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Davita Chairman and CEO Kent Thiry to Deliver Keynote Address
Grand Forks (December 8, 2007) -- Senator Kent Conrad and Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson today announced the eight finalista for the 2008 Marketplace Talent Search, North Dakota's largest and most exciting musical talent competition.
"More than 90 talented individuals auditioned at regional competitions around the state this fall," Senator Conrad and Commissioner Johnson said. "It's always difficult to narrow it down to eight finalists, but we have discovered some of the best singers in North Dakota."
Senator Conrad and Commissioner Johnson also announced that Davita Chairman and CEO, Kent Thiry, will deliver the keynote address on January 16. Thiry is credited with saving the dialysis services company from the brink of economic ruin and turning it into a model corporation.
"We are pleased that such a dynamic businessman and speaker like Kent Thiry agreed to deliver the keynote address at Marketplace," Senator Conrad and Commissioner Johnson said. "Kent continues Marketplace's proud tradition of hosting inspired national business leaders."
The announcement coincided with the release of the debut CD from last year's Talent Search winner, Grand Forks vocalist Jillian Law.
The eight finalists advance to the finals on January 15, 2008, the night before Marketplace for Entrepreneurs in Grand Forks. There they will compete for more than $10,000 in prizes, including a recording session with Makoche Recording Co., a Grammy-nominated studio.
The finalists include:
•· Tiffany Krinke, Scranton
A Music and Communications major at Jamestown College, Tiffany Krinke, 20, has performed at a number of weddings and sporting events in recent years. She will sing "God's Will" by country-music superstar Martina McBride.
•· Angela Thompson, Thompson
A lifelong performer who's been writing her own songs since age 14, Angela Thompson, 24, wowed the judges with a rendition of her original song, "Kiss My Worries Goodbye."
•· Eldon Johnson, Fargo
A long-time country western music enthusiast and physical therapist who serves as his church's music coordinator, Eldon Johnson, 36, will perform his original song, "Home."
•· Leah Walters, Gladstone
Classically trained Leah Walters, 18, has performed in vocal competitions since her early teens. She will perform Victor Herbert's "The Italian Street Song."
•· Louise Pinkerton, Grand Forks
A music instructor at the University of North Dakota, Pinkerton, 28, is a Metropolitan Opera regional finalist. She will perform "O Mio Babbino" by Puccini.
•· Mandy Wagner, Bismarck
A senior at Bismarck Century High School, Mandy Wagner, 18, has played the piano since third grade and composes her own music. She performed her original, "Sing."
•· Mark Jaspers, Beulah
A youth pastor from Beulah, Mark Jaspers, 27, recently participated in an ABC TV music special featuring country music superstar Martina McBride. He will perform Billy Joel's "She's Got a Way."
•· Steve Geller, Minot
Disc-jockey Steve Geller, 59, will go from recorded to live music with a rendition of "Feeling Good," the song made famous by Michael Buble.
"We are looking to shine the spotlight on the terrific musical talent North Dakota has to offer," Senator Conrad and Commissioner Johnson said. "We want to help these eight finalists turn their dreams of stardom into reality."
The Marketplace Talent Search will be held on January 15, 2008, at the Alerus Center in conjunction with Marketplace for Entrepreneurs. Marketplace for Entrepreneurs is North Dakota's premiere economic development effort. The day-long event brings together aspiring entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, corporations, universities, foundations and community and business leaders to exchange ideas, discuss the latest innovations and share skills and technology. Senator Conrad and Commissioner Johnson are the organizing sponsors of Marketplace.
Media Contact: (Conrad) Chris Thorne (202) 224-2043; (Johnson) Ted Quanrud (701) 328-2233.
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