By Robbi Longbrake
BELLE FOURCHE—The Belle Fourche business community gathered together to honor outstanding members of the community and celebrate each other at the Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet held February 28 at the Community Hall.
The theme for the evening was Dr. Seuss and the tables were decorated with items that highlighted popular Dr. Seuss books like Cat in the Hat centerpieces. The event was sold out as area businesses bought tables of 8 for $300 or $40 each spot.
Social hour began at 5:00 p.m. with the Outlaw Bar providing a cash bar stocked with a variety of drinks.
Cheyenne Crossing, 2025 South Dakota Retailers Association’s Restaurant of the Year, provided food for the evening. Prior to food service, Mike Reade gave the blessing.
After guests finished eating, Cassie Pannone, Chairman of the Board welcomed everyone to the evening with a Dr. Seuss inspired greeting. “Good evening everyone, as we gather tonight under this roof, we celebrate growth… in this room full of thinkers, dreamers and doers, you are the movers, the shakers, the local influencers. You come here together to build it to grow, you are our Belle Fourche community, steady as we go,” she said.
Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Micaela Horn, gave the financial report also in a Dr. Seuss style rhyme and then went on to discuss the changes that have occurred to the Chamber over the past year, including changing from membership tiers to one membership price for everyone. “It doesn’t matter how big or small your business is, it doesn’t matter how many employees you have, all of our memberships are $350,” she shared.
Another change Horn highlighted was the switch from a business of the week to five membership spotlights a week so that all of the members of the Chamber get attention. “It’s not gonna work to just go visit one a week, so I bumped it up to five a week. If I haven’t met and been in your business yet, you are on my list and I will get there,” said Horn. “We are making our way through our list so that we can see our members—all our members, at some point in the year—to touch base.”
Horn reminded the audience about the four upcoming events that the Chamber puts on: Casino Night, March 22, brought to you by Hometown Thursdays; River Fest, June 7, brought to you by Black Hills Energy; Ag Day, September 27, brought to you by Wolf’s Plumbing and Heating; and Polar Express, December 11 and 12, brought to you by Northern Hills Federal Credit Union; and invited any business that wanted to help sponsor any of the events to step forward and let the Chamber know.
Chamber Board Vice Chairman, Randy Sowers, gave an overview of the proposed changes to the bylaws. “There’s some changes that we felt needed to happen to give us more flexibility to be able to continue to be an exciting place, to promote business and the Belle Fourche area community,” he said. Sowers invited all of the voting members to come at 7:00 a.m. to the March 13 meeting to vote on accepting the new bylaws.
Awards were given out to outstanding members of the community. The Faye Kennedy Award recognizes individuals dedicated to serving the Belle Fourche Community. This year it was given to Clint Haffner with other nominees being Bev Watson, Cheryl Anderson, Krystal Cazer and Salina Selchert.
The next award was the Spirit of Belle Fourche Award, it celebrates a Chamber Member business or employee for an outstanding customer service experience by going the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction. Jim Grapentine received this honor. Others nominated for the award include Monument Health Rehab and Clinic, Clint Haffner, Mikayla Boswell, Billy and Sally Mason and Marke and Dave (Lueders).
The Ripple Effect Award is given to a business or organization that has positive and impactful improvements in Belle Fourche. This award was given to Alley Fitness and Recovery. Other nominees were Viking Property, Petes Clothing and Hodge Bootery, Grossenburg Implement and Watson Hennessy Group.
The Business Hall of Fame is a prestigious honor given to a local business that has given back to the community, thrives on their mission statement, has proven leadership skills, and provides a healthy workplace culture. Nominees for the Business Hall of Fame included: Vern Bills, NY Life Insurance; Schmaltz & Sons Construction; and Wayne’s 24-Hour Conoco Service. The winner of this honor was Vern Bills.
Horn finished the evening thanking those who have helped make her first year as Executive Director a successful one including her partner, Brianne Bonnet, and volunteers, Mike and Lacey Crow and of course the Chamber Board of Directors. “This is a hands on Board eager to put in the work for Belle Fourche. Their dedication and commitment to our community is truly inspiring. I’m excited to work alongside them and see all that we can accomplish in 2025!”
Read the full issue of the Belle Fourche Beacon by clicking here.
