From the desk of the Executive Director 
Fall is here which means it’s that time of year we will soon be thinking about the upcoming holiday season, the end of the year and the 2021 legislative session. One very important event coming up this fall, which is already on everyone’s minds, is the United States presidential election.
The 2020 United States presidential election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3rd, 2020. It will be the 59th quadrennial presidential election. Voters will select presidential electors who in turn will vote on December 14, 2020, to either elect a new president and vice president or re-elect the incumbents Donald Trump and Mike Pence respectively. The series of presidential primary elections and caucuses were held from February to August 2020. This nominating process is an indirect election, where voters cast ballots selecting a slate of delegates to a political party’s nominating convention, who then, in turn, elect their party’s nominees for president and vice president.
We are a little under a month out now from the Presidential election. Some of the areas in the country have already put this process in motion where people are starting to vote in person or by absentee ballots, etc. It is very important for each and every person who is eligible to vote, to exercise their constitutional right. Every election is important, especially this year where we need to insure our voices are heard in these difficult times we are all experiencing. This is not only important on the national level, but just as important on the state and local levels as well. Check the voting records of those that are running for office in your perspective districts locally. This can be done by going to the South Dakota Legislative website. Get to know your legislators/other elected officials and what they stand for in the state. It will and can make a difference for your business and the industry. Now is the time to research and do your homework before you place your vote this election year!
After the general election, the 2021 legislative session is just right around the corner. If you have never attended the hearings during the session or listened to the testimony of the hearings that take place in regards to bills for or against the industry, you might consider doing so. With the many restrictions they have put into place during these unprecedented times, you can do it right from the comfort of your own home by going to the South Dakota Legislative website during session which will list all of the bills and the hearings that will be taking place. We have a lobbyist that works on your behalf and the businesses in the industry all year round working and meeting with legislators regarding issues that come up as well as is in Pierre for the 3 months during session.
It is more important than ever for us to all work together towards that one common goal and that is to insure your business continues to move forward and thrive as we work through these difficult times. If you aren’t a member of our association, now is the time to join our group so that you have the support and backing for your business. We are always looking for new members which are a very important part of our existence. With 2021 soon upon us, why not start the year right with a membership with the “Licensed Beverage Dealers and Gaming Association”. We can help you fight those issues that can cause problems for you as a business owner, and in turn, helping us to remain strong with the support of membership so that we can continue to be there in Pierre to fight for legislation on your behalf and the industry.
For further details regarding our association and membership, please call our office at any time at: (800) 721-1789 or 605-343-1844.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Be safe and stay well.
Cathy Berg, Executive Director
