Experience Sioux Falls celebrates 50 years, presents awards to 10 individuals

Symmone Gauer, Sioux Falls Argus Leader
·2 min read

Experience Sioux Falls, formerly known as the Sioux Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau, celebrated its 50th anniversary Tuesday during the annual Visitor Industry luncheon at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.

R&B and jazz singer Allison Nash kicked off the event with a soulful rendition of “Celebration” by Kool & the Gang.

Experience Sioux Falls CEO Teri Schmidt then mentioned the city’s achievement of bringing in an estimated $446 million from approximately 1.19 million visitors in 2022. She said this is the first time southeastern South Dakota, primarily Minnehaha County, had higher numbers than the Black Hills region.

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“We love the Black Hills,” she said. “But so much work has been done by all of you over the years, [and] those numbers are going up every day.”

After the brief introduction, Schmidt, on behalf of Experience Sioux Falls, helped present the 2023 Visitor Industry Awards.

Jeff Scherschligt with Pendar Properties is awarded the Heart of the City award at the 2023 Experience Sioux Falls Visitor Industry awards on Tuesday, May 9.
Jeff Scherschligt with Pendar Properties is awarded the Heart of the City award at the 2023 Experience Sioux Falls Visitor Industry awards on Tuesday, May 9.

Visitor Industry Awards

Experience Sioux Falls board chair Jan Grunewaldt, BID board chair Frank Gurnick, and Secretary of Travel South Dakota Jim Hagen presented the First Impressions awards to individuals in the following categories:

  • Restaurant: Dawn Wynthein, Original Pancake House

  • Hotel: Val Carmen, The ClubHouse Hotel & Suites

  • Retail: Greg Koch, 605 Running Co.

  • Attraction: Dave Oswald and Martin Dill, Downtown Sioux Falls' Clean & Green team

The Business Award goes to someone in the visitor industry who "exemplifies innovation, creates impact and causes the Sioux Falls region to shine as a visitor destination." Riccardo and Marybeth Tarabelsi, the owners of R Wine Bar, Brix Wine Bar, and Maribella Ristorante, in downtown Sioux Falls, received the 2023 Business Award.

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The Heart of the City Award goes to those who have made significant contributions to the visitor industry through inspiration, spirit and exceptional leadership. Jeff Scherschligt, of Pendar Properties, and Craig and Pat Lloyd, of Lloyd Companies, each received the Heart of the City Award.

"The future belongs to those people who believe in the beauty of their dreams," Schmidt said. "And these people...are the epitome of dreamers," Schmidt said.

Keynote on connecting with employees for better retention

After awards, keynote speaker Clint Pulver gave an engaging speech about how businesses can work on employee retention by creating a better work culture.

Clint Pulver, who is a professional speaker, author and drummer, talked about employee retention during his keynote speech at the 2023 Experience Sioux Falls Visitor Industry luncheon Tuesday, May 9.
Clint Pulver, who is a professional speaker, author and drummer, talked about employee retention during his keynote speech at the 2023 Experience Sioux Falls Visitor Industry luncheon Tuesday, May 9.

Pulver is a professional speaker, drummer, author and workforce expert. His research as the Undercover Millennial led him to publishing his book “I Love It Here” in 2021. His speech also included a drum solo demonstration that the audience seemed to enjoy.

His main talking points involved mentorship, incentives and the fact that we remember significant people over successful people.

“It’s not about being the best in the world. It’s about being the best for the world,” he said.

The Visitor Industry event was sponsored by First Premier Bank.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Experience Sioux Falls turns 50, awards 10 community individuals