The North Dakota Governor’s Office, the North Dakota Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Association of North Dakota (EDND) presented the Governor’s Choice Economic Development Awards Oct. 29 during the EDND Fall Conference in Minot.
The Economic Developer of the Year award is given to an individual who has made a significant contribution that will leave a lasting impact on the economic health of his or her community or region. The 2018 recipient in the urban community division is Keith Lund, president/CEO of the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corp. Lund is a 20-year veteran of economic development and has been the lead developer on more than 50 business retention/expansion projects including Red River Biorefinery and supporting the development of the Grand Forks Business park, which includes the Acme Tools distribution center and FedEx Ground.
Under his leadership the EDC launched InternGF, a partnership with UND to develop new internships in the region. Lund was also instrumental in the creation of the Northern Valley Career Expo, a workforce retention event that has introduced more than 10,000 high school students to careers in the region since it launched in 2012.
“I don’t think you choose a career in economic development, I think it chooses you,” said Lund as he accepted the award. Lund credited the Grand Forks region’s strong leadership and collaboration as reasons for its success in industry retention and diversification.
“These award recipients are attracting and retaining the workforce talent and capital that North Dakota needs to compete in a global economy, while also fostering a business-friendly environment and making the most of existing infrastructure,” Burgum said. “We thank them for their leadership efforts and alignment with our Main Street Initiative, creating healthy, vibrant communities with smart, efficient infrastructure to attract and retain a skilled workforce for the 21st century economy.”
“Economic developers around the state are dedicated to improving the economic health of North Dakota, and EDND is pleased to recognize the standout developers, programs and projects of all of the award winners,” EDND President Ellen Huber said.
The EDC’s immediate past-president, Klaus Thiessen, received the award in 2014.
Watch this video, produced by the ND Department of Commerce, featuring Lund.