September Sept 24, 2010 Friday	“SME Youth Benefit Auction” Supporting YBA and Sales and Marketing Scholarships Hilton Garden Inn Sponsored by: Showplace Woods Avera McKennan Tickets $50  Order Tickets       You Can Help Tables of 10 = $500 Dress:  Business Attire
	SME Members Bill Carney and Tom Simmons are entertaining the audience along with the Deuces Wild.	SME Sioux Falls members along with members of the South Dakota Chamber and Industry and Youth Business Adventure board and supporters gather auction packages from businesses all over the country.  A delightful evening of entertainment is planned including a silent and live auction, which is followed by entertainment by the Deuces Wild Dueling Pianos.
	Our 2009 event raised over $17,139 for YBA and $8500 for SME College Scholarships Read more on 2009 college Scholarships
		Sales and Marketing Executives, Inc. of Sioux Falls (SME) announced today that Youth Business Adventure (YBA) was given a check for $17,139 at their May meeting held at the Holiday Inn City Centre in Sioux Falls.    The funds for this check were raised through the SME annual youth benefit auction.  This year’s check takes the total of money SME has raised for YBA since 2002 to $163,471.554   What is YBA? Youth Business Adventure is a week-long summer program, sponsored by the SD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, planned and implemented by business people for the purpose of opening the world of South Dakota business opportunities to the state’s young people.  Current SD high school juniors are eligible to apply for awards to attend YBA.  Because educators influence a large number of students, they are also eligible to attend YBA.   When is YBA? During the summer two sessions are held, one at a university in western South Dakota and one at a university in eastern South Dakota.  These are usually scheduled for June.   Who Benefits from YBA? Employers benefit because future employees are more focused and have a positive “big picture” about business more firmly in mind as they enter the workforce.  “YBA…is a vehicle which can reach, influence, recruit, and retain the future leaders of South Dakota.  It can be the incubator of a new generation of positive, progressive, involved people who make a difference.”  (YBA Executive Summary, a study by Lawrence 7 Schiller, Inc.)  Students benefit because they acquire a better understanding of business, where they fit in, and how to gain entry into business and advance their careers. South Dakota benefits because students are made aware of business opportunities that exist in this state.   How Can Students learn more? Students can learn more about YBA from Executive Director, Jasper DesLauries and by contacting her at:  SD Chamber of Commerce & Industry, PO Box 190, Pierre, SD 57501-0190, Ph:  800-742-8112, Fax:  (605) 224-7198, E-Mail:  jasperd@sdchamber.biz .   How Can You Help? SME Sioux Falls will again be hosting their annual Youth Benefit Auction on September 24, 2010 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Sioux Falls.  For tickets and an opportunity to donate, call 605-336-5626.
	Our 2008 event raised over $15,600 for YBA and $8500 for SME College Scholarships
	Our 2007 event raised over $23,000 for YBA and $11,000 for SME College Scholarships Read More on 2008 College Scholarship Winners
		Maintaining a strong business climate in South Dakota means supporting our Youth with educational and career opportunities designed to keep them in our communities.  Proceeds from “SME Youth Benefit Auction” will go toward scholarships for forward thinking youth throughout the state.  YBA and SME scholarships are available for both.  It is very important that you join us for this special event.  Without your support we will be unable to accomplish our goals.    The event includes dinner, unique live and silent auction packages.   Our goal is to have 300+ SME members, YBA supporters, spouses and your dearest friends in attendance.  Please help us to accomplish this mission for a very good cause.