Sioux Falls Sales & Marketing Executives

Executive of the Year Award

 

SME Sioux Falls has been in existence since 1960.  Through these years, it became very evident that there are many, many influential individuals that either reside in our state or have roots that tie them back to South Dakota.  In 1987 It was determined that once a year, we need to pause and recognize one of these individuals for their extraordinary leadership, business savvy, and contribution to their field and industry. From this, the annual South Dakota Sales and Marketing Executive of the Year award was established.

Past Winners

  • 2025 – Kim Burma
  • 2024 – Jim Schmidt
  • 2023 – Tom Van Wyhe
  • 2022 – Scott Lawrence
  • 2021 – Dr. Vance Thompson
  • 2020 – Teri Schmidt
  • 2019 – Mark Griffin
  • 2018 – Rod Carlson
  • 2017 – Bernie DeWald
  • 2016 – Tom Walsh, Sr.
  • 2015 – Evan Nolte
  • 2014 – T. Denny Sanford
  • 2013 – Jeff Scherschligt
  • 2012 – Dana Dykhouse
  • 2011 – Donald A Dunham, Jr.
  • 2010 – Tony Bour, Showplace Wood
  • 2009 – Craig Lloyd, Lloyd Companies
  • 2008 – Elmer Karl, Karl’s TV & Appliance
  • 2007 – Pete Pederson, PAM Oil, Inc.; PAM Fuels, Inc.; PAM Warehouse, Inc.
  • 2006 – Henry Carlson, Jr., Henry Carlson Company
  • 2005 – Joe Floyd, Midcontinent Communications
  • 2004 – Bernie Hunhoff, South Dakota Magazine
  • 2003 – Sylvia Henkin, Retired Broadcaster and Owner of KSOO
  • 2002 – Tom Everist, L.G. Everist Company
  • 2001 – Joe Foss, Former Governor of South Dakota
  • 2000 – Ruth Ziolkowski, Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation
  • 1999 – Al Schock, Nordica
  • 1998 – Al Neuharth, USA Today
  • 1997 – Terry Redlin, Terry Redlin Art Center
  • 1996 – Pat O’Brien, CBS Sports Show
  • 1995 – Gordon F. Thomsen, Trail King Industries, Inc.
  • 1994 – Dr. Aelred Kurtenbach, Daktronics, Inc.
  • 1993 – David Christensen, Raven Industries
  • 1992 – Oscar Austad, Austad’s
  • 1991 – Marvin Schwan, Schwan’s Enterprises, Inc.
  • 1990 – Bill Hustead, Wall Drug
  • 1989 – Jerome J. Lohr, J Lohr Vineyards & Winery
  • 1988 – Paul Christen, Minnesota Twins
  • 1987 – Joe Robbie, Miami Dolphins