Sept. 19, 2019

This paid piece is sponsored by the South Dakota Retailers Association.

Are you walking the red carpet down Aisle 4?

Sipping champagne at the six-top by the window? Because it’s awards season in South Dakota! We’re not talking Emmys or Oscars but rather retailers and restaurants.

For almost 40 years, the South Dakota Retailers Association has been recognizing businesses across the state that stand out in the minds of shoppers and diners.

“For many South Dakota businesses, Retailer of the Year or Restaurant of the Year is one of their most valued awards,” said executive director Nathan Sanderson. “These honors are our small way of saying ‘thank you’ for helping to make our communities great places to live, work and raise a family.”

In 1979, Huron businessman Harlyn H. Hedblom of Hedblom the Clothier was honored as the first Retailer of the Year. It became an annual award in 1982 when Lynn Feist, owner of Lynn’s SuperValu grocery stores — now Lynn’s Dakotamart — received the honor.

In the 27 years since, the Retailers Association has presented awards to 52 businesses, including notable Sioux Falls establishments Nyberg’s Ace Hardware and J&L Harley-Davidson.

Earlier this year, the community-service activities of J&L Harley-Davidson, founded by Jim and Lonnie Entenman and now owned by Joe and Jimmy Entenman, sparked the need for a new Community Service Award to recognize businesses that go above and beyond to give back.

The Entenman family of Sioux Falls received SDRA’s inaugural Community Service Award in 2019. From left to right: Jimmy Entenman, Anna Entenman-Fey, founder Jim Entenman Sr., SDRA Board President Terry Van De Walle, Jim Entenman and SDRA Executive Director Nathan Sanderson.

The Entenmans were recognized for their involvement in several community activities, including Hot Harley Nights, Bike Night, Special Olympics, Make-A-Wish and other events that support veterans, children, first responders and families in need.

“We are proud to have the Entenmans as longtime members of the South Dakota Retailers Association,” Sanderson said. “Our businesses love giving back to their communities, and J&L exemplifies that spirit.”

In January 2020, the Retailers Association will present awards for Retailer of the Year, Restaurant of the Year and Community Service and is currently accepting nominations.

Is a business in your community making it a better place by sponsoring a Main Street event or supporting youth sports? Which restaurant, cafe or diner comes to mind when you want to treat yourself? Where do you feel welcome as soon as the entrance door dings?

If one — or two or three! — of your favorite businesses come to mind, tell them thanks by nominating them for an award. Recipients will be selected in December and honored at the South Dakota Retailers Association annual meeting Jan. 13, 2020, at the Ramkota Hotel in Pierre.

Access the nomination form at sdra.org/awards.