Excellence in Leadership: Mike Carroll of Park Rapids, who has worked for the DNR for the past 25 years and strives to reinforce the DNR’s role as a neighbor and long-term contributor to the economic, social and environmental health of the region.

Individual Excellence in an Organization: Patrick Lochwood, office manager, Evergreen House, whose coordination of "BemidjiSafe," a program for youth with sexual orientation issues and their families, was key to its ongoing success and a great benefit to the community.

Organizational Excellence: Mahnomen Health Center, recognized for serving as the access point and coordinator of health care services that improve the quality of life and health of the Mahnomen area residents.

Project Excellence: Fosston Community Library and Arts Center. A building addition and upgraded theater have added enormously to the quality of life in the community.

Circle of Vision: The Hellekson Family and Ray Hellekson’s estate, which made annual gifts to Courage North in order to empower people with disabilities; and employees of TEAM Industries/TEAM Foundation, providing funds to the Clearwater Health Services and its hospice program.

Circle of Vision Leadership Society: Arnold Lund, who by being the first individual donor to reach a giving level of $1 million or more, has supported the development of the Baudette community, the Lake of the Woods Industrial Development Corp. and the Lake of the Woods Humane Society.