FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Great Northern Development Corporation Wins Two 2024 MEDA Impact Awards for Economic Development in Northeast Montana
Wolf Point, MT, October 2024 – Great Northern Development Corporation (GNDC) is proud to announce its recognition as the recipient of two 2024 Montana Economic Developers Association (MEDA) Impact Awards. These awards celebrate GNDC’s ongoing efforts to drive economic growth and foster innovation across Northeast Montana.
The first award recognizes the success of GNDC’s 2024 Minnow Tank Competition, an initiative organized by GNDC’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) that supports aspiring entrepreneurs and expanding businesses. Over $30,000 has been invested in the local economy since the program’s inception, empowering participants with business plan training, mentorship, and funding opportunities. In 2024, seven of the twelve competitors moved forward with their projects, contributing to job creation and economic development throughout the region.
Quincy Walter, SBDC Advisor for Northeastern Montana and organizer of Minnow Tank expressed her excitement about the recognition:
“We are thrilled to see the lasting impact of Minnow Tank on our community. This competition is not just about securing funding—it’s about giving local businesses the tools, knowledge, and support they need to thrive. This award is a testament to the hard work of our entrepreneurs and our commitment to fostering growth in Northeast Montana.”
The second MEDA Impact Award celebrates GNDC’s role in facilitating the expansion of Farmer’s Union Oil Company’s fertilizer plant in Circle, Montana. This $3.39 million expansion, made possible through a USDA Fertilizer Production Expansion Program grant, has significantly increased local fertilizer capacity, supporting area farmers with competitive pricing and creating new jobs in the region. The project has enhanced agricultural resilience, bolstered the local economy, and provided long-term benefits to the community.
Tori Matejovsky, Executive Director of GNDC, emphasized the importance of these projects:
“These awards are a reflection of our commitment to regional development and partnership. From empowering small businesses through Minnow Tank to supporting agricultural infrastructure, GNDC is dedicated to making a lasting impact on our communities.”
Great Northern Development Corporation thanks its generous donors, partners, and MEDA for this incredible honor. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient future for Northeast Montana.Contact:
Great Northern Development Corporation
(406) 653-2590
info@gndc.org
www.gndc.org