August 23, 2024
Teigen Highlights Ag Innovation at Midwest Agricultural Export Summit
The fourth annual Midwest Agricultural Export Summit, hosted at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, focused on how agricultural innovation can meet pressing global challenges, attracting national attention and participation from key industry figures. The event, themed "Capitalizing on our Comparative Advantage," provided a platform for seven regional states to collaborate on enhancing agricultural exports. Commerce Commissioner Josh Teigen presented at the summit, which featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including former USDA Secretary Dan Glickman, ambassadors Kip Tom and Gregg Doud, and leaders from various agricultural export councils.
The discussions underscored the critical intersection between food security and national security, emphasizing the need for continued innovation, particularly in biotechnology, to secure the food supply and the livelihoods of family farms. Panels addressed pressing issues such as America’s role in alleviating global hunger and the impact of international trade agreements. The summit also highlighted the benefits of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), with South Dakota Trade reporting a 73-fold return on investment from a recent trade mission to Mexico, showcasing the agreement's positive impact on local producers.
In addition to addressing global challenges, the summit served as an opportunity for South Dakota to assert its leadership in the region. The University of South Dakota, a top sponsor, used the event to highlight its new Bachelor of Business Administration degree in agribusiness leadership. With high-caliber speakers and attendees tackling real-world problems, the summit reinforced the Midwest’s role in advancing American agriculture and set the stage for future collaboration and innovation in the sector.
Shane Feldman to Headline Main Street Summit
Shane Feldman, acclaimed by the White House, Prime Minister of Canada, and the United Nations, is a leading expert in community leadership and team culture. Featured by Oprah, Forbes, and A&E, Shane's "Leadership Passport" framework and the global COUNT ME IN movement offers transformative strategies for enhancing engagement and retention. Don’t miss the chance to hear from this influential speaker and learn how to foster thriving communities and workplaces. Register now for the Main Street Summit, taking place August 27-29 in Watford City!
Global Talent Summit Highlights North Dakota's Commitment to Attracting International Talent
The North Dakota Office of Legal Immigration hosted the Global Talent Summit yesterday, a pivotal event aimed at attracting and retaining international talent to drive the state’s economic growth. Key government officials, including Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller and Congressman Kelly Armstrong, emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming environment for foreign workers. The summit featured discussions on visa pathways, recruitment strategies, and workforce development, with insights from experts like Krista Tacey from the Department of Homeland Security and Betsy Fisher from Talent Beyond Boundaries. Local employers also shared their experiences in hiring international talent, providing attendees with practical strategies to enhance their workforce.
Commerce Leaders Advocate for North Dakota Ag
Commerce Economic Development & Finance Director Rich Garman and Deputy Director Shayden Akason engaged with influential leaders at the US Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee Hearing at Grand Farm in Casselton. This provided an opportunity to share insights on North Dakota's leadership in agricultural technology and solidify its position as a hub for innovation.
Share Your Insights on Housing and Community Development
Ensuring access to safe, affordable, and quality housing is vital for North Dakota’s workforce and communities. Gov. Burgum along with Commerce team members recently visited Fargo, Bismarck, Harvey and Williston to address housing challenges with local leaders. The State, through the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency and Commerce, are developing a five-year 'Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development' to guide investments in housing, economic development, and infrastructure. Your feedback is crucial for shaping this plan and addressing our needs. Please complete the anonymous survey by September 30, 2024, and share it with others.
Destination Development Grant Supports Devils Lake Resort Expansion
Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller, Commerce's Tourism and Marketing Director Sara Otte Coleman and community leaders celebrated the groundbreaking for Woodland Resort's new event facility, "The Shores Event Center", in Devils Lake. Commerce awarded the resort a $1.75 million Destination Development grant to help build a 400-person event center, contributing to the total project cost of $5.7 million. This will allow the resort to host larger group events and trade shows.
"Woodland Resort is a North Dakota landmark with a variety of activities for residents and visitors alike. Outdoor recreation is woven into the cultural fabric of our state, whether it’s hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, horseback riding, skiing or off-roading,” said Lt. Gov. Miller. “The incredible demand for the Destination Development grant has sent a message that North Dakota communities are eager to create attractions that differentiate and help attract and retain residents. We all see the value and return-on-investment that tourism brings as it diversifies the economy.”
Overlooking the picturesque Creel Bay, this event center will be a significant addition to North Dakota’s thriving tourism industry.
Commerce’s Marketing and Tourism Team Gathers Fresh Insights at ESTO 2024
Commerce’s Marketing and Tourism team recently attended ESTO, the leading annual forum for destination marketing professionals. This dynamic and highly regarded conference offered four days packed with relevant and engaging content, providing our team with valuable insights and strategies to elevate North Dakota’s tourism initiatives. In addition to attending sessions, the team had the opportunity to network with industry peers, exchanging ideas and learning from some of the best in the business. The experience reinforced our commitment to promoting North Dakota as a premier destination, armed with fresh knowledge and innovative approaches.
Developer Day in Bismarck Sets the Stage for North Dakota's 2025 Economic Growth
At Developer Day, community leaders, volunteers, and economic development professionals gained insights into North Dakota's 2025 economic outlook. Commerce staff presented on key incentives, resources, and policy priorities. Valuable networking opportunities fostered collaboration. Developer Day was a resounding success, equipping attendees with the tools to navigate North Dakota's future economic development.
HHS Unveils Toolkit for Employers to Streamline Resources to Support Working Parents
North Dakota employers looking to support working parents can now access a new toolkit from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This online resource provides information and programs to help businesses recruit and retain employees by creating a more family-friendly workplace. The toolkit complements the ongoing ND Child Care Initiative, a state effort to improve childcare availability, affordability, and quality.
LIFT Committee Meets in Medora for Strategic Planning
The Legacy Investment for Technology Loan Fund (LIFT) committee convened in Medora this week for their annual strategic planning session. Industry leaders from 50 South Capital and O'Leary Ventures provided valuable insights. LIFT is a loan fund dedicated to fostering technology innovation in North Dakota by offering financing for intellectual property commercialization.
August 8, 2024
New North Dakota Soybean Processors Facility Brings Better Prices for Growers, Jobs for Region
Doug Burgum celebrated the grand opening of the new North Dakota Soybean Processors plant near Casselton, highlighting its significance as a major step in processing more of the state’s soybeans locally. The state-of-the-art facility is expected to process millions of bushels of soybeans annually, creating jobs and boosting the economy. Burgum praised the project as a win for farmers, workers, and the state, emphasizing increased revenue, reduced transportation costs, and enhanced economic security.
“We are grateful to welcome the North Dakota Soybean Processors to North Dakota,” said Commerce Commissioner Josh Teigen. “The new soybean crushing plant will be a great asset for local farmers and the state’s agricultural economic system as it will create new local market opportunities for soybeans. North Dakota has firmly cemented itself as a soybean powerhouse."
The new plant joins another recently opened soybean processing facility in the state, signaling a growing trend in value-added agriculture for North Dakota.
Congressman Kelly Armstrong to Speak at Global Talent Summit
The North Dakota Office of Legal Immigration will host the inaugural North Dakota Global Talent Summit on August 21, 2024, in Bismarck. Learn from top experts in immigration recruitment and law, discover tailored recruitment opportunities, and gain valuable tips on retaining international students and foreign-born workers. Whether you’re an employer or a legislator, this event will provide essential insights and resources to support a more inclusive and dynamic workforce. Congressman Kelly Armstrong will be presenting, sharing his insights on the importance of connecting with global talent and the legislative efforts to support these initiatives. Don’t miss this chance to network with like-minded professionals, hear from national experts, and stay ahead in the global talent race!
Applied Digital Boosts Ellendale Housing with Innovative Partnerships
Applied Digital is taking proactive steps to address Ellendale's housing shortage, a critical component of supporting its new $1 billion data center. The company has partnered with Headwaters, a modular home builder introduced by Commerce's Economic Development and Finance Director Rich Garman, to construct at least 20 new homes by mid-October.
Headwaters, which recently acquired 21 lots from the city, will own and manage the new housing community. Applied Digital will lease homes to its employees, creating a win-win situation for both companies. This project aligns with Gov. Doug Burgum's rural housing initiative and utilizes the North Dakota Industrial Commission’s Rural-Workforce Initiative to Support Housing (R-WISH) pilot program.
By investing in Ellendale's housing infrastructure, Applied Digital is demonstrating its commitment to the community and its workforce, while also stimulating local economic growth.
Teigen and Garman Highlight North Dakota's Data Center Potential
Commerce Commissioner Josh Teigen and Economic Development and Finance Director Rich Garman highlighted North Dakota's potential as a data center hub at a recent Public Service Commission meeting. With AI fueling demand for power-intensive data centers, the state's abundant energy resources have drawn significant interest. As North Dakota navigates this opportunity, striking a balance between economic growth and community impact will be crucial.
Serve ND approves seven programs, totaling $1,841,616 in AmeriCorps funding
Commerce awarded $1.8 million in AmeriCorps funding to seven programs across the state! This funding will support over 260 AmeriCorps members who will be tackling important community needs in areas like education, healthy living, and non-profit capacity building.
Interested in serving your community? AmeriCorps programs are a great way to gain valuable experience while making a difference. Visit servend.gov to learn more about becoming a member or sponsoring a program.
Economic Strategist Nick Smoot to Speak at Main Street ND Summit
The Main Street ND Summit is quickly approaching, offering an unforgettable opportunity to immerse yourself in community spirit, discover innovative ideas, and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere.
Don't miss your chance to hear from renowned urban revitalization expert, Nick Smoot. As a globally respected culture-first community and economic strategist, Nick brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success.
His work has been recognized by leading organizations like Google, Brookings, and the Milken Institute, and his insights have been featured in major media outlets.
Join us to learn how Nick’s innovative approach can help unlock your community's full potential. This is your opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, learn from industry leaders, and be part of something truly special. Secure your spot now and get ready to be inspired!
LeMoine Presents at CTE Professional Development Conference
Commerce Marketing and Research Manager Heather LeMoine shared her expertise at the annual CTE Professional Development Conference in Bismarck on April 7. LeMoine engaged with career and technical education professionals eager to learn about career development and opportunities in hospitality and culinary tourism.