For Immediate Release ( November 4, 2004)
South Dakota Housing Development Authority
For More Information: Dar Baum, 773-3181
SDHDA to Host 14 th Annual Housing Conference – “Looking to 2005 and Beyond”
( Pierre ) - The 2005 Annual Housing Conference, South Dakota’s largest and most comprehensive affordable housing event of the year, is slated for November 22nd and 23rd in Pierre. The annual event, hosted by the South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA), is expected to draw more than 200 housing advocates, developers, Realtors, elected officials and lenders from across the state.
“Looking to 2005 and Beyond” is the theme for the 2004 Housing Conference. The two day event will feature sessions and keynote speakers that will give participants practical information to meet the challenges of creating affordable housing in South Dakota .
A new feature to this year’s conference is a session track titled “Best Practices in Indian Country” focusing on issues specific to the Indian Reservation areas. Prompted by the 2010 Initiative, five sessions will focus on issues in this area of desperate affordable housing need.
“The conference is an outstanding opportunity to learn about the latest in affordable housing in South Dakota ,” stated Dar Baum , SDHDA Executive Director. “More importantly, it offers attendees the opportunity to network with each other and share ideas.”
Conference highlights include keynote speeches from Dr. Anita Rowe, partner in the management consulting firm of Gardenswartz & Rowe of Los Angeles , California an expert on Cultural Diversity, and Greg Risberg, a nationally recognized motivational speaker.
A special plenary session will look at the issue of Methamphetamines and how it affects the housing industry. Nationally trained experts will lead the discussion on issues from spotting Meth, to responsibilities when dealing with it.
Other highlighted session speakers are
- Theresa L Kitay, President of the Fair Housing Institute, Altanta , GA , will take a look at universal design accessibility and fair housing law.
- Jillayne Schlike, BIP Consulting, Seattle , WA , will present a session on “Ethics in Mortgage Lending” to expand on truthful, fair and competent lending practices.
- Amy Knutson, Assistant Director of the Iowa Coalition for Housing and Homeless, will explore the need to secure and maintain housing for at risk populations.
In addition, attendees will look at how to improve, market and fill our affordable rental housing stock; discuss whether or not we are taking all the steps we can to keep housing affordable; and learn more about homebuyer education, what goes into the classes offered, and why it is a vital part of the home buying process.
Other events also include SDHDA ' s Friend of Housing Awards Luncheon on Monday (November 22). This luncheon will honor an outstanding individual and organization for their contributions in providing affordable housing to residents throughout South Dakota .
Conference registration is $125 per person and includes all sessions and materials. You can get more information or register online now for the 14 th Annual Housing Conference at SDHDA ' s Conference website www.sdhda.org/2004 or call 605-773-3181.
The South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA) is an independent, quasi-public agency that finances and develops affordable housing opportunities for low and moderate-income residents throughout South Dakota . SDHDA is totally self-supporting and receives no tax money, appropriations or other funding from the State. SDHDA does not discriminate against any person because of age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, disability, familial status or national origin.
