CGMC honors lawmakers, city officials at annual Legislative Awards Dinner

The  CGMC honored 23 legislators and city leaders at our 2018 Legislative Awards Dinner, which was held July 26 in Mankato. A copy of the awards program handed out at the event can be found here. Click on the award recipients’ name to read a press release that outlines their accomplishments over the past year.

Legislator of Distinction- Economic Development

• Rep. Bob Gunther (R-Fairmont)
• Sen. John Jasinski (R-Faribault)
• Sen. Bill Weber (R-Luverne)

Legislator of Distinction- Environment

• Sen. Carla Nelson (R-Rochester)
• Rep. Dean Urdahl (R-Acton Township)
• Sen. Torrey Westrom (R-Elbow Lake)

Legislator of Distinction- Transportation

• Rep. John Petersburg (R-Waseca)
• Sen. David Senjem (R-Rochester)
• Rep. Paul Torkelson (R-Hanska)

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.

• Rep. Clark Johnson (DFL-North Mankato)     
• Rep. Paul Thissen (DFL-Minneapolis)

Excellence in Service (elected officials) – Awarded to CGMC elected officials who demonstrated knowledge, leadership and active participation in CGMC program areas over the preceding session and/or an extended period of time.

• David Sturrock, Marshall City Councilor
• Greg Zylka, Mayor of Little Falls

Excellence in Service (city staff) – Awarded to CGMC city managers/administrators 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.

• Sam Hansen, St. James City Manager
• Mark Larson, Glencoe City Administrator
• Jon Radermacher, Little Falls City Administrator
• Kelly Rasche, Lakefield Administrative Clerk

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.

• Eric Anderson, Mayor of Mankato
• Ardell Brede, Mayor of Rochester
• Del Rae Williams, Mayor of Moorhead

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.

•  Gary Neumann, former Rochester Assistant City Administrator

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.

• Tim Penny, President of the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation

President’s Award – Awarded to the outgoing CGMC president.

• Dave Smiglewski, Mayor of Granite Falls

To see photos from the cocktail reception and awards dinner, click here.