May 6, 2024

Experience Sioux Falls honored six individuals and businesses today with its annual visitor industry awards.

The winners are:

Heart of the City Award: Police Chief Jon Thum. This award recognizes a person who has made a significant contribution to the visitor industry through inspiration, spirit and excellent leadership.

Business Award: Washington Pavilion. This award recognizes an individual, business or organization in the visitor industry who exemplifies innovation, creates impact and causes the Sioux Falls region to shine as a visitor destination.

First Impressions Awards: Recognize employees who come in direct contact with visitors and consistently provide extraordinary customer service.

• Restaurant: Lynnette Ingalls, 22Ten Kitchen Cocktails.
• Hotel: Trisha Lux, Glo Best Western Dawley Farm Village.
• Retail: Kelly Woldt, Simply Perfect.
• Attraction: Allison Weiland, executive director at The Sioux Falls State Theatre Co.

The awards were presented at the annual Visitor Industry Luncheon, which this year featured keynote speaker Becky Hammon, South Dakota native and head coach of the back-to-back WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces.