Commemorating South Dakota's 28th governor, the George S. Mickelson 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 application for the South Dakota Great Place designation.
 

Presented to
Black Hills Adventure Tours

Governor Kristi Noem and Secretary Jim Hagen present the 2023 George S.
Mickelson Award to Carrie Gerlach and the team at Black Hills Adventure Tours,
Rapid City, at the 2024 Governor's Conference on Tourism.

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

Black Hills Adventure Tours, Rapid City, says it's their goal to make strong connections with visitors to help them create lasting memories. Staff go through multiple trainings, including Travel South Dakota's Online Hospitality Training, to learn how to bond with travelers and create a more personable experience. Black Hills Adventure Tours also helps its staff learn how to navigate conflicts with co-workers and potentially dissatisfied customers.

They recently added a new 3,500 square-foot building, upgraded vehicles, and designed new business cards with a QR code that goes directly to a review website. They monitor visitor feedback daily, making sure that everything is done to ensure a magical South Dakota visit. Their team understands that every visitor has different preferences and expectations. They believe both positive and negative feedback is needed to build a business that can satisfy all its customers. And based on their referrals and positive reviews, they are hitting the mark.
 

Thank you to all of our industry members who participate in the South Dakota Great Place Program and to all industry staff who go above and beyond in the name of great service. Here are the finalists for the 2023 George S. Mickelson Award. In addition to the winner, these finalists also deserve recognition for all they do to make our visitors feel welcome:

Akta Lakota Museum, Chamberlain
AmericInn by Wyndham, Belle Fource
Dacotah Bank Center, Brookings
 

Go to "Training & Hospitality" for more information about the
qualifications for the George S. Mickelson Award and the South Dakota Great Place Program.

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