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VC-BC Development Corporation awarded Bush Prize

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The Valley City-Barnes County Development Corporation was awarded a Bush Prize for Community Innovation. The award, one of five given this year by the Bush Foundation, included $358,000. Submitted photo

The Bush Foundation awarded the 2019 Bush Prize for Community Innovation to five organizations with a track record of successful problem solving in their communities. The only prize awarded in North Dakota was given to the Valley City-Barnes County Development Corporation, Valley City. The prize included $358,000.

The Bush Prize celebrates organizations that are extraordinary not only in what they do but in how they do it. This year’s winners demonstrate a pattern of working inclusively, in partnership with others, to make the region better for all.

“The 2019 Bush Prize winners exhibit remarkable creativity and tenacity in addressing issues that are most important to their communities,” said Bush Foundation President Jennifer Ford Reedy. “Their problem solving builds strength not only in their local community but also in the entire region.”

Bush Prize winners receive a package that includes promotional support and materials and an unrestricted grant equal to 25 percent of the organization’s prior fiscal year budget, up to $500,000. The foundation received 81 applications for the 2019 Bush Prize. Three panels of community members chose the winners from their respective states.

“This year’s winners are defined by their courage,” said Mandy Ellerton, community innovation director. “They shake loose solutions to seemingly intractable problems by opening themselves up to surprising partnerships, sharing ownership and bringing together people who don’t always agree. This method of working takes guts, and our region is better because of their courage.”

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The Valley City-Barnes County Development Corporation tirelessly pursues a higher quality of life for its community. The organization employs a successful, non-traditional style of community-led economic development to address such issues as affordable housing, child care and development of a skilled workforce to serve growing businesses in the area.

The corporation combines grassroots dedication, technical expertise and financial resources to catalyze economic opportunities and development. When faced with workforce shortages, it invested in education partnerships to provide a steady supply of skilled workers who can fuel long-term growth for area businesses. The corporation also created space for technology companies and entrepreneurs.

The corporation often makes bold moves when the well-being of its community is at stake, the foundation said. To attract an established manufacturer, it spearheaded vital infrastructure development along a major transportation corridor. To help businesses access capital for renovations and expansions, it took a leadership role with the Bank of North Dakota to establish a statewide financial assistance program to buy down interest rates.

The corporation analyzes opportunities through a “people first” lens, making decisions based upon the needs of its residents and potential impact on local businesses. This approach results in consecutive economic wins that increase the health and prosperity of residents.

The Bush Foundation invests in great ideas and the people who power them in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and the 23 Native nations that share the same geography. Established in 1953 by 3M Executive Archibald Bush and his wife Edyth, the foundation supports organizations and people to think bigger and think differently about what is possible in their communities. The foundation works to inspire and support creative problem solving – within and across sectors – to make the region better for everyone.

The Bush Prize is awarded annually in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and the 23 Native nations that share the same geography.

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