Governor Kristi Noem and the South Dakota Department of Tourism presented awards to tourism industry members at the 2021 Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Pierre. The awards are presented to outstanding members or organizations that have contributed to the state's visitor industry.
Congratulations to everyone who was recognized in 2021. We are grateful for your contributions to the visitor industry and proud to work alongside you throughout the state.
Ben Black Elk Award
The Ben Black Elk Award recognizes an individual who has made tireless and outstanding contributions to the state’s tourism industry.
Susan Johnson, Black Hills Vacations
and
Jim Hagen, Secretary of Tourism
Ruth Ziolkowski Outstanding Customer Service & Hospitality Award
The Ruth Ziolkowski Outstanding Hospitality & Customer Service Awards recognize members of the South Dakota tourism industry who, like Ruth Ziolkowski, provide remarkable service to every visitor they encounter and whose work demonstrates an outstanding spirit of hospitality, warmth and genuine kindness.
Black Hills & Badlands Region
Lindsey Myers, Visit Rapid City, Rapid City
Southeast Region
Ryan Friez, Thunder Road, Sioux Falls
Missouri River Region
Debra Knodel, Governor's Inn, Pierre
Glacial Lakes Region
Lora Shaunaman, Dakotah Prairie Museum, Aberdeen
Cacklin' Community Award
The Cacklin' Community Award recognizes a community that exhibited the most involvement and showed the most enthusiasm for Rooster Rush.
Huron
George S. Mickelson Award
The George S. Mickelson Award honors businesses, communities, or organizations that have done an exemplary job of exceeding visitors’ expectations in customer service. It marks the culmination of a yearlong hospitality program that involves hospitality training, customer comments, participation in the South Dakota Great Place Program, customer experience enhancements and involvement in the local tourism industry.
Big Thunder Gold Mine, Keystone
Peter Norbeck Excellence in Tourism Innovation Award
The Peter Norbeck Excellence in Tourism Innovation Award is awarded to a member of the South Dakota tourism industry for innovative marketing, special promotions, or improvements to their business or attraction that elevates the visitor experience and catches the attention of the visitor industry.
Prairie Berry Winery & Miner Brewing Company, Hill City & Sioux Falls
and
Rush Mountain Adventure Park, Keystone
(Award accepted by Michelle Thomson, Black Hills & Badlands Tourism Associaton)
A.H. Pankow Award
The A.H. Pankow Award recognizes a member of the media or public relations industry who has shown superior interest in and coverage of the South Dakota tourism industry.
Matt Meltzer, Matador Network