Each year during the annual South Dakota Governor's Conference on Tourism, awards are presented to members or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to South Dakota'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 online forms linked below.
The nomination deadline is Tuesday, November 21, 2023. The awards are scheduled to be presented the evening of Thursday, January 18, during the 2024 Governor's Conference on Tourism.
GOVERNOR'S TOURISM RISING STAR AWARD
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.
Complete and submit a 2024 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.
Complete and submit a 2024 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.
Complete and submit a 2023 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.
Complete and submit a 2023 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.)
Complete and submit a 2023 Ruth Ziolkowski Award Nomination
Deadline for nominations for all five awards: Tuesday, November 21, 2023
Questions should be directed to Jim Hagen at [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 by Sunday, October 15, 2023.
ROOSTER RUSH CACKLIN' COMMUNITY AWARD
Find more information and a link to the 2023 form here. The 2023 application deadline is Wednesday, November 15, 2023.