FARGO – Collaboration and connectivity are the ways in which the region’s employers are working together to fill workforce shortages in a variety of industries. This was the message that Prairie Business and Grand Forks Herald Publisher Korrie Wenzel shared with guests Thursday night, Sept. 25, during the annual Prairie Business Awards party.
Giving examples, including the recently opened career and tech centers in Fargo and Grand Forks, as well as apprenticeship opportunities at area businesses, these education pipelines are being created to ensure the future workforce is aligned with industry needs.
“The point tonight is that with vision, collaboration and intent, great things can happen,” Wenzel told the 125 guests in attendance. “This region is a hotbed of business activity. Whether it’s energy in the west, data in the center or engineering and architecture in the east, things are happening here.”
Prairie Business covers business trends and news across North Dakota, South Dakota and western Minnesota.
Noting the magazine celebrated its 25th year in 2024-2025, a milestone, Wenzel pointed out the importance of its longevity.
“Glossy magazines (especially free ones) are a difficult business model, so to make it a quarter of a century really is a testament to folks like you in this room and the thousands of others who read us and, so importantly, advertise with us,” he said. “We very much appreciate those partnerships, and it’s with pride that we bring you here tonight for our annual Prairie Business awards recognition event.”
Honorees from 2024’s 40 Under 40, along with the 2025 winners of Top 25 Women in Business and 2025’s Leaders & Legacies and their guests enjoyed the evening of socializing and celebrating.
Four of the nine Leaders & Legacies honorees were in attendance, along with a representative of a fifth. Three of them are from Grand Forks. Altru Health System President Joshua Deere and BeMobile CEO Brady Hansen were unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts.
Eric Hylden/Grand Forks Herald
The Leaders & Legacies honor is bestowed upon those who have created a lasting impact and legacy in business. The award was created in 2019 as Prairie Business magazine’s most prestigious recognition and honors executives from around the region who have had successful careers, including leaving a legacy of exemplary leadership.
Honoree Michael Burns, president and founder of Michael J. Burns Architects, Ltd., of Grand Forks and Moorhead, Minnesota, credited his staff and family with supporting him over the past four decades in business.
“I’ve been in my profession for a very long time. It’s been filled with very significant challenges and opportunities. We’ve had marvelous opportunities to work for a variety of very interesting and open-minded clients over the last 43 years,” Burns said.
“I’ve got a number of people who have been extremely loyal, long-term employees, and that relieves so much stress, especially when you’re asked to do things on a short timeframe. Anybody in the construction-related industries knows that everybody expects to have it yesterday to get the work. That’s been a great relief,” he said. “My family has been a very important support for me and I can’t thank them enough for the love and encouragement I’ve gotten from them. I appreciate this and it’s been a great opportunity.”
Five from Greater Grand Forks were named to Prairie Business’ 40 Under 40, which recognizes outstanding business professionals — age 40 and younger — from around the region who have gained notable achievements in their careers and communities. They were Brittney Blake, corporate counsel for Altru; Derek Holt, market president at First Community Credit Union; Andia Pinkerton, senior director of legal services at CVIC (Community Violence Intervention Center); Sarah Prout, vice president of Marketing and Communications at UND Alumni Association and Foundation; and Holland Slick, financial adviser at Alerus.
Prout said she was “profoundly grateful” to be included in this year’s class of award winners.
“This recognition is less about me and more about the mentors, colleagues and teammates who have guided, encouraged and lifted me along the way. I’ve been fortunate to learn from some remarkable people who have modeled intentional leadership and the power of true collaboration,” she said after the event. “Honoring young professionals in this way is a meaningful reminder that our workforce is strongest when every generation is valued and lifted up. I’m thankful for them — and to Prairie Business for celebrating the contributions of young professionals across our region.”
Holt said it was an honor to receive the award.
“To be nominated by your peers makes this award special. It is humbling to be chosen as a recipient of this award among the amazing young professionals in the region,” Holt said.
Eric Hylden/Grand Forks Herald
Three Greater Grand Forks professionals were honored with Top 25 Women in Business awards, a category that profiles female business leaders who have achieved remarkable success in their business and industry. They were Amy Haagenson, Construction & Real Estate Practice Segment lead with Brady Martz & Associates; Katie Harrington, owner and Business Development manager with Steffes, LLC; and Amanda Livers-Douglas, assistant director for Integrated Subsurface Projects at the Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC) at the University of North Dakota.
“Receiving this award is a very humbling honor,” Harrington said. “Knowing that others took time to nominate me inspires me to keep working hard, give my best, and lift others up along the way. Thank you, Prairie Business, for putting on awards like this; recognizing people’s efforts encourages all of us to go above and beyond.”
The awards event included a plated dinner and drinks, and musical entertainment provided by Billy Lurken, a musician from Mitchell, South Dakota.
Special recognition was given to the sponsors of the evening’s event: Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota and North Dakota State College of Science.
