BELLE FOURCHE—The Executive Director of the Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce, Michaela Horn was recently named one of the Black Hills Region 40 Under 40.
The prestigious honor was determined after around 120 young professionals—a record number of nominations—were submitted for this year’s recognition. According to the Rapid City Journal, “The 2025 class comprises a diverse group of individuals who are making a significant impact in their careers and the community.”
Horn explained, “Elevate Rapid City partnered with HomeSlice Media and A&B Business Solutions and put together the 40 under 40 list in their magazine.”
Elevate Rapid City put out a call looking for nominations of young professionals that are making a difference in the Black Hills area. Nominations were private. Horn learned of her nomination via email. “I got an email and they said I was nominated! I sent them a little bit more information about myself and some of the things that I’m working on in Belle Fourche, some of the groups that I work with and where I volunteer,” she said.
Shortly thereafter Horn received another email telling her she had been chosen as one of the 40 Under 40 winners! All those selected were honored at a dinner held at the DoubleTree in Rapid City. “That was lovely, all of us (winners) were there, HomeSlice had a photo backdrop and we got pictures with everybody,” explained Horn. “They offered us dinner and congratulated everybody! It gave us an opportunity to network with each other.” Each winner received a certificate to commemorate the event.
Horn is really proud of the work that is happening in Belle Fourche and takes every opportunity she has to advertise all that Belle has to offer! “It feels really, really positive! I feel like there’s a really good sense of energy with everything that we’re doing here in Belle Fourche and I think people are recognizing it,” said Horn. “So anything I can do to bring more attention to Belle Fourche, even if it’s this magazine article, I’ll do it!”
Taking over the leadership position for the Chamber less than a year ago, Horn prides herself on her ability to stay well-informed on the happenings in Belle Fourche. “I want to know what’s happening, I like going to the county meetings, I like being informed,” she explained. “It makes it more enjoyable and now I know everyone in town so I have friends there and I get to meet up with my friends!”
In addition to her work with the Belle Fourche Chamber, Horn has spent the last seven years as the head coach for the Belle Fourche High School cheerleaders and volunteers with Spirit of Cheer and Dance.
At just 31 years old, Horn has many more years ahead of her to continue to make an impact in the area well before her 40th one! “I love doing this, so even when I’m not working I like going to all the events! I’m already there so it’s just a natural thing. I want to go to the fashion shows, I want to be a part of the town and volunteer,” she said. “So that makes it easier, I can just work while I’m there!”
Horn realizes her success is because of the opportunities her work with the Chamber and Belle Fourche affords her. “I just want to say thank you to Belle Fourche for all of the opportunities, both business wise and professionally, that they’ve given me,” she said. “I wouldn’t have been recognized without the opportunities I’ve been given and the support that I have received in Belle. I am doing my best to create a positive light and represent our town in the best way possible!”
You can find out more about Horn and the other winners in the April 2025 issue of Elevate Magazine. The award and event are sponsored by A&B Business Solutions, Elevate Rapid City, HomeSlice Media Group, DoubleTree by Hilton and Rapid City Business Journal.
Read the full issue of the Belle Fourche Beacon by clicking here.
