Curt and Julie Kittelson of Faith Expressions Christian Store are presented the Small Business of the Year award by Strom Center Executive Director Steve Glasser.

The Strom Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation is pleased to announce the winners of the first annual Strom Center entrepreneurship awards. These awards recognize those who have made an outstanding impact on southwest North Dakota in 2010.

Nominations for each category were taken anonymously online between February and April of 2011. Winners in each category were announced at an awards luncheon during the Strom Center’s annual Entrepreneurship Conference which was held on April 19th. The categories and winners are as follows:

Entrepreneur of the Year – Guy Moos

Guy Moos was recognized as an individual who demonstrates outstanding entrepreneurial success that has led to innovation, job opportunities and capital infusion into the local economy. As President of Baker Boy, Moos has invested heavily in the community and the company’s continued expansion has created many area jobs.

Small Business of the Year – Faith Expressions Christian Store

Nominations in this category were for privately held, for-profit businesses in southwest North Dakota with less than 20 full-time employees. Faith Expressions was chosen for its commitment to customer service and for contributing greatly to the overall success of downtown Dickinson.

Not-for-Profit of the Year – Best Friends Mentoring Program

Best Friends Mentoring Program works with more than 200 at-risk youth and 400 volunteers in southwest North Dakota each year. Their work in providing mentors to at-risk youth was recognized as having a positive impact on the region and for exemplifying best practices as a non-profit organization.

Strom Center Partner of the Year – DLN Consulting, Inc.

DLN Consulting, Inc. was chosen by the Strom Center staff for assisting in the Strom Center’s mission of inspiring leadership, developing business, and advancing community in the region. DLN Consulting has be a key partner during many Strom Center events and initiatives and this partnership will continue to grow in the future.

Community Champion of the Year – Kathy Miller

Kathy Miller of Medora, ND was chosen by the Community Development Project for volunteering personal time and resources to promote collaboration and communication in her community. She was also a strong advocate for the Bush Grant which funded Medora Community Days 2010.

By Clayton Kraby