Acknowledging the Young Professionals and Organizations Which Make Bismarck-Mandan Great

2026 Annual Meeting Awards

The Network honors deserving members each year with the presentation of five special awards. Nominations for these awards can be made by any YP member and then recipients are voted on by the Board.

Community Champions
University of Mary

University of Mary is receiving the award for their continued support of the Young Professionals Network events, sponsorships, active engagement, and continually encouraging their employees to join the Young Professionals Network.

Theodore Roosevelt Award
Isak Johnson

The Theodore Roosevelt Award is presented to the member who has shown persistence and dedication within the YP network.

This year’s Theodore Roosevelt Award recipient is Isak Johnson. Throughout the past year, he has remained an active and engaged member of the Young Professionals Network, consistently making the effort to attend events and contribute to the community despite an exceptionally busy professional schedule.Over the past year, Isak has participated in a wide variety of YPN events, including Chill N Bowl, book club gatherings, kayaking outings, the symphony event, and several other activities. His consistent participation demonstrates a clear commitment to building relationships and supporting the mission of the Young Professionals Network.

Sakakawea Award
Remmington Warner

The Sakakawea Award recognizes members who give selflessly of their time and effort.

This year’s recipient of the Sakakawea Award is Remmington Wanner. Remmie has been such a help within the YPN! He did our photos last year and this year at Cinco. This is an act of selflessness in his time and talents. He has also been a constant friendly face throughout the past year in the network. He has made a handful of connections. Remmie is now part of the YPN board! So that clearly shows his leadership and ambitions.

Great Plains Award
Nikhil Kalothia

The Great Plains Award is awarded to a member who shows leadership and innovation in the network.

This year’s recipient of the Great Plains Award is Nikhil Kalothia. Nikhil demonstrated initiative by nominating our nonprofit partner for 2026, helping expand the network’s impact and strengthen connections with organizations doing meaningful work in our community. His willingness to bring forward ideas that benefit both YPN and the broader community reflects the forward-thinking spirit this award celebrates

Pioneer Award
Jordan Busch

The Pioneer Award is given to the member who demonstrates exceptional leadership by going above and beyond the call of duty.

This year’s recipient of the Pioneer Award is Jordan Busch. He has been a great help when needed. He is always ready and willing to give a lending hand. Jordan always has a friendly and inviting face.

Crystal Reid Excellence Award
Elizabeth Heinz

Crystal Reid served as a Social Team co-lead, newsletter publisher, member of the Service Team, and VP of the YPN during before unexpectedly passing away in July of 2009. In the 3 years that she was involved in our organization, she touched the lives of many people and made a lasting impact on the YPN. The Crystal Reid Excellence Award recognizes an individual’s leadership in the YPN and the Bismarck-Mandan community. This award is for someone who works tirelessly to get the job done, inspiring and motivating all those around them.

This year’s Crystal Reid recipient is someone who has been leading or helping with many events over the last 6 months. They have selflessly given their time to the YPN. When they are not the one leading an event, they steps up to do any task small or big and doesn’t care to receive any credit or recognition for the hard work. This person has frequently attended volunteer events even when others can’t. They always makes sure to welcome others to events and make sure that everyone feels included. The recipient has been the MVP of the YPN this year and wholeheartedly has earned the Crystal Reid Award.

Congratulations to this year’s Crystal Reid Award for giving their spirit to the network, Elizabeth Heinz!

Eligibility Requirements

Any employer which serves our community and employs at least one individual between the ages of 18 and 40  is eligible to become a Bismarck-Mandan Top 10 Workplace.

Entry Process

A nominator must be an employee of the nominated company and a YP member. The nominator must complete the current year’s Top Ten Workplace entry form located on the Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network website.

2026 Top 10 Workplace Award Winners:

Essentia Health
North Dakota Information Technology
NISC
Basin Electric Power Cooperative
Capital Credit Union
First Community Credit Union
HexaHive
Gate City Bank
Moore Engineering
Marathon Petroleum