The Ben Black Elk Award honors Ben Black Elk, who personally greeted visitors at Mount Rushmore National Memorial for more than 27 years. The award is presented annually to an individual who makes outstanding contributions to the state’s visitor industry.

Two Ben Black Elk Awards were presented in 2022.

Presented to
Jan Grunewaldt

Secretary Jim Hagen and Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden present a 2022 Ben Black Elk Award
to Jan Grunewaldt, Sioux Falls, at the 2022 Governor's Conference on Tourism.

downloadable, hi-res version of this photo (300 dpi)

Jan Grunewaldt has done anything and everything to make visitors’ experiences the best they can be.

From bartending to banquets, acting as a sales manager and now as Chief Operations Officer at Regency Hotel Management, Jan has been instrumental in helping secure major events to South Dakota like Pheasant Fest, the Snowmobilers National Convention and other events in Sioux Falls.

She’s just as focused on every guest’s stay. Just listen to this quote she uses often with her staff: “If a guest asks for a cheeseburger on the roof, I better see you guys getting out the ladder.”

Jan is enthusiastic, creative, compassionate, and a respected mentor.

And,

Presented to
Karen Kern

Secretary Jim Hagen and Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden present a 2022 Ben Black Elk Award
to Karen Kern, Pierre, at the 2022 Governor's Conference on Tourism.

downloadable, hi-res version of this photo (300 dpi)

Karen Kern has devoted more than 36 years to South Dakota's tourism industry, from working at the Pierre Chamber and CVB, to consulting on tourism with the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, to most recently leading what is now the South Dakota Missouri River Tourism Association.

She has always been a champion for tourism, representing South Dakota at trade shows, increasing exposure for her regional destinations, advancing tribal tourism, and keeping the Oahe Visitor Center open year-round to more than 10,000 people.

Karen has been an advocate for small businesses, attractions and communities in the Missouri River region.

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