FARGO, ND — Emerging Prairie is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 1 Million Thanks Awards, an award of recognition and gratitude honoring the individuals, organizations, and community leaders whose contributions continue to shape the region’s entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation ecosystem.
The 1 Million Thanks Awards celebrate the remarkable achievements across the region and is dedicated to recognizing those whose leadership, service, and partnership drive a shared vision forward – strengthening communities, elevating ideas, and creating lasting impact across North Dakota and beyond.
The 2026 award recipients are:
Community Impact Award
The Community Impact Award honors organizations whose philanthropic leadership strengthens the ecosystem as a whole.
FM Area Foundation
The FM Area Foundation is recognized for its philanthropic leadership and enduring commitment to strengthening the Fargo–Moorhead community. Since its inception, the Foundation has invested more than $100 million in grants to nonprofit organizations and initiatives that enhance quality of life and expand opportunity for all. By encouraging and promoting effective philanthropy, and by partnering closely with donors and community organizations, the FM Area Foundation helps cultivate a strong, connected ecosystem where ideas, organizations, and people can thrive. Its work supports the conditions that allow innovation, collaboration, and long-term community vitality to take root across the region.
Grand Farm Partner of the Year Award
The Grand Farm Partner of the Year Award recognizes a collaborator whose work meaningfully advances agricultural innovation.
Pivot Bio
Pivot Bio is being honored for its leadership in advancing novel crop nutrition technologies and its commitment to science-driven agriculture. Through its partnership with Grand Farm, Pivot Bio has helped accelerate innovation, showcase real-world applications, and bring forward practical solutions that improve grower outcomes and strengthen modern farming systems.
Lifetime Impact Award
The Lifetime Impact Award honors individuals whose leadership has left an enduring legacy.
Cindy Schreiber-Beck, Former North Dakota State Representative
Cindy Schreiber-Beck was a champion for collaboration, a trusted advisor, and a foundational leader during the early years of Grand Farm. As a founding Grand Farm Board member, her belief in innovation, commitment to service, and dedication to North Dakota agriculture helped shape the organization’s mission and culture in enduring ways. Her influence continues to be felt across the community and throughout the work she helped build.
Eric Hardmeyer, Former President & CEO, Bank of North Dakota
Eric Hardmeyer is also being honored with the Lifetime Impact Award for his extraordinary leadership, statewide influence, and unwavering commitment to North Dakota’s future. As a member of Grand Farm’s founding steering committee, Eric helped shape the early vision for the organization and provided steady guidance during pivotal moments of growth. Known for his humility, clarity, and deep care for people, Eric’s legacy endures through the institutions and individuals he strengthened.
Community Leadership Award
The Community Leadership Award recognizes organizations that lead with vision, integrity, and long-term commitment to place.
Forum Communications
Forum Communications and the Marcil family are being honored for their enduring role as storytellers, civic leaders, and community builders. Through early and continued support of initiatives such as TEDxFargo, StartupBREW Fargo, and Grand Farm, Forum Communications has helped elevate entrepreneurs, amplify ideas, and foster a culture of connection and innovation across the region.
