It was boots, chaps, and cowboy hats Friday night at the annual Mitchell Chamber, Development, and Main Street Annual Recognition Event. This year’s Hoe-Down at the Highland celebrated local businesses and individuals for their commitment to the Mitchell community.
With a standing ovation in appreciation for nearly two years of extensive and exhausting work during the pandemic, Mitchell area healthcare workers were recognized as 2021 Community Service Award winners. They continue to give tireless service in keeping our community healthy and safe.
The Mitchell Family Business of the Year award recognizes success in transitioning from one generation to the next, ensuring their business stays local and an active part of our community.
McLeod’s Printing and Office Supply, this year’s recipient has been committed to the Mitchell community throughout their 55 plus years in business. McLeod’s gives back by volunteering their time with Rotary, City Beautification, Lake Advisory Committee, Mitchell School District, Pheasants Forever, Mitchell Hockey Association, Life Quest Board, and the Chamber Board of Directors.
Mitchell Convention and Visitors Bureau presented the 2021 Tourism Excellence Award to Mitchell Area Community Theatre.
Mitchell A.C.T., currently in their 29th year, climbed every mountain and successfully continued entertaining with live audience performances by using their creativity while following all covid protocols. They fulfilled their mission to keep quality, live, and economic-friendly theatre available to our community during a tough year.
Mitchell Main Street and Beyond awarded Stan Sherwood the Main Street Champion Award. Sherwood volunteered at many events such as 1st Fridays on Main and actively made the first Oktoberfest a huge success. Not only does he help with Mitchell Main Street & Beyond Events and Promotions, but he also enjoys helping with mural projects downtown, sharing his talents, and leaving his unique mark on the city of Mitchell.
The Chamber of Commerce presented the Community Service Award, its highest recognition to the outgoing Chamber of Commerce Board President Lori Baye for significant contributions and service to the Mitchell Community.
Baye has demonstrated enthusiasm, dedication, and leadership in advancing the mission of the Chamber through committee work, making Chamber-sponsored events possible while setting an example for future chamber volunteers. She has been involved with the Mitchell Area Charitable Foundation, Vice-Chair of the Mitchell Area Safehouse Foundation, the Board President for Habitat for Humanity, and a two-term president of the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Mitchell Area Development Corporation awarded the Harold Hagen award to John Iverson.
The Hagen award, created in 2001, recognizes an individual for outstanding efforts in economic development in Mitchell. Not awarded every year, it’s given to acknowledge an individual’s
exceptional lifetime achievement and commitment to creating jobs, creating progress, and raising the Mitchell area’s economic standard.
Iverson has often said, “It was very rewarding to work in a small store in a small town and experience every department.” Now with three locations in South Dakota, that business is committed to advancing those communities through volunteerism, philanthropic giving, and community involvement. The economic development that Iverson stirred in Mitchell, south of the interstate, continues today and has brought hundreds of millions of dollars to our community.
The Mitchell Chamber, Development Corporation, and Main Street & Beyond congratulate these businesses and individuals on their contributions to Mitchell and the surrounding area.
Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce/Mitchell Area Development Corporation