2026 Vision Sioux Falls Award Recipients Announced

Annual recognition honors leaders making a difference behind the scenes

Sioux Falls, SD — The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce is recognizing 21 individuals with the 2026 Vision Sioux Falls Award, honoring the steady leadership and quiet impact of people who help bring bold ideas to life. Now in its second year, the award celebrates those who work behind the scenes to implement meaningful change, often without expectation of recognition.

Each recipient was selected by a Chamber Visionary Member for their role in advancing a company or community vision. These individuals may not always receive public recognition, yet their contributions are essential to the progress seen in organizations, industries and across the region.

“Progress in our community doesn’t happen because of any one person or organization. It takes people who are willing to put in the work, support others and turn good ideas into action,” said Jeff Griffin, President & CEO of the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce. “These award recipients represent the kind of leadership that makes Sioux Falls a great place to live and do business.”

The 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.

Established in 2025, the Vision Sioux Falls Award reflects the values of leadership, service and community that define our region. It celebrates the changemakers who make Sioux Falls stronger not by standing in the spotlight, but by helping others succeed.
 
2026 Vision Sioux Falls Award Recipients
Wendy Alexander, POET – nominated by POET
Logan Aukes, Williams & Company P.C. – nominated by Cytion
David Bangasser, Dacotah Bank (retired) – nominated by Dacotah Bank
Julie Becker, St. Francis House – nominated by CorTrust Bank
Nicole Bell, Lloyd Companies – nominated by Lloyd Companies
Rhonda Erickson, Midco – nominated by Midco
Lisa Gerner, PREMIER Bankcard – nominated by First PREMIER Bank/PREMIER Bankcard
Cassie Hopper, Plains Commerce Bank – nominated by Plains Commerce Bank
Sara Jamison, Terra Shepherd Boutique & Apothecary – nominated by The First National Bank in Sioux Falls
Rebecca Kiesow-Knudsen, Lutheran Social Services of SD – nominated by First Bank & Trust
Denny Law, SDN Board & Golden West Telecommunications – nominated by SDN Communications
Brandon May, Silencer Central – nominated by Silencer Central
Janean Michalov, The Furniture Mission of SD – nominated by MarketBeat
Kris Moser, CJ Schwan’s – nominated by CJ Schwan’s
Travis Olsem, American Bank & Trust – nominated by American Bank & Trust
Thomas Otten, Avera – nominated by Avera
Todd Pharis, Pizza Ranch – nominated by First Interstate Bank
Kristen Rhoades, The Foster Network/Scooter’s Coffee – nominated by Central Bank
Eric Schierholz, Molin Sioux Falls – nominated by Molin Sioux Falls
Stacie Stange, Smithfield Foods – nominated by Smithfield Foods
Karen Wingler, Sanford Health – nominated by Sanford Health
 
To learn more about the Vision Sioux Falls Award or how to become a Visionary Member, visit https://siouxfallschamber.com.