Chamber announces first Vision Sioux Falls award winners
June 27, 2025
The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce has introduced an award for those “whose steady leadership and quiet impact help bring bold ideas to life.”
The Vision Sioux Falls award, presented for the first time this year, celebrates those who work behind the scenes to implement meaningful change without expectation of recognition.
Recipients were selected by a business or organization that is a Chamber Visionary Member for their role in advancing a company or community vision. The idea is to recognize people who might not always receive public recognition but provide essential contributions to their organizations, industries and the broader region, the chamber said in a statement.
“The Vision Sioux Falls award is our way of saying thank you to the people whose efforts might otherwise go unnoticed,” said Jeff Griffin, president and CEO of the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce. “They are the ones driving change from within, and this award is about honoring that quiet dedication.”
This year’s honorees are:
- Vernon Brown, South Dakota State University – nominated by SDN Communications.
- Adam Cox, The First National Bank in Sioux Falls – nominated by The First National Bank in Sioux Falls.
- Mark Fonder, Hungry Hearts – nominated by First Interstate Bank.
- Nancy Halverson, Levitt at the Falls – nominated by MarketBeat.
- Loren Koepsell, Augustana University – nominated by Dacotah Bank.
- Hillary McQuade, CorTrust Bank – nominated by CorTrust Bank.
- April Meyerink, American Bank & Trust – nominated by American Bank & Trust.
- Kaeli Meyerink, Lloyd Cos. – nominated by Lloyd Cos.
- Lindsey Meyers, Avera – nominated by Avera.
- Bill O’Connor, First Premier Bank/Premier Bankcard – nominated by First Premier Bank/Premier Bankcard.
- Jim Soukup, Soukup Construction – nominated by Eide Bailly.
- Riley Theel, Sanford Health – nominated by Sanford Health.
The annual award is open to individuals from any sector, including business, nonprofit, civic and education, who demonstrate leadership, innovation and service in support of a larger vision.
