Minot, N.D. – Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation received the Governor’s Choice Award for Project of the Year – Urban Community Division for its involvement in Dakota Specialty Milling’s expansion. The award was presented by the North Dakota Governor’s Office, the North Dakota Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Association of North Dakota (EDND) during the EDND Fall Conference Oct. 29 in Minot.
The Project of the Year 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. Investing $15 million into the community, Dakota Specialty Milling remodeled five floors of an existing building to create a state-of-the-art specialty mill. The company currently employs 120 people at its Fargo headquarters, and the expansion will add up to 30 future employees. Greater Fargo Moorhead EDC was key in assisting the company in securing funding to make the project a reality. Dakota Specialty Milling supplies custom-milled ingredients and wholegrain blends in North America. Since 1969, the company has been a family-owned specialty grain miller dedicated to meeting and exceeding expectations through trust, honesty and respect for its customers, employees and suppliers.
“The Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation recognized the importance of this value-added agriculture company in helping diversify North Dakota’s economy,” says Ellen Huber, EDND president. “We are pleased to recognize the efforts and the hard work of Dakota Specialty Milling in developing a successful business in the region.”
Three finalists for the Project of the Year Award were recognized at the ceremony. The other finalists were Greater Fargo Moorhead EDC for its involvement in Appareo’s expansion, which created 58 new technology and manufacturing jobs in the area, and the City of Williston for the opening of Chatter Pediatric Therapy, which serves 260 children per month needing physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech/language therapy, mental health, child psychology, and integrative nutrition.
EDND represents more than 80 state economic development organizations on the front line of economic development efforts throughout North Dakota. The primary purpose of the organization is to promote the creation of new wealth throughout North Dakota to develop more vibrant communities and improve quality of life. Additional information is available at www.ednd.org.
