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Rapid City, SD – He comes from generations of stockmen with roots deep in the range country of western South Dakota. She comes from the bright lights and big city of the Chicago area, with a big, expansive heritage in the German/Italian-American community. He enjoys a steak with no frills; she prepares exquisite cuisine including home-made Italian pasta…that he teasingly calls ‘noodles’. Two different personalities from different worlds who together create a partnership that work the Norman Ranches, travel the country looking for good cattle, and who put their resources to work for the Black Hills Stock Show Foundation. It may be Joe and Diane Norman Day in Rapid City on Friday, February 4th and a celebration of the Foundation’s place in the community and region, but it’s business as usual for Joe who serves as Foundation president and Diane, most recently the Foundation’s community relations director, as they work the Stockman’s Club and other venues the Foundation has a presence at during Stock Show Week. “I really didn’t set out with the goal in mind to expand what the Foundation does,” says Joe, who also serves on the Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. “I believe that’s come about because the Foundation does good work as do the folks who serve as volunteers, members and supporters. It’s a combination of those things that have brought measurable growth.” Rapid City Mayor Jim Shaw agrees, recognizing in his Official Proclamation the positive role the Foundation plays in many areas related to stock show. “The ideals of early day visionaries are held strong in the continued efforts of the Black Hills Stock Show Foundation; to build consensus in, grow awareness of, and expand the benefits and services realized from this event that has significant impact, not just to Rapid City but to the surrounding region as well.” He adds, “Joe and Diane Norman (who have also been recipients of the Rapid City Council’s Citizens of the Month recognition) show leadership and vision in raising the awareness of the interdependence between the Rapid City community and business interests and our rural neighbors.” The Mayor and event organizers representing the Black Hills Stock Show and Central States Fair, Sutton Rodeos and the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center will join with Foundation directors, family and friends in recognizing the Norman’s during the Fri., February 4 evening PRCA rodeo performance. The Norman family who settled in this area in 1881, has a long history with the early day organization of the Black Hills Winter Show, the precursor to today’s nationally known event and years of service on various committees and projects. For years, the father/son team of Joe (an agricultural business graduate of South Dakota State University) and his dad, Don Norman, clerked sales and served on committees and boards that were involved with the evolution of the show in one way or another. Don, who is an inductee into the Black Hills Stock Show Hall of Fame, remains highly regarded in stock show circles – the type of person who served as readily in leadership positions such as president of the Central States Fair, as the person who could be found in the barns, tying stalls. “That’s Joe,” says John Johnson, among the founders of the Black Hills Stock Show Foundation and current director. “When there’s a job to do, it gets done. He and Diane are both examples of what it means to pitch in and to envision better programs, more involvement, the benefits of networking within the community and region, building relationships with the multiple organizers of this event – not just during stock show, but year round.” The end result, after a decade of service to the non profit organization, (the last eight years as president), are programs that help sustain and grow the number and amounts of annual scholarships as well as a community grant structure that allows for ready response to rural initiatives, whether in helping volunteer fire departments or assisting with building capital campaigns that have been a part of seeing research extension centers and rural health care facilities built. “When I visit with students and families who have benefited from the Foundation’s five-state scholarship programs, I am reminded of the Foundation’s purpose,” says Diane Norman. “When we give something back from the basis of an event that provides entertainment and industry to so many, then I believe we’re on the right track.” Johnson agrees. “It’s about playing some small part in helping make opportunities a reality, whether it’s in education or supporting continued access to rural health care services. You can’t put a dollar value on the ways these things touch people’s lives - nor should we.” Connie Weishaar, Reva, a long-time Foundation director, characterizes the Norman’s as, “work horses and deeply committed to the Foundation. “Diane is an idea person. In her capacity as community relations director for the Foundation, she energizes much of what the Foundation does. For her, nothing is insurmountable. More and more people are coming to know what the Foundation represents, what its objectives are and are making the decision to be a part of it mission. It represents progress that is a direct result of her efforts.” It’s those results that Johnson and others who represent and support the
Black Hills Stock Show Foundation consider, while extending a public thank you
to the couple. “When I think back to where we started and where we’re at today,
we’ve accomplished some things. Joe and Diane have been an integral part of
that.” |
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Celebrating the Black
Hills Stock Show Foundation