As someone who truly exemplifies the above qualities, Duluth Mayor Don Ness, 1997 Business Administration alum of UMD's business school, has been chosen as the 2014 Labovitz School of Business and Economics Business Person of the Year.
The award was presented to Mayor Ness by LSBE Dean Amy B. Hietapelto at the 22nd Annual Joel Labovitz Entrepreneurial Success Awards on Wednesday, April 23 at the DECC.
Mayor Ness' accomplishments this past year include
- reducing the unfunded health care liability of the city,
- supporting partnering with private sector businesses to encourage job creation and investment,
- implementing a capital infrastructure plan for the streets, sanitary sewer overflows,
- encouraging development and investment in the City,
- reducing the general fund budget,
- increasing the budget reserve,
- creating a unified development code – the first in 50 years, and
- adopting the motto – "own it – solve it" to resolve issues facing the city.
"Mayor Don Ness is an outstanding leader and very deserving of this year's award," said Dean Hietapelto "He is the CEO of a $250,000,000 organization, has made difficult business decisions, has publicly practiced personal integrity and ethical behavior in difficult situations, and has been a mentor to many. We applaud his accomplishments."