1. Career Impact Academy Receives Forward Momentum
The Career Impact Academy received good news as Governor Burgum officially signed the first bill of the 2023 legislative session providing a $68 million line of credit to help finance the cost of the building. This funding brings our community one step closer to beginning construction. HB 1019, a separate bill that could provide funding to cover the inflationary increases that have added up during funding delays is still making its way through the process.
2. EERC Awarded $1.4 Million Grant
The UND EERC was awarded a $1.4 million grant for a new carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) monitoring project! The project will advance the monitoring technology of CCUS at the Great Plains Synfuels Plant which would make it the largest coal-based project utilizing geologic storage in the world. Local and federal leaders met to discuss the grant at a press conference on Friday, February 3.
3. First DroneBiz Event of ’23 Takes Off in Bismarck
The EDC supported and attend the first DroneBiz event of 2023 in Bismarck on Thursday, February 16. Drone Biz provides an opportunity for AUVSI Great Plains Chapter members, the business community, and local government to come together and learn more about our ecosystem and the impact we are making in the world of UAS. The event was attended by over 40 people from state and local leaders, and companies across the state.
4. EDC & UND Host First Manufacturing Roundtable
The EDC partnered with UND College of Engineering & Mines to host a Grand Forks Manufacturing Leadership Forum on Thursday, February 9. Leaders from manufacturing companies came together to discuss challenges facing their businesses as well as community strengths to capitalize on. The first meeting was introductory, providing the opportunity to network with others in the industry. The EDC and UND CEM will continue to host meetings regularly to provide support and brainstorm ways to overcome challenges. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 9.
5. Fenworks Receives a ‘LIFT’ of Funding
EDC Member Company and Client, Fenworks was awarded $500,000 from the North Dakota Department of Commerce Innovation Technology Loan Fund (LIFT)! The funds are available to support technology advancement by providing financing for the commercialization of intellectual property within the state of North Dakota. Loan funds may be used for working capital such as to conduct applied research, experimentation, or operational testing within the state. Fenworks is rapidly expanding into other states in the midwest and creating a drone racing division of the company.
6. Wallwork & Young Manufacturing Receive JDA Loan Approval
The Jobs Development Authority recently approved:
- FlexPACE loan request for Wallwork Truck Center for the purchase, renovation, and expansion of a new Grand Forks property.
- PACE loan request for Huntsville Property on the acquisition of Young Manufacturing Industries. The acquisition includes all assets, but the loan was used for the real estate portion of the agreement.
Both loans leverage a grant approval through a Bank of North Dakota grant and a loan deferral provided by the Grand Forks Jobs Development Authority.
7. General Atomics Performs Cold Weather Validation in Grand Forks
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. recently completed cold weather validation flights for the MQ-9B SkyGuardian from the Grand Forks Flight Test and Training Center. The North Dakota climate provided an ideal opportunity to test the aircraft’s extreme cold weather abilities. Two pre-flight scenarios were tested, one with a ‘cold soak’ where the aircraft was kept well below -5°F for 12 hours, and another where the aircraft was kept in a temperature-controlled hanger until the flight. All scenarios were successfully and consistently conducted in impressive time, according to the release. The successful completion of this mission shows how the aircraft can perform in the Arctic region which is becoming a priority.
8. Intern GF Applications Opened March 1
Applications for priority review for cycle #2 of 2023 for InternGF are open Wednesday, March 1 – Wednesday, March 15.
The program, now in its sixth year, is brought to you by the University of North Dakota’s Center for Innovation and the Grand Forks Region EDC. InternGF is designed to increase the number of local internship offerings, aiding employers’ workforce recruitment and retention efforts by introducing UND students to career and entrepreneurial opportunities in the greater Grand Forks region.
InternGF offers up to $3,500 to offset an intern’s salary. Eligible employers can apply for up to two internships per year. To apply for funding for your internship, fill out the formlocated on the InternGF page.
9. EDC Staff Attend Northland Aerospace Open House
UAS Development Officer, Bill Adams, attended the Experience Northland Aerospace Open House Event on Friday, February 24. The event featured aerospace programs offered at Northland, drone demonstrations, their state-of-the-art hanger housing over 20 aircraft, and more.
10. Real Good Cookies Makes Runway Appearance at NY Fashion Week
Congratulations to Grand Forks’ own Real Good Cookies for having their Monster Cookie selected as a front-row gift at New York Fashion Week!
The EDC is preparing a monthly report on key regional economic indicators. See <WAITING TO UPDATE> December’s Economy at a Glance.
See an archive of the previous Economy at a Glance.