Governor seeks nominations for the 2022 Main Street Awards

Nominations for the 2022 Governor’s Main Street Awards, a program of North Dakota’s Main Street Initiative?(MSI), are now being accepted through?Sept. 2, 2022.

“The Main Street Awards are an excellent opportunity to express gratitude and recognition to North Dakotans who demonstrated a unique and innovative approach in enhancing the quality of life in their community by applying the principles of the Main Street Initiative,” Gov. Doug Burgum said. “These exemplary efforts showcase the tangible benefits that an engaged community can create for everyone.”

The Main Street Awards are a collaborative effort of the Office of Governor and the North Dakota Department of Commerce. A selection committee made up of the collaborating agencies and partners judge the entries to make final awards, which will be presented at the?Main Street ND Summit in?Bismarck, North Dakota.

This year’s award categories:

Healthy, Vibrant Community?Award – This award recognizes communities or groups that have made investments in projects that enhance the health and vibrancy of communities. This award emphasizes efforts to engage and empower people of all ages and abilities, helping North Dakota improve its health,?economy?and connectivity.

Smart, Efficient Infrastructure Award – This award recognizes a community that has made sound planning decisions by investing in spaces with existing infrastructure, such as a vacant lot (infill) or dilapidated building. Nominated projects should infuse existing infrastructure with new and innovative ideas to ensure the most efficient use of public resources.

21st?Century Workforce Award – Two?awards are given in this category to recognize excellence in?either efforts to attract or retain workforce, or efforts to train existing workers in a community. Excellence in workforce attraction and retention can be demonstrated through the implementation of a strategy that encourages people to move to and stay in the community. Excellence in workforce development can be demonstrated through efforts to engage students in leadership development or workforce exploration.

Main Street Excellence Award – Two?awards are given in this category to recognize communities or community champions within a community that have demonstrated efforts which reflect all four pillars of the Main Street Initiative: Smart, Efficient Infrastructure; 21st Century Workforce; Economic Diversification, and Healthy, Vibrant Communities. One award is designated for a rural community consisting of no more than 2,500 and the other award is designated for an urban community.

Economic Diversification Award – This award recognizes a community or organization that have contributed to community resiliency by finding its unique strength, community asset or niche while using it to attract business, workforce, visitors and enhance resident’s quality of life. Nominated responses should recognize organizations who find innovative ways to strengthen community connections, diversify local businesses or build local morale.

Future Leaders Empowerment Award – This award recognizes a community that seeks to engage students in creating a healthy and vibrant community through leadership development, community planning or workforce exploration in community industries.

For additional details on how to apply visit the link below.

Apply now!

Burgum visits Lake Metigoshe State Park, highlights recreational opportunities in North Dakota

Gov. Burgum recently visited Lake Metigoshe State Park to meet with North Dakota Parks and Recreation team members and highlight the many recreational and outdoor opportunities available to North Dakotans and those visiting the state.

Nestled in the scenic Turtle Mountains along the U.S./Canadian border, Lake Metigoshe is one of the most popular year-round vacation spots in North Dakota. The small lakes within the park provide excellent opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and birding. Visitors can enjoy over 12 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails along with a 3-mile self-guided interpretive hiking trail. The unique woodlands and wetlands of Lake Metigoshe State Park provide habitat for a wide variety of plant, animal, and bird species seldom seen elsewhere in North Dakota. Plant and bird checklists are available at the park office.

The park is home to the Lake Metigoshe Outdoor Learning Center, which offers hands-on programming related to history, nature, and recreation. With a multitude of year-round facilities, Lake Metigoshe is an ideal location for special events.

For more information about North Dakota state parks and recreation areas, visit the North Dakota Parks and Recreation website at https://www.parkrec.nd.gov/. 

Submit your nominations for the Governor's Awards for Excellence in Public Service

Every day, members of Team ND are making a difference in the lives of our fellow North Dakotans to Empower People, Improve Lives and Inspire Success. Team members at every level are going above and beyond to put our citizens first by working across teams, agencies and branches to solve problems and rise above challenges.

The Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Public Service are an opportunity for each of us to share our gratitude for the many individuals who collectively make Team ND a world-class organization dedicated to its citizens. We encourage all members of Team ND to think about those team members that go above and beyond to serve citizens, to support the team and to create a stronger North Dakota. Then, recognize their efforts with a nomination for a Governor’s Award!

Nominations will be accepted through Aug. 19, and team members can submit several nominations across nine award types:

• Heritage Award for Excellence in Citizen Focus
• Telegraph Award for Excellence in Technology
• Pioneer Award for Excellence in Innovation
• Zezula Award for the One Who Helps
• Landmark Award for Excellence in People Management
• Frontier Award for Excellence in Continuous Learning
• Harvest Award for Excellence in Quality
• Sodbuster Award for Excellence in Growth Mindset
• Roaming Bison Award for Excellence in Work as One Culture (team award)

Nominations are open!

Boards and Commissions openings

Currently, there are many boards or commissions openings accepting applications.

Boards and Commissions is made up of North Dakota citizens appointed to represent their community and peers as they help influence policies and programs that play an instrumental and invaluable role to help Empower People, Improve Lives and Inspire Success.

The Governor appoints to over 150 Boards and Commissions representing a wide variety of industries.

To be considered for an appointment candidates are invited to complete the application located below.

Boards and Commissions

Click Here for more information.