Becca Cruger was awarded the 40 Under 40 Award in Economic Development
GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Becca Cruger, Director of Workforce Development, Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation has been announced as a recipient of the 2023 Economic Development 40 Under 40 award, the biennial award recognizing rising stars under 40 years old in the economic development industry. Awardees were judged based on their leadership skills, and commitment to uplifting diverse voices and perspectives to build inclusive, forward-thinking communities as the economic development industry has navigated the challenges of the last few years.
The biennial awards program is hosted by Development Counsellors International (DCI), a New York-based integrated marketing firm that works with economic development and travel organizations around the globe, and Jorgenson Consulting, a leading national executive search firm serving organizations in non-profit, economic, and community development industries. An independent selection committee of six economic development leaders and site selection consultants evaluated nominations based on the demonstration of strong leadership, commitment, and innovation every day in the workplace.
“The purpose-driven work of economic development plays a vital role in communities around the world, and much of it is led by young professionals,” said Julie Curtin, president of DCI’s economic development practice. “These 40 rising stars are contributing their creativity, dedication, and leadership to make a tremendous impact in their communities and our industry as a whole, and I so look forward to what lies ahead in their careers.”
“The Grand Forks region is fortunate to have Becca as a workforce and economic development leader,” said Keith Lund, EDC President & CEO. “She is passionate about serving the community personally and professionally. The 40 Under 40 in Economic Development award is a great way to recognize her tireless work promoting and giving back to Grand Forks.”
Cruger started with the Grand Forks Region EDC in 2017. Over the last five years, she has continued to engage stakeholders in workforce within economic development and build an award-winning talent attraction initiative: Greater Grand Forks: Way Cooler Than You Think! Her innovative approach and strong leadership qualities have been recognized locally and at the state and federal levels. Becca was recently appointed by North Dakota Governor, Doug Burgum, to serve on the ND Workforce Development Council. She was recognized as a top 40-under-40 professional in a three-state region in 2021. Becca was also appointed to the IEDC Young Professional Advisory Committee, where she helped launch the IEDC Mentorship Program internationally.
“The economic development industry continues to evolve, and these rising leaders are stepping up to the challenge,” said Todd Jorgenson, managing director and principal of Jorgenson Consulting, Inc. “Congratulations to these 40 winners – and to the communities that are lucky to benefit from their expertise.”d
DCI and Jorgenson officially announced the winner on Sunday, January 29, 2023 at the awards reception hosted by the companies at the JW Marriott Tuscon Starr Pass Resort & Spa in Tuscon, Arizona held in conjunction with the International Economic Development Council Leadership Summit.
For more information about the Economic Development 40 Under 40 Awards, please visit http://econdev40under40.com/
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About Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation
The Grand Forks Region EDC works collaboratively to foster an environment that attracts innovative people and business investment to Grand Forks County and the surrounding region, enhancing economic vitality for long-term prosperity and growth.
About DCI
Development Counsellors International (DCI) is the leader in travel, economic development and talent attraction marketing. Since 1960, DCI has worked with more than 500 cities, regions, states and countries, helping them attract business investors, visitors and workers. DCI has offices in New York and Denver. For more information, visit aboutdci.com or follow @aboutDCI on Twitter.
About Jorgenson Consulting
Founded in 1992, Jorgenson Consulting has worked diligently over the past 29 years to establish itself as a premier national executive search firm. With a focus on the fields of non-profit, economic and community development, we partner with our clients to help them identify and secure the highest caliber of executive talent. Our goal is to develop a thorough understanding of our clients and leverage that knowledge with our own expertise and resources to source executive talent that can truly serve the organization by yielding economic benefits while also contributing to a community’s competitive advantage. www.jci-inc.net