Since the South Dakota Retailers Association was founded in 1897, education has been an important part of our mission.
Training & Seminars
SDRA provides required training - including programs for foodservice and alcohol licensees - as well as seminars of general interest to the business community.
We work with state and federal agencies and other organizations to provide programs on topics such as:
- American with Disabilities Act
- Bad checks
- Domestic violence & the workplace
- Labor laws
- Retail theft
- Sales and excise tax issues
- Unemployment insurance
- Workers comp
- and more
In addition, our Executive Director is available to speak to local groups about the Association, legislative issues, and retail trends.
Retail Hotline
Members are welcome to contact us with questions about retail laws and regulations. Many of these questions and answers appear in our monthly newsletter, and in the FAQ section of our website.
(Note: SDRA does not have an attorney on staff, and cannot offer legal advice or assistance with contractual matters).
Special Events
- Our Annual Meeting is held in January in conjunction with the beginning of the state Legislative Session. During the meeting, our members our provided with a review of Association activities for the previous year, and elect the Board of Directors for the new year.
- Each year in conjunction with our Annual Meeting, we conduct a Legislative Briefing during which members learn about retail issues expected to surface during the Legislative Session. This provides an opportunity for members to offer input to the Board of Directors on issues of concern to their business.
- We sponsor an annual golf tournament and an annual pheasant hunt to raise funds for our political action committee.
- We present a Retailer of the Year Award to an outstanding business owner or manager each year.
- We provide scholarships to assist individuals who will be the retailers of the future in South Dakota.
- We also are proud to be involved with many special activities throughout the year, including the ProStart program and competition, Kids Voting Basketball Tournament, the Annual Christmas Tree Display at the State Capitol, and more.