Arnold Lund is the first individual donor recognized.  Arnold has generously supported the development of the Baudette community, the Lake of the Woods Industrial Development Corporation and the Lake of the Woods Humane Society.                  

Arnold has truly made a difference in his community through his leadership. Following his discharge from the Air Force, Arnold Floyd Lund from Underwood, Minnesota said “I am going as far north as possible and still hold my citizenship.”  This turned out to be a bit of good fortune for Baudette, the village Lund has called home since 1946.

As an entrepreneurial businessman:

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  • He built, managed, or operated several businesses in Baudette including a Ford franchise, a mobile home park, and sales operations for farm machinery, Ski-doo snowmobiles, mobile homes and used cars.
  • He was instrumental in the establishment, growth and continuation of the Lake of the Woods – Industrial Development Corporation and the LOW – Industrial Park. 
  • He has been known to help other entrepreneurs get up and running through advice and occasional financial investment.
  • He was also responsible for the creation of the Lake of the Woods Revolving Loan Fund, with the establishment of a fund that included a challenge by Arnold  for the City, County, and the foundation to match his personal gift.
  • He is a constant advocate for business development in LOW and Baudette.

Lund is community minded:

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  • He helped clean up the bay front.
  • In the 1950s he started promoting Willie the Walleye, which led to the construction of the now famous 40 foot, 2 ½ ton Willie the Walleye statue.
  • He provided for the building and land housing the LOW Humane Society and is a major benefactor of that program.

Above all, Arnold Lund is a community catalyst, a leader who is constantly saying “Why not?” and a leader who recognizes that challenge “If not me, who?” starts with himself.