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CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) The Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce and Development Corporation annual banquet was held last night.

Valley City native Paula Bestge Klein the owner of Smartt Interior Construction of Fargo was the keynote speaker. She was awarded the 2015 North Dakota Small Business Person of the Year and North Dakota CTB Woman Entrepreneur of the Year.

Director of Development Jennifer Feist talked about the growth of businesses in the region referring to the millions of dollars in building permits issued over the last four years in Valley City and Barnes County.

Feist also talked about the opportunities following the expansion of the I-94 corridor frontage road referring to the expansion of John Deere Seeding Group and the new National Guard Armory Maintenance Shop. She also talked about the expansion of Eagle Creek Inc over the last 12 years.

Feist said our future goal is to attract another technology company to move into Valley City.

And Tim Kadrmas received the Hi Line Award for his years of service to the community. Tim and others were also instrumental in founding the regional Soap Box Derby event every June in Valley City.

The Community Image Award was given to three businesses: The GrandStay Hotel & Suites, Puklich Chevrolet and the Gaukler Family Wellness Center.

The Business of the year award was given to Smith Lumber Company following the construction of several structures at their new location on east Main in Valley City and for their support of many community events.

And the Community Spirit Award was given to Faith Lutheran Church and Epworth United Methodist Church for promoting all that is good in Valley City. Following a fire that destroyed the old Faith Lutheran Church, that event brought both churches and their members together for several months while the new church was being built.