Emerging Prairie, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, has announced the recipients of its annual 1 Million Thanks Awards.
The awards recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the startup, innovation, and technology communities in the region. This year’s honorees include:
- Lifetime Impact Award: Ron Offutt, a prominent agribusiness leader and philanthropist, recognized for his lasting impact on North Dakota and beyond.
- Startup Community Builder Award: 50 South Capital, a global alternatives firm, recognized for its efforts in providing access to capital and growth resources for startups.
- Startup Community Champion: State Representative Mike Nathe, recognized for his advocacy for the startup and capital ecosystems in North Dakota.
- Grand Farm Innovation Champion: USDA ARS, the research arm of the US Department of Agriculture, recognized for its significant contribution to agricultural innovation in the region.
- Grand Farm Innovation Project of the Year: FARMS, a collaborative effort led by NDSU and other partners, recognized for its advancement of innovative agricultural technologies.
- Technology Community Builder: Cota Systems, a company that provides free logistics technology to small trucking companies, recognized for its support of the technology community.
- Technology Community Champion: Kara Kalbus, a mentor and leader in the tech industry, recognized for her dedication to upskilling the tech workforce.
The awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, February 1st, 2024 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the Fargo Air Museum. The event will feature appetizers, live music, and an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of entrepreneurs, technologists, and innovators in the region.
About 1 Million Thanks
1 Million Thanks is an annual event hosted by Emerging Prairie to celebrate the entrepreneurs, innovators, and technologists who are making a difference in the community. The event serves as a platform to acknowledge the contributions of individuals and organizations, network with other members of the community, and look forward to the future of innovation.
Tickets for the 1 Million Thanks event are available on the Emerging Prairie website: www.emergingprairie.com/1-million-thanks/