April 17, 2024
Over 200 Gather for the North Dakota Travel Industry Conference in Fargo
Held April 8-10 in Fargo, the North Dakota Travel Industry Conference (NDTIC) buzzed with energy as hundreds of attendees explored educational content and networking.
Attendees of the North Dakota Travel Industry Conference (NDTIC) last week actively participated in sessions designed to strengthen the state's tourism industry. These sessions explored:
- Building vibrant communities: Fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors.
- Inclusive tourism: Ensuring accessibility for travelers of all abilities.
- Innovation in tourism: Creating unforgettable experiences through fresh ideas.
- Crafting captivating events: Drawing visitors with engaging activities.
- Global Talent Acquisition: Attracting skilled individuals to the tourism sector.
- Understanding Gen Z tourism: Catering to the travel preferences of the next generation.
The conference concluded in a celebratory luncheon where the Governor's Awards for Travel and Tourism recognized the individuals and organizations shaping North Dakota's tourism landscape.
Thank you to everyone who made this year’s travel industry conference a smash hit - the DMAND planning committee and the host city of Fargo for their tireless efforts, the attendees, sponsors, speakers, and partners! Your dedication and enthusiasm power North Dakota's thriving travel industry.
Unleash the Power of Data for Your Rural Community
In lieu of the Main Street Initiative and Commerce’s monthly community Chats Webinar, we are hosting a FREE Virtual Rural Data Symposium tomorrow. Please join us for this 3-hour event showcasing the data that is available to all communities across the state of North Dakota to enhance community development efforts and facilitate understanding of how research and data support the futures of rural communities.
Pastir To Present at the GrowND: Workforce Solutions Showcase
The Greater North Dakota Chamber is hosting the GrowND: Workforce Solutions Showcase on April 23. This event is a great opportunity for businesses in North Dakota to learn about solutions to current workforce challenges. Commerce's own Janna Pastir, Deputy Director of Workforce Development, will be presenting on workforce development, a critical issue for businesses today. Attend to gain insights from Pastir and other experts and learn about resources to help your business thrive!
Apply today to Department of Energy’s Clean Energy Innovator Fellowship
Applications are now open for recent graduates and energy professionals to be considered for DOE’s Clean Energy Innovator Fellowship. Paid Fellows will spend up to two years at critical energy organizations supporting projects that will help decarbonize power systems and bolster energy resilience. Candidates should have a demonstrated interest in clean energy solutions, and those with diverse backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply. Applications are due on May 3.
Garman Appointed to White House Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Sequestration (CCUS) Task Force
Commerce's Rich Garman has been appointed to the White House CCUS Permitting Task Force. This task force aims to ensure CCUS projects are permitted efficiently, while considering the needs of local communities and environmental justice. Garman will work with representatives from other states to advocate for a moderate approach to CCUS development, emphasizing the importance of carbon utilization alongside capture and sequestration. His participation ensures North Dakota has a seat at the table on this critical issue.
Iverson Secures $446,000 Grant to Power Up Lake Region State College's (LRSC) Wind Energy Program
Commerce's State Data Center Manager, Kevin Iverson, visited Lake Region State College (LRSC) to finalize a $446,000 grant for their Wind Energy Program. This exciting boost will ensure LRSC graduates are GWO certified, meeting the wind industry's rising standards. Plus, wind professionals can now get recertified closer to home at LRSC. The grant strengthens the program in crucial areas like technical skills, safety, and rescue training. LRSC is poised to become a leading wind energy training site, powering careers in North Dakota's clean energy future!
April 4, 2024
Garman Praises Economic Potential as Williams County Approves Gas Processing Facility
The Williams County Commission recently approved a permit for Cerilon Inc. to construct a natural gas processing facility in Trenton, a move poised to inject significant economic vitality into the region. This project, centered around converting natural gas into valuable liquid products, has garnered enthusiastic support, particularly for its potential to double the county's taxable valuation according to North Dakota Department of Commerce Director Rich Garman.
Each of the two facilities will convert 240 million standard cubic feet per day of natural gas to approximately 24,000 barrels per day of high-value synthetic energy products. The first phase will mainly produce Group III+ lubricant base oils, ultra-low sulfur diesel, and naphtha. The process of converting the natural gas to liquids there will be heat produced that will be recovered to used to generate electrical power for the facility. The volume of natural gas to be consumed will equate to approximately 50% of the current total amount of natural gas consumed by the entire State.
Unleash the Power of Storytelling
We all know stories inspire and entertain, but stories with purpose can do far more than that. Storytelling can be a powerful tool for attracting residents and visitors, growing businesses and local economies, building bridges and connecting communities. This fast-paced talk explains how stories shift thinking and impact both listeners and tellers, while sharing a range of inspiring examples of purposeful storytelling projects used for economic development, community building and placemaking. Attendees came away with practical ideas and best practices for using storytelling in their community work.
The recorded session is available for a limited time. Don't miss out, watch it now!
Less than a week until the North Dakota Travel Industry Conference
The North Dakota Travel Industry Conference is happening next week in Fargo! This is your opportunity to learn about the latest trends and best practices in tourism. Hear from experts on how to make your destination more accessible, attract younger travelers, and leverage new marketing tools. Network with colleagues and gain valuable insights to grow your business in the ever-changing tourism industry.
Commerce Takes Center Stage at the 2024 eTourism Summit
This week, Las Vegas hosted the 2024 eTourism Summit, a premier event connecting destination marketing professionals with industry leaders and innovative solutions. Commerce Digital Systems Manager Tricia Miller and Odney Chief Digital Officer Mike Pierce joined a panel discussion led by Nativo's Tucker Oakley.
The session, which also featured representatives from Visit Richmond and Discover Puerto Rico, tackled a crucial topic for Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs): navigating the "cookieless future" of travel marketing. With the phase-out of third-party cookies impacting targeted advertising, the discussion focused on innovative strategies for DMOs to maintain strong connections with travelers.
Rounding out North Dakota's presence at the summit was Commerce Digital Content Specialist Amy Schmidt.
Unleash the Power of Data for Your Rural Community
In lieu of the Main Street Initiative and the ND Department of Commerce’s monthly community Chats Webinar, we are hosting a FREE Virtual Rural Data Symposium. Please join us for this 3-hour event showcasing the data that is available to all communities across the state of North Dakota to enhance community development efforts and facilitate understanding of how research and data support the futures of rural communities.
Coleman Joins Strategy Development Group Meeting to Shape Future of Chateau de Mores State Historic Site in Medora
Sara Otte Coleman, Commerce Tourism and Marketing Division Director participated in a meeting of the Strategy Development Group in Medora last week. The group was created to help determine best use of State Historic Society of ND land near Medora. Dakota Strategies LLC was hired to develop a strategic site plan for the Chateau de Mores State Historic Site. The SDG toured the three Chateau sites, which was followed by a meeting where online survey results were revealed. The survey gathered input from various stakeholder groups.
Garman Addresses Minot Chamber on State's Growth
North Dakota's Economic Development & Finance Director, Rich Garman, spoke at a Minot Chamber EDC Meeting. He spoke about(change to: meeting, addressing) how North Dakota is attracting significant interest from a diverse range of industries. He also highlighted opportunities in established sectors like energy and agriculture, while also pointing to the states potential in sustainable materials production, advanced manufacturing processes, and data-driven technologies and how this will positively affect Minot's economy.