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.
Among those Bo visited with was House Majority Leader Rep. Scott Odenbach of District 31. Bo shared information about NAIFA, the work our members do on behalf of their clients, and the association’s role in advocating for a strong insurance and financial services industry.
Bo also spent time with Rep. Mike Derby of District 34, who introduced him to several of the House members still attending the event, providing additional opportunities to make connections and strengthen relationships. Bo is pictured with Rep. Derby and Rep. Tim Goodwin of District 30.
These conversations are a great example of why grassroots advocacy matters. Effective advocacy doesn’t begin when a bill is introduced or when we need a legislator’s vote. It begins by building relationships, telling our story, and helping policymakers understand how the decisions made in Pierre affect the professionals who serve South Dakotans every day.
Thank you, Bo, for representing NAIFA-South Dakota and making sure our members—and the clients they serve—have a voice at the table.
That’s advocacy in action.