WEDC Celebrates Innovation, Homegrown Talent, and Rural Partnership at 2025 Economic Development Awards

The Wall Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) recognized outstanding businesses, entrepreneurs, and partners during its 2025 Economic Development Awards, an evening dedicated to celebrating the vision, grit, and collaboration that continue to strengthen Wall’s economy and community.

The annual awards highlight individuals and organizations whose work elevates Wall—through innovation, investment, and a deep commitment to rural success.

Business Development Award: Fly Badlands – Ana Komar

The 2025 Business Development Award honored Ana Komar, owner of Fly Badlands, for creating a truly one-of-a-kind tourism experience that has elevated Wall’s visitor economy—quite literally.

Komar’s path to Wall has been anything but ordinary. Originally from the East Coast, she has lived and worked across the globe, from the mountains of Peru to cities and jungles throughout Europe and South America. She earned a master’s degree in International Management and Psychology in Germany and later served as a park ranger at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, where she fell in love with the rugged beauty of the Badlands.

An adventurer at heart, Komar lived full-time in a self-built van and worked off-grid constructing hospitals in disaster zones worldwide. During a helicopter evacuation in Haiti, a life-changing moment sparked her dream of becoming a pilot. After years of training and hundreds of flight hours across the Lower 48, that journey ultimately led her to Wall.

Fly Badlands now offers narrated, immersive air tours that showcase the Badlands’ dramatic geology, fossil beds, and cultural history from above—an experience unlike anything else in the region. Her business has expanded Wall’s tourism offerings, drawn visitors from around the world, and shared the magic of the Badlands in a powerful new way.

Her story lifts people—literally and figuratively—and her business continues to lift the Wall community.

Homegrown Success Award: Small Town Glo – Ashton Swift

This year, WEDC introduced a new honor: the Homegrown Success Award, created to recognize entrepreneurs who turn small-town roots into big possibilities. The inaugural award was presented to Ashton Swift, founder of Small Town Glo.

Swift’s business began with a simple but meaningful idea—bringing high-quality, “big-city” beauty services to rural Wall so residents wouldn’t have to travel long distances for self-care. The inspiration was deeply personal, rooted in a family history of skin cancer and a desire to provide safe sunless tanning options.

In March 2024, Swift and her husband traveled to Los Angeles for intensive hands-on training with a celebrity spray-tan artist. While the original plan focused on mobile services, the dream quickly grew into creating a dedicated space for clients to relax and recharge.

After pivoting from an in-home studio plan, Swift found support from last year’s Business Development Award winner, Kim Handcock, who offered space in her boutique. That opportunity allowed Small Town Glo to grow its client base and refine its services.

In May 2025, Swift’s long-term vision became reality with the purchase of 218 5th Avenue in Wall, preserving its original salon and Airbnb layout. The business expanded its services, began operating the Small Town Bungalow Airbnb, and in August 2025 welcomed Chelsie Shearer—becoming a fully licensed cosmetology salon offering hair and waxing services. Most recently, Swift completed advanced piercing training in Phoenix, adding select ear and nose piercings to the menu.

Small Town Glo exemplifies adaptability, resilience, and heart—what it truly means to be homegrown.

Friends of Economic Development Award: Dakota Resources

The Friends of Economic Development Award was presented to Dakota Resources, recognizing three decades of dedication to empowering rural communities across South Dakota—and their meaningful partnership with Wall.

Dakota Resources connects capital and capacity to help rural places thrive through five core programs: Community Development Loans, the Learning Network, RuralX, Community Coaching, and the New Markets Tax Credit program.

In 2025, WEDC’s board participated in Dakota Resources’ BOLD (Building Organizations for Local Development) Program, guided by Kristi Wagner and Paula Jensen. Their energy, insight, and genuine care helped align and strengthen the WEDC board, bringing clarity, focus, and renewed momentum.

Additional recognition was given to Mike Knutson for his leadership in the New Economic Developer cohorts, and to Joe Bartmann, whose open, supportive leadership reflects Dakota Resources’ commitment to rural success. From Coffee Connects to housing and policy discussions, the Dakota Resources team has consistently shown up for Wall.

The award honored not only the organization’s impact, but the people behind it—trusted partners who believe deeply in rural communities.

Community Investment Spotlight: Hansen Inn & Cabins

WEDC also recognized the remarkable reinvestment and transformation of Hansen Inn & Cabins, led by Eric and Natalie Hansen.

In March 2023, the Hansens made a bold decision to purchase Ann’s Motel, launching a new chapter in hospitality. Since then, they have fully renovated all 12 motel rooms and six cabins, upgrading flooring, air conditioning, furnishings, linens, and the lobby, while also blacktopping the parking lot and adding a commercial laundry facility.

In 2024, they introduced a family suite with kitchenette, built an outdoor patio, implemented key-code check-ins, and refreshed building exteriors with sandblasting, staining, and custom tin accents. In 2025, they expanded even further—introducing a “glamping” experience with Conestoga wagons, picnic areas, a bin gazebo with fire pit, and Western-themed features that delight guests.

Supported by family members and manager Savhanna Foy, the Hansens’ investment has paid off. Hansen Inn & Cabins was recently recognized as a Star Location by South Dakota’s Black Hills tourism partners, alongside Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park.

Together, the 2025 WEDC Economic Development Awards celebrated the people and partnerships driving Wall forward—through innovation, local entrepreneurship, reinvestment, and a shared belief in the future of rural communities.