2026 // Vol. 7 // Issue No. 7
By Michelle Pawelski
GLENN’S GUIDE TO THE JULY ISSUE OF ELEVATE
Every community has a story, and the businesses, organizations, and leaders featured in this issue are helping write Rapid City’s next chapter.
In this issue of Elevate, you will meet the recipients of the 2026 Elevate Business Awards. You'll discover the organizations and individuals whose vision, innovation, and commitment are strengthening our economy and improving quality of life across the region.
Together, they represent the resilience, generosity, and entrepreneurial spirit that continue to make Rapid City a place where businesses thrive, opportunities grow, and communities come together. Their stories are a reminder that our region’s success is built one business, one idea, and one act of leadership at a time.
PHOTOGRAPHY
605-399-4277
NMLS #648733
Elevate
PO Box 747 Rapid City, SD 57709 605.343.1744
elevaterapidcity.com
INTERIM CEO
Todd Kenner
INTERIM COO
Darren Haar
SR WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT & PARTNERSHIPS DIRECTOR
Taylor Davis
SR MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS DIRE CTOR
Shiloh Francis
SR PUBLIC POLICY DIRECTOR
Garth Wadsworth
SR BUSINESS
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Kallie Ruland
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Liz Highland
CREATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR
Bailey Sadowsky
SPECIAL PROJECTS
DIRECTOR
Laura Jones
ECOSYSTEM SUPPORT & PROPERTY MANAGER
Loni Reichert
BUSINESS PROSPECT MANAGER
Drew Staufer
EVENTS & MARKETING MANAGER
Kamryn Wainwright
INVESTOR SALES MANAGER
Adam Braun
WORKFORCE PROGRAMS MANAGER
Krystal Bresnahan
EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Ashley Simonson
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS • PROVEN SERVICE SINCE 1976
This year marks 50 years of architecture, partnerships, and purposedriven design for Architecture Incorporated. Since 1976, we’ve been committed to creating meaningful spaces through Creative Solutions and Proven Service.
As we celebrate this milestone, we’re also excited to introduce a refreshed brand identity and new logo that reflects our continued growth and forwardlooking vision.
While our look is evolving, our commitment to thoughtful design, strong relationships, and quality service remains the same.
EVENTS 2026 JULY
July 1–5
REAL AMERICA BIRTHDAY BASH FESTIVAL
Main Street Square to Memorial Park visitrapidcity.com
July 1
RAPID CITY BMX – AMERICANA Rapid City BMX rapidcitybmx.com
July 2
FIREWORKS: POST 22 BASEBALL Fitzgerald Stadium post22baseball.com
REAL AMERICA BIRTHDAY BASH PARADE
Main Street Square to Memorial Park visitrapidcity.com
SUMMER NIGHTS
Downtown Rapid City rapidcitysummernights.com
July 3
MOUNT RUSHMORE FIREWORKS
Mount Rushmore National Memorial travelsouthdakota.com
July 4
FIREWORKS: ARROWHEAD COUNTRY CLUB
Arrowhead Country Club arrowheadccrc.com
July 5
AMERICA 250 FREEDOM RUN 5K MEMORIAL PARK raceroster.com/events
July 7
SPLASH LAB: SUMMER STEAM SERIES Main Street Square visitrapidcity.com/event
July 9
DRIVE BY NIGHT
Main Street Square facebook.com/Drivebynightt
July 11
SPECIAL OLYMPICS
WEST RIVER EQUESTRIAN Central States Fair & Rodeo sosd.org/competitions
TYNAN TIME TOUR
The Box thebox.live/events
July 18–19
HILLS ALIVE Memorial Park lifelight.org/hills-alive
July 23
THE WILT BROTHERS BAND Main Street Square
July 25–26
ANNUAL GEM & MINERAL SHOW
Central States Fair & Rodeo wdgms.org/show
July 30
LUKE BRYAN WORD ON THE STREET TOUR
The Monument themonument.live/events
Events are curated with the most accurate information available at the time of print. Please check the event website for full details or changes.
Introducing Mined for Design.
PREMIUM COUNTERTOPS. THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED. EXPERTLY INSTALLED.
Mined for Design is proud to bring a fresh approach to countertops. From selection to fabrication and installation, everything is handled in-house to deliver beautiful results and an exceptional experience.
IN-HOUSE START TO FINISH
Template Fabrication Installation
QUICK TURNAROUND TIMES
Beautiful results without the long wait
PREMIUM MATERIALS
Quartz Quartzite Marble
Porcelain Granite More
Work with Someone Who Gets It.
Nicole Mitzel Years of countertop industry experience. Known for her eye for design, attention to detail, and commitment to outstanding customer service.
WE LOVE OUR WRITERS
MICHELLE PAWELSKI
WHAT SONG IS GETTING THE MOST PLAYS IN YOUR CAR LATELY?
With the nice weather, we’ve been jamming out to “I Just Want to Shine” by Fitz and the Tantrums on the way to school. It’s a great song to get you pumped for the day.
WHAT'S A HIDDEN GEM BUSINESS OR SPOT IN YOUR TOWN THAT DESERVES WAY MORE ATTENTION?
I may be a little biased since I work at South Dakota Mines, but the Museum of Geology is a first-class natural history museum that features fossils from creatures that once roamed the state plus an amazing collection of minerals.
IF YOU HAD TO SHOW A FIRST-TIME VISITOR ONE THING ABOUT THE RAPID CITY AREA, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
The Greenway! We have this amazing park system meandering through Rapid City created out of one of the community’s worst tragedies.
WHERE DO YOUR BEST IDEAS COME FROMSHOWER, DRIVE, WALKS?
Oh boy, definitely on my morning runs. I always come home and tell my husband “I was thinking…” He rolls his eyes and knows he will be roped into something.
WHAT DOES A PERFECT DAY OFF LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
Morning run with my pups listening to some 90s hip hop, relaxing cup of coffee (or mimosa), family hike on a new trail we have yet to explore, and movie or game night at home with Elk’s popcorn – although I rarely have a full day off from some sort of activity.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Mark Houston
PUBLIC SERVICE DIRECTOR
Leslie Cline
IT/ENGINEERING
Chris Jaques
PRODUCER
Amber Clement
Rapid City Business Journal is a weekly show and a business news website produced by Elevate Rapid City and The HomeSlice Group. We strive to produce daily and weekly business news supporting Rapid City, The Black Hills, and South Dakota.
333 West Boulevard Ste. 200 Rapid City, SD 57709
605.343.6161
rapidcitybusinessjournal.com
PRODUCTION
Oakley Tye
PROMOTIONS
Mitchell Stafford
WEBSITE DESIGN
Chris Hornick
DATA MANAGEMENT
Josh Partridge
OPERATIONS
Toni Kinney
THE CAST
M ark Houston
Amy Rose
Mitchell Stafford
Oakley Tye
Brandon Jones
Gary Matthews
Francie Ganje
Another HomeSlice Audio Production
Nanna's Café & Bread Co.
What began with frustration, determination, and just $250 has grown into one of Rapid City’s most inspiring small business success stories.
Tyrell and Joanna Jones founded Nanna’s Cafe & Bread Company with a simple but powerful belief: gluten-free and dairy-free food should be every bit as delicious, fresh, and enjoyable as any other meal. Starting in their home kitchen, they built a loyal following through neighbors, homeschool families, and local farmers markets before opening Rapid City’s only dedicated gluten-free restaurant in June 2024.
By creating a fully controlled, cross-contamination-free environ-
ment, Nanna’s provides more than great food, it offers peace of mind for individuals with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities. In less than two years, the business has completed more than 11,000 transactions, generated over $400,000 in revenue, and grown to a team of eight employees.
Now located at Uptown Rapid and exploring future franchise opportunities through Nanna’s House, Tyrell and Joanna continue to prove that dietary restrictions should never mean sacrificing flavor, quality, or community. Their story shows the power of passion, persistence, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
EMERGING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Photos submitted.
For nearly 60 years, Aspen Federal Credit Union has helped members build stronger financial futures. Now, its newly renovated West Main Street branch reflects that same long-term commitment to the community it serves.
Founded in Rapid City in 1966, Aspen FCU’s is guided by a simple mission: Enriching Lives Through Financial Growth. That philosophy shaped every aspect of the branch transformation, from the modern exterior and updated landscaping to the warm, welcoming interior designed to make members feel at home.
The renovation brings new life to a familiar corner of West Main Street, enhancing the corridor with thoughtful design, improved lighting, and community-focused aesthetics.
BEAUTIFICATION ASPEN FEDERAL
Inside, natural light, contemporary finishes, and inviting gathering spaces create an experience that feels personal rather than transactional.
This is not Aspen FCU’s first recognition for investing in its facilities. The organization earned a Beautification Award when the branch was originally constructed in 2009. By reinvesting in the space nearly two decades later, Aspen demonstrates a continued commitment to excellence, stewardship, and the long-term vitality of Rapid City.
More than a renovation, the project is a reflection of Aspen Federal Credit Union’s enduring dedication to its members and the community it has proudly served for generations.
BEAUTIFICATION AWARD CREDIT UNION
BEST PLACE TO WORK YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
RESPEC AWARD
Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Rapid City, RESPEC is a 100% employee-owned engineering consulting firm serving energy, mining, water, infrastructure, and technology markets across North America. With more than 650 employee-owners in over 30 locations, the company has built a culture where ownership, responsibility, and leadership begin early in a career.
Young professionals at RESPEC are empowered to lead projects, manage client relationships, mentor interns, and contribute to strategic initiatives from the start. That investment in emerging leaders has produced impressive results, including multiple South Dakota Young Engineer of the Year and American Council of Engineering Companies Young Professional of the Year honorees.
Professional growth remains a top priority. In 2025 alone, RESPEC invested more than $650,000 in employee development through conferences, certifications, and continuing education opportunities, helping team members expand their skills and advance their careers.
The company’s commitment to leadership extends beyond the workplace as well. Last year, RESPEC employees contributed nearly 1,200 volunteer hours to community organizations and causes, demonstrating a culture rooted in service and impact.
By empowering the next generation of professionals to lead today, RESPEC has created a workplace where growth, ownership, and innovation thrive together.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS BEST PLACE TO WORK
605.394.6400 respec.com
Photos submitted.
AWARD GEORGE MARNIE HERRMANN
For Marnie Herrmann, community service isn't another obligation; it’s simply a way of life, one that began early on for the South Dakota native.
As the oldest of five and the daughter of a civic-minded woman, Marnie grew up involved in everything.
“My mom volunteered us for a lot of things,” Marnie said. “She was very busy and active in a lot of community events, organizations, and also founded a lot of things.”
Her mother, a Custer city council member and community leader, helped launch traditions that still endure today, including the city’s Parade of Lights, the first in the Black Hills, and what eventually evolved into the internationally known Buffalo Round Up Arts Festival, but a fall festival she started with a group of friends at the old rodeo grounds.
“She inspired me a lot,” Marnie said. “That is just what you did. You have your job, your family and then you have giving back to your community.”
With that as her foundation, Marnie has spent decades helping shape Rapid City and the Black Hills through volunteer leadership, economic development, healthcare governance and youth-focused organizations.
Shortly after graduating from the University of Oregon with a bachelor’s degree in journalism with an emphasis in public relations and marketing, Marnie and her husband, Doug, moved to Nebraska so he could attend graduate school. Marnie, pregnant with their first daughter Kelly, got a job with a marketing agency and, like her mother taught her, began involvement in her new community. During her time in Lincoln, Marnie served on the board of directors of the Lincoln Downtown Association and on the board for a small Montessori school her daughters attended.
The family of four moved back to the Black Hills in the late 1990s after Doug received an offer from then South Dakota Gov. Bill Janklow to run the STAR Academy, the former state-run juvenile corrections and treatment facility, in Custer.
The family has been in the Black Hills since.
Today, Marnie serves as the chief banking officer and chairman of the board for Security First Bank, a company she has been with since 1999.
Alongside her professional career, her community leadership has also flourished.
2026 GEORGE AWARD
The George Award was established by the Chamber of Commerce and named after George Weedman, a man who never sat back and waited for someone else to step up. This award recognizes an individual who has spent a lifetime going above and beyond for Rapid City. Not for a title. Not for applause. Just because showing up for this community is who they are.
By Michelle Pawelski
GEORGE
One of her earliest leadership opportunities in Rapid City came through Youth and Family Services after longtime leader Shirley Stec asked her to join the board. She served on the board for two decades including a term as president. “That was a fantastic experience,” Marnie said, adding that it gave her a chance to meet and work with “great influencers and pillars of the community.”
Over the years, she served on numerous boards and committees. If someone reached out and Marnie felt she could benefit the organization, she said “yes.”
“Rapid City is a great size where anyone can make an impact,” she said. “If it’s important to you that the city is a safe place to live, or that we have great schools, or if it is important to you that there are entertainment options and that we have a vibrant community – there are ways to get involved.”
And it can just be a small gesture – joining your homeowner’s association or picking up trash in the neighborhood or parks.
“There are an infinite number of big and small things that you can do to make where you live just a bit better for you, your family, and for everybody else,” Marnie said. “I just think there is some joy in that, and who doesn’t need a little more joy in their life every day.”
And for Marnie, being involved with the community where she lives and works is fun.
“It’s fun to work together with people and see, how do we make things better, economically better, socially better – all the aspects of our shared humanity- How can we make things better for all of us today and into the future.” *
MARNIE HERRMANN
2026 GRANITE AWARD
Created to honor a business that is a true community pillar, this award goes to a business that has been part of Rapid City for at least 10 years and has been instrumental to the overall economic well-being of our region. Solid, reliable, enduring. Granite.
For more than 50 years, Monument Health has been woven into the fabric of western South Dakota, caring for generations of families through life’s most joyful moments, its greatest challenges, and everything in between. From welcoming newborns and routine checkups to comfort during difficult diagnoses, the regional health system has become far more than a healthcare provider, it has become a cornerstone of the Black Hills community.
Today, Monument Health serves communities across western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming through five hospitals, dozens of clinics
andspecialtylocationsanda workforceofmorethan6,300 employees,thelargestemployerinthearea.Asthelargest healthcaresysteminwestern SouthDakota,itsimpactextendsfarbeyondpatientcare.
ForPauletteDavidson,presidentandchiefexecutiveofficer, MonumentHealth’sstrength andgrowththroughoutthe yearscomesfromitspeople anditsunwaveringcommitmenttoservingtheregion.
“Ithinkthededicationand commitmentofourcaregivers andphysiciansisincredible,” Paulettesaid.“It’sdefinitelya specialbreedofcaringpeople
MONUMENT HEALTH
that come to Monument Health, that bring their best to work every day, work through difficult challenges and they find it fulfilling.”
It’s the full Monument Health team from housekeepers, valets and volunteers to food service staff, nurses and physicians, that help carry out the organization’s mission of making a difference every day.
That mission is the guiding principle for every decision made and is reflected in the work caregivers and physicians do for patients and families throughout the region.
Paulette describes healthcare organizations as essential to creating resilient communities.
“I think when you have available health care where families can get care close to home and they are not driving to Denver or Minneapolis for the majority of their care, it allows a community to grow to be resilient,” she said.
Throughout its five decades serving the region, Monument Health has continued to expand its healthcare options, growing with the needs of its community and its patients. The organization now offers more than 30 medical specialties and has invested more than $600 million in facilities, equipment and services designed to keep patients closer to home. Those investments include a nationally recognized cancer center, expanded specialty care offerings, and partnerships with leading healthcare organizations
GRANITE
such as Mayo Clinic. Monument Health recently expanded its reach even further through its integration with Rapid City Medical Center, creating additional opportunities for patients to receive coordinated care close to home.
That impact is significant. Monument Health generates an estimated $811 million in annual economic activity across the region and contributes approximately $45 million in tax revenue. In addition, Monument Health provided more than $233 million in community benefits, including $91 million in charity care for patients unable to pay for services.
Paulette credits Monument Health’s success to building trust – with the
community, its patients and families and its team of caregivers.
It is the organization’s No. 1 priority moving forward.
For half a century, Monument Health has stood beside families during some of the most important moments of their lives. Through growth, innovation and an unwavering commitment to service, it has become more than a healthcare provider, it has become one of the Black Hills' most enduring community institutions, helping ensure the region remains healthy, vibrant and strong for generations to come. *
By Michelle Pawelski
AWARD
MONUMENT HEALTH
What began in 1948 as just four hours of mental health services each week has grown into the region’s primary behavioral health safety-net provider, serving more than 6,000 individuals annually across a 20,000-square-mile service area. For many residents in the ten counties West River Mental Health serves, access to care begins—and sometimes ends—with this organization.
Throughout its history, West River Mental Health has remained committed to expanding access and meeting the evolving needs of the community. The organization has grown to five locations across the Black Hills, helped establish South Dakota’s first Systems of Care Collaborative, partnered with more than 40 agencies to create the region’s first 24/7 Crisis Care Center,
NON-PROFIT
WEST RIVER MENTAL
opened Pivot Point for rapid adult crisis stabilization, and now administers the New Start Program to support individuals experiencing homelessness.
Behind that impact are more than 185 dedicated employees working every day to provide compassionate, life-changing care. Through ongoing professional development, wellness initiatives, and investment in its workforce, West River Mental Health continues to strengthen the team responsible for carrying out its mission.
From a few hours of care each week to serving thousands of lives each year, West River Mental Health stands as a powerful example of what can happen when a community invests in compassion, dignity, and hope for all.
NON-PROFIT MENTAL HEALTH
Founded in 2014 by Benjamin and Kara Beautiful Bald Eagle, Generation Plumbing is a Native-owned business built on a simple philosophy: provide quality work, fair pricing, and exceptional customer service without hidden fees or unnecessary upselling. That approach has earned the company a loyal customer base and fueled remarkable growth.
Since 2021, Generation Plumbing has more than doubled its workforce, fleet, revenue, and customer reach, expanding from a home-based operation into a team of ten with a dedicated shop and office. Just as important as its business growth is its investment in people. Through a structured paid apprenticeship program, employees receive ongoing training, regular
SMALL BUSINESS GENERATION
advancement opportunities, and support in pursuing professional licenses and longterm careers in the trades.
Beyond the job site, Generation Plumbing is deeply committed to serving the community. The company supports foster families, partners with Community Action to assist low-income households, and works alongside Rockside Ranch to provide employment opportunities and mentorship for men rebuilding their lives.
Today, Generation Plumbing is about far more than fixing pipes. It is a business built on trust, service, and a belief that success is measured not only by growth, but by the positive impact made on employees, customers, and the community.
BUSINESS
PLUMBING
Founded in 1958 by a group of parents determined to create a better future for their children, the organization has grown from a single classroom into a regional leader in disability services. Today, that mission continues through the work of more than 500 employees dedicated to helping individuals achieve their full potential.
Black Hills Works recognizes that exceptional care begins with exceptional people. The organization has built a culture focused on employee well-being, professional growth, and meaningful engagement, offering industry-leading support and creating pathways for staff to develop their careers while making a difference in the lives of others.
CULTURE OF
EXCELLENCE
BLACK HILLS
Those efforts have produced measurable results. In an industry often challenged by high turnover, Black Hills Works has significantly improved employee retention and earned national recognition, including the 2025 UKG National Innovation Award for its workforce development initiatives.
At its core, Black Hills Works understands that when employees feel valued, the people they serve benefit as well. For nearly seven decades, the organization has demonstrated that a culture of compassion, inclusion, and excellence can transform lives and strengthen communities.
EXCELLENCE HILLS WORKS
EXPANSION BUSINESS
Innovative Materials and Processes AWARD
What started as a small research laboratory in 1999 has grown into a nationally recognized advanced manufacturing company helping strengthen America’s defense capabilities from right here in Rapid City.
Founded by Dr. Jan Puszynski, Innovative Materials and Processes (IMP) has evolved from a research and development operation at South Dakota Mines into a cutting-edge manufacturer of advanced ammunition components and defense technologies. Over the past five years, the company has doubled its revenue, secured more than $25 million in out-of-state contracts, and created more than 15 high-paying jobs in the region.
As IMP continues to expand its footprint with new facilities, automated production lines, and additional manufacturing capacity, its commitment to Rapid City remains at the forefront. Through partnerships with South Dakota Mines, local suppliers, and workforce development programs such as SkillBridge, the company is creating opportunities for students, engineers, and transitioning service members to build careers in South Dakota.
More than two decades after its founding, IMP stands as a powerful example of innovation, growth, and the impact a homegrown company can have on both its community and the nation.
BUSINESS EXPANSION OF THE YEAR
605.390.2564 imp-co.com
Photos submitted.
Founded by Craig and Erika Mount in 2018, Nerdy Nuts transformed traditional peanut butter into a dessert-inspired experience, building a loyal following through innovative flavors, engaging storytelling, and a commitment to releasing something new every week. Today, the company boasts more than 500 flavors and a private community of over 40,000 devoted customers across the country.
As the business has grown, so has its investment in people. Nerdy Nuts prioritizes employee development through professional training, leadership opportunities, and a benefits package designed to support long-term success. The company has built a workplace culture focused on growth, innovation, and teamwork.
LARGE BUSINESS NERDY
Beyond its products, Nerdy Nuts is deeply committed to giving back to the community that helped launch its success. The company has supported local schools, youth sports, teachers, small businesses, law enforcement, and families in need, investing hundreds of thousands of dollars into causes that strengthen the region.
From a small Rapid City startup to a nationally recognized brand, Nerdy Nuts continues to prove that creativity, entrepreneurship, and community impact can go hand in hand. With every new flavor, the company is building more than a business—it is creating a legacy rooted in innovation and hometown pride.
BUSINESS
NUTS
THIS IS WHAT KINDNESS LOOKS LIKE.
