Black Hills Badlands & Lakes Association

Our Vision
Black Hills, Badlands & Lakes Association is a private, nonprofit corporation dedicated to promoting our region as an all-seasons travel destination. We’re a D.M.O; a destination marketing organization. We’re proud to represent a region, a destination where new and repeat leisure visitors will enjoy the natural beauty, history, culture, attractions and outdoor recreation of western South Dakota & eastern Wyoming.

We do this for the economic benefit and vitality of the businesses and the communities we serve. Few tourism enterprises in the region have the assets to mount advertising, public relations and media programs aimed solely at influencing consumers to vacation in this area. But together through BHB&L, many small businesses have joined forces and money to underwrite a large, coordinated marketing program.

BHB&L enjoys a good name and a good reputation, both locally and nationally. Plain and simple, we are the leader of tourism promotion in the Black Hills. 

A total of 507 members invest nearly $2 million with BHB&L which goes towards a board- approved program of work. At the end of the year, total expense equals the total revenue.

Board Representaion
A policy-making Board of Directors represents 20 communities, six trade associations, six members at-large and three attractions. The Board controls every aspect of the Association’s operations. Directors make the decisions affecting the Association’s publications, national advertising, public involvement, member services, finance and administration.
Because it is a large board, committees delve into the details, numbers, options and ramifications of various topics. Essentially, they do the legwork necessary to bring thoroughly researched and well-reasoned recommendations to the Board of Directors.

Marketing Success Year After Year
Tourism promotion is Black Hills, Badlands and Lakes Association’s single-minded vocation. Since the beginning, the organization has applied the marketing techniques of paid advertising, press publicity, quality publications, direct sales, online media and inventive public relations to convince people that this is a region they simply must see.

A Message from the President
As final statistics are being compiled for 2010, Black Hills, Badlands and Lakes Association can feel pretty good about our efforts. The cumulative effect of our annual marketing campaigns has once again helped us grow the tourism economy in South Dakota. (A favorable weather pattern for the fall shoulder season doesn’t hurt either – we all know who to thank for that!)

This year, I have been blessed with the opportunity to lead our organization. My commitment to you – the members – is that we will continue to build on 70 years of equity as the Black Hills and Badlands Tourism Marketing leaders.  (Along with the 70th anniversary of the Association and the 30th year of leadership from Bill Honerkamp, other notable “70s” include the 70th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and of course the upcoming 70th Anniversary of the end of work on Mount Rushmore National Memorial.)
 
During my turn at the helm, I promise to ensure each of our assets and projects are performing to their potential and that new cutting-edge marketing methods are carefully weighed and brought into our programming. Tried and true markets and grass roots promotions will remain part of the slate of work while we also make efforts to “make the pie bigger” through calculated campaigns in new markets.

Our solid foundation guides and supports our continued progress as BHB&L enters its 71st year of promoting tourism in western South Dakota. With determination and optimism, let’s move forward together into a new season of success.

Nort Johnson
President

Association Information
BHB&L Membership Makeup
Publications
Web Products
Co-Op's and Programs
Black Hills Visitor Information Center
Board of Directors