On Thursday evening, Governor Kristi Noem and the South Dakota Department of Tourism presented awards to tourism industry members at the 2019 Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Pierre.
In its second year, the Ruth Ziolkowski* Outstanding Hospitality & Customer Service Award was given to four industry members from across the state. This award honors tourism industry professionals who display outstanding and genuine hospitality to visitors. The awards were given to Amanda Allcock from Crazy Horse Memorial, Inez Muilenburg from the Super 8 Hotel in Huron, Nova Steinhauser from the Platte Creek Lodge, and Jaqueline Wentworth from the Sioux Falls CVB.
Muilenburg was not able to be present to accept the award. The Huron Chamber & Visitors Bureau accepted on her behalf.
The 10th Annual Rooster Rush Cacklin’ Community Award went to the community of Aberdeen for its efforts to welcome pheasant hunters to the state.
The George S. Mickelson Great Service Awards were given to Reptile Gardens in Rapid City and the Swiftel Center in Brookings. This award honors businesses, communities or organizations that have done an exemplary job of customer service and exceeding visitor expectations.
The Excellence in Tourism Innovation Award was given to Wylie Park and Storybook Land in Aberdeen for their unique special promotions and overall elevation of the visitor experience.
Mike Tanner from KWAT Radio in Watertown was awarded the A. H. Pankow Award for his continued efforts to spread the word on the importance of tourism in South Dakota.
The Ben Black Elk Award honors an individual who makes outstanding contributions to the state’s visitor industry. The winners of this outstanding award were Dennis and Sherry Povondra* for their dedicated efforts to the community of Tabor and its legendary Czech Days event.
The South Dakota Department of Tourism is comprised of Tourism and the South Dakota Arts Council. The Department is led by Secretary James D. Hagen.
| (South Dakota Department of Tourism) |