MINOT, N.D. – The North Dakota Governor’s Office, the North Dakota Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Association of North Dakota (EDND) presented the Governor’s Choice Economic Development Awards Oct. 29 during the EDND Fall Conference in Minot.
The Economic Developer of the Year award is given to an individual who has made a significant contribution that will leave a lasting impact on the economic health of his or her community or region. The 2018 recipient in the urban community division is Keith Lund, president/CEO of the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corp. Lund is a 20-year veteran of economic development and has been the lead developer on more than 50 business retention/expansion projects. The recipient of the award in the rural community division is Julie Campbell, director of the Walsh County Job Development Authority. Campbell has worked in economic development for 29 years. Her successful projects include Walsh Grain, Kringstad Ironworks and Marvin Windows and Doors.
The Project of the Year recognizes a project that has made a significant contribution to the economic health of the community or region in terms of job creation, partnerships and overall economic impact. The 2018 recipient in the urban community division is Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corp. for its involvement in the Dakota Specialty Milling expansion in Fargo. Investing $15 million into the community, Dakota Specialty Milling remodeled five floors of an existing building to create a state-of-the-art specialty mill. Stark Development Corp. is the recipient in the rural community division for its involvement in the Stone Mill LLC project in Richardton. The company’s new facility will be one of the most technologically advanced seed processing plants in the world
The Community Development Award recognizes an economic development project that has increased the quality of life in a community. Adams County Development Corp. and the Hettinger Chamber of Commerce launched Helping Hettinger Day, which was a volunteer day in which residents completed 15 projects in the community.
“These award recipients are attracting and retaining the workforce talent and capital that North Dakota needs to compete in a global economy, while also fostering a business-friendly environment and making the most of existing infrastructure,” Burgum said. “We thank them for their leadership efforts and alignment with our Main Street Initiative, creating healthy, vibrant communities with smart, efficient infrastructure to attract and retain a skilled workforce for the 21st century economy.”
“Economic developers around the state are dedicated to improving the economic health of North Dakota, and EDND is pleased to recognize the standout developers, programs and projects of all of the award winners,” EDND President Ellen Huber said.
EDND represents more than 80 state economic development organizations on the front line of economic development efforts throughout North Dakota. The primary purpose of the organization is to promote the creation of new wealth throughout North Dakota to develop more vibrant communities and improve quality of life. Additional information is available at www.ednd.org.