Yvonne Hippen

Yvonne Hippen owns and operates two retail businesses in Sisseton, South Dakota: Hippen’s Steakhouse and Lakeland Lanes and Lounge. Ms. Hippen has owned these businesses since 1973. Her previous occupation was a high school teacher.

Throughout her career, Ms. Hippen has been active in state and national trade organizations. Currently, she is a member of the board of directors of the Licensed Beverage Dealers of South Dakota and the American Beverage Licensees (ABL). As a director of these organizations, she regularly meets with state and federal lawmakers regarding legislative issues affecting small businesses in South Dakota.   

Ms. Hippen has also been active in several civic and cultural organizations in her community. Currently, she is the chair of the Sisseton Parks Board and the Stavig House Museum Board. She is also president of the Kiwanis Club and a board member of the Sisseton Community Foundation and Sisseton Promotions Board. She is a former member of the board of directors of Grace Lutheran Church, Lutheran Brotherhood and Trivent.

Ms. Hippen joined the South Dakota Energy Forum because she is concerned about the impact of higher energy prices. As the owner of two retail businesses in a rural community, she depends on affordable and reliable energy. To ensure economic and energy security, Ms. Hippen believes that our country needs a balanced energy policy that encourages expanded conservation efforts, development of renewable energy sources and increased domestic exploration of traditional energy sources. She also believes we need to hold our elected officials more accountable in shaping energy policies.