1 Million Thanks
An Evening of Reflection, Recognition, and Gratitude
1 Million Thanks 2025 celebrates the remarkable achievements in entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation within the Fargo-Moorhead region. This evening is dedicated to honoring the individuals, organizations, and community members whose support and contributions drive our shared vision forward.
This year’s event will be a more intimate gathering, creating a space to connect on a deeper level with the people who make our community thrive.
What to Expect at 1 Million Thanks 2025:
- Awards honoring impactful contributors in entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation
- An elegant, multi-course dining experience
- Live music, a signature champagne toast, and an evening of meaningful connection
2025 Award Winners
Ecosystem Champion // Small Business Administration
Startup of the Year // Aigen
Technology Community Champion // Jaryd Krishnan, John Deere
Innovation Champion // AgCountry Farm Credit Services
Lifetime Impact // Senator John Hoeven
2024 Award Winners
Entrepreneur Community Builder // 50 South Capital
Entrepreneur Community Champion // North Dakota State Representative Mike Nathe
Technology Community Builder // Cota Systems
Technology Community Champion // Kara Kalbus, Eide Bailly
Grand Farm Innovation Champion Award // USDA ARS
Grand Farm Innovation Project of the Year // FARMS Team
Lifetime Impact // Ron Offutt, RDO Equipment
2023 Award Winners
Dr. David Wells Belief // Gary Tharaldson, Tharaldson Ethanol, Tharaldson Hospitality, and Tharaldson Investments
Entrepreneur Community Champion // North Dakota Small Business Development Centers
Kick-Ass Award // Jessie Azure, Spadesso
Grand Farm Champion // KWS Group
Innovative Grower // Ron Holiday
Technology Community Advocate // Jase Kraft, Full Stack Fargo
Technology Workforce Champion // Perficient
2022 Award Winners
Rookie of the Year // Patty Post, Founder & CEO of Checkable Health
Dr. David Wells Belief // State Senator Ron Sorvaag
Dr. David Wells Belief // State Representative Michael Howe
Team Player // Scheels
Entrepreneurial Leader of the Year // Brady Nash, CEO of BNG
Entrepreneurial Leader of the Year // Ryan Goodman, President of BNG
2020 Award Winners
Rookie of the Year // Peter Chamberlain, Co-Founder of WalkWise
Dr. David Wells Belief // Kodee Furst, Co-Founder of Annie Capital
Team Player // Microsoft
Social Entrepreneur of the Year // Kim Pladson, TNT Kid's Fitness & Gymnastics
Entrepreneurial Leader of the Year // Jeff Young, President of Health at WEX
Student Entrepreneur of the Year // Dieumerci Christel, Founder of Enlight
Lifetime Community Impact Award // Lauris Molbert
2019 Award Winners
Rookie of the Year // Sadiyo Hassan
Social Impact Award // Adam Martin, F5 Project
Team Player Award // Kilbourne Group
Dr. David Wells Belief Award // Roger Larson
Startup of the Year Award // Aldevron
2018 Award Winners
Rookie of the Year // Ray Berry, Founder of OmniByte
Social Impact Award // Malini Srivistava, eFargo
Team Player Award // Brian Carroll, HERE Technologies
Kickass Award // Julie Peterson Klein
Dr. David Wells Belief Award // Jim Gartin
Startup of the Year // Jake Joraanstad & Ryan Raguse, Myriad Mobile
2017 Award Winners
Rookie of the Year // Max Kringen, Founder of Tellwell
Social Impact Award // Joe Burgum & Simone Wai, Folkways
Team Player Award // CoSchedule
Kickass Award // Kirk Anton, Heat Transfer Warehouse
Ashley Morken, Unglued
Startup of the Year Award // National Day Calendar
Belief Award // Bethlehem "Betty" Gronneberg, uCodeGirl
2016 Award Winners
Rookie of the Year Award // Cooper Bierscheid, Protosthetics
Team Player Award // Botlink
Kickass Award // Eide Bailly
Startup of the Year Award // CoSchedule
Belief Award // Dave and Sammie Binkard
Champion Award // Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors
2015 Award Winners
Rookie of the Year Award // Blaine & Amanda Booher
Team Player Award // Myriad Mobile
Belief Award // Dr. David Wells
Champion Award // Dr. Sue Mathison & Jim Gartin
Entrepreneur of the Year Award // Courtney Evanson
