Acclaimed "My Town" Documentarian Speaks at Watford City EDC Annual Meeting

Cory Hepola, a three-time Emmy winner, delivered the keynote address at the 2026 event.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Cory Hepola, the acclaimed creator of the "My Town" documentary series, was the keynote speaker at the 2026 Watford City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) annual meeting. Hepola's Emmy-winning work brings small-town America to life, and his presentation featured the 2025 "My Town" production focused on McKenzie County. The event also featured speeches from local leaders including the Long X Arts Foundation director, Watford City Community Development, the McKenzie County Commission president, a Watford City City Council alderman, and the McKenzie County Tourism director.

Why it matters

The annual EDC meeting is an important event for the Watford City community, bringing together local leaders and highlighting the town's economic development efforts. Hepola's participation as the keynote speaker underscores Watford City's efforts to celebrate its small-town identity and showcase its unique character to a wider audience through the acclaimed "My Town" documentary series.

The details

Cory Hepola, a three-time Emmy-winning storyteller, was the keynote speaker at the 2026 Watford City EDC annual meeting. Hepola is the creator of the "My Town" documentary series, which brings small-town America to life through his acclaimed filmmaking. The event also featured speeches from several local leaders, including Jessie Veeder Scofield of the Long X Arts Foundation, Vawnita Best of Watford City Community Development, Howdy Lawlar of the McKenzie County Commission, Chelsea Bulzomi of the Watford City City Council, and Doug Bolken of McKenzie County Tourism.

  • The 2026 Watford City EDC annual meeting took place on Thursday, February 5, 2026.

The players

Cory Hepola

A three-time Emmy-winning storyteller and the creator of the acclaimed "My Town" documentary series.

Jessie Veeder Scofield

The director of the Long X Arts Foundation.

Vawnita Best

The director of Watford City Community Development.

Howdy Lawlar

The president of the McKenzie County Commission.

Chelsea Bulzomi

A Watford City City Council alderman.

Doug Bolken

The director of McKenzie County Tourism.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The annual EDC meeting in Watford City showcases the town's efforts to celebrate its small-town identity and promote its unique character to a wider audience. Hepola's participation as the keynote speaker, with his acclaimed "My Town" documentary series, underscores Watford City's commitment to this goal.