“This industry truly has my heart,” said Kasi Haberman of the Southeast South Dakota Tourism Association.

Haberman’s career began as a marketing manager for two shopping centers in Omaha and transitioned to the director role at Visit Yankton after moving back home—a transition she says was “seamless” with her shopping center experience. 

“That role, focused on promoting a collective while nurturing individual businesses, mirrors the collaborative spirit of destination marketing,” she described. “I was immediately struck by the remarkable camaraderie and cooperation within South Dakota’s tourism landscape.” 

With mentors like long-time tourism advocate and official Carmen Schramm, Haberman has spent almost a decade building relationships and promoting collaborations in the tourism industry.

After receiving accolades like the 2019 Ruth Ziolkowski Award at the South Dakota Governor’s Conference on Tourism and a brief stint working at the NFAA Easton Yankton Archery Center, Haberman took on her latest role as the executive director for the Southeast South Dakota Tourism Association. 

GET INVOLVED – Here are some ways to get involved with the Southeast South Dakota Tourism Association

Promotion & Visitation

• Annual publications: State Vacation Guide, Southeast Regional Guide, Sportsman’s Guide, Regional Map, and the upcoming Local Flavors Guide.

• A digital presence through the website, email program, andsocial media.

• On-the-ground outreach at regional travel shows.

• Lead generation via two annual sweepstakes.

Member Support & Industry Growth

• Hosting industry events like the annual meeting and marketing summit.

• Sharing resources through industry newsletters.

• Advocating for the industry as part of the Tourism Coalition of South Dakota.

• Connecting members to other organizations, tools, and amenities that help their businesses.

The tourism entity is one of four nonprofit regional destination marketing organizations (DMO) in the state. The team works in partnership with Travel South Dakota, other regional DMOs and their members to promote tourism and to drive visitation and economic growth in the region. 

“My time in the South Dakota tourism industry has taught me invaluable lessons about identifying opportunities, building bridges between organizations, and creating experiences that attract visitors and strengthen communities,” said Haberman. “Collaboration has always come naturally to me—and it continues to be the heartbeat of everything I do in this industry I love.” 

Get to know more about the Southeast South Dakota champion. 

A HISTORIC SPACE

I have a real appreciation for the building our office is in—the Mead Museum in Yankton. Its architecture is beautiful, and learning about its history and the campus from the staff is always interesting. 

CUE THE QUARTZITE

I love telling people about Palisades State Park in Garretson, especially when they have no idea such incredible rock formations exist nearby. Seeing their surprise and wonder is always a treat. 

“if your work involves welcoming visitors, funding local businesses, conserving our natural beauty, or simply championing our region, your involvement is invaluable in driving tourism forward.”

-kasi haberman

MAIN STATION

For me, a great way to unwind after work on a Friday is heading to Ben’s Brew Station in Yankton. They brew my favorite beer, Kenny Pepper, and I often enjoy the live music there.

LOCAL ZZA

When I’m craving local Italian, nothing beats Charlie’s Pizza in Yankton or Sioux Falls. The Festus is definitely my go-to with pepper jack-covered meatballs, jalapeño, and sauerkraut.

FLOAT ON

There’s simply nothing that compares to the feeling of summertime on the river in Yankton. It’s my absolute favorite way to spend my time.

“What started as a grassroots effort has grown into a collaborative network of partners, including attractions, chambers of commerce, hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, and more—all working together to elevate Southeast South Dakota as a premier travel destination.”

-Kasi Haberman

“I’m proud member of southeast South Dakota Tourism because they truly care about small businesses. From promoting us in creative and effective ways to offering a variety of partnership and advertising options that fit any budget, they go above and beyond to get people not only to our area, but to each business individually.”

-laura klock

WIDE OPEN ROADS

Exploring the back roads in a side-by-side is something I truly enjoy. There’s a sense of peace and beauty in the wide-open rural landscapes.

GONE FISHIN’

There’s a unique draw to heading out to snag for paddlefish—it’s definitely more rewarding on the days I actually catch one!

TIME TO CELEBRATE

We recently held our annual meeting at the NFAA Easton Yankton Archery Center—a day filled with inspiration, connection, and momentum. The event featured valuable educational sessions, a deep dive into the return on investment our organization provides, and special presentations from Travel South Dakota and Secretary Jim Hagen, who shared updates and insights on how members can engage with the state’s tourism efforts.

Looking ahead, Southeast South Dakota Tourism will be celebrating our 40th anniversary in just two years—and we’re already cooking up some exciting plans to mark the milestone in a big way. Stay tuned!

FOLLOW SOUTHEAST SD TOURISM ASSOCIATION

FACEBOOK: Southeast South Dakota Tourism Association

INTSTAGRAM: @se_southdakota_tourism

5 RANDOM FACTS

1. I spent an unforgettable three and a half years living in Hawaii. 

2. I’m proud to have been on the team that brought all three major World Archery events to Yankton in 2021—a remarkable achievement that no other location in the world can claim. 

3. I helped with the production of the Amazon Prime series Fireball Run when they stopped in Yankton while they were in South Dakota. 

4. My homemade Runzas and Chicken Noodle Soup (with hand-rolled noodles) are legendary in my own kitchen. 

5. My movie tastes lean heavily towards the fantastical. If it involves Middle-earth or Westeros, chances are it’s one of my all-time favorites. 

For more information, visit SOUTHEASTSOUTHDAKOTA.COM+