During the 2025 Annual Meeting, the Minot Area Chamber EDC (MACEDC) presented its third annual Impact Awards to four recipients for Outstanding Military Service, Outstanding Small Business, Outstanding Community Impact, and Outstanding Leadership. MACEDC President | CEO Brekka Kramer and Board Chair Ryan Ackerman were joined by North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong to introduce the awards.
The Impact Award for Outstanding Military Support was given to Minot State University. Minot Air Force Base Leaders Colonel Jesse W. Lamarand, Commander, 5th Bomb Wing, and Colonel Jimmy L. Schlabach, Commander, 91st Missile Wing were invited on stage to join in the award’s presentation.
“Minot State University has been a cornerstone of our community for more than 100 years. The connection to the community runs deep and their support of military is unwavering,” explained Kramer. “They not only hosted numerous military appreciation events, the university opened events and all games to military members for free.”
Atypical Brewery and Barrelworks received the Impact Award for Outstanding Small Business. Recipients of this award are known for making big moves in the community, consistently showing support even with a smaller staff and resources.
“Atypical is a business that has added a great destination to our community and to downtown Minot,” said Ackerman. “Who would have thought we would be enjoying time in the middle of winter in an igloo! This small business is a unique addition to Minot and brings visitors from all over to enjoy the flavors of their creations while being in an atmosphere of inclusivity that revolves around an artistic vibe. They support numerous organizations throughout the year raising funds with their special events.”
Scheels 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.
“What sets Scheels apart is a strong dedication to people by empowering associates, providing first-class customer service, and giving back to local communities,” said Kramer. “Their investment in the community truly runs deep and their legacy of exceptional customer service is something we see weaved into our community each and every day. They invest in big ways whether it be the Magic City Discovery Center to the complex on Minot's South Hill, where fast pitch softball, t-ball, and baseball players all have state-of-the-art facilities thanks to their employee-owned store.”
Finally, the Impact Award for Outstanding Leadership was presented to Dean Aberle, Owner of Homesteaders Restaurant. This award is for an individual, someone who sets an example and paves the way to help make the Minot area a more prosperous place.
“This year’s recipient is one who does not seek the spotlight. Whenever someone needs a meal, a gift certificate, or pretty much anything, he is there with a “You bet!”, said Ackerman. “The numerous stories shared of support for events from hosting local teams and stepping in even at the busiest of times, Dean can pull the event off without a hitch. The business he runs in our Minot community is an absolute staple.”
Minot Area Chamber EDC is thrilled to congratulate all four recipients of the Impact Awards! “There’s plenty to celebrate in our community, but we aren’t the ‘Magic City’ without the people who make things happen here,” expressed Ackerman. “Our community has always been a home for impactful people- with these awards, we seek to honor those who are making a positive influence on our community today.” The support for the Minot Area was evident by the hundreds of nominations by citizens in January and February, and we look forward to seeing how the Magic in Minot continues throughout 2025.
Photos from the 2025 Annual Meeting Impact Awards will be available below as they are uploaded.