We’ve had great corn growing weather these last few weeks, hot and humid. I’m not complaining – goodness no, those -35 degree January days are still fresh in my mind – just stating facts. And the corn crop does look great! It’s hard to remember what the days without air conditioning were like.

Update on State Rates: For those of you who accept state rates at your bed and breakfast, the maximum the state will pay has increased to $46.50 plus tax per night. If you’re interested in being added to the list of establishments which honor the state rate call: 605-773-4226 or email deana.prater@state.sd.us.

Save the Date: Received in last week’s mail was a reminder to Save the Date for the 2008 Governor’s Conference on Tourism January 16-17, 2008 at the Ramkota RiverCentre in Pierre. Those of you who haven’t had the opportunity to attend, please seriously consider investing the time and money to do so. Each year that we’ve attended, we’ve come away with something of value. This year’s theme is “Driving Forward.” We’re anxious to see how they’ll carry out the theme. Our Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers of South Dakota meeting follows on Friday evening and Saturday, January 18 and 19. If you’ve topics you’d like to see covered or issues you’d like to see addressed, please contact us so we can include them. Stay tuned for further info.

The “Sunrise to Sunset in South Dakota II” cookbook has been a great hit and sales to our “come as guests, leave as friends” have been wonderful. Thank you all for your tasty recipes and for sharing them. When asked if I share recipes, it’s easy to say, “As a matter of fact, it’s right here in the cookbook!” It’s an awesome tool for promoting our businesses.

A warm welcome to Elk Ridge B&B, Norbeck House Inn and Granite Springs Lodge, who have recently joined our group. We look forward to meeting you.

Thank you, Sara, for the great job on the “INN-Route” addition to our web site. If you folks haven’t done so as yet, please check it out. And if you’ve been a little slow in getting your information in to Sara, it’s not too late.

That’s it for now. Best wishes for a successful season.