Region Challenged by News of Flooding    

      The ladies in the pic above are not running from rising waters on the Missouri. They are enjoying a brisk walk along the trails of Lewis & Clark Recreation Area, which is business as usual and expects to remain that way for the entire summer.  

     Though tragic to those along the banks of the Missouri River the controlled flooding has not closed the region for visitors. This message needs to be the theme for the summer of 2011.  

Reports of high water levels and massive releases from dams on the Missouri have overtaken the news and have caused some visitors to cancel their reservations or make plans to go elsewhere on their vacation.

     Please view the message from Gov. Daugaard and pass it on to others in the tourism industry to get the word out that "Southeast South Dakota is open for visitors."  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nv293g5xQrs 

     Now more than ever, SSDTA Members are asked to help spread the word that the region is for the most part unaffected by the high water levels coming through the dams. It is important to work together whenever possible. Some of our marketing efforts need our members participation. Packaged vacations or weekend get-away specials are needed to attract visitors to come to the region. Those packages may seem difficult to put together but the payoff can be big for everyone.  

     Each month we feature our packages and special get-aways in our email news to over 5,000 visitors. Visitors are looking for easy pre-packaged vacations at a good value. Help us by creating your own unique package.  

     Package  listings on our website are free. Submit your package here.  

· Put your event on www.southeastsouthdakota.com events calendar so visitors don't miss it.

· VISITOR GUIDES AVAILABLE - Call 605-665-2435 and we will help you get your supplies.

    Be sure to read the entire newsletter for some interesting news, upcoming meetings and an opportunity to serve your region.