BUILT TO LAST - Valuing, Protecting & Passing on the Business

September 29, 2026

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM MT

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, and NAIFA-South Dakota is proud to share that Governor Larry Rhoden has signed a proclamation recognizing the importance of life insurance and the financial security it provides to families and businesses across our state.

This summer, many NAIFA members joined NAIFA Live sessions featuring Joey Davenport. They got a glimpse of the practical skills and techniques taught through the SkillSet, powered by the Trustworthy Selling program.

NAIFA member John Lawler, LUTCF, recently had the opportunity to connect with Representatives Keri Weems and Jack Kolbeck to discuss issues affecting the insurance and financial services profession—and, most importantly, the clients we serve.

These conversations are what grassroots advocacy is all about: building relationships, sharing our perspective, and ensuring policymakers understand how their decisions affect advisors and the families and businesses who rely on them.

Thank you, John, for representing NAIFA and our industry!

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month in South Dakota

Governor Larry Rhoden has officially proclaimed September as Life Insurance Awareness Month in South Dakota!

Life insurance plays an important role in helping families protect their financial futures and providing peace of mind when it matters most. Throughout September, we’re proud to recognize the work of insurance and financial professionals who help South Dakotans understand their options and put protection in place for the people they love.

Thank you, Governor Rhoden, for recognizing the importance of life insurance and the professionals who serve South Dakota families.

NAIFA-South Dakota member Bo Bernhagen recently put grassroots advocacy into action, spending time with members of the South Dakota House of Representatives during a House GOP fundraiser held Saturday, August 15, at the new Pete Lien & Sons Shooting Sports Complex in Piedmont.

The event gave Bo an opportunity to connect personally with legislators and newly nominated House candidates while sharing the NAIFA story and the important role insurance and financial professionals play in protecting South Dakota families, businesses, and communities.

Congratulations again to our 2025 Edward H. Downs Memorial Award Recipient,  Andrew Bartling FICF LACP LUTCF.

Andy has been an active member of NAIFA since 2009, serving in a variety of leadership roles at both the local and state levels. In recognition of his leadership and impact on the profession, he was honored as one of NAIFA's national 4 Under 40 Advisors in 2020. A passionate advocate for the financial services industry, Andy is a NAIFA Financial Security Advocate, a graduate of the Leadership in Life Institute (LILI), and has completed LILI Moderator Training.

 It's time to recognize our 2026 Edward H. Downs Memorial Award recipient. Who do you know in NAIFA-South Dakota who exemplifies outstanding leadership, dedication, and service to our association and profession?  Please take a moment and nominate them today!

Webinar: Monday, July 20, 2026 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM ET

Choosing the right insurance coverage can feel complicated, especially when comparing plan types, costs, eligibility requirements, and coverage features. NAIFA members have access to a range of insurance benefit options designed to help support their personal, family, and professional needs.

NAIFA will host“Overview of NAIFA Insurance Benefits,”featuringBecca Locke, Account Manager at Gallagher Affinity, andJason Cleary, Regional Sales Director at Member Benefits, Inc.This webinar will walk attendees through the insurance products available through Gallagher Affinity and Member Benefits, Inc., including health insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance, life insurance, dental, vision, and more.

Welcome to our newest NAIFA-South Dakota members, and welcome back to our returning members!

Please join us in welcoming our newest NAIFA–South Dakota members, Katie Schmid and Arnold Waldner!

 We're also pleased to welcome back Barbara Groeneweg, Ryan Graber, and Jeffrey Parks. We're glad to have you back as part of the NAIFA-South Dakota community!  

We're excited to have them join our community of dedicated financial professionals. Their experience, fresh perspectives, and commitment to serving clients make them a wonderful addition to NAIFA–South Dakota. We look forward to seeing them at an upcoming event!