McKenzie County Earns EDND Governor's Choice Award

West Fargo, ND -The Economic Development Governor's Choice Awards were presented at the Economic Development Association of North Dakota Fall Conference in West Fargo on Wednesday, Oct. 13.

EDND Board President Shawn Wenko and Governor Burgum presented the awards, which honor economic development professionals, organizations and projects making a significant impact on communities and regions in North Dakota.

The Governor's Choice Award for Economic Developer of the Year were presented to the following: Urban Community – Brandon Baumbach, Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation, and Rural Community –Danielle Mickelson, Rolla Job Development Authority.

This award recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution that will leave a lasting impact on the economic health of his/her community or region, thus increasing the quality of life for residents.

The Project of the Year Awards were presented to the following: Urban – Grand Forks Region EDC and Minnetonka Power Cooperative for Core Scientific and Rural - Traill County EDC for the Natural Gas Project.

This award 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 Program/Promotion of the Year Awards was presented to the McKenzie County JDA Housing Development Subsidy Program. Accepting the award was Daniel Stenberg, Watford City.

The award recognizes a program/promotion that has made a significant contribution to the economic health or quality of life of a community or region.

The Community Development Awards were presented to the following: Rural - Adams County for The Rural Collective and Urban -City of West Fargo/EPIC Companies for Essentia Health Plaza at the Lights.

This award is given for a development project that increases quality of life or otherwise brings about positive impacts in a community.

In other action at the EDND Fall Conference, Wenko was thanked for his two years as president of the organization and Teran Doerr of Bowman was elected as incoming president.