Meet a member: Joanne Bogus
Joanne Bogus is a Florida native who has chosen to make Sioux Falls home. She is the owner of Cooks & Bakers Kitchen, a gourmet kitchen store located at Dawley Farm Village. Joanne has enjoyed a wide-ranging career in the hospitality and tourism industries, including extensive travel both domestically and abroad. She holds a master’s degree in tourism & event management from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
1. Why does your company choose to invest in a Chamber membership?
The chamber has helped to introduce me to the Sioux Falls business community. The organization is instrumental in helping to promote the store through events, networking and marketing opportunities.
2. What might someone be surprised to learn about you?
I remain an adjunct professor teaching tourism, hospitality, event management and marketing courses for two colleges in Florida: Florida State College in Jacksonville and Valencia College in Orlando.
3. What is one community or non-profit organization that you support? Tell us about it and why it is important to you.
I am involved with the ProStart Program, which was developed by the National Restaurant Association and is supported by the South Dakota Retailers Association. It is a program that teaches high school students culinary skills, restaurant management, communication, professionals and more. I am dedicated to helping develop future leaders in the hospitality industry.
4. How did you choose your profession?
I love the excitement of meeting new people, helping them do business or celebrate a special occasion. I worked my way up through leadership positions with Ritz Carlton; The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.; Hard Rock Café; Washington Convention Center; AAA National Headquarters; and Walt Disney World. It has afforded me the opportunity to travel all over the country and internationally.
5. If you were a kitchen gadget, what would you be?
There are so many. A pickle pincher! A gadget that retrieves pickles and even olives from the jar without having to dig them out with our fingers. Or a cherry pitter which removes the cherry pit like a hole puncher.
6. Describe your perfect day in Sioux Falls.
Biking through Sioux Falls and cooking and spending time with family and friends.
7. What is a skill that you’d like to learn and why?
To play the piano because of my love for music.
