you on the Policy Committees’ work on the annual Statement of Policy. See the proposed policy starting on page 8.

And in case you think these policies don’t matter, just today a legislator came up to me with an idea for a bill. “And you know where I got the idea, don’t you?” he asked. “From your publication!” He’d been reading last month’s magazine, with the entire policy statement included. The policy committees meet on Wednesday during the annual conference, and you will all have a chance to discuss and vote on the policy statement at the Friday business meeting.

The agenda for conference (page 25) is full of information on so many topics, including a major presentation by Victor Avila, who will be discussing his time as an Agent Under Fire while he worked as a special agent for Immigration and Customs Enforcement/ Homeland Security. Prepare to be on the edge of your seat for this powerful presentation.

We will also hear about the housing programs offered through the SD Housing Development Authority, and are pleased to have their Executive Director, Lorraine Polak, attending.

On Friday, we’ll get to hear from Gubernatorial Candidate Jamie Smith, and hope to hear from Governor Noem (invited).

We also have a presentation for you on Cyber Security by Dakota State University’s Ashley Podhradsky DSc, Vice President of Research and Economic Development. Talk about a session that can save you money in the long run!

It isn’t all work, either – those who can come early can participate in the Tuesday afternoon golf tournament, and we have great entertainment lined up for both Wednesday and Thursday evenings. A good time will be had by all!

In short, we think you will learn a tremendous amount, get to meet and greet old and new friends, and have a great time at this year’s conference. We can’t wait to see you all there!

Until next month, remember we are always available at 1-800-658-3633 or yvonne@ sdmunicipalleague.org. ■