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Minot Area Chamber EDC Wins Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award

Posted: Apr 04 2022

The Minot Area Chamber Economic Development Corporation [EDC] was selected as the Air Force Global Strike Command winner of the 2022 Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award on March 18, 2022.

Established in 1996 as a tribute to the contributions of Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher, the award honors private sector entities for their dedication to the well-being of service members and their families. Nominees display exceptional service and humanitarian concern for each military branch and are selected based on their generosity, patriotism, and other merits.

For decades, the Minot Chamber EDC has supported Minot Air Force Base through advocacy and building a strong relationship between Airmen and civilians. They have secured millions of dollars for area youth education, flood prevention funds, and thousands of dollars for Airmen morale programs. Through Airman Against Drunk Driving, Adopt an Airman, and other collaborative programs, the EDC focuses on promoting safety and wellness for Team Minot. They also encourage civic leader engagement in several military events and have worked with base leadership, Key Spouses, First Sergeants, and the community to increase public awareness and garner support for Minot AFB and its mission.

“We are honored to be recommended and chosen for this award. Minot Air Force Base is so important to our community and our region. They are our friends, neighbors, and for some of us, they are family. We are proud of the work we do to support service members, and we are excited to continue for many years to come,” said L. John MacMartin, Minot Area Chamber EDC President. “For over 70 years our organization, the volunteers and indeed the community have been welcoming our friends and families who serve at and make Minot Air Force Base Home. We look forward to continuing those relations for decades to come.”

The Chamber EDC was nominated by the 5th Bomb Wing with a recommendation from Maj. Gen. Andrew Gebara, 8th Air Force commander. After winning the award for AFGSC, the Chamber will now compete for the award at the Air Force level.

“The enduring partnerships and engagements between the City of Minot and Minot Air Force Base are vital to the foundation for our mission success,” said Col. Michael Walters, 5th Bomb Wing commander. “On behalf of the team here, I can say we are all truly honored to live in such an actively engaged community. Whether with one of our many first-term Airmen, the families who have a few years under their belts, and everyone in between, we truly appreciate the long-lasting initiatives from the community which help advance not only the quality of life for our people, but also our Nation’s security and defense priorities.”

“Task Force 21 works constantly with Minot Chamber EDC to fulfill our partnership with the City of Minot to educate and promote the retention and missions of Minot AFB. Chamber EDC is a terrific partner in every respect,” said Mark Jantzer, Task Force 21 chairman. “It is inspiring to see this kind of recognition for their work.”

For more information, contact L. John MacMartin, Minot Chamber EDC President, at 701-852-6000.