BROOKINGS — More than 300 business leaders, community partners, and residents gathered at the Dacotah Bank Center for the 2026 Annual Celebration and Taste of Brookings, where the Brookings Regional Growth Alliance introduced its new brand, recognized community award winners, celebrated Leadership Brookings graduates, and premiered the new Spirit of Brookings video.
The event highlighted the strength and momentum of the Brookings region through business recognition, tourism awards, leadership development, and a unified vision for regional growth through the Growth Alliance.
A highlight of the evening included recognition of outstanding individuals and organizations making an impact in the community:
• Ambassador of the Year: Kayla Gullickson
• Hospitality Hero Award: Nicole Winesky, Garner Hotel
• Larson Family Tourism Champion Award: Pheasant Restaurant & Lounge
The evening also celebrated Brookings’ culinary community through the Taste of Brookings awards. Participating restaurants included Craft Chophouse & Lounge, Dacotah Bank Center, Pheasant Restaurant & Lounge, Shorty’s Hot Box, and Sodexo. Award winners included:
• People’s Choice Entrée: Pheasant Restaurant & Lounge
• People’s Choice Dessert: Craft Chophouse & Lounge
• Golden Fork Award: Dacotah Bank Center
• Silver Spoon Award: Pheasant Restaurant & Lounge
The event also recognized the first-year success of the Brookings Tourism Ambassador Program, with 67 community members earning certification focused on enhancing visitor experience and customer service. Leadership Brookings Class of 2026 graduates were recognized for their commitment to growing as leaders across industries including business, healthcare, education, public service, and nonprofit work.
Attendees also viewed the premiere of the new Spirit of Brookings video, highlighting the people, businesses, and community partnerships driving the region forward.
A major milestone of the evening included the official introduction of the Brookings Regional Growth Alliance brand, created by UpFrame Creative. Formed through the consolidation of four legacy organizations—Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce, Brookings Economic Development Corporation, Downtown Brookings, and Visit Brookings—the Growth Alliance represents a unified approach and coordinated strategy to support regional growth.
The program opened with remarks from Board President Laci Dahl Thompson and Vice Chair Jamison Lamp, who emphasized the importance of partnership and shared vision in advancing the region. CEO Lori Frederick closed the program by reinforcing a clear and focused mission: support businesses, support community growth, and support the people and partnerships driving the Brookings region forward. Frederick emphasized collaboration, alignment, and long-term opportunity across the region.
The Growth Alliance extends appreciation to participating restaurants, sponsors, and attendees whose support made the event possible. Specifically, thank you to gold level sponsors Brookings Commercial Lease, Hitch Studio, UpFrame Creative, and Kerry’s Landscaping and Irrigation. Thank you also to Platinum and Event Sponsor, Falcon Plastics.
More information about the Brookings Regional Growth Alliance visit www.growthalliance.org.
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