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2008 Winners
The winners and nominees for the 2008 Governor's Choice Awards are presented below. Winners were awarded at the Governor's Choice Awards banquet on Dec. 1, at the Economic Development Association of North Dakota's fall meeting in Bismarck.
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| Tracey Anderson - Professional Developer of the Year |
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Professional Developer of the Year
Tracey Anderson of Richland County
Anderson serves as director of the Richland County Jobs Development Authority and funds manager for the Lake Agassiz Regional Council and Development Corporation. She was nominated for her work in promoting business start-ups and assisting communities in providing essential services to rural residents. Anderson has worked to implant, expand and recruit many businesses in Richland County and has played an instrumental role in identifying potential sources of funding for a variety of projects.
The other nominee for Professional Developer of the year was Sherrece Zimmerman, Ashley.
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| Joe Frenzel - Volunteer Developer of the Year |
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Volunteer Developers of the Year
Joe Frenzel of Dickinson and Curt Zimbelman of Minot
Frenzel has served as the president of the Stark Development Corporation for the past 23 years. He was nominated by Gaylon Baker, executive vice president of the Stark Development Corporation. Frenzel served in the early days of the Development Corporation when the group was first included in the funding for Dickinson's original 1-percent sales tax. He supported the growth of Dickinson area manufacturing businesses, which are now strong economic leaders. Frenzel also serves as vice president of the Dickinson City Commission.
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| Curt Zimbelman - Volunteer Developer of the Year |
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Curt Zimbelman is mayor of Minot and vice president of First Western Bank and Trust. He was nominated by Jerry Chavez, president of the Minot Area Development Corporation, who said Zimbelman plays an important role in business attraction and economic development at the Minot Area Development Corporation, in base retention and expansion opportunities through the Minot Chamber of Commerce and in extending a warm welcome and heartfelt invitation to visitors through the Minot Convention and Visitor's Bureau.
Other nominees for Volunteer Developer of the Year were Patti Larson, Sheyenne; Dr. Joe McCann, Williston; and Orville Tranby, Cooperstown.
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| Bruce Gjovig - Innovator of the Year |
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Innovator of the Year
Bruce Gjovig of Grand Forks
Gjovig is the director and an entrepreneur coach at the University of North Dakota Center for Innovation. He was nominated by the Center's staff for his work in providing access to capital for entrepreneurs and providing economic development opportunities for communities across the state. Gjovig has worked with lawmakers to create a business-friendly climate for angel investors, venture capital and innovative entrepreneurs. He has also worked with investors throughout the state to develop a network of angel funds in North Dakota. Gjovig was instrumental in the development of the Bank of North Dakota's Beginning Entrepreneur loan program and the North Dakota Department of Commerce's annual Innovate ND competition.
Other nominees for Innovator of the Year were George Gaukler, Valley City; David Grubb, Tioga; Dawn Keely, Grafton; and Jeff Zarling, Williston.
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| Ed Schafer - Ambassador of the Year |
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Ambassador of the Year
Ed Schafer of Washington, D.C.
Schafer is currently serving as the United States Secretary of Agriculture. In his current role, and as a former governor of North Dakota for eight years, he has worked to build a global business network for the state. Through his leadership at the USDA, Schafer has impacted North Dakota's leading industries including agriculture, energy, education, manufacturing, life sciences and technology. He has also overseen federal programs to support rural development.
The other nominee for Ambassador of the Year was Deanette Piesik, Williston.
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| ComDel Innovations - Jim Albrecht - Project of the Year |
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Project of the Year
ComDel Innovation, Inc. of Wahpeton
ComDel Innovation, Inc. was formed in June 2007 after the announcement of the upcoming closure of Wahpeton's Imation Corporation. Three Imation employees, James Albrecht, Bruce Weeda and Carter Hansen, recognized the opportunity to create a free-standing business from the customer manufacturing business segment operation within the existing Imation plant. The project preserved over one-third of Imation's workforce and has the potential to create additional jobs as the company continues to expand.
Other nominees for Project of the Year were the Ashley Day Care, Ashley; City of Ashley, Ashley; United Pulse Trading, Williston; University of North Dakota Center for Innovation, Grand Forks; and Zappas Building Renovations, Jamestown.
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