January 29, 2019 • Page 8 shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com Tourism Industry Professionals Honored By Governor Noem PIERRE, SD – On Thursday evening, Governor Kristi Noem and the South Dakota Department of Tourism presented awards to tourism industry members at the 2019 Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Pierre. The 10th Annual Rooster Rush Cacklin’ Community Award went to the community of Aberdeen for its efforts to welcome pheasant hunters to the state. The Aberdeen Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) provided service and hospitality from the moment hunters stepped off the plane by serving pheasant sandwiches and providing gift bags. The hospitality continued at hotel check-in, and the CVB hosted unique events like the Pheasant Sandwich Shootout. The George S. Mickelson Great Service Awards were given to Reptile Gardens in Rapid City and the Swiftel Center in Brookings. This award honors businesses, communities or organizations that have done an exemplary job of customer service and exceeding visitor expectations. “The Swiftel Center is taking a unique look at motivating and educating their staff to provide high levels of customer service. Whether a full-time or part-time employee, they are demonstrating what people-first service look like and are seeing the benefits of their excellence,” said Governor Noem. “After 80 years, Reptile Gardens is no stranger to customer service, and they continue to see strong reviews of their business while also supporting their neighboring attractions as friends and partners.” The Excellence in Tourism Innovation Award is given to an industry partner for their innovative thinking in making their destination, business or attraction even more appealing to visitors. This year’s award was given to Wylie Park and Storybook Land in Aberdeen for their unique special promotions and overall elevation of the visitor experience. “Wylie Park and Storybook Land has been wowing visitors for more than 40 years, becoming one of the top ten municipal parks in the entire nation,” said Noem. “It was an exciting year for them to welcome their one millionth passenger on their world-famous train, and I look forward to hearing what the next million have to say about this iconic South Dakota attraction.” In its second year, the Ruth Ziolkowski* Outstanding Hospitality & Customer Service Award was given to four industry members from across the state. This award honors tourism industry professionals who display outstanding and genuine hospitality to visitors. The awards were given to Amanda Allcock from Crazy Horse Memorial, Inez Muilenburg* from the Super 8 Hotel in Huron, Nova Steinhauser* from the Platte Creek Lodge, and Jaqueline Wentworth from the Sioux Falls CVB. “Each of these winners exemplifies what it means to deliver remarkable service to visitors. Their work demonstrates an outstanding spirit of hospitality, warmth and genuine kindness,” said Noem. “A little bit of kindness goes a long way today, and the efforts these four are making do not go unnoticed.” The A. H. Pankow Award recognizes a representative of the media for showing superior interest in and coverage of the South Dakota tourism industry. Mike Tanner from KWAT Radio in Watertown was awarded for his continued efforts to spread the word on the importance of tourism in South Dakota. “Mike Tanner is known across the region as a world-class emcee and radio host,” said Noem. “His unbiased coverage of South Dakota makes him a go-to resource for the latest headlines, including tourism news and live broadcasts from this tourism conference. I’m grateful for his service as one of my hometown newscasters.” Finally, the Ben Black Elk Award honors an individual who makes outstanding contributions to the state’s visitor industry. The winners of this outstanding award were Dennis and Sherry Povondra* for their dedicated efforts to the community of Tabor and its legendary Czech Days event. “Dennis and Sherry wear many hats in Tabor, and they do it to bolster a legacy for generations to come,” said Noem. “They have been involved with Czech Days quite literally their entire lives. Their role with Czech Days and all aspects of their community are valued and appreciated by many.” The South Dakota Department of Tourism is comprised of Tourism and the South Dakota Arts Council. The Department is led by Secretary James D. Hagen. Gi ing Back champions for our community Chopper Johnson Foundation (CJF) Who are we? The Chopper Johnson Foundation (CJF), a 501(c) (3) non-profit, is dedicated to providing funding for education, health, and community assistance. After Chopper’s unexpected passing in July 2016, a band of friends and family who wanted to continue Chopper’s benevolent ways created the CJF. What is Chopper’s story? Steven “Chopper” Johnson (1951 – 2016) was born and raised in Yankton, SD. He graduated from Yankton High School in 1969 and from Dakota State College in Madison, SD in 1973. After college, he moved back to Yankton where he began his career, married the love of his life, Marlene, raised his family, and ended up retiring. Chopper always was PRO-Yankton and was extremely proud of where he was from. His connections within the community and region were limitless, and it was no secret people loved being around him. Not only was Chopper a hard worker, but he was able to get things done, help those who needed help, and do the right thing without ever calling attention to himself. He is credited with starting the Yankton Community Holiday Feast, which serves a free Thanksgiving meal to hundreds of people each year. Chopper also was an integral part of Riverboat Days since its inception in 1983. He was shown how much his work was appreciated when, in 2014, he and his wife, Marlene, were named Riverboat Days Captain & Belle. In addition, he served the Yankton community as a member of the Yankton Volunteer Fire Department for over 30 years. He was a decorated veteran in the Fire Department and was proud of his service. Chopper’s unexpected passing has left a huge void within the hearts of his family, friends, the Yankton community, and countless other individuals near and far. His heart, leadership, knowledge, humor, and friendship truly were one of a kind. He is gone from us for now, but his spirit remains. We all are proud and far better for having known him. “We’ve lost a legend. I’ve never been around anybody like him and don’t know if I will again.” – John Tacke [friend & co- worker] after Chopper’s passing Steven “Chopper ” Johnson Funding Sources for the CJF: Some of the CJF board members pictured with Dive In Yankton representatives: Front row, L. to R.: Kasi Haberman, DIY; Jody Johnson, CJF; Pam Marchand, CJF; Marlene Johnson, CJF; Dave Tunge, CJF; Josh Svatos, DIY; Back row, L. to R.: Mike Villaneuva, CJF; Don (Murdo) Edwards, CJF; Ross Vanderhule, CJF; Kyler Johnson, CJF CJF Board members not pictured: Randy Oliver, Sara (Johnson) Horning, Dick Lane Projects Funded from the CJF: • CJF Golf Championship and CJF Auction in May Generous people and businesses support the CJF in many ways through our annual golf and auction events. • Chopper Johnson Riverwalk [north of main shelter] constructed at Yankton’s Riverside Park Individuals may purchase personalized bricks for $100 each. Luken Memorials and the City of Yankton have been instrumental in this project. • Rock ‘N Rumble Yankton in July each summer • Chili Feed Made possible by the Yankton Volunteer Fire Department & the Yankton Halloween Harvest Committee • Independent Gifts i.e. Yankton Area Foundation, Memorials, Donations, Matt Michels, Gregg Ryken • Donation to a Yankton family recovering from a house fire • Equipment donation to RTEC (Regional Technical Education Center) • Dive In Yankton donation • Battle of the Badges sponsor Yankton Fire Department/EMS vs. Yankton Police Department basketball game. Funds raised go to support local Special Olympics and the Avera Cancer Institute. • CJF Senior Scholarships; Four (4) separate scholarships will be awarded to students from the YHS Class of 2019. • Plus, other projects This Foundati in the on would not be possib works le without that have the wonderfu lp not been and friends in eople Yank revealed as well as frie ton, at this nds and family fr time. om all Final Note: For more information or to find out how you can support the Chopper Johnson Foundation visit the South Dakota Community Foundation website at www.sdcommunityfoundation.org or contact one of the CJF board members. COX AUTO SUPPLY • Farm Filters • Hydraulic Hoses • Bearings & Seals 1007 Broadway, Yankton 605-665-4494 Dakota arcHErY & OutdOOr SpOrtS “We’ve Got You Covered” 605-665-8340 2305 E. 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