The Outstanding Contributor Award (OCA) is an award presented by the Economic Generator Network (EGN) to an individual, group of individuals or organization that makes significant contributions to building the foundation for economic growth in Northern Michigan.

The EGN (Economic Generator Network Inc.) is a non-profit organization made up of Northeast Michigan citizens and organizations who have a shared goal of continually improving the economic vitality of Northeast Michigan citizens by solving product-related problems for people around the world.

The OCA not only recognizes the recipient(s) but also comes with a cash award of $15,000 to be used as the recipient wishes.

The inaugural award was made in 2022 and was given to the Alpena High School Robotics program. Since then, the award has been given to the following:

• Industrial Arts Institute in Onaway, MI, 2023

• Melissa Doubek, Alpena, MI, 2024

• Alpena County Library – Makerspace, 2025

All recipients stood out in their efforts toward economic growth in/across Northern Michigan.

Process

• The OCA is presented Annually

• Nominations may be made throughout the year

• Nominations may be made for an individual, group, or organization

• The EGN Board of Directors is the deciding entity on award recipient

• Only the recipient will be announced, nominees will not

• A group or individual may be nominated in more than one year, but nominations will not be carried over from year to year

• Nominators will be informed if their nomination is not selected

• The nomination deadline for the 2026 award is April 30, 2026, and a decision will be made by May 31, 2026.

Information required for a nomination, see form below/attached.

• Name and contact information of nominator

• Name and contact information of nominee

• Please answer the following questions about the nominee

o What significant impact has the nominee had on building the foundation for economic growth in Northern Michigan? Please be as detailed and specific as possible.

o Include information such as history of impact, number of people impacted, future projections, data, etc.

Please direct questions about the award to director@economicgenerator.org.