Rushmore State News

NFIB members in South Dakota gathered with lawmakers on March 6th for the inaugural Small Business Day, focusing on issues affecting their businesses. Senate Majority Leader Casey Crabtree, House Majority Leader Will Mortenson, Assistant Leader Taylor Rehfeldt, and Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden were among the legislators who participated.

Jedrey Baumann, who operates five small businesses including a lumber store and construction company founded by his father, expressed concerns about potential government overreach. He highlighted worries over a higher minimum wage and unaffordable health insurance costs impacting business expansion. Baumann stated, "While South Dakota is a pro-small business state, I’m still worried about the future...if lawmakers don’t engage with everyday small business owners, it’s hard for them to understand what we’re going through."

During the event at the Capitol in Pierre, various individuals shared their experiences. Among them were Senator Al Novstrup of Thunder Road; NFIB Grassroots Manager Ben Abrahamson; Jason Dodson from Leisure Palace Pools and Spa; Terry Liebel of Midstate Appraisal; NFIB Regional Director Barbara Quandt; Gary Johnson from AGE Corporation; Elizabeth Zanin of Pierre St. Dance Studio; Sidney Zanin of Guadalajara’s Mexican Restaurant; and NFIB South Dakota State Director Jason Glodt.

Jason Glodt emphasized South Dakota's favorable business environment: “We are proud that South Dakota is consistently rated as one of the best business climates in the nation.” He noted that Small Business Day offers an opportunity for owners to voice their concerns and contribute to ongoing dialogue with lawmakers.

The success of this initial event has set expectations for future engagements between South Dakota's small business community and its legislators.