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SOUTH DAKOTA RETAILERS ASSOCIATION NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release: March 03, 2021 Contact: Shuree Mortenson, 605.224.5050 smortenson@sdra.org South Dakota Retailers Association Celebrates International Women's Day PIERRE, SD – In honor of International Women’s Day on Monday, March 8, the South Dakota Retailers Association (SDRA) is celebrating businesses owned and operated by women. "We're proud to recognize South Dakota’s incredible female entrepreneurs,” said SDRA Executive Director Nathan Sanderson. “Women own, operate, or manage many of the bedrock businesses in our communities.” According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2018 Annual Business Survey, almost 15 percent of South Dakota businesses are women-owned. Within the retail sector, women-owned businesses total 22.5 percent of the state's market. Dana Keffeler, owner of Keffeler Kreations in Faith, received SDRA’s 2021 Retailer of the Year award earlier this year. Her business employs several women in the community and leases space to self-employed female cosmetologists as well. "We are all really good friends. We get along great, and we respect each other. I couldn't do it without them, and I rely a lot on these ladies," said Keffeler. "They're an amazing group. So, I'm very fortunate to have such a great staff." New mom and SDRA board member Hillarey Warner owns HH Designs in Britton. She balances parenthood with running a thriving clothing and design business. “When I first started, taking the leap to work for myself was scary. There are many unknowns," said Warner. "When I look back, it seems crazy how far I've come." To help foster female entrepreneurs, Warner suggests reaching out to others. “Don't be afraid to ask for help! Need help with your financials? Hire an accountant. Feeling overwhelmed? It's time to hire an employee." Warner encourages women to meet with other retail business owners, regardless of their type. "You will share similar problems, and they might be able to see the situation in a different way that could ultimately benefit your business." The Retailers Association is pleased to recognize the valuable contributions of women business owners to South Dakota. For workforce and business networking opportunities, visit their website at SDRA.org. The South Dakota Retailers Association (SDRA) is one of the nation’s oldest and largest trade organizations, operating as the South Dakota Restaurant, Grocers, and Hospitality associations and representing nearly 4,000 businesses. Learn more about SDRA’s support for South Dakota’s business community online at sdra.org or find us on Facebook. - 30 - ________________________________________________________________________________________________ The South Dakota Retailers Association (SDRA) is one of the nation’s oldest and largest trade organizations, operating as the South Dakota Restaurant, Grocers, and Hospitality associations and representing nearly 4,000 businesses. Learn more about SDRA’s support for South Dakota’s business community online at sdra.org or find us on Facebook. - 30 -
SOUTH DAKOTA RETAILERS ASSOCIATION NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release: March 03, 2021 Contact: Shuree Mortenson, 605.224.5050 smortenson@sdra.org
South Dakota Retailers Association Celebrates International Women's Day
PIERRE, SD – In honor of International Women’s Day on Monday, March 8, the South Dakota Retailers Association (SDRA) is celebrating businesses owned and operated by women.
"We're proud to recognize South Dakota’s incredible female entrepreneurs,” said SDRA Executive Director Nathan Sanderson. “Women own, operate, or manage many of the bedrock businesses in our communities.”
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2018 Annual Business Survey, almost 15 percent of South Dakota businesses are women-owned. Within the retail sector, women-owned businesses total 22.5 percent of the state's market.
Dana Keffeler, owner of Keffeler Kreations in Faith, received SDRA’s 2021 Retailer of the Year award earlier this year. Her business employs several women in the community and leases space to self-employed female cosmetologists as well.
"We are all really good friends. We get along great, and we respect each other. I couldn't do it without them, and I rely a lot on these ladies," said Keffeler. "They're an amazing group. So, I'm very fortunate to have such a great staff."
New mom and SDRA board member Hillarey Warner owns HH Designs in Britton. She balances parenthood with running a thriving clothing and design business.
“When I first started, taking the leap to work for myself was scary. There are many unknowns," said Warner. "When I look back, it seems crazy how far I've come."
To help foster female entrepreneurs, Warner suggests reaching out to others. “Don't be afraid to ask for help! Need help with your financials? Hire an accountant. Feeling overwhelmed? It's time to hire an employee."
Warner encourages women to meet with other retail business owners, regardless of their type. "You will share similar problems, and they might be able to see the situation in a different way that could ultimately benefit your business."
The Retailers Association is pleased to recognize the valuable contributions of women business owners to South Dakota. For workforce and business networking opportunities, visit their website at SDRA.org.
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