Grand Forks Council hears fertilizer plant plans

Grand Forks City Council members Tuesday received a preview of the long list of preparations required to make a proposed $1.5 billion fertilizer plant near the city a reality.

$1.5 billion fertilizer plant planned for Grand Forks

Plans for a $1.5 billion fertilizer plant are underway for theGrand Forksregion and could open as early as Spring 2017, announced officials of the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and Northern Plains Nitrogen (NPN).

Approximately 2,000 people will be employed during the construction phase. Once completed, NPN will employ approximately 135 full time employees in operations, maintenance, engineering, administration, and marketing.

EDC relocates to new office

The Grand Forks Region EDC office is moving Monday, May 6 to an office suite at 120 N. 4th St., Grand Forks.

Acme planning expansion into business park

Acme Tools of Grand Forks is planning a 40,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution center in the city’s Industrial Park.

Grand Forks County proposes test range for drone sensors

Grand Forks County wants to develop a test range for drone sensors somewhere in the county to help companies in the growing unmanned aircraft systems industry.

Valley Prosperity Partnership research underway

Early employer survey results indicate higher than average loyalty and work ethic among Red River Valley employees, Bill Fredrick, president of Wadley-Donovan GrowthTech, told the Valley Prosperity Partnership (VPP) steering Committee at its meeting April 8.

HB Sound & Light staging success from Grand Forks

In addition to installing video, sound and security systems for homes and businesses, HB Sound & Light stages large events and concerts throughout the tri-state region.

“People tell us they see our trucks everywhere,” HB Sound & Light President Jamie Lunski says about his Red River Valley company, which is headquartered in Grand Forks. 

The multi-faceted enterprise Lunski started nearly 20 years ago finds solutions for clients who are integrating today’s technology into homes and offices.

And whether it’s a conference, concert, dignitary’s speech, marathon, or wedding, HB has a flair for staging events. 

Marketing Coordinator Kristen Abner said, “So many people recognize the HB logo but don’t really know about all the products and services we offer.” 

The future is now

Installing home theaters, integrated video, audio systems and security has been a part of HB’s business all along. For the past eight years, they’ve responded to a growing demand for smart homes and businesses. 

HB works with residential clients to customize home technology systems and the possibilities are endless. 

Imagine watching a home movie and, with the click of a single button, the DVD player and surround sound speakers will turn on while the room lights dim and window shades lower. 

Have a vacation home? HB can set up a system so you can activate or monitor the heating and cooling or the security system at your lake home while in Grand Forks. Water and carbon monoxide sensors can be installed that will notify you if there is an issue while you’re away – all of this can be done through a smartphone, tablet or laptop computer. 

Home security systems are becoming an increasingly popular installation service for HB. These can range from video monitoring, to keyless entry systems, to door alarms. This type of system, Abner says, is particularly helpful for parents who want to ensure their kids are arriving home safely after school or are leaving for a friend’s house. 

HB Sound & Light prides itself in providing custom solutions for its customers. “There’s no cookie cutter,” Lunski said. HB works closely with homeowners, he said, to create systems that match their lifestyle and needs and to simplify the way those systems are accessed.