Each year at its summer conference, CGMC honors legislators and city officials who made significant efforts during the previous legislative session to advance issues important to greater Minnesota. This year’s award winners are:

Legislator of Distinction: Tax Policy

• Sen. Tom Bakk (DFL-Cook)
• Sen. Larry Pogemiller (DFL-Minneapolis)
• Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher (DFL-Minneapolis)

Legislator of Distinction: Economic Development Policy

• Rep. John Ward (DFL-Brainerd)
• Rep. Tom Rukavina (DFL-Virginia)
• Sen. Dan Skogen (DFL-Hewitt)
• Sen. Keith Langseth (DFL-Glyndon)

Legislator of Distinction: Transportation Policy

• Rep. Terry Morrow (DFL-Mankato)

First Term Legislator of the Year

• Sen. Kathy Sheran (DFL-Mankato)

Rural Leadership Award

• Sen. Steve Dille (R-Dassel)
• Sen. Jim Vickerman (DFL-Tracy)
• Sen. Steve Murphy (DFL-Red Wing)
• Rep. Marty Seifert (R-Marshall)

Excellence in Service (Elected)

• Mayor Bruce Ahlgren, Cloquet
• Mayor Nancy Carroll, Park Rapids
• Mayor Michael Murtaugh, Albert Lea
• Mayor Alan Oberloh, Worthington

Excellence in Service (Non-Elected)

• Craig Clark, City Administrator, Worthington

Jack Murray Award

• Mayor Richard Lehmann, Bemidji
• Tim Breza, City Councilmember, Winona

Bob Filson Award for Distinguished Rural Leadership

• Eric Sorensen, City Administrator, Winona

President’s Award

• Mayor Timothy Strand, St. Peter

Friend of the CGMC Award

• Mayor R.T. Rybak, Minneapolis