SD Community Foundation, former legislator from Haakon County receive awards during South Dakota Chamber of Commerce & Industry Trade Day

A Pierre-based philanthropic organization and a former legislator and Haakon County rancher and a former Brown County legislator received recognition this year from the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

During the group’s annual Business and Trade Day at the Legislature (Feb. 22, 2024) in Pierre, the Business Legislative Advocate award was presented to honor the work and many local affiliations of the South Dakota Community Foundation. The award was presented to South Dakota Community Foundation Board Chair Scott Jones.

The Distinguished Legislative Service award recognized what is known as the Cutler-Gabriel Amendment which is the process for determining school general fund levies in South Dakota. Former State Representative and former majority leader Larry Gabriel accepted the award from South Dakota Chamber President David Owen. Steve Cutler was unable to attend.

This year’s Business Day included South Dakota Trade. Luke Lindberg presented their announcement video and discussed international trade with Andrea Thompson, CEO, Dakota State Applied Research Corporation.

SD Chamber President David Owen stated, “Commerce is trade and finding customers or suppliers in other countries can be part of many businesses’ strategy. The South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and Industry is proud to share this evening with a new organization that can help more businesses in South Dakota make international trade part of their success.”