WILLISTON, ND (KXNET) — Nine businesses were honored at the Williston Economic Development (WED) and Small Business Development Center's (SBDC) annual awards banquet on Sept. 13. Each year, members of the Williston STAR Fund Board of Directors, Williston City Commission, and the Western Region Economic Development (WRED) Board of Directors vote on the winners of categories like Woman-Owned Business of the Year, to recognize business owners' contributions to the city of Williston. This year, about 170 people were in attendance to witness the award ceremony. The winners included Coyote Pups Learning Den for Woman-Owned Business of the Year, The Galvan's Bakery for New Business of the Year, and Cyndy Aafedt, owner of the El Rancho Hotel, for Ambassador of the Year. Switching off: Dealing with the work-life balance “I’ve lived in a lot of places and let me tell you there are more opportunities for someone involved in the (Williston) community than I have seen in any size town. It’s those opportunities that brought me to this place tonight," said Aafedt in her acceptance speech. "I encourage each one of you to seek out these opportunities. Take advantage of these opportunities. Act on these opportunities. And if you have a dream, Dream the dream but make it a reality. I’ll tell you if you do, I’ll promise you will be rewarded as will your family and the community. The community is what it’s all about." To watch the full ceremony and see which businesses won each award, go to the Williston Economic Development Facebook page. To learn more about the Williston Economic Development, click here. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW