Gov. Kelly Armstrong joined North Dakota Department of Commerce and North Dakota Destination Marketing Association of North Dakota (DMAND) representatives in presenting seven travel and tourism awards.

Schoenrock received the Legend Award for her exceptional leadership in the tourism industry. With 20 years of experience in tourism marketing at KK Bold, the State Fair and Visit Minot, Schoenrock gained valuable public and private sector insights, according to the awards information from the Department of Commerce.

As the director of Visit Minot, she has shown problem-solving skills and collaboration, packaging and cross promoting the Highway 2 corridor and leading multiple projects in downtown Minot. Her efforts have made downtown Minot a destination, and she has also worked on the Union Silos Project, Norsk Hostfest, the North Dakota State Fair and launched a new website, the Commerce Department stated.

Along with her innovative and resilient planning for this year’s Travel Industry Conference, her leadership in merging DMAND and Travel Alliance Partnership is credited with creating a more impactful voice for North Dakota’s travel and tourism industry. Her dedication and vision have significantly contributed to the growth and success of tourism in the region.

Kelly Sorge with Indian Hills Resort, left, stands with Gov. Kelly Armstrong following the presentation of the Heritage Award for a Front-line Tourism Employee at the North Dakota Travel Industry Conference in Minot Wednesday

Schoenrock credited the vision of the Visit Minot board and support from her staff for enabling the accomplishments that she has led. She also voiced gratitude to fellow tourism industry professionals.

“We don’t settle. We expect more, and we have a relentless drive to keep improving,” she said.

Among other award recipients was Kelly Sorge, owner of Indian Hills Resort, Garrison, who received the Heritage Award for a Front-line Tourism Employee.

Sorge represents the third generation of family ownership, building a reputation for exceptional service at Lake Sakakawea, according to the Commerce Department information. Her dedication to the tourism industry and ability to enhance visitor experiences have left a lasting impression on guests for more than four decades.

Her proactive approach to solving problems and developing resort amenities ensures guests have access to well-maintained facilities. Her community engagement and efforts to promote the Lake Sakakawea area have contributed to the overall growth of tourism. Her natural ability to connect with guests and her passion for service make her a trusted resource for visitors. Sorge’s exceptional dedication and unwavering commitment to ensuring every guest has a memorable experience make her a standout figure in the tourism industry, the awards information stated.

Brock White, right, marketing manager for Watford City tourism, holds the Amplifier Award for Marketing Excellence presented by Gov. Kelly Armstrong, left, at the North Dakota Travel Industry Conference in Minot Wednesday.

Brock White, who manages marketing for Watford City, received the Amplifier Award for Marketing Excellence.

White has been a driving force in elevating Watford City’s profile through innovative marketing and communication strategies, the Commerce Department stated in the award information. His creative initiatives, such as the Living in McKenzie County Podcast, The Watford Minute and the Watford City YouTube Channel, have significantly increased the city’s visibility and fostered a strong sense of community.

His efforts have attracted new residents and visitors while strengthening local pride and engagement. His strategic marketing for Fox Hills Golf Course and the Rough Rider Center has further highlighted Watford City as a vibrant destination. White’s use of digital media has effectively connected the community and showcased the city’s unique charm and growth. His dedication to enhancing community identity and driving action has established Watford City as a new standard for marketing excellence in North Dakota, the award information continued.

The Sakakawea Award for a Behind-the-Scenes Tourism Employee went to Deanne Cunningham, Commerce’s Visitor Sales and Services manager.

Cunningham has made a profound impact on the state’s tourism industry over her 26-year career, the Commerce Department stated. Known for her dedication and expertise in group travel, Cunningham has developed meticulous itineraries and facilitated familiarization tours, building strong partnerships with local tourism entities.

During her 26 years at North Dakota tourism, Cunningham has provided trip planning assistance to thousands and worked with hundreds of tour operators on itineraries throughout the state. Her focus on exceptional customer service has driven longer stays and increased visitor spending. Her “can-do” attitude and genuine friendliness are integral to North Dakota’s welcoming image. Her contributions have significantly shaped the tourism landscape, encouraging all to “Be Legendary,” the awards information stated.

The Flint Firestarter Award for a Tourism Development Project went to Jeff and Jennifer Gooss with Wheelchairs and Walleyes.

Their mission to make outdoor lake recreation accessible for everyone, regardless of physical ability, began in Beulah with the construction of the most inclusive wheelchair ramp and lift in the state at Beulah Bay Campground on Lake Sakakawea. This milestone was celebrated with the first-ever Wheelchairs & Walleyes charity tournament and a Children’s Mobility Awareness Day Festival this past July 25.

The impact was immediate, inspiring requests for similar projects across the region, the Commerce Department reported. Jeff and Jennifer Gooss are now partnering with Devils Lake leaders to bring an ADA-accessible ramp and chair lift to Lakewood Park, with future expansions planned for Hazen Bay, on Lake Sakakawea.

Theodore Roosevelt reprisor Joe Weigand received the Trailblazer Award for Tourism Innovation.

Wiegand has significantly boosted awareness and visitation to North Dakota, contributing to the state’s tourism growth, the Commerce Department stated.

His portrayal of President Roosevelt across all 50 U.S. states highlights North Dakota’s historical and cultural richness. Performances at prestigious venues, including the White House and on the History Channel, extend the state’s brand image nationally. Regular appearances in Medora have made him synonymous with Roosevelt, drawing over 6,000 visits per year to his Teddy Roosevelt Show.

With a tireless travel schedule hosting over 100 events annually, he positions himself as a key ambassador for North Dakota. His efforts include engaging with K-12 education and children’s hospitals, promoting North Dakota’s heritage. Dedication to connecting with tourists and fostering community pride makes him a vital figure in North Dakota’s tourism industry, the awards information stated.

Darian Morsette, former Mandan Hidatsa Arikara tourism director, also was posthumously awarded the Wade Westin Award for his leadership in tourism prior to his death last December.

“Tourism is a vital part of North Dakota’s economy, and we are honored to celebrate these exceptional leaders who work tirelessly to promote and enhance our legendary state,” Armstrong said in a news release. “Their creativity and dedication are key to attracting millions of visitors each year. We owe much to the more than 3,000 businesses and over 45,000 individuals in the travel industry who make North Dakota unique, create unforgettable experiences and contribute to our economic diversity.”