Each year, the CGMC honors the legislators, city officials and community leaders who helped advance the CGMC’s goals over the preceding legislative session or during a period of their career.
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 27 legislative awards dinner.
Legislator of Distinction – Tax Policy
Legislator of Distinction – Economic Development
- Sen. Lindsey Port (DFL-Burnsville)
- Rep. Mike Howard (DFL-Richfield)
- Sen. Aric Putnam (DFL-St. Cloud)
- Sen. John Jasinski (R-Faribault)
Legislator of Distinction – Environment
Legislator of Distinction – Transportation
- Rep. Paul Torkelson (R-Hanska)
- Rep. Frank Hornstein (DFL-Minneapolis)
- Sen. Scott Dibble (DFL-Minneapolis)
- Rep. Erin Koegel (DFL-Spring Lake Park)
Rural Leadership Award – Awarded to legislators who helped advance CGMC priorities in several program areas during the preceding session.
- Rep. Dean Urdahl (R-Grove City)
- Sen. Sandy Pappas (DFL-St. Paul)
- Rep. Jeff Brand (DFL-St. Peter)
- Rep. Dave Lislegard (DFL-Aurora)
- Sen. Nick Frentz (DFL-North Mankato)
First-term Legislator of the Year
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.
- Rick Schultz – Mayor, St. Joseph
- Shelly Jonas – Mayor, Annandale
- Josh Malchow – Clerk/Administrator, Slayton
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.
Tim Flaherty Legacy Award – Awarded—upon their retirement—to legislators who have demonstrated unfailing commitment and made extraordinary contributions to Greater Minnesota during their careers.
President’s Award – Awarded to the outgoing CGMC president.
