Zajicek named Norwalk's 2023 Warrior of the Year!
Hollie Zajicek, Norwalk's economic development director, was honored by Mayor Tom Phillips with the city’s Warrior of the Year award thanks to her work on the Norwalk Central project.
“Hollie has done a damn fine job this year and deserves to be awarded,” Phillips said.
Zajicek received the award during the Jan. 4 City Council meeting. She was not told beforehand about being selected and was brought to tears when her family walked into the room during Phillips’ presentation. Several more family members joined the meeting via Zoom.
“It means the world to me,” Zajicek said. “I know it’s not an easy award to get.”
Phillips noted her consistent effort in balancing priorities in the development of Norwalk Central, calling her the glue holding many of the project components together. She worked with both private and public interests in mind and helped with investing and saving money.
“It’s taken a big investment to make big things happen,” Phillips said.
Zajicek works hard to get everyone together to build a consensus, said City Manager Luke Nelson. While their different roles in the city can lead to challenges for the other person, Nelson loves working with her.
“Many times we’re the yin and yang on a project,” Nelson said.
Zajicek has worked for the city for seven years. Her first year in Norwalk she was part of the commercial development south of town with Michael Foods and Windsor Windows.
“It was pretty crazy my first year out of the gate,” she said.
In 2023, Norwalk added 20 new businesses. Those additions resulted in 540 new jobs, an 8-percent increase in the Norwalk job market. Zajicek doesn’t expect 2024 to slow down thanks to several projects scheduled for completion. Two hotels will begin construction next year along with several restaurants.
“Norwalk has been working super hard the last 5 to 10 years to build a unique community,” Zajicek said.
She’s also been part of the city’s international relationship efforts with Kosovo. Norwalk welcomed President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, in October. Zajicek gave a speech during the ceremony to honor Osmani and helped host the president during the visit.
“It’s an awesome city to work for,” Zajicek said. “They let me run with things. I can just get out there and do what I need to get done.”
