HURON The Huron Chamber and Visitors Bureau and Greater Huron Development Corporation joined on Tuesday evening to present their annual awards and recognition in the Huron community.
The event consisted of a dinner, a desert dash fundraiser, and the awards presentation. Arin Winger was the emcee.
This years award recipients:
Ambassador of the Year – Brenda Jager
The Ambassador of the Year award recognizes the Huron Chamber Ambassador who exemplifies the mission of the Huron Chamber & Visitors Bureau. The award is based on involvement in Chamber events and with Chamber members.
Huron Chamber Ambassadors volunteer their time to promote Huron and work to help local businesses achieve a feeling of true community support. They attend ribbon cuttings, mixers, and volunteer at Chamber events. Ambassadors dedicate time to make contacts with member prospects and our current Chamber members multiple times throughout the year to offer support and encouragement.
Brenda Jager has been named the 2024 Ambassador of the Year! As the Huron Event Center Manager, Brenda has dedicated 23 years to serving as a Chamber Ambassador. Her unwavering commitment shines through as she consistently attends nearly all Ambassador events, including meetings, ribbon cuttings, and mixers. If youve attended a monthly mixer, youve likely seen Brenda warmly welcoming guests at check-in.
The Ambassador Committee serves as an extension of the Chamber staff, providing resources, addressing member concerns, and gathering valuable input. Brenda has excelled in this role, meeting with all her assigned business contacts in 2024 as well as in past years.
In 2024, the 20-member Ambassador Committee had a busy year, hosting 28 ribbon cuttings for new Chamber member businesses or members that moved into a new location, expanded, remodeled, or are celebrating a milestone anniversary. They also spotlighted 10 members who hosted mixers throughout the year.
Brendas dedication and strong support for the Chamber have made her an invaluable part of this dynamic group. Congratulations, Brenda Jager, on this well-deserved recognition!
Volunteer of the Year – Gayle Bussell
Gayle Bussell is a devoted volunteer, recognizable by her genuine smile and laugh. She has been a loyal Tiger basketball fan and a familiar face in bowling alleys for more than 55 years. She started working at Community First Bank at 18 and retired at 65, maintaining her dedication to the bank through its name changes.
Her unwavering passion for volunteering has benefited numerous groups in Huron. She has a 30-year perfect attendance record with the Huron Kiwanis Club and has served as treasurer, vice president, and president.
She has volunteered for various causes, including Meals on Wheels, Kiwanis Pancake House, and Salvation Army Christmas Baskets.
She was a valuable member of the HHS Athletic Hall of Fame committee and the Chamber Sports and Rec Committee. She tirelessly worked at events in the Huron Arena, including state tournaments and the Shrine Circus. She also managed ticket takers for the State Cheerleading Competition and the Dakota Oyate Challenge.
For over 40 years, she has been involved with the Huron Bowling Association and served on local and state bowling boards. She was inducted into the Huron Womens Bowling Hall of Fame and the South Dakota State Womens Bowling Hall of Fame in 2018.
She has volunteered with the Delta Dental Bus and assisted with the required paperwork. She participated in the annual Day of Action and Day of Caring. Her decades of selfless service make her a deserving recipient of the Chamber Volunteer of the Year Award.
Rising Star Award – Justin Picek
The Huron Chamber & Visitors Bureau is honored to present Justin Picek with the second annual Rising Star Award. This prestigious award was established to recognize and celebrate young leaders who are making a meaningful impact in Huron through their involvement in local governance, community initiatives, youth sports, and economic development efforts that benefit our region.
Justin pursued his education at South Dakota State University, earning a degree in construction management with a minor in business. His journey in the construction industry began at a young age, starting as a gofer in the family businessrunning errands and learning the trade from the ground up. At just 11 years old, his grandfather taught him one of the most fundamental skills in construction: how to sweep. As soon as he was old enough to drive, he spent his summers working full-time under the guidance of his father and grandfather, both highly skilled construction managers known for their impeccable reputations in the community.
Upon graduating in 2011, Justin officially joined Picek Construction, receiving a salary and benefits. After working closely with his father for a year, he transitioned into running the business under his father Larrys supervision. By 2012, Justin had taken full ownership of the companya remarkable achievement that ensured a seamless transition while maintaining the companys high standards of excellence in both commercial and residential construction.
Beyond his professional success, Justin remains deeply committed to his community. A passionate hockey player in his youth, he has dedicated the past eight years to coaching young athletes, currently working with the Bantam level. His contributions extend beyond the rink, having served six years on the board of Greater Huron Development, where he gained valuable insights into economic growth initiatives. Additionally, since 2016, he has been an active member of the HRMC Board, where he has held roles as secretary and treasurer. His expertise in construction has been invaluable to the HRMC Board of Directors Finance and Construction Committees, where he transitioned from a committee member to an owners representative on several key hospital and clinic construction projects, ensuring the communitys best interests were upheld.
Justin and his wife, Becky, are proud parents to two sons, Owen and Levi. His dedication to his family, profession, and community exemplifies the spirit of the Rising Star Award, and we are proud to recognize his contributions to Hurons continued growth and success.
Distinguished Civil Service Award – Peggy and Steve Besch
Steve and Peggy Besch exemplify a life of service, leadership, and community dedication. Their combined efforts have significantly impacted Huron and beyond, making them truly deserving of the Distinguished Civic Service Award.
A native of Whittemore, Iowa, Steve was raised with strong family values, a dedicated work ethic, and a deep appreciation for music. After earning a business degree from Iowa State University, he spent years managing restaurants in Denver, Colo., while also performing as a guitarist and lead vocalist with the bluegrass band Bushwack.
In 1993, Steve relocated to Huron to be closer to family. Over the years, he has held various leadership roles, including co-owner and operator of Legends Restaurant, manager of the Huron Country Club, and production manager at Banner Engineering. For the past 13 years, he has served as sales manager at Overbuilt.
Beyond his professional contributions, Steve has been a cornerstone of Hurons cultural and civic community. For more than three decades, he has shared his musical talents as an acoustic guitarist and lead vocalist for the James River Bluegrass Band. His volunteer efforts span a wide range of community initiatives, including the Red Cross, Huron Chamber & Visitors Bureau, Huron Ringneck Festival, Meals on Wheels, and Salvation Army fundraisers. He is also a dedicated supporter of the South Dakota State Fair and served as President of the 2007 Leadership Huron Class.
Originally from Minneapolis, Peggy has called Huron home for the past 40 years. She has played a pivotal role in the citys development, first during her 23-year tenure with the Huron Chamber & Visitors Bureau, where she served as President and CEO for 14 years, and now as the State Fair Division Director for the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, a position she has held for the past decade.
Peggys leadership extends statewide. She is a Past President and founding member of the South Dakota Convention & Visitors Bureau and the South Dakota Chamber & Economic Development Council. She has also served on numerous boards, including the South Dakota Visitor Industry Alliance, Glacial Lakes & Prairies Regional Tourism Association, Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society, and Mid-America Chamber Executives. She currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Greater Huron Development Corporation and the Jan Manolis Family Safe Center and remains an active member of the Huron Kiwanis Club.
Steve and Peggy met in 1995 and, after nearly two decades together, married in 2014. Their family is a source of immense pride, with three children and six grandchildren:
Together, Steve and Peggy have dedicated their lives to strengthening their community through leadership, volunteerism, and professional excellence. They feel deeply grateful for the opportunities theyve had to serve, collaborate with remarkable people, and contribute to the growth and development of Huron. Their legacy of civic engagement and passion for service makes them outstanding recipients of the Distinguished Civic Service Award.
Mayors Award for Excellence – NTA Ltd.
NTA Ltd is the recipient of this years Mayors Award for Excellence. NTA is a Huron-based refrigeration transportation company hauling to more than 48 states.
It was started in 1986 by Bill Payne and acquired by David and Marlys Van Zee in July of 1994. Brandon and Tyniah Van Zee have taken over ownership and operation of the business, ensuring that NTA will continue as a locally owned company that helps to make the City of Huron a great place to live, work, and play.
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