Top 10 | April 2025 | Grand Forks EDC

1. Agristo Project Continues Making Progress

The potato processing facility announced by Agristo continues to make forward progress!

In April, City of Grand Forks officials, joined by EDC President & CEO Keith Lund, went to Agristo’s headquarters in Belgium. The team was extremely impressed with the quality of Agristo’s leadership team and their production facilities. During the visit, they toured a specialty plant in Nazareth, Belgium, and a more comprehensive facility in Wielsbeke, Belgium, which is similar to the plant that is expected to be built in Grand Forks. After the visit, Lund stated, “Agristo’s commitment to and partnership with employees and producers was inspiring to witness firsthand. I look forward to the groundbreaking in 2026 and welcoming them to the region next year!”

House Bill 1332, the $30 million incentive for large agricultural developments, has been passed by both the Senate and the House. The bill was officially signed by Governor Armstrong on April 28th. The funding from the bill will support the Agristo project, allowing the company to apply for a $30 million grant paid out in two parts. The first half would be given when a certificate of occupancy is issued, and the rest when the facility has reached 50% of production capacity.

2. YMI Industries Approved for FlexPACE through JDA

Local manufacturing company YMI Industries has been approved through the Jobs Development Authority for a FlexPACE loan request to purchase the former Home of Economy warehouse facility!

YMI Industries has been a family-owned business operating since 1947. They offer services like laser cutting, metal stamping, press brake bending, tool and die, welding and fabrication, CNC machining, prototyping, and more!

3. Air Service Expansion Continues

The City of Grand Forks and Grand Forks Regional Airport Authority shared that they will receive the previously announced Small Community Air Service Development grant award from the United States Department of Transportation!

The EDC assisted Mayor Bochenski in convening the Air Service Expansion committee on Thursday, April 24th. The committee received an update from The Meehan Aviation Group (TMAG) on plans to seek meetings with SkyWest Airlines and United Airlines to present Grand Forks’ business case for daily service to Denver. The task force also received a presentation from the new GFK air service marketing consultant, Advanced Aviation, outlining their short-term and long-term recommendations.

4. Olson Named President for NCTC

Congratulations to Shari Olson, who has been named the new president of Northland Community and Technical College! The announcement came on April 16th with a statement from Scott Olson, Minnesota State Chancellor, “Dr. Olson has a tremendous understanding of the region and of what makes Thief River Falls and East Grand Forks amazing and distinctive from each other.”

Olson has been serving as the interim president since July 2024.

5. Local Government advisory comittee recommends pilot for cirrus

The Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) met on Monday, April 28th, and provided a positive recommendation for a 10-year PILOT for Cirrus Aircraft! Cirrus is the second-largest manufacturer in Grand Forks. This expansion ensures that every single composite or carbon fiber component of a Cirrus Airplane will continue to be manufactured in Grand Forks.

Similar tools have been used over the last 30 years to attract and support initial Cirrus expansions. What this has done is create a tax base for property tax that wasn’t here before, and the base has only grown since. These taxes go toward building roads, supporting our schools, and supporting emergency response in our region. The committee’s support and the decision of Cirrus to expand in Grand Forks only increase their contributions to our region far into the future. The expansion leverages existing infrastructure, their current facility, and over 500 highly trained aviation technicians, who help to build the best aircraft in its class. This support and the subsequent expansion ensure Cirrus’s long-term presence as a member of the Grand Forks business community.

The LGAC takes the positive recommendation back to the school board, county, and other approving officials. While there are approvals yet to be received, this is an important first step in the process. It’s clear from the action of the committee that the community supports the growth of Cirrus in Grand Forks.

6. UND announces launch of new programs in Cybersecurity, ai

The University of North Dakota announced they will add three new degree programs: a bachelor’s program in cybersecurity engineering, a master’s program in athletic administration and coaching, and a Ph.D. program in artificial intelligence. The cybersecurity bachelor’s is part of UND’s National Security Initiative and intends to draw federal defense dollars. The Ph.D. is the first UND program dedicated entirely to studying AI.

7. EDC, UND CFI & ELC Announce InternGF Summer COhort Experience for Summer 2025, Awarded $15,000

In collaboration with the UND Center for Innovation and UND Experiential Learning Center, the EDC announces the return of the InternGF Summer Cohort Series for 2025!

The program has been made FREE through contributions from each organization and a grant from the Knight Foundation’s Donor Advised Fund at the Community Foundation!

The program is for college students interning at companies in the Grand Forks region to connect with fellow interns, build relationships with young professionals, and discover the vibrant culture of the region. The series aims to help students envision a future in Greater Grand Forks.

Employers are encouraged to have their interns apply for the program by May 15th! The program is limited to 40 spaces. Apply ASAP.

8. EDC & ELC Host Networking at Night, Introduce Students to Employers

Director of Workforce Development Becca Cruger assisted UND Experiential Learning Center in planning their Networking at Night event! The event is designed to introduce UND students to local opportunities, connecting them to the region and increasing the chance of them staying after graduation. More than 20 employers and 125 students attended the event and engaged in networking. The EDC assisted in video production to help showcase the livability of the region and the types of opportunities available to students. One of the videos utilized for the event was showcased at the annual meeting.

9. Cruger Presents at Workforce Showcase Event

EDC Director of Workforce Development Becca Cruger spoke at The Greater North Dakota Chamber’s GrowND: Workforce Showcase event on April 23rd. The event highlighted current solutions and resources available to North Dakota employers. GNDC asked Cruger to highlight the InternGF Summer Cohort program as an innovative model for workforce development.

10. Cruger Wins GGFYP Legacy Award

Congratulations to Director of Workforce Development Becca Cruger, who was honored with the Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals Legacy Award at the organization’s Annual Launch event on April 1st! The award is intended for long-time GGFYP members who have left a lasting impact on the organization. Cruger served on the executive board in various roles from May 2015 through December 2019, creating and implementing different programs that have become part of the organization’s signature annual events.