Trygve Vigmostad
Project Director
Trygve (“Trygg”) Vigmostad offers NCDS clients broad experience raising funds and success with development programs in both the public and private sectors. During his 36-year career managing development agencies and private companies, Trygve set up business development, marketing and fundraising programs for: the State of Michigan, Maddux Publishing in Florida, the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, Christman Construction, and, PolyDisplay ASA of Norway, where he was CEO for a $30 million technology company.
Trygve’s most recent NCDS assignment was a goal assessment for the EDC of Livingston County, Michigan. He completed other projects for NCDS in Columbus, Mississippi, Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, Coral Gables, Florida, Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Buffalo, New York.
As the State of Michigan’s Deputy Director for Economic Development, Trygve raised funds with innovative bonding and legislation, including the $35 million Michigan Strategic Fund. At the Lansing Regional Chamber, Trygve served as Senior Vice President and Director of Economic Development and was a client of NCDS. There he worked with NCDS to fund his $1.7 million economic development program, and based on success, re-funded the program with $2.2 million and an expanded base of investors.
Trygve led the creation of "The Venture Center," a business incubator and $800,000 partnership with Michigan State University and the City of Lansing. He served as Treasurer of The Venture Center and started dozens of new companies.
At Christman Construction, he set up a new program to develop and construct industrial and commercial projects. At Maddux Publishing he conducted feasibility studies for major industrial, commercial, and residential projects throughout Florida. As CEO of PolyDisplay, Inc., he raised over $1 million in grants and equity in Ohio for Norwegian-based PolyDisplay's, new liquid crystal display technology.
Trygve offers extensive management, legislative and public speaking experience. He was Michigan’s first Director of the Office of International Development, managed offices in Europe, Asia, Canada and Africa, and set new records attracting foreign investment while developing trade. His management positions required public speaking and testimony before the State Legislature and Federal committees. He was a guest lecturer in East Germany for the University of Michigan’s William Davidson Institute, teaching economic development in the former East Germany.
Trygve excels in helping communities develop strategic plans for economic and community development. In addition to directing development agencies, he personally managed major investment projects, chaired a downtown master plan committee, designed and developed an airport industrial park, and recruited airlines. He also managed several marketing and advertising campaigns, and started his career as a tourism consultant. In the 1980’s, he and his partners built a successful restaurant, still operating in Michigan.
Trygve enjoys the challenges of government and opportunities for public/private partnerships. He served on many boards and commissions, and represented Michigan with the Industrial Development Research Council, and in Washington D.C. with the Association for International Investment. He was a State Boundary Commissioner and local Planning Commissioner. He currently serves on the Advisory Council for Michigan State University’s Center for International Business and Educational Research.
Trygve has a BA in Finance and MA in Economics. He and his wife Carol have 4 children and 7 grandchildren. He served in Vietnam with the 9th Infantry Division. Fishing, golf, travel, and drawing are top interests.