2017 Heritage Award Recipient

The Brockelsby Family

The Brockelsby Family founded The Black Hills’ Reptile Gardens® in 1937 and today, the popular Midwest tourist attraction is still under ownership of the same family. Today, Reptile Gardens hosts more species of reptiles than any other park or zoo in the world. Since its founding, the Garden has provided a great entertainment experience for literally millions of visitors.

Visit our feature article about Reptile Gardens to learn more about their 80 year history.

Learn more by visiting www.reptilegardens.com.

2017 Vicki Clarke Business of the Year

The Thompson Family

H.A. Thompson & Sons is a fourth generation family business headquartered in Bismarck, North Dakota, in the plumbing, heating, air conditioning and mechanical rehabilitation industry. Starting with the lone founder Harry A. Thompson, the business has grown to 86 employees at five locations. The company has a history of financially supporting community groups and causes including the public schools, the symphony, the aquatics center and the Children’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Learn more by visiting www.hatandsons.com