North Dakota Awards Recognize Outstanding Economic Development

BISMARCK, N.D. – The Economic Development Association of North Dakota (EDND)
presented its annual awards for economic development during its Fall Conference Sept. 28-29
in Bismarck. Awards were given for:

• Economic Developer of the Year
• Emerging Young Professional of the Year
• Community Development Award
• Economic Development Project of the Year

“At a time when investment into our communities and attracting the future workforce is more important than ever, these award recipients are ensuring North Dakota can compete in a global economy, while also increasing the quality of life and creating positive impacts in their communities,” EDND President Teran Doerr said. “We thank them for their leadership and dedication to filling North Dakota with healthy, vibrant communities.”

The Economic Developer of the Year Award is given to an individual who has made a significant contribution that will leave a lasting impression on the economic health of their community, region or the state. This impact improves the quality of life for residents and visitors.

The 2022 Economic Developer of the Year is Brad Barth with Forward Devils Lake. Barth is a team player who helps businesses think outside the box and utilize programs like
Workforce 20:20 and Career Builder to grow primary sector businesses throughout his region.

The Emerging Young Professional of the Year award acknowledges outstanding achievement by an emerging leader in economic development. This individual shows promising leadership skills and positively impacts their organization, community, and/or region through economic development. This person should have five or fewer years of experience in the industry.

The winner of the Emerging Young Professional of the Year award is Jasmin Fosheim. Fosheim serves as the director of Adams County Development Corporation and Hettinger Area Chamber of Commerce. In her short time with Adams County Development Corporation, Fosheim has worked to bring projects, businesses and life to Adams County, significantly impacting the region.

The Community Development Award is given for a community development project that improves the quality of life or otherwise brings about positive impacts in a community.
The winner of the 2022 Community Development Award is the Aksal Group with Minot’s Downtown Redevelopment. Investing in the future of Minot, the family operated Aksal Group’s efforts have catalyzed additional downtown investment and growth for Minot.

The Economic Development Project of the Year Award recognizes a community, organization or team that has worked to positively impact the economic health of the
community, region or state.

The winner of the 2022 Economic Development Project of the Year is the Minot Area Chamber EDC for its partnerships and impact through the Intermodal Transportation Facility at the Logistics Park of North Dakota in Minot. The Minot Area Chamber EDC’s key focus in primary sector business attraction, retention and expansion helped pave the way for the development of Logistics Park and the region’s ability to sustain intermodal transportation from Minot to the West Coast.

“The award winners and nominees have all showcased their success and dedication to building a better North Dakota. EDND is proud to recognize these standout developers and projects,” EDND Executive Director Dana Hager 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.