BELLE FOURCHE—Once a year, the Chamber of Commerce shines a spotlight on local businesses, honoring their successes at the Annual Banquet. This year’s celebration took place February 13 at the Community Hall.
The theme for the night was Frost & Flame and that theme will run through all Chamber of Commerce events for the year.
Doors opened at 5 p.m., welcoming guests for drinks and conversation before the festivities began. The Outlaw staffed the bar, which was popular throughout the evening, with a long line of guests waiting to grab a drink.
High Plains Restaurant, Newell, SD catered dinner. Salad, roasted potatoes, beef brisket and lemon chicken were served buffet style. Chamber Volunteer Mike Reade gave the blessing before the meal.
While folks were finishing their meals, Guest Speaker Jenn Landis took the stage. “I’ve been sitting over here at this table, just looking around at all of the conversations and the buzz and the excitement and energy in the room tonight, and I kept thinking about the deep roots that are represented in this room—how so many of you built businesses from the ground up and they have created this fabric of community across Belle—and because of that, I’m honored and I’m inspired by the fact that I get to talk to you today about the very thing that makes all of that possible,” she said. “Community—the right people in the right room at the right time with an open and willing heart to serve and to be seen—so that’s what we’re going to talk about tonight!”
Landis went on to explain the difference between networking and community, explaining, “If networking is about, what can I get? Community is about, how can I serve? And I think there’s this beautiful opportunity for us as business leaders and owners to bring it together and say why do they have to necessarily be exclusive,” she said. “We can create what I call slingshot partnerships that take the best of community and bring that into the business that we conduct.”
The speaker went on to discuss building slingshot partnerships and how with them you can do incredible things.
Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michaela Horn presented a recap for the year 2025. A few of the highlights included the tourism report from the Tri-State Museum and Visitor Center—visitation was up by 4,000 for a total of over 19,000 visitors to the area. A sales tax report that saw an increase in sales tax collections in Butte County by 5.9 percent. An Economic Development Corporation report that saw 21 new businesses opening in Belle Fourche in 2025.
“It has been truly exciting getting to know our new members and just as meaningful connecting with our long established businesses in our community. As our community evolves, the need for your business has changed, and the Chamber has really enjoyed serving as a place to teach, as a place to connect and showcase our growing and renewing members,” shared Horn.
The last feature of the Banquet was the presentation of awards to outstanding members of the community. The Faye Kennedy Award recognizes individuals dedicated to serving the Belle Fourche community. The outstanding nominees for this year were Nikki Home, Nancy Cole, Bryan Aspen, Terry Hoscheid and Monument Health United Way Team. This year’s winner was Monument Health United Way Team.
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. The nominees for this award included Monument Health United Way Team, Hitching Post Tap House, Scott Reder and Deb Leverington. The winner of this award was Hitching Post Tap House.
The Ripple Effect Award is given to a business or organization that has positive and impactful improvements in Belle Fourche. Nominees were Pearson Block Hous and CBH CO-OP. This award was given to CBH CO-OP.
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 Center of the Nation Wool and The Branding Iron Steakhouse. The winner of this honor was Center of the Nation Wool.
The closing note was given by board chairman Cassie Pannone. She thanked everyone for coming and gave special recognition to Director Michaela Horn and Assistant Director Brianne Bonnet. She also thanked the Chamber Members. “As we look ahead, I believe our best days are still in front of us. We have the passion, we have the stability, we have the people and we have a community that believes in working together. I can’t say it enough—thank you for the support this year,” she said.
Following the program, a birthday cake celebrating the Chamber’s 115th birthday was cut and served. The cake was made by SME’s Treats.
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