The CGMC is excited to announce our 2020 award recipients!
While this year has been especially challenging (to say the least), it is important to recognize our accomplishments and the individuals and organizations who helped advance the CGMC’s goals.
These awards honor the legislators, city officials and community leaders who fought tirelessly on behalf of Greater Minnesota cities on issues such as capital investment, federal CARES Act funding for local governments, wastewater infrastructure, relief for small businesses, and child care needs. We also honor retiring legislators and city officials who have had a lasting positive impact on our organization and Greater Minnesota communities over the course of their careers.
Click on the names below to read a press release about each individual award recipient and click on the “video” link to watch a short video about our city leader honorees.
Rural Leadership Award – Awarded to legislators who helped advance CGMC priorities in several program areas this year.
Legislator of Distinction – Economic Development – Awarded to legislators who played key roles in CGMC’s policy success or advancing CGMC priorities in the area of economic development this year.
- Paul Anderson (R-Plymouth)
- Jeff Brand (DFL-St. Peter)
- Dave Pinto (DFL-St. Paul)
- Kristin Robbins (R-Maple Grove)
- Zack Stephenson (DFL-Coon Rapids)
- Mary Murphy (DFL-Hermantown)
- David Senjem (R-Rochester)
- Paul Gazelka (R-East Gull Lake)
- House Speaker Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park)
- Dean Urdahl (R-Grove City)
- Sandy Pappas (DFL-St. Paul)
- Susan Kent (DFL-Woodbury)
Legislator of Distinction – Environment – Awarded to legislators who played key roles in CGMC’s policy success or advancing CGMC priorities in the area of environment this year.
Excellence in Service Award – Awarded to CGMC elected officials, city managers/administrators and/or city staff who demonstrated knowledge, leadership and active participation in CGMC program areas this year.
- Mayor Sean Dowse, Red Wing – video
- Lynn Gorski, Human Resources Director, Owatonna – video
- Shaunna Johnson, Waite Park City Administrator – video
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.
- Mayor Rita Albrecht, Bemidji – video
- Mayor Sara Carlson, Alexandria – video
- Mayor Suzanne Hilgert, Olivia – video
- Alderman Bruce Imholte, Detroit Lakes – video
- Mayor Tom Stiehm, Austin – video
- Mayor Randy Wilson, Glencoe – video
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.
- Pat Dalton, former Staff Coordinator for the Minnesota House of Representatives Research Department (non-partisan staff)
- Municipal advocacy organizations — League of Minnesota Cities, Metro Cities, Municipal Legislative Commission and Minnesota Association of Small Cities
Minnesota Legacy Award – Awarded—upon retirement—to legislators who have demonstrated unfailing commitment and made extraordinary contributions to Greater Minnesota during their legislative careers.
- Jack Considine (DFL-Mankato)
- Bob Gunther (R-Fairmont)
- Ben Lien (DFL-Moorhead)
- Bud Nornes (R-Fergus Falls)
- Erik Simonson (DFL-Duluth)
- Dick Cohen (DFL-St. Paul)
Tim Flaherty Legacy Award – Awarded—upon retirement—to legislators, city officials or other advocates who have demonstrated unfailing commitment and made extraordinary contributions to Greater Minnesota during their careers. The award is named for Tim Flaherty, the former executive director of the CGMC and a long-time advocate for Greater Minnesota cities.
President’s Award – Awarded to the outgoing CGMC president.
