The new Minot Area Chamber Economic Development Corporation elected board officers at its organizational meeting. Jonn Knecht of American Bank Center was selected to serve as the first chair for the new organization.

“It is an honor to be selected as the chair of the new organization. I’ve served on both the former Minot Area Chamber of Commerce and Minot Area Development Corporation boards and see many advantages in kicking off the year as one.” Knecht said. “It’s now time to roll up our sleeves and get to work. We owe it to the investors and members to look for ways to be as effective and efficient as one organization. I am looking forward to serving with the new board and the staff to serve our region.”

The executive committee officers include Randy Hauck from Verendrye Electric Cooperative as chair elect, Kevin Black from Creedence Energy Services as vice chair and Missy Feist-Erickson from Peoples State Bank as treasurer. L. John MacMartin will serve as the board president and corporate secretary.

The new 14-member board of directors includes leadership from both the Minot Area Chamber of Commerce and Minot Area Development Corp. boards. The City of Minot and Ward County will have set positions on the board. Mayor Shaun Sipma is serving in the City of Minot position. Ward County will appoint an elected commissioner for their spot this month.

Members at large include Ryan Ackerman, Ackerman-Estvold; Cassidy Hjelmstad, SRT; Les Knudson, AGT Foods; Brekka Kramer, Odney; Randy Schwan, Trinity Health; Steve Shirley, Minot State University; Mark Vollmer, Minot Public Schools; and Jason Zimmerman, Minot Area Community Foundation.

“This is going to be an exciting year for the new organization,” MacMartin said. “With our new board leadership, I am confident we can continue the work we do in our community and be an effective champion for businesses.”

The Minot Area Development Corp. and the Minot Area Chamber of Commerce merged to create the Minot Area Chamber EDC on Jan. 1.