Each year during the annual South Dakota Governor's Conference on Tourism, awards are presented to outstanding members or organizations that have contributed to the state's visitor industry.
Five of the awards are based on peer nominations. If you know of an individual or business worthy of consideration, submit one (or more) of the forms below.
The awards are scheduled to be presented on Thursday, January 20, during the 2022 Governor's Conference on Tourism.
GOVERNOR'S TOURISM RISING STAR AWARD
NEW for 2022: The Governor's Tourism Rising Star Award recognizes an individual who has worked in the South Dakota tourism industry for 2-4 years and excels at their job, is passionate about the industry's growth and importance, is engaged on the local and state levels, and will make a positive difference in the future.
PDF - Download the 2022 Governor's Tourism Rising Star Award Nomination Form print and mail OR save and email to [email protected]
Online - Complete and submit a 2022 Governor's Tourism Rising Star Award Nomination
BEN BLACK ELK AWARD
The Ben Black Elk Award recognizes an individual who has made tireless and outstanding contributions to the state’s tourism industry.
PDF - Download the 2022 Ben Black Elk Award Nomination Form print and mail OR save and email to [email protected]
Online - Complete and submit a 2022 Ben Black Elk Award Nomination
A.H. PANKOW AWARD
The A.H. Pankow Award recognizes a member of the media or public relations industry who has shown superior interest in and coverage of the South Dakota tourism industry.
PDF - Download the 2021 A. H. Pankow Award Nomination Form print and mail OR save and email to [email protected]
Online - Complete and submit a 2021 A. H. Pankow Award Nomination
PETER NORBECK EXCELLENCE IN TOURISM INNOVATION AWARD
The Peter Norbeck Excellence in Tourism Innovation Award is awarded to a member of the South Dakota tourism industry for innovative marketing, special promotions, or improvements to their business or attraction that elevates the visitor experience and catches the attention of the visitor industry.
PDF - Download the 2021 Peter Norbeck Award Nomination Form print and mail OR save and email to [email protected]
Online - Complete and submit a 2021 Peter Norbeck Award Nomination
RUTH ZIOLKOWSKI OUTSTANDING HOSPITALITY & CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD
The Ruth Ziolkowski Outstanding Hospitality & Customer Service Awards recognize members of the South Dakota tourism industry who, like Ruth Ziolkowski, provide remarkable service to every visitor he or she encounters, and whose work demonstrates an outstanding spirit of hospitality, warmth and genuine kindness. (These nominations will be distributed to the four regional associations.)
PDF - Download the 2021 Ruth Ziolkowski Award Nomination Form print and mail OR save and email to [email protected]
Online - Complete and submit a 2021 Ruth Ziolkowski Award Nomination
Deadline for nominations for all five awards: Friday, November 19, 2021
Completed PDF nomination forms should be returned to:
Jim Hagen
Department of Tourism
711 E Wells Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501
[email protected]
GEORGE S. MICKELSON AWARD
Find more information here. In order to be considered for the George S. Mickelson Award, businesses must have applied for and received the South Dakota Great Place designation before the end of October.
ROOSTER RUSH CACKLIN' COMMUNITY AWARD
Find more information and the 2021 form here. The 2021 application deadline is Wednesday, December 1, 2021. (The 2022 form will be available late summer 2022.)