The two hundred seventy-third meeting of the Legislative Research Council Executive Board was called to order by Chair Senator Harold W. Halverson at 3:05 p.m., January 16, 1998, in LCR 1 of the State Capitol, Pierre, South Dakota.

A quorum was determined with the following members answering the roll call: Senators Arnold Brown, Charles Flowers, Harold Halverson, William Johnson, Jerry Shoener, and Paul Symens; and Representatives Kay Davis, Patricia de Hueck, Larry Diedrich, Robert Duxbury, Rex Hagg, Cheryl Madden, Kenneth McNenny, and Gordon Pederson. Senator Barbara Everist was present following the roll call.

Staff members present included Terry C. Anderson, LRC Director, and Yolonda J. Soyer, Administrative Assistant.

(NOTE: For sake of continuity, the following minutes are not necessarily in chronological order. Also, all referenced documents are on file with the Master Minutes.)

Chair Halverson stated that the Board had requested bids from three cities in regard to hosting the 1999 Four-State Legislative Conference: Pierre, Rapid City, and Sioux Falls. He explained that other bidders would not be present when a city makes its presentation to the Board. Mr. Anderson provided Board members with a summary of hotel facilities and room availability and rates for each of the cities (Document #1).

Ms. Patsy Handcock, Director, Pierre Convention & Visitors Bureau, noted that Pierre was recently named the tenth best small town in America. She cited several examples of attractions in the city, including the Capitol, Flaming Fountain, Fighting Stallions Memorial, Cultural Heritage Center, Discovery Center, the Missouri River, Steamboat Park, and the Oahe Chapel. She also noted that the area is also known for its excellent walleye fishing. In addition, the Pierre/Ft. Pierre area has two golf courses. Members were provided an informational packet.

Ms. Handcock reported that the Best Western Ramkota Inn had a 60-room block for the September 12-14 date, at a daily rate of $50 per room. She explained that the facility would have 100 rooms available for September 19-21 or September 26-28. She also noted that there are several other motels within walking distance of the Ramkota.

In closing, Ms. Handcock stated: "We are committed to attending to all your convention needs." She referred Board members to the planning packet and the ideas for evening dining off-site.

Representative McNenny asked about air service to Pierre, and Ms. Handcock responded that the flight schedules fluctuate. Northwest Airline (Minneapolis) and United (Denver) serve Pierre. There are no direct flights from Pierre to Sioux Falls. Upon a query from Representative Diedrich, she explained that the convention and visitors bureau can assist in seeking sponsors for the conference. Upon further questioning by Representative Diedrich in regard to transportation to conference events, Ms. Handcock stated that the Ramkota has some transportation capabilities; there is a limousine service in Pierre; and the local school district has allowed use of its buses in the past.

Ms. Wendy Krank, Sales & Marketing Director, Rapid City Convention & Visitors Bureau, stated that the "Banana Belt" would be honored to host the conference. A video showcasing Rapid City and the Black Hills area was shown. She also distributed informational materials.

Ms. Darla Bracken, Director of Sales, Howard Johnson Hotel & Convention Center, distributed materials on the facility and explained the recent remodeling of meeting rooms and some of the guest rooms. There are 200 guest rooms available. She stated: "You can have your whole convention under one roof." Chair Halverson asked if the hotel would transport participants to and from events. Ms. Bracken explained that the facility does offer some forms of transportation. For larger groups, the facility uses Gray Line of the Black Hills.

Ms. Nicole Moore,. Director of Sales, Holiday Inn Rushmore Plaza Hotel & Conference Center, expressed her facility?s desire to host the convention and provided an informational packet.

Ms. Krank, responding to a question from Representative Diedrich, explained that she would check into the convention bureau?s assisting in fundraising for the event. She further stated that the bureau could assist in obtaining bids for transportation services.

Ms. Joni Stock, Sales Representative, Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau, explained that Sioux Falls is very accessible; it has the largest commercial airport in the state. She suggested using Sioux Falls Park (which will have a light and sound show in 1999) for an outdoor luncheon; holding events at the EROS Data Center; and making use of the Great Plains Zoo. She noted that the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science will be completed by 1999. Also, Sioux Falls has the largest shopping selection in the state. The convention and visitors bureau has a full-time staffer who could assist with name badges, registration, city information, etc. She provided Board members with informational materials.

Mr. Dan Nelson, representing the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, reported that the chamber will commit $1,000 to the event. Also, the chamber "would work to zero out the costs of your off-site activities and breaks."

Upon a question from Representative Davis, Ms. Stock responded that the chamber has a full-time staffer trained in developing programs for spouses and children.

Mr. Anderson explained that the Four-State Legislative Conference is unique in that participants have many common interests. The four states in the conference are North Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, and South Dakota. The conference is held in odd-numbered years. Upon a query from Representative de Hueck, the Director stated that the last time South Dakota hosted this event, it was held in Rapid City.

Mr. Anderson then explained the fundraising process. Representative Duxbury questioned the difference in air fares between flying into Pierre versus flying into Rapid City or Sioux Falls. Senator Flowers commented that he would like to show off South Dakota?s Capitol. "I am somewhat in awe when I walk in this building." Representative de Hueck echoed Senator Flowers? comments; she added that the Cultural Heritage Center can also be showcased during the conference.

Representative Hagg noted that many people build their family vacations around business meetings; therefore, the location of a meeting is a deciding factor in how many people attend. Representative Duxbury stated that many people are interested in seeing state capitols; also, many people might go on to the Black Hills after meeting in Pierre.

In regard to the proposed dates, Mr. Anderson explained that the Board randomly selected the September 12-14 date and could be flexible. He suggested that if Pierre is selected as the conference site, then the date of the meeting should be changed to a time when the Ramkota has ample rooms to accommodate all meeting participants.

After two secret ballots, Pierre was selected as the site for the 1999 Four-State Legislative Conference.

The Executive Board adjourned at 4:05 p.m.

These minutes and all committee minutes are available on the LRC section of the South Dakota Homepage (www.state.sd.us).