BELLE FOURCHE—The beginning of the year brought with it a few fresh faces to join the Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
The process of electing new board members begins every year in November. Their bylaws dictate that they establish an election committee. “Membership can nominate anyone—but you have to be a member in order to get nominated. Nominations are open for about a week,” explained Executive Director Michaela Horn.
This year eight Chamber members were nominated for three openings. There was an additional opening created when board member Matt Kreutz left the area.
The Chamber of Commerce has an active list of members. “We have about 233 members, it is fluctuating, but we did add 50 members last year,” said Horn. “And we did have a larger amount of votes this year than we did last year, so that was great!”
The Chamber director and assistant director hand-delivered ballots to anyone who requested one. Each business was allowed to fill out and turn in one ballot. Ballots were due December 12, 2025.
The board appointed a member to fill the one vacated position. Jennessa Dempsey, Black Hills Energy, was appointed to finish out Kreutz’s term.
Newly elected board members—those who received the most votes among the voting membership—were Cassie Pannone, Northern Hills Credit Union; Todd Watson, Watson Hennessey Group; and Hunter Anderson, Hunter Anderson Photography. Both Pannone and Watson will be returning members of the board, while Anderson and Dempsey will be first-time members.
There are a total of 11 board members, including a city representative and an economic development representative.
Next up for the Chamber? Tickets are on sale for the 2026 Belle Fourche Chamber Annual Banquet. It will be held February 13, beginning at 5 p.m. Dinner will be catered by High Plains Restaurant and Outlaw Bar will provide bar duties. Contact the Chamber for more information. A birthday party to celebrate the Chamber’s 115th birthday will follow the banquet.
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