Williston, ND – Williston Economic Development (WED) and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) held their annual awards banquet on Friday, Sept. 13 at the Grand Williston Hotel and Conference Center, Williston. About 170 people attended the celebratory event.
Each year, the offices of WED and SBDC select finalists for a minimum of nine different categories. Members of the Williston STAR Fund Board of Directors, Williston City Commission, and the Western Region Economic Development (WRED) Board of Directors vote on the nominees and the winners are recognized at the awards banquet.
The following were recognized for their contributions to the Williston trade region’s quality of life and business community.
SBDC Woman-Owned Business of the Year
Coyote Pups Learning Den represented by Kenzi Brown, Williston, ND
SBDC New Business of the Year
The Galvan’s Bakery represented by Alberto Galvan, Williston, ND
SBDC Existing Business of the Year
Cottonwood Forest represented by John Cecil, Williston, ND (not present)
SBDC Lender of the Year
Marcus Boykin, Gate City Bank
WED Regional Business of the Year
Theodore Roosevelt Expressway represented by Cal Klewin, Bowman, ND
WED Community Partnership of the Year
Bright Beginnings represented by Janie Cox, Williston, ND
WED Icon of the Year
B&G Oilfield represented by Britney Kilgore and Angelica Alexandrou, Williston, ND
WED Agriculture Project of the Year
ND Malting & Hops represented by David Anfinson and Paul Weyrauch of Williston, ND
WED Ambassador of the Year
Cyndy Aafedt, Williston, ND
Cyrena Weeks, SBDC business advisor, and Williston State College’s Dr. Zahi Atallah presented the SBDC awards, Anna Nelson, Williston Economic Development’s newly appointed executive director, and Weeks presented the WED awards.
The City of Williston’s partnership with the SBDC dates back to 2015, when the Center for Development opened at 113 4th St. East (the former Hess building). WED and the SBDC share office space with the planning and zoning and building safety departments, the Williston Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Tri-County Regional Development Council.
Weeks said the collaboration between WED and the SBDC has been successful and has made both offices some of the highest-volume agencies in the state. She stated that the estimated year-to-date totals for the Williston STAR Fund were as follows: 64 applications, $1.67 Million in STAR Fund committed dollars, $2.16 million in Bank of North Dakota matching Flex PACE funds, and $34.9 million in private investments.
The STAR Fund is a voter-approved 1% city sales tax through June 30, 2030. Of the proceeds, 75% is dedicated to infrastructure debt relief with the remaining 25% dedicated to jobs creation and community development. The jobs creation and community development portion of the STAR Fund is governed by a seven-member board of directors.
Aafedt, who accepted the Ambassador of the Year award via pre-taped video, said she was amazed at the opportunities for entrepreneurs in Williston.
“I’ve lived in a lot of places and let me tell you there are more opportunities for someone involved in the (Williston) community than I have seen in any size town. It’s those opportunities that brought me to this place tonight. I encourage each one of you to seek out these opportunities. Take advantage of these opportunities. Act on these opportunities. And if you have a dream, Dream the dream but make it a reality. I’ll tell you if you do, I’ll promise you will be rewarded as will your family and the community. The community is what it’s all about,” said Aafedt.
The entire awards ceremony is available via video on WED’s Facebook page.
Follow Williston Economic Development on Facebook (@cityofwilliston), Instagram (@willistoneconomicdevelopment), and LinkedIn.
For more information, please visit http://www.cityofwilliston.com, call 701-577-8110, or stop by 113 4th St. E., in Downtown Williston.
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