RidderbuschGregoryWatford City,  (CSi)  Gregory Ridderbusch, CEO of Connexus Energy and former vice president of business development and strategy at Great River Energy and president of the Midwest AgEnergy Group, received the Economic Development Association of North Dakota (EDND) Impact Award for Economic Developer of the Year – Large Communities Division during the EDND Fall Conference Oct. 27 in Watford City.

The Economic Developer of the Year Award is given to an individual who has made a significant contribution that will leave a lasting impact on the economic health of his community or region. Ridderbusch played a vital role in the Dakota Spirit AgEnergy ethanol plant in Spiritwood reaching its full commercialization in July. This is the first corn-ethanol plant built in the U.S. in more than five years.

“EDND is pleased to recognize Gregory for his efforts in creating economic development opportunities that impact his community and the state,” says Connie Ova, EDND president.

EDND represents more than 80 state economic development organizations on the front line of economic development efforts throughout North Dakota. The primary purpose of the organization is to support the creation of new wealth and the diversification of North Dakota’s economy. Additional information is available at www.ednd.org.