I'll take "most unfortunately named company in South Dakota" for $1,000, Alex. The answer is, "ISIS Hospitality" of Rapid City.

Talk about a company that desperately needs a name change. "ISIS Hospitality" in Rapid City needs to drop its name faster than a Colorado resident can go through a box of Twinkies.

For 25 years, ISIS Hospitality has built a reputation as a premier developer, owner, marketer and manager of hotels, restaurants and casinos in the state. Now they're searching for a new name.

The company adopted the name "ISIS Hospitality" from a reference to the Egyptian goddess of nurturing.

But now in the face of the ongoing confusion, brutality and backlash caused by the Middle East terrorist group called ISIS, the company has decided it's an excellent time for a name change.

Caleb Arceneaux, CEO for ISIS Hospitality says "If you asked me six to eight weeks ago, I was digging in my heels. I would have said there is no way I'm going to change our company name because terrorists are doing terrible things around the globe. But I've come to realize no matter what we do, the name ISIS will never have any other meaning than a terrorist group. Unfortunately, that's not something we can overcome."

Hats off to ISIS Hospitality for taking a potential sticky situation and turning it into a positive.

They have turned the search for a new company name into an employee contest. Associates were asked to suggest names. Since then, they have narrowed the list down to two possible names:

Blacks Hills Hospitality and Prime Hospitality.

Now they need the public's help. They want feedback from the general public on which of the two names should become the company's new name.

Anyone wishing to vote can do so here.

After the votes have been tabulated and the new name has been selected, the company will once again be able able to fully focus on what they do best, serving guests, instead of defending the company's name.

According to representatives, the name change will take a few months to complete. The plan is to first change the items most visible to the public, like vehicle wraps, keycard holders and guest communications.

 

 

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