Regional Travel Industry Leaders Met to Review Record-Breaking Year | Black Hills & Badlands - South Dakota

Regional Travel Industry Leaders Met to Review Record-Breaking Year

  • Regional Travel Industry Leaders Met to Review Record-Breaking Year

Black Hills & Badlands Tourism Association held its 82nd Annual Meeting and Membership Luncheon at the Holiday Inn – Rushmore Plaza in Rapid City on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021.

Over 100 regional travel industry leaders attended the annual meeting, including BH&B's board of directors, South Dakota Department of Tourism staff members, and state and local representatives.

During the annual board of directors meeting, the tourism-marketing group reviewed the success of their 2021 marketing programs and looked back on the record-breaking travel year the region experienced. For highlights, view BH&B's 2021 Annual Report.

Board of Directors Election Results

Members elected the association's board of directors, which welcomed the following new board members: Mary Arlington, South Dakota Campground Owners Association; Clay King, National Presidential Wax Museum; Tim Johnson, Deadwood Gulch Resort; Wendy Bobbe, Rushmore Candy Company; and Ryan Flick, Custer State Park Resorts.

Ed Miller, Rush No More RV Resort & Campground, will serve as the 2022 chair of the board, Toni Woodruff, The Sturgis Buffalo Chip, will serve as vice chair, and Kelsey Clark, Wall Badlands Area Chamber, will serve as the incoming treasurer.

The board of directors plays an important role in the success of the organization. It represents diverse members throughout the industry and community and provides strategic oversight, guidance and influence to support BH&B's mission.

Awards Ceremony

Following the meeting, BH&B presented the Special Achievement and Black Hills Pioneer awards during a ceremony to recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the tourism industry.

The Sturgis Buffalo Chip received the Special Achievement award for their work to draw people from around the world to the Black Hills region for 9 days each August, which helps residents and local businesses flourish year-round.

Rod Woodruff of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip received the Black Hills Pioneer award for his role in curating the ultimate Rally experience in the Black Hills for millions of bikers, which has grown the local economy over the past 40 years.

Julie Schmitz Jensen, Visit Rapid City, also received the Black Hills Pioneer award upon her retirement. Jensen has been a leader and advocate for the travel industry for the past 21 years, leaving a lasting legacy on the community.

Sponsors

We'd like to thank this year's sponsors. Their financial partnership with the industry is essential to making the Annual Meeting possible. 

The 82nd Annual Meeting and Membership Luncheon was sponsored by Black Hills Energy, Rush No More RV Park & Campground, Lawrence & Schiller, Visit Spearfish, Mount Rushmore Society, Reptile Gardens and Visit Rapid City.