Team
Trygve (“Trygg”) Vigmostad brings NCDS clients broad experience raising funds and success with development programs in both the public and private sectors.
As Director of the Economic Strategy Center, Trygve uses local and national data sources and economic modeling to develop persuasive, compelling rational for public and private sector investment in nonprofit programs and organizations. The Economic Strategy Center partners with community agencies to develop market and cost/benefit analyses, and economic development strategy.
Trygve started his career as a Senior Research Associate at the Bureau of Business Research, Michigan State University. While publishing the Michigan Statistical Abstract, he authored articles on revenue sharing and land use. He joined the Michigan Department of Commerce as an economist, to write legislation and develop statistics to support business development. He wrote market feasibility studies for Maddux Publishing in Florida, and communities in Northern Ontario.
During his 40-year career managing development agencies and private companies, Trygve set up business development, marketing and fundraising programs for: the State of Michigan, the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, Christman Construction, and, PolyDisplay ASA of Norway, where he was CEO for a $30 million technology company.
Trygve has experience with NCDS fundraising projects. He completed NCDS projects in Bloomington-Normal, IL, Wilkes-Barre, PA, Flint, MI, Stuart, FL, Estero, FL, Columbus, MS, Livingston County, MI, Coral Gables, FL, Albuquerque, NM, and Buffalo, NY.
Trygve has 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.
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 a local Planning Commissioner, and served 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 8 grandchildren. He served in Vietnam with the 9th Infantry Division.
