FARGO, ND—Crary Industries Inc., Food Export-Midwest, and the Economic Development Association of North Dakota were recognized for their achievements in international trade at the Global Business Awards hosted by the North Dakota Trade Office (NDTO) on May 14, 2025. Lieutenant Governor Michelle Strinden presented the awards at an event that showcased North Dakota’s international business success.
Crary Industries Inc. was named the 2024 Exporter of the Year. To win the Exporter of the Year award, the business must have expanded to a new international market, increased its export sales during the past year, and supported the larger, statewide effort to expand ND’s global reach. Crary Industries Inc. met these standards with ease, increasing sales across the board and acquiring new international partners.
Crary Industries Inc. stood out amongst a pool of brilliant nominees for their staunch dedication to expansion and community.
Food Export-Midwest won the 2024 Service to Exporters award because of the decades their organization has spent supporting United States exporters through the application of various programs and resources. Their commitment to sowing success for North Dakota businesses in the global market has not wavered since their inception. The Service to Exporters Award is given to an international business resource that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to supporting ND exporters and increasing the state’s overall international business strategy. Food Export-Midwest’s regional operations do an impeccable job of uplifting North Dakota companies.
The Economic Development Association of North Dakota (EDND) received the 2024 NDTO Global Ambassador award. This Award recognizes an individual or organization that selflessly assists in the promotion of ND products worldwide and helps strengthen the relationships between ND companies and their international partners. EDND operates as a collective voice for all North Dakota businesses, development groups, and communities as they advocate for policies and ideas that champion professional and global development. This advocacy plays into the larger purpose of sharing North Dakota’s excellence with the rest of the world.
The 2024 Global Business Awards luncheon brought together some of North Dakota’s brightest minds in international business. The luncheon drew in a crowd of 90 people and began with a fireside chat with Fred P. Hochberg, former Export-Import (EXIM) Bank chairman and president.
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The North Dakota Trade Office is a membership-based, private/public partnership that provides education, research, advocacy, organization, and leadership so that NDTO members and ND companies can grow their international business.