May 27, 2022

Downtown Sioux Falls Inc. has named the winners of its annual awards, recognizing individuals and businesses that have made a significant impact on the downtown area.

The Spirit of Downtown Award honors a person or organization that has a legacy of advocating for downtown, making substantial contributions to the community through their passion for the heart of Sioux Falls. It was awarded to Glen and Elaine Koch, owners of The Cookie Jar Eatery.

Their nomination read: “Before we had breweries, wine bars, culinary masters and awards for food in downtown these two pioneers established themselves with made-from-scratch baked goods, warm soup and fresh baked bread. … (They) saw the potential in downtown Sioux Falls.”

The Carole Pagones Vitality Award recognizes a person, small business or organization that has activated the downtown community in a notable way. It was presented to MarketBeat, recognizing the company’s contributions to downtown, including the MarketBeat Holiday Plaza, financial and board support for Levitt at the Falls and support of Startup Sioux Falls and downtown’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The Steve Metli Visionary Award recognizes the forward-thinkers and innovators who have made a positive impact on the development of downtown

It was awarded to Joe and Jennifer Kirby, whose nomination read: “They thoughtfully share their time and resources to make downtown an even better place to live, visit and enjoy. Their contributions are shaping downtown for generations to come, and their vision for the future of downtown is bold and exciting.”