UPDATE: In a significant local business development, Earl L. Enright, a prominent figure in East Grand Forks, has officially sold his oil company after 36 years of operation. The sale to the Farmers Cooperative Marketing Association is set to complete on January 1, 1969, marking a pivotal transition for both the business and the community.
Enright, a lifelong resident of East Grand Forks, expressed his pride in the community’s resilience, stating, “We’ve never had a complete crop failure in the 36 years I’ve been in business.” His company, located at 910 Fourth Ave. S., has built a loyal customer base, with Enright noting that 75 percent of his customers have been with him for generations.
The sale signifies not just a personal milestone for Enright, who has served as a 12-year mayor and civic leader, but also a shift in local business dynamics. The company will now be managed by Jay Johnson, the association’s current manager, ensuring continuity in service for its long-standing patrons.
Enright has been a dedicated community leader, championing various civic improvements during his tenure as mayor, including the modernization of street departments and infrastructure upgrades. He is also actively involved with the Red River Basin Committee, focusing on flood control initiatives in the region.
Looking ahead, Enright is set to semi-retire but will remain engaged with significant projects, including the planned 85-foot Huot Dam project, aimed at enhancing flood management along the Red Lake River. He anticipates that borings for the dam will commence in January 1969, a project he believes is crucial for the community’s future.
Enright’s legacy is not just in business, but also in family. He and his wife, Lillian, have four children and three grandchildren, underscoring a personal commitment to East Grand Forks that spans generations. Reflecting on his journey, Enright remarked, “We were married right here in Sacred Heart parish 45 years ago,” showcasing his deep roots in the community.
As the keys to the Enright Oil Company change hands, the impact of Earl L. Enright’s contributions to East Grand Forks will resonate for years to come. Stay tuned for further developments in this story as the transition unfolds.
