Each year, the CGMC honors the legislators, city officials and community leaders who helped advance the CGMC’s goals over the preceding legislative session and/or an extended period of time.
Click on the names below to read a press release about each individual award recipient or click here for a list with brief descriptions of all the winners. You can also visit this photo album to see pictures from the CGMC Summer Conference, including the July 29 legislative awards dinner.
Legislator of Distinction – Tax Policy
Legislator of Distinction – Economic Development
Legislator of Distinction – Environment
Legislator of Distinction – Transportation
- Rep. Frank Hornstein (DFL-Minneapolis)
- Sen. Jeff Howe (R-Rockville)
- Sen. Scott Newman (R-Hutchinson)
Excellence in Service – Awarded to CGMC elected officials, city managers/administrators and/or city staff who demonstrated knowledge, leadership and active participation in CGMC program areas over the preceding session and/or an extended period of time.
- Susan Arntz – City Manager, Mankato
- Pat Baustian – Mayor, Luverne
- Andy Bradshaw – Wastewater Operations Manager, Moorhead
- Brian Holmer – Mayor, Thief River Falls
- Heidi Omerza – City Councilor, Ely
- Shannon Mortenson – City Administrator, Warren
- John Paulson – Project/Environmental/Regulatory Manager, Hutchinson
Jack Murray Award for Distinguished Rural Leadership (retiring elected officials) – Awarded—upon their retirement from public service—to CGMC mayors and elected officials who have made special contributions to the CGMC over a multi-year career. The award is named after Jack Murray, former mayor of International Falls, who was instrumental in the CGMC’s formation.
Bob Filson Award for Distinguished Rural Leadership (retiring staff) – Awarded—upon their retirement from public service—to CGMC city managers/administrators or key staff members who made special contributions to the CGMC over a multi-year career. The award is named after Bob Filson, former city manager of Worthington, who showed consistent and relentless dedication to whatever mattered to the CGMC and its members.
Friend of the CGMC – Awarded to individuals (not legislators or CGMC city officials) or organizations who have helped advance CGMC priorities and/or made important contributions to Greater Minnesota.
Minnesota Legacy Award – Awarded—upon their retirement—to legislators who have demonstrated unfailing commitment and made extraordinary contributions to Greater Minnesota during their legislative careers.
President’s Award – Awarded to the outgoing CGMC president.
