May 3, 2016 www.broadcasteronline.com 4 Broadcaster Press A Message To The Classes Of 2016 by Gov. Dennis Daugaard: Congratulations to the class of 2016! To all high school, college and technical school students now approaching graduation in South Dakota, I commend you for reaching this milestone. After years of studying, taking tests and writing essays, you’ve finally made it. Congratulations on all you have achieved! Most of you probably already have a good idea of what you’ll be doing next – what additional education you’ll seek or what career you’ll pursue. Whether you’ve decided to stay in South Dakota or pursue a career or education elsewhere, I hope you’ll ultimately consider a future here in our state. There are a number of reasons to consider living and working here. First, we have the lowest unemployment rate in the nation at 2.5 percent, compared to the national rate of 5 percent. Job opportunities are better here than in most places. Secondly, the tax burden in South Dakota is low. We are among only a few states without an income tax, meaning you can keep more of the money you earn. Money that can repay student debt, buy a house someday or replace that car you drove into the ground in school. Third, not only do people keep more of the money they earn in South Dakota, but that money will buy more here than in other places. According to a U.S. Department of Commerce report, South Dakotans experience a very low cost of living in the United States. We don’t spend as much money on housing, insurance, food and the other everyday needs. In fact, we have some of the lowest costs in the nation. In New York, California, Washington, D.C., or many other places, you will find costs that are 12 percent, 15 percent, even 18 percent higher than the national average. In South Dakota our costs are only 88 percent of the national average. Now some people will say, “South Dakota may have a low tax burden and low cost of living, but I won’t get paid as much if I live there.” Actually when it comes to per capita personal income, we fare pretty well. Nationally, we rank in the top half. And, if you adjust the per capita personal income to add cost of living and taxes, we rank fifth in the nation. After I graduated from USD, I hitchhiked my way to Chicago to attend law school at Northwestern. I’d lived in South Dakota my whole life and I was ready for something bigger, something more exciting. I wanted to experience life in the bright lights of a big city. I finished school and decided to stay in Illinois for a few years to practice law. Still, over time, I came to miss seeing the stars at night, enjoying the wide open spaces and having the company of friendly, down-to-earth people. I was glad to have experienced something new and different, but I was ready to come home to something better. My hope is not that you will never venture outside of our state, but rather that you would consider a more permanent future in South Dakota. Most of all, I hope you will come to realize, as I did, that your dreams can come true right here at home. Beacom School of Business to Hold High School Accounting Institute High school students from South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota and North Dakota have the chance to attend the University of South Dakota’s Beacom School of Business Accounting Institute July 10-14. The registration deadline is May 16. Participating students will receive one general college credit for the institute and will be in the running for one of three $500 scholarships presented at the conclusion of the week. The institute educates students about accounting careers and professional opportunities. It includes a field trip to a nationally recognized public accounting firm and various regional businesses, allowing participants to network with national, regional and local employers who hire USD accounting graduates. Additional activities include social events such as bowling, swimming and movies. Accountants are a critical need occupation designated by the South Dakota Department of Labor, and USD is among 5 percent of business schools worldwide to achieve AACSB accreditation, the highest distinction business schools can receive. This makes this accounting institute a great opportunity for high school students to learn, network and explore a field with such high demand. South Dakota Driver Exam Stations Closed May 13-14 Mutiriah, SESDAC, Inc. Employee Of The Month PIERRE — South Dakota state driver exam stations will be closed for two days in May. Director Jane Schrank says the stations will be closed Friday, May 13, and Saturday, May 14. The only station usually open on Saturdays is in Sioux Falls. Schrank says the closure of the state exam stations is needed for the annual employee training. “We realize it is an inconvenience to close exam stations for any reason,” Schrank says. “We want to let the public know now so they can come to the exam station beforehand or renew online.” Schrank reminds people that they have 180 days prior to Courtesy SESDAC the expiration date of their license to renew. For information about online renewal or what documents are needed for a license renewal and a list of exam station, click on to: http:// dps.sd.gov/licensing/driver_licensing/ The Driver Licensing program is part of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety. Winnie Mutiriah, Direct Support Professional, was selected as the SESDAC, Inc. April 2016, Employee of the Month. Winnie has been a part of our organization since May, 2015. Winnie was nominated for the award by her fellow coworkers, based on her dedication to her job and the people she supports. Co-workers had the following compliments written in their nominations for Winnie…”Winnie is always positive and hardworking. She knows what is needed to have a positive day both for herself and the people she supports.” Winnie currently resides in Vermillion, SD. A Few of Her Favorite Things... Whenever I count my blessings... I count you twice! Thanks for always being there for me! Happy Mothers Day! ift I hope my gm comes fro nny a Nook ’n Cr Nook ‘n Cranny is Bursting with Gifts! Incredible selection of pillows, Snoozies slippers, candles, stationary items, home décor and Sooo Much More!! Solid Essential table linens 50% off 8 colors Treat Mom to a delicious brunch with the ones she loves. Foaming Hand Wash Complimentary gift wrap and We are Ready to Serve You!!! 19 W. Main Vermillion, SD 57069 Sunday, May 8th 9am – 2pm WE’RE ADDING MASSAGE THERAPY! Great Plains Therapy welcomes Mother’s Day Brunch Featuring Fresh Carved Prime Rib and Ham Carving Stations. Plus choose from Chinese, Salad Bar, Omelet Station, Specialty Pancakes and so Much More! $19.99 per person $6.00 kids 6 – 12 Free kids 5 & under Vermillion Camille Beckman Samantha Mount, L.M.T. to their team! Call the clinic today to schedule a massage at (605) 624-7246. With over 60 feet of selections, she’ll definitely find something just for her! Regular Breakfast items still available to order. Other Buffet options include All-You-Care to Eat Chinese, Kitchen, Salad Bar or Breakfast Buffets - Ranging from $6.99 to $9.99 per person 525 West Cherry Street The first 10 clients to book a message will receive a 20% discount! 1407 E Cherry St Vermillion, SD 57069