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. This year's event will be held on Thursday, January 25th, 2025.

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
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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 EthanolTharaldson 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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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