Photography by J. Alan Paul
Emerging Prairie, a Fargo nonprofit that helps connect and celebrate area entrepreneurs, recently hosted its fourth annual 1 Million Thanks at the Fargo Air Museum. Check out some photos from the event, where nearly 300 attendees gathered to reflect and celebrate all that was in 2017 and look forward to 2018.
Part of any Emerging Prairie event is an experiential component that allows guests to try something new and creative. This time, it was a chance to create their own luggage tag.
Attendees were treated to live music from The Moody River Band (top) and breakdancing from local group Broadway Beatrockers (bottom).
Volunteers from the North Dakota International Pageant — dressed as flight attendants — handed out appetizers and drinks to guests.
Emerging Prairie Experiential Design Fellow and Rhode Island native Chris Edgerley on the entrepreneurial environment in Fargo, “There is an amazing community being developed here … It is open to outsiders, full of love … Realize just how special you are.”
“Year after year, it is exciting to see the culture of Fargo’s entrepreneurial ecosystem multiply,” Emerging Prairie Executive Director and event emcee Greg Tehven told the audience. “People are taking risks, businesses are started and the community embraces their ventures. From the beginning, 1 Million Thanks has always been an event to celebrate a year within our ecosystem.”
1 Million Thanks Award Winners
Dr. David Wells “Belief” Award
Jim Gartin – Greater Fargo-Moorhead Economic Development Corporation
“This award is not about me, it is about the man who used his time, finance, programs and the incredible successes of his students. He was a dedicated professor, dreamer and opportunistic schemer to bring out the best in others … We are grateful for Dr. Wells and his model of excellence left in this entrepreneurial community.”
“Rookie of the Year” Award
Ray Berry – OmniByte
“I received an incredible response returning to Fargo. The existence of OmniByte is a credit to the passion ignited at 1 Million Cups and the community that has embraced me.”
“Team Player” Award
HERE Technologies (Brian Carroll accepting)
“Tonight is a continuation of the gratitude of three things about HERE Technologies:
- A great team
- Shared experiences
- The support from the community from when we launched to when we closed our doors.”
“Kickass” Award
Julie Peterson Klein – Bell Bank
“I am humbled to receive this award … We are taking action to ensure that we have a safe and thriving community … Continue to surround your self with people who believe that they can change the world by one good deed at a time.”
“Startup of the Year” Award
Myriad Mobile (Jake Joraanstad accepting)
“As a startup, you think about the day you will not be known as a startup but as a company … We are making progress, growing, and expanding our reach, and it is a tribute to the community support from raising funds, hiring talented team members, and living in the best city and state in the nation.”
“Social Impact” Award
eFargo (Malini Srivastava accepting)
“We received a large grant for the work we accomplished as a team … but we want to credit the Fargo community that allowed us to introduce our efforts to the community through their megaphone voices.”
If you know any of the people or organizations that received an award, reach out and congratulate them in person or on social media!
Emerging Prairie
122 1/2 N. Broadway Drive, Fargo
