Pierre, SD – September 30, 2024—The Tourism Coalition of South Dakota (TCSD) is proud to announce Carmen Schramm’s appointment as its new Executive Director. Schramm brings over thirty years of professional experience in tourism, marketing, and community development, positioning her to lead the Coalition in a new and exciting era of advocacy for the state’s visitor industry.
Schramm’s appointment is a significant milestone for TCSD, which rebranded from the Visitor Industry Alliance of South Dakota at the 2024 Governor’s Tourism Conference. The rebranding was a key initiative from the organization’s strategic plan, completed in the fall of 2023. Another one of the plan’s goals was establishing the Coalition’s first full-time Executive Director, a role Schramm is aptly suited for, given her extensive experience and dedication to the tourism industry.
TCSD thanks Klein Visioneering Group for managing the organization through its branding transition since December 2023. Offering project management, association management, and marketing services, Klein Visioneering played a key role in ensuring a smooth rebrand and continued growth for TCSD.
“I am honored to join the Tourism Coalition of South Dakota during such an exciting time of growth and evolution,” said Schramm. “I look forward to working alongside industry members and stakeholders to strengthen the voice of the tourism sector and continue our mission of representing the visitor industry before the legislature.”
Schramm has been a long-time leader in the South Dakota tourism community. She served as the Executive Director of the Yankton Area Chamber of Commerce from 2009 – 2020 and previously worked for the South Dakota Department of Tourism. She has helped launch several successful tourism-related businesses throughout her career and has served on the Governor’s Tourism Advisory Board of Directors since 2014.
In 2024, TCSD celebrates 30 years of service. The visitor industry formed TCSD in 1994 to fill a critical need for legislative representation and provide a united voice for the tourism industry during the lawmaking process. As the recognized statewide advocate for tourism, TCSD has remained committed to ensuring the industry’s interests are heard and protected.
Looking ahead, TCSD will celebrate this milestone anniversary at the 2025 Governor’s Conference on Tourism. Schramm will play a key role in leading these celebrations and continuing to build on new memberships and pledges to support TCSD’s mission and future endeavors.
For more information about TCSD and its initiatives, please visit www.tourismcoalitionsd.com or contact the Tourism Coalition of South Dakota at admin@tourismcoalitionsd.com or (605) 945-2846.
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