Main Street Award goes to Larson

The Main Street Summit, held in Bismarck on Oct. 29-31, brought together over 1,000 North Dakotans. This annual gathering offers community leaders, entrepreneurs, students and interested citizens an opportunity to come together and envisioning North Dakota's future. Amid breakout sessions and dynamic speakers, the attendees also look forward to the Main Street Awards presented by the governor.

This year, Gov. Doug Burgum one of the two Legendary Young Leader Awards went to Sandra Larson, of Sheyenne.The award recognizes a young North Dakota leader who has shown exemplary leadership by speaking up, getting engaged and/or motivating others to invest in their community. Larson was recognized for leading community events and initiating the Sheyenne Restoration Project.

"We deeply appreciate communities for their dedication and commitment to differentiating and enhancing the quality of life for their residents, present and future," Burgum said. "With deepest gratitude, we recognize these communities for their tremendous efforts to create healthy, vibrant communities poised to attract and retain a 21st century workforce."

"Sandra has demonstrated exceptional leadership, making a real difference for her community and improving the quality of life for her fellow Sheyenne residents, present and future," Burgum said. "With deepest gratitude, we recognize Sandra with this award for her dedication and efforts to enhance her vibrant community."

The 2019 Main Street Awards honor communities that show excellence in elevating the three pillars of the Main Street Initiative: healthy, vibrant communities; smart efficient infrastructure; and 21st century workforce. They are a collaborative effort of the Office of the Governor, the North Dakota Department of Commerce and North Dakota State University Extension. A selection committee made up of agencies and partners judged the entries to make final awards.

North Dakota's Main Street initiative is a shared vision of healthy, vibrant communities that through fiscally responsible planning, attract the talent needed to support our growing economy. The Main Street Awards honor communities who show excellence in these principles by actively working to differentiate and enhance the quality of life for their residents, pesent and future. These awards are an opportunity for communities to showcase their unique efforts and attributes, and call attention to the tangible benefits an engaged community can create. Additional award categories can be found at http://www.MainStreetND.com.