"She is an asset to our community."
"He established meaningful relationships with his students and provides them support and direction to help them reach their full potential."
"She continues to inspire others with her achievements."
The praise was high for all members of the News Tribune's 20 under 40 honorees this year.
This is the second year for the News Tribune's 20 under 40 event. Last year the response was outstanding, and it was again this year. We were looking for the best and brightest in their chosen fields, people who are role models in their community or people who have shown leadership in what they do.
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It was difficult work for our judges to winnow more than 40 nominations for the honor. We put out a call at the beginning of the summer for nominations of people younger than 40 from all walks of business and leadership in Duluth.
The selection panel had no professional or family connections to the newspaper and consisted of: Kim Kaiser, media relations specialist for SMDC Health System; William Bennett, CEO of LHB; Mark McShane, city of Duluth; Christy Case-Strohm, account executive at Charter Media; Leslie Hanna, CEO of MealTime; and Lisa Augustine, general manager of Holiday Inn. Case-Strohm and Augustine were 20 under 40 honorees in 2007. All six judges removed themselves from the voting for nominees from their own businesses or organizations.
The News Tribune will honor the 20 at a reception.
Some of the honorees had grown up in Duluth, others were transplants. Many think the city needs better-paying jobs, more opportunities and more positive attitudes. Almost all of the honorees spoke of the city's beauty and natural resources as one of its strengths.
Each has ideas on how to keep Duluth vibrant and growing. You will read about their contributions to the community and the work they do to inspire others. If you know of people like them, nominate them for next year's 20 under 40 project.
The praise above came from judges' comments for Laura Sieger, Nathan Glockle and Melissa Swor, respectively.
