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Tourism Leaders Recognized by Governor Rounds
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Office of Tourism’s top awards were presented to industry leaders by Gov. Mike Rounds Thursday evening. The awards were given during the closing banquet of the 2006 Governor’s Conference on Tourism.
The Ben Black Elk Award recognizes an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the state’s travel industry. This year’s award went to Bill Walsh of Deadwood, who played an integral role in restoring gaming to the historic town of Deadwood. His work at the Franklin Hotel was also recognized, as was his passion to promote the area to tour groups, journalists and travelers from around the world.
Midwest Living magazine was honored with the A.H. Pankow Award. This annual award honors a member of the media whose coverage and promotion of the state’s visitor industry is paralleled. Midwest Living featured fly-fishing and pheasant hunting as well as other South Dakota attractions and events like the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup in its 2005 issues. The magazine’s coverage has brought the Great Faces. Great Places of South Dakota to nearly 1 million potential South Dakota visitors.
Cedar Shore Resort in Chamberlain received the George S. Mickelson Great Service Award. The award recognizes a business or organization dedicated to promoting exceptional hospitality and customer service. Twelve employees of Cedar Shore Resort received a letter of recognition from Gov. Rounds for their hospitality efforts in 2005 and the property is committed to serving customers.
All three awards were presented during a banquet hosted by the South Dakota Office of Tourism.
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