Scott Haugen Receives Top Honor At Stars of Williston

Every year, Williston dedicates time to honor individuals in our community who are excelling and serving as pillars of the community.

The Williston Area Chamber of Commerce on Friday hosted its 2025 Stars of Williston Annual Awards Banquet at the Grand Williston Hotel and Conference Center.

Capstoning the evening was the Distinguished Western Star Award, the Chamber’s highest honor, given for long-term promotion of Williston as a place to live and work.

Nominations for the award were Helen Askim, Dr. Mernell Hirning, and our very own Scott Haugen.

And as a usual Hollywood ending, the scrappy kid from the mean streets of Grenora was able to take the award back home to hang in his Townsquaremedia office.

I reached out to Mr. Haugen for a comment on how he felt about being the recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Western Star Award, to which he commented, "Still in shock to be even considered, and even more humbled to win."

Making the event so much a celebration, attendees also enjoyed a formal dinner, live entertainment, a 360 Lux Photobooth, and an after-party hosted by The Range.

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The event honored individuals and organizations in seven categories voted on by dedicated Chamber committees or staff.

The 2025 honorees are:

Champion of Agriculture

Winner: Brandon & Chris Hoffman, Hoffman Farms

• Awarded for exceptional leadership in agriculture through innovation, stewardship, or advocacy.

• Runner-Ups: John Salvevold, Horizon Resources; Williston Rural, Ray & Tioga Fire Departments

• Sponsored by: Horizon Resources

• Selected by: WACC Agricultural Committee

E. Ward Koeser Advocacy Award

Winner: David Richter, District 1 Representative

• Recognizes leadership in public policy supporting Williston’s business community.

• Runner-Ups: Alex Johnson, Sanctum & Stone; Dr. Bernell Hirning, Williston State College

• Sponsored by: American State Bank & Trust

• Selected by: WACC Policy Committee

Generation Next Award

Winner: Levi Hall, Horizon Resources

• Honors a rising professional (ages 21–35) for leadership, creativity, and initiative.

• Runner-Ups: Vanessa Alfaro (Elevated by Tessa); Bekka Johnson (First International Bank & Trust); Laila, Qamar & Mohammad Badwan (The Fleur Cafe)

• Sponsored by: Western Cooperative Credit Union

• Selected by: WACC Leadership & Education Committee

Community Engagement Award

Winner: Cyrena Weeks, Tri-County Regional Development

• Awarded for outstanding volunteerism and positive community involvement.

• Runner-Ups: Amy Wells (First State Bank & Trust); Kayla Wilson (Manger Insurance); Stevie Broe (City of Williston)

• Sponsored by: CHI St. Alexius Health

• Selected by: WACC Ambassadors

Williston Leadership Award

Winner: Anna Nelson, Williston Economic Development

• Recognizes leadership that inspires growth and positive impact in the community.

• Runner-Ups: Tori Siemieniewski (City of Williston); Jocci Rice (Olive Motherhood)

• Sponsored by: Williston Economic Development

• Selected by: WACC Leadership & Education Committee

Chamber Connector Award

Winner: Kristal Schmit, University of Mary

• Celebrates individuals who exemplify networking and community involvement through Chamber engagement.

• Runner-Ups: Carrie Barnard (Gate City Bank); Jessica Delvo (The Creative Dove)

• Selected by: WACC Staff

Distinguished Western Star Award

Winner: Scott Haugen, Townsquare Media

• The Chamber’s highest honor, given for long-term promotion of Williston as a place to live and work.

• Runner-Ups: Helen Askim (Williams County); Dr. Bernell Hirning (Williston State College)

• Sponsored by: Creedence Energy Services

• Selected by: WACC Board of Directors