On October 24, Prairie Family Business Association (an outreach center of the Beacom School of Business at the University of South Dakota) hosted the Tom Didier Excellence in Family Business Award and Legacy Tour in Rapid City, SD. Conrad’s Big “C” Electric, Inc. was honored as the 2016 Tom Didier Excellence in Family Business Award recipient. The Conrad Family has owned and operated Big “C” Electric since 1981. Second generation family member Ron Conrad presently leads the company of 21 employees.

Over 100 attendees witnessed the celebration and award presentation. Attendees also included several past recipients of the Tom Didier Excellent in Family Business Award. The Conrad Family spoke of their pride in the longevity of their employees and how they treat their employees.

The evening included a legacy tour of the Coca-Cola Bottling Company High Country, hosted by third generation leader of the Messinger Family, Tura Synhorst. Following the tour, an award reception and presentation was held at the Hotel Alex Johnson.

The Tom Didier Excellence in Family Business Award was established in 1994, to acknowledge the importance of family-owned businesses to the economy and the region. This award recognizes multi-generational family businesses with practices and policies that positively impact local business, as well as the neighboring community.

Prairie Family Business Association was founded in 1993 as a South Dakota family business initiative through the University of South Dakota Beacom School of Business with the mission of enhancing the long-term survival and success of its family business members.