May 13, 2025

Several individuals and businesses have been recognized for their contributions to the visitor industry by Experience Sioux Falls with its annual awards.

Those honored for 2025 are:

Spirit Award: Lloyd Cos./The Steel District. This award recognizes a person, group or business that has had a dream, created the vision and completed that dream, all for the community and those near and far.

Heart of the City: Levitt at the Falls. This award recognizes a person — or team in this case — who has made a significant contribution to the visitor industry through inspiration, spirit and excellent leadership.

Business Award: Sanford Sports Complex. 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: Deb Cooper, Minervas.
• Hotel: Cindy Schieck, Best Western Plus Ramkota Hotel.
• Retail: Jade Sandersfeld, Hertz Car Rental.
• Attraction: Sarah Burman, McCrossan Boys Ranch.

The awards were presented at the annual Visitor Industry Luncheon, which this year featured keynote speaker and entertainer Jason Hewlett.