As part of the 2024 Annual Meeting, the Minot Area Chamber EDC (MACEDC) also presented its second annual Impact Awards to four recipients. MACEDC received several nominations from the community in February and March. MACEDC President | CEO Brekka Kramer and Board Chair Cassidy Hjelmstad presented the awards.
The Impact Award for Outstanding Military Support was presented to Magic City Beverage.
“Minot Air Force Base has the largest number of first-time airmen,” Kramer said while presenting the award. “Tonight’s recipient learned many of those airmen don’t have an opportunity to go home for the holidays. That can create lonely times when you’re away from loved ones. That’s when they took action and came up with a plan to help spearhead an effort to make sure those airmen were able to make it home for the holidays. The effort, which included other partners, sent 115 airmen home for the holidays.”
All American Trophy received the Impact Award for Outstanding Small Business.
“The recipient of this award, in the words of the nomination we received, ‘are top notch service folks who run a very popular business with grace.’ They are a true supporter of all things local,” Hjelmstad said. “They offer high-quality work and go above and beyond to make sure it’s exactly what their customers are looking for. This is a business that largely goes under the radar, not doing it for recognition, but because they truly care about our area and the people in it.”
Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports was presented with the Impact Award for Outstanding Community Impact. This award is all-encompassing – highlighting a business or organization that has a major impact on the Minot area.
“When this family saw a need in our community, instead of waiting for someone else to do something, they took it upon themselves to create a nonprofit that benefits not only their family, but many families throughout the region with a focus on leveling the playing field by removing barriers in order to give everyone opportunities to do what they love.” Kramer said. “Their goal is to create opportunities for youth, adults, and their families through adaptive sports and they have done just that.”
Finally, the Impact Award for Outstanding Leadership was given to Brent Lohnes, General Manager of Hess Corporation.
“This year’s recipient is one who does not seek the spotlight. Since taking over as general manager in 2016, he’s humbly led initiatives that have made a lasting impact,” Hjelmstad said. “He is dedicated to giving back to the community not just through monetary contributions but more importantly by encouraging employees to volunteer and use their time and talents to truly make a difference in the lives of others. He shows up, cares and gives his time leading by example.”
Minot Area Chamber EDC congratulates all four recipients of the Impact Awards!