The Ruth Ziolkowski Outstanding Hospitality & Customer Service Award recognizes members of the tourism industry who, like Ruth Ziolkowski, have demonstrated remarkable service to every visitor they encounter, and whose work demonstrates an outstanding spirit of hospitality, warmth and genuine kindness.
An individual from each of the four tourism regions is honored annually. The recipients are selected by each region's board of directors.
Presented to
Bruce Cull
Secretary Jim Hagen, Monique Ziolkowski and Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden present a
2021 Ruth Ziolkowski Award to Bruce Cull of the NFAA Easton Yankton
Archery Center at the 2022 Governor's Conference on Tourism.
downloadable, hi-res version of this photo (300 dpi)
Bruce Cull has poured his heart into his community, showcasing our state as one of the most hospitable destinations in the world. He has helped catapult Yankton into the national spotlight as general manager of the NFAA Easton Yankton Archery Center. This facility is world class and has brought countless opportunities to the community.
One of the largest happened in the fall of 2021, when athletes from 80 countries came to Yankton for the 2021 World Archery Championships, World Archery Congress and Hyundai World Cup. Athletes were welcomed with live performances, food trucks, nearly 500 volunteers and unmatched hospitality. His dedication, passion and leadership was essential to it all.
And,
Presented to
Prudy Calvin
Prudy Calvin of the Melette Memorial Association, Watertown,
with her 2021 Ruth Ziolkowski Award.
downloadable version of this photo
Prudy Calvin's wealth of knowledge makes visitors’ experiences come alive as they explore the landmarks of Watertown’s history.
Prudy is a member of the Mellette Memorial Association and welcomes visitors to Watertown’s historic Mellette House as a warm and passionate ambassador. She’s as active in building the community for the future as she is in preserving its history, speaking at young professionals’ lunches, attending CVB meetings and more.
Prudy has been a loyal servant to the tourism industry in Watertown for a long time – and has been pivotal to keeping the community’s legacy alive with both residents and visitors.
And,
Presented to
Wanda Bunker
Secretary Jim Hagen, Monique Ziolkowski and Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden present
a 2021 Ruth Ziolkowski Award to Wanda Bunker of the Akta Lakota Museum
& Cultural Center, Chamberlain, at the 2022 Governor's Conference on Tourism.
downloadable, hi-res version of this photo (300 dpi)
Wanda Bunker is known for amazing customer service skills, dedication, professionalism and kindness that set her above the rest.
As the Museum and Historical Center Coordinator at the Akta Lakota Museum, Wanda is quick to greet guests and even remember their names from previous visits. She enriches the visitor experience by giving tours, making gift bags, creating kids’ cultural activities, sharing her deep knowledge and helping her coworkers in any way she can.
She’s been described as indispensable, the most talked about person on AND off the Museum campus, and – I quote – “the best customer service representative I have ever met.” This represents true embodiment of the Ruth Ziolkowski Award.
And,
Presented to
Jeff Oldham
Secretary Jim Hagen, Monique Ziolkowski and Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden present
a 2021 Ruth Ziolkowski Award to Jeff Oldham of Reptile Gardens,
Rapid City, at the 2022 Governor's Conference on Tourism
(accepted by his uncle, Johnny Brockelsby).
downloadable, hi-res version of this photo (300 dpi)
Jeff Oldham is the kind of coworker you look forward to seeing every day. His presence puts people at ease, and he’s a trusted guide and mentor for staff, pitching in on the hard work, from interacting with visitors to cleaning restrooms.
As assistant General Manager at Reptile Gardens, Jeff is devoted to helping people create great memories and genuinely listens to visitors. He cares deeply for the organization, for guests, for his coworkers and the entire tourism industry.
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