The Governor's Tourism Rising Star Award was first presented at the 2022 Governor's Conference on Tourism. The award recognizes an individual who has worked in the South Dakota tourism industry for at least two years (but not more than four) and is excelling at their job; demonstrates a curiosity, passion and vision for the growth of the industry and its importance to our state's future development; is engaged in the industry at the local and state levels; and, as a rising star, is a person who will make a positive difference to our industry in the years to come.
 

Presented to
Shelby Solano

Deputy Secretary Wanda Goodman and Governor Kristi Noem
present the 2023 Governor's Tourism Rising Star Award to
Shelby Solano, Rapid City, at the 2023 Governor's Conference on Tourism.

downloadable, hi-res version of this photo (350 dpi)

The 2023 recipient was Shelby Solano, Destination Experiences Manager for Visit Rapid City. Shelby's nominators said she has a can-do attitude and willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Shelby accommodates group tours and those hosting meetings or events in the Rapid City area and often engages with leisure travelers who stop into the office during the season. Co-workers say she is upbeat, easy to be around and deeply committed to providing a world-class visitor experience.

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