Last week a large crowd gathered at the Belle Fourche Community Hall for an evening of socializing and celebration. The event was the annual Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce (BFCC) awards celebration.
Before beginning the awards presentations BFCC president, Cassie Pantone described the benefits of BFCC membership and thanked the many businesses and volunteers who made the event possible.
Every year the BFCC honors outstanding members. The Faye Kennedy award was presented to Nikki Hoyme, in recognition for her dedication to community involvement. Faye Kennedy, a former Belle Fourche resident was well-known for her involvement in many local community organizations. Nikki is employed at the Monument Clinic in Belle Fourche and wears many other hats as well.
The Spirit of Belle Fourche award was given to Renee Bachman. Renee is always the nurse who “goes the extra mile” for her patients at the Belle Fourche Clinic.
The Ripple Effect Award recognizes the efforts of a business that has made impactful improvements in Belle Fourche. This year’s Ripple Effect Award was given to Prairie Hills Pharmacy. Cindy Cowan and Cheryl Westland accepted the award.
The final two recognitions for the evening evoked emotions, both happy nostalgia and grief.
The Business Hall of Fame Award winner was Charlotte Koopman. Charlotte and her husband Ernie owned restaurants in Belle Fourche for many years. Charlotte at age 99 did not attend to accept the award. Ernie passed away several years ago while Charlotte continued to work until recently.
The Koopmans are highly respected in Belle Fourche for their charitable contributions and strong work ethic.
A final acknowledgment and moment of silence was made to the legacy of Lori Foos, who passed away early this year. Lori was the owner of LifeStyles. Her loss has been felt deeply.
There were many businesses and individuals to thank including: sponsors; Barker Law, New Generation Supplements, Monument Health, Highmark Credit Union, Mineral Technologies, Lynn Jackson Attorneys, Specialty Drilling Materials, and Wareing Belle Fourche; volunteers, Kelsey Ruzicka, and Brittany Wilkinson, Belle Fourche Cheerleaders, and Prairie Hills Engraving and Apparel, LLC as well as businesses who donated items for the silent auction; Barker Law, Bear Country, Belle Fourche Area Community Theater, Moxie Marketing, Innovative Nonprofit, Rapid City Rush, Terry Peak, West Tire, Too Tall’s Diner, Print Mark-et, PaleoAdventures, First Gold Hotel, Storage City, Highmark Credit Union, Crossroads, Runnings, Nora Grace Studios, BH Adventure Tours, JC Stage Stop, Game Fish & Parks, Spearfish Sasquatch, Wyatt’s Hideaway, Tri-State Museum, Escape Rooms, Bavarian Inn, Black Hills Pioneer, Annie Capp, Denim & Opal, NeighborWorks, Fleur De Belle, Albany Farms, Innovative Non-Profit, Black Hills Roundup, and the Hitching Post Tap House.
Other services were provided by R & C Duo, Cheyenne Crossing, SME Treats, Too Tall’s Diner Hitching Post Tap House, and Saturday on State Street.
Renee Bachman
Charlotte Koopman, Bob’s Cafe, 2024 Business Hall of Fame award winner shown at 50th Anniversary with son Mike and daughter Cindy Koopman Viegerts. Courtesy Photo
Nikki Hoyme
Ripple Effect Award winners from Prairie Hills Pharmacy Cindy Cowan and Cheryl Westland. Courtesy Photo
