Governor Armstrong Unveils Top Travel and Tourism Honors

MINOT, ND (
KXNET
)—Governor Kelly Armstrong visited Minot on Wednesday to hand out awards to individuals who work in the tourism sector.

A large crowd assembled at the State Fairgrounds to witness seven contestants receive distinct accolades related to the tourism sector. These rewards honor individuals across the state who have strived to attract more visitors and highlight everything that North Dakota can provide.

We truly have to collaborate to enhance visitors’ stays because often they arrive with just one intention but aren’t aware of everything else available here,” Sara Ottecoleman stated. “The more knowledgeable we become regarding local and statewide attractions, the better equipped we will be to cater to those travelers.

An awardee among them was Brock White, recipient of the Amplifier Award for Marketing Excellence due to his efforts in enhancing Watford City’s visibility and aiding the community in sharing its narrative with greater emphasis.

“We’ve been hearing throughout the conference about various stories, and each community has their own tales to share. Many individuals are engaged in concrete, remarkable, and trustworthy efforts, so find ways to assist in sharing these narratives and spreading them far and wide. This is the finest spot on the planet; let’s discuss it even more,” stated White.

Stephanie Schoenrock received the Legend Award for Leadership in the Travel and Tourism Industry. According to her, she believes the real contributors are those who have played the biggest role in fostering the development and prosperity of tourism within the area, rather than herself.

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“It’s all about the people that make this industry and our wonderful state truly stand out, which is why I feel privileged to be among such remarkable individuals here today. We never settle for less; instead, we aim higher and relentlessly push ourselves to keep getting better,” Shoenrock stated.

Governor Armstrong likewise addressed the issue of the state’s workforce, expressing optimism about attracting more residents who would eventually consider North Dakota as their permanent home.

“What we need now is workforce we need communities that people want to move to we need things to do that keeps a senior in high school to want to stay here or keeps a graduate from a North Dakota high school that maybe went somewhere else for college to want to come back,” Armstrong said.

Kelly Sorge from Indian Hills Resort received the Heritage Award for being an outstanding frontline tourism employee. Meanwhile, Deanne Cunningham from the North Dakota Department of Commerce was honored with the Sakakawea Award for her significant contributions as a behind-the-scenes tourism staff member.

Jeff and Jennifer Gooss secured the Flint Firestarter Award for their Tourism Development Project involving Wheelchairs and Walleyes.

Joe Weigand, alongside Theodore Roosevelt Repertory, was honored with the Trailblazer Award for Tourism Innovation. The late Darian Morsette from MHA Tourism received the Wade Westin Award, which was accepted on behalf of his family.