The George S. Mickelson Great Service 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 comment cards, an employee recognition program, and an application for the Great Service Star designation.
Two George S. Mickelson Great Service Awards were presented for 2018.
Presented to
Swiftel Center
Governor Kristi Noem and Secretary Jim Hagen present a
2018 George S. Mickelson Great Service Award
to Ashley Biggar and Kristina Lankow
at the 2019 Governor's Conference on Tourism.
downloadable, hi-res version of this photo (300 dpi)
The Swiftel Center in Brookings sets the bar high for its employees. The experience you get here proves their guest-centric mentality is a key to their success.
At the Swiftel Center, each department hosts an annual training to introduce part-time staff to new hospitality materials and review policies and procedures. They also provide yearly training to motivate and teach new customer service skills.
They send a client satisfaction survey to collect feedback from customers, patrons, guests and clients.
Employee Appreciation Parties provide an opportunity to recognize staff achievements, while “high-five” cards are used to let people know they’re doing an awesome job.
(The Swiftel Center is a corporate category winner with access to a larger corporate training program.)
And,
Presented to
Reptile Gardens
Governor Kristi Noem and Secretary Jim Hagen present a
2018 George S. Mickelson Great Service Award to
Becky Beaton, Lance Fuhrmann, Julia Kittelson and Jeff Oldham
at the 2019 Governor's Conference on Tourism.
downloadable, hi-res version of this photo (300 dpi)
Reptile Gardens is a South Dakota staple and was recently ranked #1 on Trip Advisor for Rapid City area attractions.
It’s their latest recognition, but Reptile Gardens has been entertaining travelers for more than 80 years, and the positive comments just keep coming.
“Best attraction in the hills.”
“The condition of the grounds is impressive and our family had the best day of our vacation.”
“Everyone here is so nice and friendly.”
“We’ve never had anyone wash our new sunglasses. What more could we ask for?”
This is just a sample of the praise showered down on this popular Black Hills attraction. These comments prove just how hospitable their staff is.
Reptile Gardens takes great pride in promoting and holding up other attractions, because they recognize the fact that a rising tide raises all ships.
In 2018, a few particularly courteous employees were given a special award: the Golden Rattle, a special in-house trophy bestowed upon those who went above and beyond to deliver a great experience for guests.
One winner was recognized for helping out during a busy Mother’s Day weekend. When wait-times for admittance ballooned to 45 minutes, this employee decided to take matters into their own hands and keep the guests entertained by showing off “Fluffy,” one of their new baby alligators.
Nobody complained about the lines and Johnny B. was impressed enough to give this staff member the special recognition.
(Reptile Gardens is a non-corporate category winner. This category recognizes smaller hospitality businesses that do not have access to a larger corporate training program.)
Thank you to all of our industry members who participate in the Great Service Star program and to all industry staff who go above and beyond in the name of great service. Here are the finalists for the 2018 George S. Mickelson Great Service Award. In addition to the winners, these finalists also deserve recognition for all they do to make our visitors feel welcome:
Arrowwood Resort at Cedar Shore, Chamberlain/Oacoma
Big Thunder Gold Mine, Keystone
Comfort Suites & Convention Center, Rapid City
Econolodge, Custer
Grand Gateway Hotel, Rapid City
Prairie Berry Winery & Miner Brewing, Sioux Falls and Hill City
Redlin Art Center, Watertown
Sioux Falls Clubhouse Hotel & Suites, Sioux Falls
Visit Rapid City, Rapid City
Wylie Park, Aberdeen
Go to "Training & Hospitality" for more information about the Great Service Star Designation
and the qualifications for the George S. Mickelson Great Service Award.