News Releases for May 2006
May 18, 2006
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Hoeven Presents Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award To William C. Marcil
BISMARCK, N.D. – Governor John Hoeven today presented the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award to William C. Marcil, president and chief executive officer of Forum Communications Company. The presentation was made at a grand opening celebration for the company's new commercial printing plant in Fargo. Marcil is the 35th North Dakotan to receive the award.
"Bill is a state and national leader who has defined his career and business success with a steadfast commitment to respect, integrity and responsibility," Hoeven said. "Under his leadership, Forum Communications Company has retained its identity as an independent, family-owned publishing business, with deep roots in its community, while growing and diversifying into a multi-state, multi-media company. That success is a testament to his vision and leadership."
Marcil graduated from the University of North Dakota in 1958, and then served in the U.S. Army and Reserves. In 1961, he began his newspaper career at The Forum in retail advertising, and over the next eight years, worked his way up through the company, eventually becoming its president and publisher in 1969.
Since then, Forum Communications Company has grown from a single newspaper into a diverse group of businesses, including more than 30 daily and community newspapers, as well as broadcasting, interactive media and commercial printing in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
"Bill's leadership of The Forum newspaper and Forum Communications Company these past 36 years has brought incredible growth and innovation to the company," said Lloyd Case, vice president and chief operating officer of Forum Communications Company. "His vision, passion for the business and high regard for public trust have successfully guided his career and contributed to his business achievements."
Throughout his career, Marcil has had an impact on a national level, as well. He was the first North Dakotan to be elected chair of the American Newspaper Publishers Association, now known as the Newspaper Association of America. He has also been a strong advocate for business growth in general, and served as chairman of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
In North Dakota, Marcil has been committed to building a strong future for the state and instrumental in helping to advance the state's economic development efforts. He chaired the Greater North Dakota Association, and was involved in forming the North Dakota Vision 2000 Committee, which he also chaired.
In 1990, he received the Greater North Dakotan Award from the Greater North Dakota Association for his outstanding business leadership, and was presented the North Dakota National Leadership Award of Excellence by the State of North Dakota in 1992. The University of Mary presented him with the Schafer Excellence in Enterprise Award in 2003, and in 2005, was inducted into the North Dakota Newspaper Hall of Fame by the North Dakota Newspaper Association.
"Bill is deserving of this prestigious award because of the significant impact he has had on North Dakota and the national recognition he has received for his professional and personal achievements," Hoeven said. "His business success has also been a success for North Dakota, bringing credit and honor to the citizens of this great state."
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