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Former Mount Rushmore Superintendent Dan Wenk
Receives South Dakota Visitor Industry�s Highest Honor
- Ben Black Elk Award

-
Pierre, SD - Jan. 18, 2002 - Former Mount Rushmore Superintendent Dan Wenk received the South Dakota visitor industry�s highest honor during a banquet Jan. 17 in Pierre.
 
Gov. Bill Janklow presented Wenk with the Ben Black Elk Award during the 2002 South Dakota Governor�s Conference on Tourism. Wenk was cited for his keen vision and strong leadership, as he oversaw a $56 million renovation project at the national memorial. Wenk also was commended for his role in developing the Independence Day celebration at Mount Rushmore, which features a dramatic fireworks display over the mountain. 

Dan Wenk receives the 2002 
Ben Black Elk Award from 
Governor William J. Janklow
                    
The Ben Black Elk Award is presented annually to an individual whose passion and enthusiasm greatly influences South Dakota�s visitor industry. With his keen vision and strong leadership, this year�s recipient is eminently qualified.

Wenk�s career with the National Park Service began in 1975, as a Landscape Architect with the Denver Service Center. In 1979, he stepped into a similar position at Yellowstone National Park, handling the planning and developing aspects for this American treasure.

Wenk's history with South Dakota�s visitor industry began in 1985, when he was named Superintendent of Mount Rushmore National Memorial and thrust into the spotlight of the state�s visitor industry.

Before long, Wenk was not only managing the world-renowned attraction, but was working hand-in-hand with other visitor-industry entities to promote Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills region, and the entire state.

As Superintendent of Mount Rushmore, Wenk took a major risk by initiating a plan to renovate visitor services at the memorial. The comprehensive $56 million plan hinged on an ambitious public-private partnership. It was designed to enhance the visitor experience at Mount Rushmore and to accommodate the increasing number of visitors who came to the memorial.

Thanks to Wenk's persistence and passion, the renovation was completed in 1998. However, it was anything but a simple undertaking. He endured harsh criticisms and public challenges along the way. And he faced these head-on, working hard to overcome concerns and boldly going face-to-face with his critics.

Wenk even managed to turn some of his mightiest foes into fans, who were in awe of his diplomacy and dedication. He never lost his cool or his sense of humor.

Always on the lookout for a new challenge, Wenk then worked with a small committee, which was determined to promote the new facilities to the world. Together, they created a highly visible event: an Independence Day celebration, complete with fireworks, at Mount Rushmore. Many government officials might try to avoid the extra work and stress such an event would bring with it. But not this gentleman.

Dubbed as one of the nation�s top 10 largest fireworks displays, the fireworks at Mount Rushmore, held on the eve of July Fourth, has become a tradition at America�s "Shrine of Democracy," drawing 20,000 spectators. And, last year, the event was shared with 10 million television viewers nationwide via satellite feed.

Just last month, Wenk was promoted within the National Park Service and left South Dakota. He now directs the Denver Service Center, which is responsible for all major planning, design and construction projects throughout the Park Service.

Like one of his co-workers put it: "Look out, because his career is like a rocket and he�s headed for the top!"

Gov. Janklow presented the A.H. Pankow Award to Adrian Pratt, president and publisher of the Aberdeen American News. This annual award honors a member of the media who demonstrates exceptional coverage of South Dakota�s visitor  industry. 
                       
The staff of the American News, the state�s third-largest newspaper, was noted for providing consistent coverage of South Dakota attractions, events and destinations and stimulating travel by South Dakota residents and visitors. 

Full House Inc. of Deadwood received the third award of the evening. The George S. Mickelson Great Service Award honors a business or organization dedicated to excellence in customer service. 

Full House Inc. owns a hotel and gaming establishments in Deadwood. Last year, 185 of the company�s employees attended customer-service training workshops. In addition, 34 of them received Governor�s Certificates of Recognition through a program administered by the Department of Tourism. The company awarded employees for exemplary service with $50 gift certificates and in-house recognition. 

All three awards were presented during a banquet hosted by the South Dakota Department of Tourism.

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Contact
South Dakota Department of Tourism
Mary Stadick Smith
(605) 773-3301

Also See Outstanding Service Awards Presented to South Dakota Visitor Industry Leaders; Travel Spending Reaches New High in 2000 / Jan 2001 


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