Rapid City celebrated the 2nd annual Elevate Business Awards Night in the LaCroix Hall at The Monument. Established in 2022, the Elevate Business Awards Night honors businesses, organizations, and people within our community for making significant contributions to our mission: elevate the region for all. The selection process of the winners began with a nomination window where businesses were nominated for awards academies using an online form. An independent panel of judges then scored the applications and made the decision for the finalists and winners.
Here are the 2023 winners and finalists!
Distinguished Public Service Award Winner – Mike Diedrich
The first ever recipient of the Distinguished Public Service Award is Mike Diedrich, for his substantial contributions to the betterment of our community. After earning a Juris Doctorate from the University of South Dakota, Mike returned to Rapid City. Since his return, he has worked to make a difference in our community, including serving as the Special Counsel for Rapid City, being elected to the South Dakota Senate, and practicing law in both the public and private sphere. As a champion for identifying issues and creating practical solutions, Mike has spent his entire professional life advancing important initiatives in Rapid City and the entire state of South Dakota. Truly embodying a selfless servant leader, Mike is known as a true statesman, a trusted counselor, a loyal husband, dedicated father, a proud grandfather, and a friend to all.
George Award Winner – Jim White
Established by the Chamber of Commerce in 1981, this year’s George Award is presented to Jim White. As the owner of Sound Pro and an extremely active member within our community, Jim represents what the George Award stands for. Named after George Weedman, the award recognizes an outstanding community leader that has gone above and beyond throughout their life to bring about positive change and impact on the Rapid City community; they didn’t “just let George do it.” Over the last 35 years, Jim has purchased and donated grocery carts full of food at Christmas time to YFS. Part of LRC, now known as the Elevate Leadership Institute, he also helped put on Movies Under the Stars every Monday evening for nine summers. Having been a Chamber Board member for 10 years, the Chair of the Chamber Board in 2017, and much more, Jim believes it is easy to say yes when asked for help because of his enjoyment in working with others to improve the community.
Granite Award Winner – Security First Bank
As a business that has been instrumental in the overall economic well-being of the community, Security First Bank is the winner of this year’s Granite Award. With a modest beginning in Rapid City with a staff of four occupying rented space in Hart Ranch, Security First Bank has become an increasingly valuable asset to the area and a pillar of our community over the years. In 2003 and 2004, they purchased two new locations and invested heavily in landscaping and public art, with the objective of helping to beautify the city. Over the years, they doubled their local workforce by moving their back-office operations to Rapid City, launched the very popular Teller Express in 2006, and expanded into a fifth office in 2014. Strongly encouraging community involvement and investment, their staff has contributed nearly $1 million dollars to local non-profit and economic development organizations.
Small Business Award Winner – Black Hills Tire
Due to their exceptional service, remarkable growth, and employee-focused workplace, Black Hills Tire is the recipient of this year’s Small Business of the Year. Expanding from 4 employees and $1 million in revenue to 15 employees and $3.2 million in revenue within a single year, Black Hills Tire emphasizes more than just numbers. They value community involvement and support by providing car repairs to those in need and through their program, camp DRIVE, which offers hands-on experience to help kids discover their passion and work with Boys and Girls Club and the YMCA to introduce young women to the automotive industry.
Finalists:
Emerging Business Award Winner – Built Right Roofing and Construction
Founded only 3 years ago and currently employing 14 people, Built Right Roofing and Construction is the Emerging Business Award winner. Using only high-end materials and ensuring every home they work on is better than it was before, Built Right goes above and beyond code when setting standards. They also created an in-house model to allow employees to work all year long even though they are only operational 9 months per year. Built Right’s commitment to excellence, innovation, community, and their employees has earned them an excellent reputation and a loyal customer base throughout the community.
Finalists:
Business Expansion Award Winner – Rapid City Medical Center
A physician owned practice founded in 1948, Rapid City Medical Center is this year’s winner of the Business Expansion Award. Known for being courageously independent, patient-centered, and for inspiring loyalty, Rapid City Medical Center works to build a tradition of excellence in healthcare. Last year, they purchased the former Premier Mortgage building, which expanded the company by 25,000 square feet allowing them to streamline ancillary services without eliminating any jobs. Rapid City Medical Center provides living wages to nearly 500 families, offers competition for other local healthcare services, and gives back to the community through charitable giving and sponsorships.
Finalists:
Large Business Award Winner – RESPEC
Founded in 1969 by five professors from South Dakota Mines, RESPEC has expanded to 29 offices and serves clientele across the country and worldwide, earning them the title of this year’s Large Business Award recipient. RESPEC celebrates individuals and teams contributing to their core values: passion, accountability, caring, and teamwork (PACT). Still deeply rooted in the Black Hills, RESPEC invests in local causes, scholarships, and industry advancements. As an employee-owned company, they have found great success through the unwavering dedication, expertise, and hard work of their talented professionals, who embody the company's vision for growth and excellence.
Finalists:
Young Professionals Best Place to Work Award Winner – HDR Engineering
The Young Professionals Best Place to Work Award goes to HDR Engineering, a leading provider of engineering, environmental, construction, and public relations consulting services. Committed to excellence, collaboration, and making a positive impact, HDR embraces a culture of pushing boundaries. They drive success and set new industry standards by encouraging their professionals to stretch beyond their comfort zones. In addition to providing employees with a comprehensive benefits package, a supportive and inclusive culture, and countless growth opportunities, HDR actively engages in the community through charitable giving and volunteerism.
Finalists:
Non-Profit Award Winner – Black Hills Badges for Hope
Promoting positive interactions between first responders and youth throughout the community, Black Hills Badges for Hope was named Non-Profit of the year. To build mutual respect and understanding between the two groups, first responders award scholarships to deserving youth. Black Hills Badges for Hope also extends outreach and support to first responders through small gestures and financial assistance to express gratitude for all they do. This organization uses personal connections to reduce violence in the community. Believing families and youth are our future, Black Hills Badges for Hope invests in them by partnering with businesses, organizations, and volunteers who share the values of bringing hope.
Finalists:
Diversity & Inclusion Award Winner – Fork Real Community Café
Believing everyone deserves access to healthy meals regardless of their means, the Diversity & Inclusion Award winner is Fork Real Community Café. Using a pay-what-you-can model, Fork Real improves food security and reduces hunger amongst our community. Amongst their employees, they promote values and diversity, allowing everyone to embrace differences and to have an opinion. They prioritize listening, two-way communication, acting on good ideas, and adding value to all ideas, leading to great customer service, personal development, and employee retention. Fork Real Community Café facilitates an environment where everyone, from any background, can do their best work because it’s the right thing to do.
Finalists:
Beautification Award Winner – Nell’s Gourmet to Go
Giving new life and beauty to two sad, old buildings, Nell’s Gourmet to Go is the recipient of the Beautification Award. Purchasing their Mount Rushmore Road location in 2018, Nell’s Gourmet to Go refreshed the building with new black and white striped awnings, colorful signage, and hanging cafe lights. They also created a new entrance and added beautiful vegetation, providing a welcoming atmosphere for customers. Nell’s Gourmet to Go purchased their second location on Jackson Boulevard in 2021 and significantly improved the exterior, further demonstrating their commitment to the beautification of their buildings and the community at large.
Finalists:
Congratulations to all our Business Award winners and finalists!
Missed this year’s Business Awards Night and/or wanting to attend additional Events? Click Here!
A huge thank you to all those who helped make the event go smoothly!
- Emcees – The HomeSlice Group
- Photographer – Kene Photography and Imaging
- Lighting/Audio – Depot Music Productions (PowerHouse Dance DJ’s & Sound Productions)
- Awards – Vanway Trophy & Award and Sand Scripts