With the induction of four key leaders into the South Dakota Cooperative Hall of Fame, the roster now includes one hundred individuals who have given of their time, talent, and treasure to build a strong cooperative community in South Dakota.
Induction into the Hall of Fame is the highest honor that the cooperative community bestows on those who have made significant contributions to the state. Their leadership, integrity, and personal commitment have served not only cooperatives, but also their local communities.
This year’s inductees are:
- Bruce Granquist, Milbank, SD – nominated by AGP, Inc., with support from LaBolt Farmers Grain Company and Grant-Roberts Rural Water System.
- Vince Hanson, Crooks, SD – nominated by Alliance Communication, with support from Crooks Mayor Butch Oseby
- Dick Johnson, Mesa, AZ – nominated by West River Electric Association, with support from Wall Mayor Mary Williams, and Rushmore Electric Power Cooperative
- Wallace “Wally” Knock, Willow Lake, SD – nominated by Agtegra Cooperative with support from Land O’Lakes, Inc., the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, Dakotaland Feeds, and the SD Value-Added Agriculture Development Center.
This marks the forty-first year for the Hall of Fame. The SD Cooperative Hall of Fame program is sponsored by CHS, Inc., the SD Association of Cooperatives, SD Association of Telephone Cooperatives, SD Farmers Union, and SD Rural Electric Association.
Vince Hanson, Crooks – Vince Hanson is a dedicated leader and visionary who has profoundly impacted the cooperative sector and his community. Born and raised in Crooks, SD, Vince took on significant responsibilities at an early age, leaving college to manage his family farm after the unexpected passing of his father. As a third-generation farmer, Vince has worked alongside his son, Karl, to sustain and grow the family legacy.
In 1981, Vince joined the board of Baltic Cooperative Telephone, which later merged with Splitrock Telecom to form Alliance Communications Cooperative. Over his remarkable 44-year tenure, Vince played a pivotal role in transforming the cooperative from serving two communities with 1,970 phone customers to nearly 16,000 customers across South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa. Under his leadership, Alliance became one of the first cooperatives in the state to implement a 100% fiber-optic network, ensuring cutting-edge technology for its members.
Vince’s commitment to community development is evident through his involvement in initiatives like the Crooks New Hope Light Industrial Development, which fostered local business growth. He also supported programs such as Keep the Change and USDA Rural Development loans, benefitting community organizations and critical establishments.
Beyond his professional contributions, Vince is deeply involved in his church, farm-related organizations, and local committees. His integrity, kindness, and mentorship have earned him respect from employees, customers, and community members alike. Vince’s expertise as a licensed real estate agent has further supported Alliance in land development and infrastructure projects.
Vince embodies the cooperative principles of leadership, innovation, and concern for the community. His decades-long service has left a lasting legacy, positioning Alliance Communications and the Crooks area for continued growth and success.
Congratulations, Vince!