BISMARCK, N.D. (EDND) – The Economic Development Association of North Dakota (EDND) presented its annual awards for economic development during its Fall Conference on Sept. 12-13 in Bowman. 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 Brad Barth 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 state. This impact improves the quality of life for residents and visitors.

The 2023 Economic Developer of the Year is Jim Murphy with the Traill County Economic Development Commission. Murphy is a team player; he’s always willing to discuss ideas or issues and is well respected and looked to as a resource in his community, region and across North Dakota.

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 2023 Emerging Young Professional of the Year award is Mark Lyman. Mark has served as the Economic Development Specialist for the Minot Area Chamber EDC since 2021. In his short time with the Minot Area Chamber EDC, Mark has shown his drive and ability to bring projects, businesses, and life to the Minot area, creating a significant impact on 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 2023 Community Development Award winner is the New Rockford Area Betterment Corporation for its Community Daycare Project. The project has positively impacted child care and workforce issues in the community.

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 2023 Economic Development Project of the Year winner is ADM and Marathon Petroleum Corporation for the Green Bison Processing Facility at Spiritwood with Jamestown Stutsman Development Corporation. The Jamestown Stutsman Development Corporation’s key focus in the primary sector is business attraction, retention and expansion, which has helped pave the way for the development of the Green Bison Processing Facility. Green Bison Processing is a joint venture with ADM and Marathon Petroleum Corporation to produce green diesel and is the first soybean processing facility in North Dakota.

“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.