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First-Ever Impact Awards Presented to Four Community Leaders

Posted: Mar 28 2023

As part of the 2023 Annual Meeting, the Minot Area Chamber EDC presented its first-ever Impact Awards to four recipients. MACEDC received several nominations from the community in February and March.

The Impact Award for Outstanding Military Support was presented to Verendrye Electric Cooperative.

“Verendrye Electric Cooperative has had ties to the military for decades,” Kramer said while presenting the award. “From maintaining and operating electrical infrastructure at Minot Air Force Base after its construction in 1955 to volunteering and serving food at countless military appreciation events in Minot. Verendrye has gone above and beyond in supporting our military.”

Prairie Sky Breads received the Impact Award for Outstanding Small Business.

“Small businesses are a vital part of any community’s identity,” Black said. “Prairie Sky Breads has created a friendly environment in downtown Minot, support initiatives that keep our downtown and small business communities connected.”

The Impact Award for Outstanding Leadership was given to Ron Merritt, Executive Director of the Minot Park District.

“Ron has humbly led the Minot Park District since 2005,” Kramer said. “He has been a steadfast leader — a calm presence in the face of enormous challenges like the 2011 Mouse River Flood. He has done so much to make Minot a better place to live, work and play.”

Finally, Hess Corporation was presented with the Impact Award for Outstanding Community Impact. The business was recognized for its efforts to shore up workforce shortages by creating a partnership with the North Dakota Tribal College system.

“Over the next four years, Hess Corporation is investing millions of dollars to provide tuition assistance and other support to establish apprenticeship programs for Native American students in a variety of fields,” Black said. “They are great corporate citizens making a significant positive impact on North Dakota.”

The Minot Area Chamber EDC congratulates all four recipients of the Impact Awards!

General Manager Randy Hauck, center, accepts the Impact Award for Outstanding Military Support on behalf of Verendrye Electric Cooperative.

General Manager Randy Hauck accepts the Impact Award for Outstanding Military Support on behalf of Verendrye Electric Cooperative.

Co-owners Jazmine Schultz and Travis Gerjets accept the Impact Award for Outstanding Small Business on behalf of Prairie Sky Breads.

Co-owner Jazmine Schultz accepts the Impact Award for Outstanding Small Business on behalf of Prairie Sky Breads.

Minot Parks Executive Director Ron Merritt, center, accepts the Impact Award for Outstanding Leadership.

Minot Parks Executive Director Ron Merritt accepts the Impact Award for Outstanding Leadership.

North Dakota General Manager Brent Lohnes, center, accepts the Impact Award for Outstanding Community Impact on behalf of Hess Corporation.

North Dakota General Manager Brent Lohnes accepts the Impact Award for Outstanding Community Impact on behalf of Hess Corporation.