Two Minot organizations were presented with Economic Development Awards during the Economic Development Association of North Dakota (EDND) fall conference. The Minot Area Chamber EDC was presented the EDND Economic Development Project of the Year for 2022 and Aksal Group was presented with the Community Development Award.

The Project of the Year Award recognizes a project that has made a significant contribution to the economic health of the community or region in terms of job creation, partnerships, and overall economic impact. The 2022 recipient is the Minot Area Chamber EDC for the Intermodal Transportation Facility at the Logistics Park of North Dakota. The Intermodal Transportation Facility and the development of the Logistics Park of North Dakota are key to the region’s ability to sustain intermodal transportation from Minot to the Northwest Seaport Alliance, a marine cargo operating partnership of the Port of Seattle and Port of Tacoma on the west coast. Currently, in cooperation with BNSF Railway, Rail Modal Group operates the Minot Intermodal Transportation Facility at the south end of the logistics park. The Intermodal Transportation Facility at the Logistics Park of North Dakota in Minot is set to be a long-term win for producers, processors, miners, shippers, and businesses all over the state.

“This has been a true collaborative effort with many partners to bring intermodal to North Dakota,” shared Randy Hauck, Minot Area Chamber EDC Board Chair. “Thank you Brekka and the team at the Minot Area Chamber EDC, our board of directors, the City of Minot, North Dakota congressional delegation, Governor Doug Burgum, legislators from across the state, the North Dakota Trade Office, the state departments of Commerce, Transportation and Agriculture, private industry, BNSF Railway, Bank of ND, our operator Rail Modal Group, the Northwest Seaport Alliance and support from organizations like the Greater North Dakota Chamber and EDND.”

The Community Development Award recognizes a development project that has increased the quality of life in a community. The 2022 recipient is Aksal Group. Aksal Group was founded by Jessica and Ryan Ackerman. Their work celebrates the rich history and vibrant future of downtown Minot through property development and renovation. Their projects have created new businesses, jobs, and helped to bring new energy to downtown Minot.