JUDGE’S NOTE

Rest assured, the Twin Ports’ U40 scene is strong. Some of these young people are artists, advocates, nonprofit workers, civil servants and entrepreneurs — and their friends and colleagues are noticing. This year’s stack of 20 Under 40 nominees was thick with accomplished individuals.

As judges — 2017 winners

Katy Eagle and Nathan LaCoursiere and News Tribune reporters Jana Hollingsworth, Brooks

Johnson and myself — we met in a conference room on a summer morning to consider this year’s picks. We flung paper, we consulted Facebook, we shared anecdotal evidence of nominee greatness, and sometimes we lost count. We drank coffee, we debated the savory croissant.

At the apex, LaCoursiere took over at the dry-erase board and we got serious with a roster that we think accurately portrays this area’s great young people.

By Christa Lawler clawler@duluthnews.com

Among them: Clinton Nienhaus is a naturalist who can make a case for the common gull, and business ownerDerekMedvedlearned his work ethic from his late mother.ElizabethPollingwas raised in Duluth, spent three yearswithTeachforAmerica, andnow isanassistant public defender. Heather Doty Johnson founded Tender Loving Care and coaches the Salvation Army’s Rookie Basketball Association

Jane Pederson is drawing more and more tourists to

What’s the best decision you’ve ever made?

To become an entrepreneur.

What is your biggest accomplishment?

Buying my first store at the age of 19.

What keeps you in the Twin Ports?

As Judy Garland once said, “There is no place like home.”Icomefromacommunityofloyal,dedicated, caring individuals. I plan to continue my endeavors within the Twin Ports for years to come.

Describe your happy place

Spending time at the cabin surrounded by family.

What’s your five-year plan?

Continue my growth in the convenience store business.

What words of wisdom do you have for young adults?

Never give a dream a deadline. Even though it may not happen overnight, a dream structured with patience, determination and hope is a dream worth waiting for. And you need to work really, really, really, really hard. Stay true, stay focused and stay positive. Be you.

Glensheen mansion and Terresa Moses is creative director at Blackbird Revolt and an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota Duluth.

tschank@duluthnews.com

Truth is, even the cuttingroom floor contained enough greatnesstocreatea40Under 40 award.