J.R. Simplot Company receives 2026 Klaus Thiessen Impact Award in Grand Forks

The J.R. Simplot Company received the 2026 Klaus Thiessen Impact Award at the annual meeting of the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation on Thursday, March 26, at the Alerus Center. David Valdez, Simplot’s Grand Forks unit director, accepted the award on behalf of the company.

The event, centered on the theme "Groundbreaking Impact," celebrated the economic development progress that has been made in the past year, and those businesses and individuals who "continue to make our area an excellent place to grow and do business," Shawn Gaddie, chairman of the EDC Board of Directors, said in welcoming remarks.

Grand Forks County Commissioner Kimberly Hagen, Mayor Brandon Bochenski, EDC President and CEO Keith Lund, School Board President David Berger and UND president Andrew Armacost participate in the EDC Impact panel on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the Alerus Center.

Gaddie also highlighted Grand Forks' recent designation as the No. 1 region in the United States for 2025 for corporate investment projects per capita, in tier three metros, by the Site Selection Magazine. 
 

Recognition of regional impact

Keith Lund, president and CEO of the Grand Forks Region EDC, also cited the remarkable growth in agribusiness in this region, and specifically Simplot, which contributes to the strength of this sector "with very little fanfare."

In presenting the Klaus Thiessen Impact Award, Lund noted that it has been presented annually by the EDC since 2014, and is named in honor of the EDC’s longest-serving president and CEO, who led the organization for 14 years. The award recognizes an outstanding business or individual who has made a positive impact on economic growth, vitality and prosperity in the Grand Forks region.

Lund presented the award to Valdez before an audience of several hundred people, including regional business leaders, elected officials and community partners.

David Valdez:

On behalf of our entire team, it is truly an honor to accept (this award). Standing here tonight, I am reminded of something simple but powerful: communities don’t just happen, they’re built. They’re built by people, by partnerships and by sheer commitment to making each day a little bit better than the one before.

Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to be part of so many efforts that reflect the heart of this community — supporting local schools, partnering with nonprofits, volunteering at events and stepping up whenever there was a need."

Valdez said the recognition of impact belongs not only to Simplot, but to "this town - to the organizations who invite us to collaborate, to leaders who set a vision for progress and to every person who shows up when it matters."

David Valdez:

"Our team has always understood that giving back is not an obligation, it’s a privilege. As we look toward the future, our promise is simple: we will continue to show up. We will continue to invest in people, continue to support local initiatives and strengthen the partnerships that make our community resilient."

Community engagement and recognition

Instead of a traditional plaque, Simplot officials received a commissioned painting by Grand Forks artist Madeline Smedstad. The artwork depicts the Simplot facility towering above the Sorlie Memorial Bridge. The artwork is a visual tribute commemorating the company’s deep roots in the community. Earlier this month, Gaddie and Lund also presented the award recognition to Simplot Global Food President Graham Dugdale in a virtual gathering.

Several hundred people listen to EDC board chairman Shawn Gaddie give remarks at the EDC's annual meeting on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the Alerus Center.

Simplot has been an important force in the region for four decades, "investing hundreds of millions of dollars in the community, employing hundreds of people, and generating an economic impact well beyond the footprint of its facility," Lund said in the EDC event announcement.

Keith Lund, president and CEO of the Grand Forks Region EDC:

"The growth the region has recognized in agribusiness over the last several years, we think it’s directly attributable to the foundation this company built over the last four decades. They have demonstrated, quietly and consistently, that the Red River Valley is not just a great place for agribusiness, but a great place for business, period."

Collaboration driving regional growth

The EDC annual meeting, organized to celebrate transformative investments, also featured a panel of community leaders who spoke about the benefits of collaboration between major components of the community.

The panelists were: Mayor Brandon Bochenski, Grand Forks County Commission Chairwoman Kimberly Hagen, Grand Forks School Board President Dave Berger and UND President Andrew Armacost. Col. Alfred Rosales, commander, Grand Forks Air Force Base, was invited but unable to participate, Lund said. Each described the importance of connectivity, stemming from regular gatherings, that propels the region forward.

Andrew Armacost:

"There are so many touchpoints between the university and community. The opportunity for all the city leaders to gather in one place and share their visions and strategies is unmatched."

Dave Berger:

"We all want the same thing. We all want Grand Forks to move in the same direction."

Kimberly Hagen:

"Early on, I was invited into a discussion on child care, one of the pillars for workforce development."

Brandon Bochenski:

"This is a competent, forward-looking and energetic people. Grand Forks is the 683rd largest city in the nation, but we’re winning at the national level — that’s pretty remarkable. We’re punching above our weight class."

Last year's recipient of the Klaus Thiessen Impact Award was Altru Health System.

Shawn Gaddie:

"It really is cool to see the School Board, the university president, the mayor, the county and many other organizations all represented in one room, once a month, talking about the challenges and how we move our region forward."