North Dakota Department of Commerce Economic Development and Finance
Printer Friendly Version
Governor's Choice Awards

Past Winners of the Governor's Choice for Economic Development Awards


Professional Developer of the Year
  • 2008 - Tracey Anderson, Richland County Job Development Authority
  • 2007 - Becky Meidinger, Cooperstown Community Development Authority
  • 2006 - Gene Veeder, McKenzie County Job Development
  • 2005 - Connie Ova, Jamestown Stutsman Development Corporation
  • 2004 - Gaylon Baker, Stark Development Corporation
  • 2003 - Carol Goodman, JoAnn Rodenbiker, Jim Dahlen & George Youngerman, Devils Lake Region Partnership
  • 2002 - John Phillips, Beulah Job Development Authority

Volunteer Developer of the Year
  • 2008 - Joe Frenzel, Stark Development Corporation and Curt Zimbelman, Mayor of Minot
  • 2007 - Judy Paukert, Xcel Energy
  • 2005 - Kathleen Gaddie, Minot Area Development
  • 2003 - Community of Rugby
  • 2002 - Citizens of Forman

Ambassador of the Year (started in 2004)
  • 2008 - Ed Schafer, USDA Director
  • 2007 - No nominees
  • 2006 - Hal Gershman, Happy Harry's Bottle Shops, Road King Inn and Gershman Enterprises
  • 2005 - Mark Nisbet, Xcel Energy
  • 2004 - Martin White, MDU Resources Group

Innovator of the Year (new award in 2006)
  • 2008 - Bruce Gjovig, UND Center for Innovation
  • 2007 - Dave Lynnes, Dave's Welding and Metal Fabrication, Inc.
  • 2006 - Al Christianson, Great River Energy

Project of the Year
  • 2008 - ComDel Innovations, Wahpeton
  • 2007 - Red Trail Energy, Richardton
  • 2006 - Blue Flint Ethanol, Underwood/Washburn
  • 2005 - Cirrus Design Corporation, Grand Forks
  • 2004 - Goodrich Cargo Systems, Jamestown
  • 2003 - Grizella Corp., Hebron
  • 2002 - Imation Corp., Wahpeton

Visionary of the Year
  • 2006 - Elaine Fremling, Fargo
  • 2005 - Lee Peterson, First Commissioner, North Dakota Department of Commerce
  • 2003 - NDSU Research Technology Park, Fargo



Back to ED & F website