That growth, he said, is entirely dependent
on the entrepreneurs, risk-takers, innovators
and community-builders who have taken
the initiative in the city. Self-organized meetups, student programs, event attendees
– each are components to a vibrant, healthy
community, he said.
“You will make it happen,” Gartin said.
A few people who are “making it happen”
were given awards as a recognition for the
work, time and money they are lending to
support the community.
Awards were chosen by
a host committee, and
each recipient received a
hand-painted railroad spike
award, made by Fargo artist
McCal Joy Johnson. Here
are the winners:
··Rookie of the Year Award
Cooper Bierscheid
Protosthetics
··Team Player Award
Botlink
··Kick-ass Award
Eide Bailly
··Belief Award
Dave and Sammie Binkard
PODS Game Design
··Champion Award
Greater Fargo-Moorhead
EDC's board of directors
··Startup of the Year Award
CoSchedule
As the event came to a close, many
remarked about the “good energy” of the
event. One excited attendee, University of
Mary (N.D.) student Liv Stromme, drove
three hours to attend.
“I drove all this way because I believe in the
Fargo community,” she said, brimming with
excitement. “I love this event.”
1 Million Thanks was created last year as
the brainchild of Annika Nynas and Greg
Tehven and was rooted in a desire to say a
big "thank you" to the community, they said.
“Emerging Prairie only exists because of
these people,” Tehven said. “It’s the least we
can do.”
This year, Scott Brusven, Emerging Prairie's
director of partnerships and events,
designed and organized the event. Livewire
produced the lighting and folksy live music
was provided by Fargo band Boots. The
Fargo Jet Center, the GFMEDC and Warner
Insurance all contributed to make the event
possible.
Next year’s event is already in the books.
The third 1 Million Thanks will take place
January 19, 2017.