Several honored at chamber banquet

In an evening full of excitement, fanfare and awards giving to several deserving recipients, perhaps there was no more obvious choice—or deserving recipient—for the Hill City Chamber of Commerce’s Lifetime Achievement Award than the couple who received the award at the chamber’s annual dinner, meeting and awards gala last Saturday evening at High Country Guest Ranch. The theme for the evening was “Unleash Your Extraordinary.”

Victor and Sherryl Alexander were the award recipients, honored for their tireless work for both the community and in building their business interests from a modest RV park to multiple commercial and residential ventures throughout the town.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is given to an individual or people for long-term commitment to Hill City, whose creative and innovative business ethics set a standard for the community.

It was 1982 when the Alexanders established their first business in Hill City. From then until now the business has grown to encompass more than 30 rental properties, three gas stations/convenience stores (which recently have just been sold) a car wash, a building that houses and has outgrown the world’s largest teddy bear collection and more.

In presenting the award, Jason Peters, chamber board president, said the Alexanders (along with their children and spouses, and their grandchildren) have worked tirelessly and volunteer year after year for organizations such as Hill City’s Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance, Hill City Economic Development Corporation, Hill City Quilt Guild, Hill City Evergreen Garden Club, Hill City events, including Wine-Brew-BBQ, regularly attend school events, city meetings, chamber events and many others.  The Alexanders also donate generously to many nonprofits, causes and organizations in and around Hill City. Their 1927 Stoughton Fire Truck regularly appears in each Hill City parade and also proudly leads a special procession each rally of the South Dakota Chapter International Wind & Fire Motorcycle Club. The two also spent time as youth coaches and Scouting leaders, and still can be found in the stands cheering on the Rangers.

Angie Ross of First Impressions Salon was named recipient of the Victor Jepsen Award, named for former Hill City educator and businessman Victor Jepsen. The purpose of this award, the chamber’s highest, is to recognize a person whose spirit and attitude exemplify the best in business, community and family, has demonstrated concern for and significantly contributed to the community and the Hill City Chamber. 

In presenting the award chamber director Janet Wetovick-Bily said Ross is a long-time ardent and enthusiastic supporter of Hill City, whose love for the community is evidenced by her work ethic and spirit of volunteerism. 

“Her commitment to her hometown of Hill City was fostered by the belief that owning a business in her hometown was the right thing to do,” Wetovick Bily said.

Ross is a Hill City graduate and has been devoted to children, youth and Hill City for the past 21 years.  She has served on various boards, including planning and zoning, school board, Associated School Boards of South Dakota, and has been Hill City School District Booster Club president for a number of years.  She has also been responsible for the post prom donations and activities each year.

“Her way of giving back to her community is through her service, as well as donations to many causes,” Wetovick-Bily said.

Jen Schmoll and Carol Speirs of Black Hills Bistro won the first award of the evening, the Business of the Year Award. The purpose of this award is to recognize a business that has made an impact on the Hill City community through business expertise and community service.

“As an experienced restaurateur coming from another successful Hill City restaurant, this mother-daughter duo is filling a huge need for serving locals and visitors alike all year round, and bring home-style cooking and great hospitality to Main Street,” Wetovick-Bily said.

Wetovick-Bily said Schmoll takes the lead as a voice for the restaurants in Hill City, participating in Hill City merchant and chamber activities, all Hill City events and serves as the chamber board secretary.

Peters presented Mike and Cori Gallucci of Things that Rock with the Employer of the Year Award, given to a business that has made a significant impact through community involvement and provides a positive working environment for employees— including concern for safety, health, living and family. 

Peters said Things that Rock is open year-round, family-owned and family-oriented. It has grown from two employees to 11 during peak season. This past year the Galluccis hired a full-time manager and they also keep five  people employed during the off-season, employing three from one area family.

“Their employees also benefit from above-average wages, employee discounts, a positive work environment and a Christmas party every year,” Peters said, nothing that the business also recently celebrated its 11th anniversary.

Finally, former Hill City alderman and mayor Pete Stach was named Employee of the Year, an award given to an associate or a front-line staff member who has gone the extra mile and who has demonstrated initiative, creativity and who delivers consistent, extraordinary customer service by assisting customers.

“Besides his duties of being a salesperson during numerous days of the year, this individual goes beyond that in so many ways…serving as a board member, coming into the shop almost every day to make sure that the worker that day has change or to take care of any issues they may have. He is our go-to maintenance person, he always promotes the work of each member, he is always willing to volunteer for added duties, has taken part in Olde Tyme Christmas activities, ensuring that decorations are up in the plaza,” the person who nominated Stach wrote. “If anyone comes in asking for a donation, he is the first one to donate. Finally, he stops daily during the off-season when the (Artforms) gallery is closed to make sure that the  heat is running and the sidewalk is taken care of.”    

Stach is a 32-year resident of Hill City whose volunteer efforts include an annual bike wash for the Boys & Girls Club, Feeding South Dakota, HiIl City Arts Council, Lane of Lights and more. 

Earlier in the evening Wetovick-Bily was honored by chamber members, with Stevie Cummins presenting Wetovick-Bily with a gratitude booklet for the hard work she does to promote Hill City.

“We just want to appreciate you and your staff,” Cummins said.

The booklet includes messages from Hill City business community members.

Finally, the evening included an update on the happenings at the chamber and its advertising of Hill City for the summer, in partnership with such entities as the South Dakota Department of Tourism and Black Hills, Badlands and Lakes.