SDAF Has Reached Its Goal of 200 Members!

Record-High Number Strengthens Area’s Advertising and Marketing

For the first time, the South Dakota Advertising Federation has surpassed 200 members. This all-time high in membership shows that SDAF is successful in supporting the creative community by meeting members’ needs for education, networking, advocacy and more.

“The more members we have, the more networking and business opportunities we can provide for our members,” says Eric Vasgaard, president of SDAF. “With a higher membership, SDAF is able to do more during the year and increase the quality of our events, including the ADDY Awards and monthly luncheons.”

SDAF’s membership has been constant at about 190 members in the last few years. Yet the board of directors knew that number could increase if SDAF made an effort to communicate membership benefits, and set a 200-member goal. This was all a part of a three-year strategic plan that the Board of Directors established in summer 2011. “Reaching 200 members in our first year of this strategic plan reflects the hard work of our board members and committee volunteers,” Eric adds. “I think it also shows the value that SDAF brings to our community.”

To recruit new members, SDAF’s Membership Committee talked to people at businesses and organizations that might benefit from SDAF membership. “SDAF has always had strong membership support among advertising agencies in the area, but we thought we could focus on approaching in-house marketing teams at local companies or freelance marketing professionals. Talking to these groups in person helped build our prospect list and generate new interest for SDAF,” said Jodi Siemers, SDAF Membership Committee chair.

Some benefits of membership include: education, networking, advocacy, volunteer opportunities and student support.

Thanks to all SDAF members for your ongoing support. You make this an active and successful region for advertising, sales and marketing students and professionals.