STURGIS, SD – After being cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sturgis Chamber of Commerce handed out two years of awards at its annual banquet, April 8. The event recognizes outstanding businesses in the Sturgis area through several prestigious awards.
2020 Key City Award Weimer’s Diner and Donut “The highest award for a person, business or organization whose spirit and attitude exemplifies the best of business, community and family. Recipient demonstrates overall concern and commitment to the community and the Sturgis Area Chamber.”
2020 Community Pride Award Xtreme Dakota Bicycles “The 2020 Community Pride Award goes to a business that maintains a clean and friendly store year-round, but that also works hard to offer special events to our community for residents and visitors. They work hand-in-hand with several key institutions to promote health and wellness.”
2020 Employer of the Year Monument Health Sturgis Hospital “They navigated challenges in a way that made the community feel safe and prepared. This employer maintained the safety of its visitors and staff in spite of equipment shortages, staff shortages, and uncertainty.”
2020 Employee of the Year Jessica Kusser “The 2020 Employee of the Year was nominated by an anonymous community member. The nomination stated, “She has gone above and beyond for her employer for many years. Although she juggles her Museum duties with her regular job, she still dedicates so much time and energy to the organization.”
2020 Sponsor of the Year Pioneer Bank & Trust “This business supports countless initiatives in our community. They are highly involved and extremely generous. You can see staff from this business shopping around town, volunteering, and dedicating time to Sturgis on a regular basis. This business was also a Platinum sponsor of Chamber events and activities in 2020.”
2020 Service Business of the Year Sturgis Meals on Wheels “This is a business that provides outstanding service to Sturgis and the Black Hills area. They have provided much-needed services to our senior population during the one of our most challenging years. They go above and beyond to ensure that their customers are cared for, healthy, and happy.”
2020 Community Volunteer of the Year John Coyle “The 2020 Community Volunteer of the Year is a friendly face that anyone who lives or works in Sturgis would recognize. He can most commonly be found at the corner of Junction and Douglas, waving to passers-by. What you may not know is that this person dedicates countless hours each year to volunteerism – he has lined up Parade of Lights floats for over a decade.”
2020 Manufacturing Business of the Year Lightshoe “The 2020 Manufacturing Business of the Year may not be a household name that you recognize – unless you are familiar with flat track racing. This business manufactures its unique product by hand from home and ships internationally. They started their business to fill a need in the racing industry, and are now successful thanks to their sought-after products and entrepreneurial spirit.”
2019 Retail Business of the Year Black Hills Rally & Gold, Inc. “This business is well-known in Sturgis for catering to rally customers, as well as our year-round residents. They have reimagined their business to offer much-needed products to our community. They take pride in our town, and are often the first to be involved in new projects and events.”
2019 Service Business of the Year Sturgis ATV and Small Engine Repair “This award nomination stated, “This business provides exemplary service to their customers and their community. As a customer, I have been treated wonderfully and have been the recipient of the kind of service I might enjoy from a good friend.”
2019 Hospitality Business of the Year The Sturgis Motel “The 2019 Hospitality Business of the Year completed much-needed renovations to a high-visibility business on Junction Avenue. After opening in the summer of 2019, they worked hard to connect with the community and provide a friendly visitor experience.”
2019 Community Volunteer of the Year, Richelle Bruch of Richelle Bruch LLC- The Real Estate Center of Sturgis “Our 2019 Community Volunteer of the Year has been instrumental in reviving community spirit and spearheading several community events and activities. She has volunteered for our Sturgis holiday initiatives, the Fall Festival, our soccer and softball programs, and most recently the new Sturgis aquatics project, among others.”
2019 Community Pride Award Loud American Roadhouse “The 2019 Community Pride Award goes to a business that has become a staple of the Sturgis community. They go above and beyond to provide year-round services and entertainment to our residents and guests. They take pride in their facility and have made significant exterior renovations that add to the allure of our town.”
2019 Employer of the Year, Black Hills VA Health Care System “This award winner is an organization that has truly gone above and beyond for its staff. It is one of the largest employers in the area, and is dedicated to the wellness of its visitors and the community equally.”
Awards presented include the following:
2019 Employee of the Year: Christy Schultz, The Sturgis Motel
2020 Employee of the Year: Jessica Kusser, Fort Meade Museum
2019 Employer of the Year: VA Black Hills Health Care System
2020 Employer of the Year: Monument Health Sturgis
2019 Community Pride Award: The Loud American Roadhouse
2020 Community Pride Award: Xtreme Dakota Bicycles
2019 Community Volunteer of the Year: Richelle Bruch, Bruch Real Estate
2020 Community Volunteer of the Year: John Coyle
2019 Hospitality Business of the Year: The Sturgis Motel
2020 Hospitality Business of the Year: Uncle Louie’s Diner
2019 Service Business of the Year: Sturgis ATV & Small Engine Repair
2020 Service Business of the Year: Sturgis Meals on Wheels
2019 Manufacturing Business of the Year: Belle Joli’ Sparkling House
2020 Manufacturing Business of the Year: LightShoe
2019 Retail Business of the Year: Black Hills Rally & Gold
2020 Retail Business of the Year: Just For Looks Boutique
2019 Customer Service Excellence Award: Sturgis Lynn’s Dakotamart
2020 Customer Service Excellence Award: Sturgis ACE Hardware
2019 Sponsor of the Year: Sturgis First Interstate Bank
2020 Sponsor of the Year: Sturgis Pioneer Bank & Trust
2019 Key City Award: Mark Bruch
2020 Key City Award: Weimer’s Diner & Donuts
