- You already know Grand Forks is great. We were thrilled to be there when the Association of Defense Communities (ADC) recognized Grand Forks during its summer conference as one of 10 Great American Defense Communities.
- While in Washington, D.C. (see #1) Klaus and BRIC representatives met with our senators, Air Force, and OEA to discuss mission opportunities and provide updates on Grand Sky and community partnerships.
- As part of the Economic Development Assn. of North Dakota (EDND) summer conference, Keith Lund moderated a discussion with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Marvin Nelson and Republican Lt. Gov. candidate Brent Sanford about economic diversification in the state.
- Our Director of UAS Development, Terry Sando, led the coordination of a successful $500,000 Research ND grant awarded for Xcel Energy to use Elbit Systems’ large Hermes drone to test response and recovery after natural disasters. Research partners are providing matching funds for the $1 million project.
- Show ’em what you’ve got! Exhibitor registration for the 5th annual Northern Valley Career Expo opened. Exhibit and help build your future workforce.
- Brandon Baumbach (the new guy!) and Keith met with lenders and Choice Financial to review support programs and update them on economic development activities in the region.
- Outstanding honors this month to JLG Architects, named among Inc. magazine’s “50 Best Workplaces” in the U.S. and to Alerus Financial Chairman Randy Newman, named an Entrepreneur of the Year in the upper Midwest by Ernst & Young.
- We hosted regional business and government leaders for a roundtable with the Bank of North Dakota (BND) and other state agencies to share regional challenges and opportunities and discuss ways BND programming can assist with expansion and diversification initiatives.
- The Valley Prosperity Partnership steering committee met and adopted priorities it will work to advance in the 2017 North Dakota legislative session.
- Recognizing the impact of available childcare to our region’s workforce, the EDC board of directors discussed the merits of the FlexPACE Childcare program offered through the Bank of North Dakota.