1. SkyRange Brings Global Hawks to Grand Sky
SkyRange is a Department of Defense initiative that has brought Global Hawk Block 30 aircrafts to Grand Sky. Instead of sending the aircrafts to the ‘boneyard’, they will be retrofitted with advanced instrumentation to support high-priority DoD flight tests. Local and state leaders came together for a welcoming ceremony at the Test Resource Management Center on Wednesday, August 24.
2. Career Impact Academy & Inflation
Inflation and supply-chain challenges are pushing up the projected cost of constructing the Career Impact Academy. A revised plan could bring the cost of the project in line with earlier budgeting. Other funding paths to help offset escalated costs could include bonding, new market tax credit, state funding, and grant writing.
3. Fufeng Update
City Council Members gave preliminary approval for several projects related to infrastructure services for the Fufeng Development Agreement. This includes expanding the sanitary sewer collection system, constructing a new water main, and expanding the city’s Wastewater Treatment Facility.
4. Alerus Commits $1 Million to New Altru Health System Hospital
Altru Health Foundation released that it received a $1 million commitment from Alerus to support Altru’s new hospital. The gift marks one of the institution’s largest gifts in its history and the first gift to be directed to the new hospital.
5. Welcome Mark Maliskey
Please welcome Mark Maliskey to the EDC team as our Marketing & Communications Manager! He will coordinate strategic marketing and manage all internal and external communications with key stakeholders. He will work to keep EDC members informed of organizational activities and continue to market the Grand Forks region as an exceptional place to grow and establish primary sector business.
6. Hatcher Attends Developer Day in Bismarck
EDC’s Business Development Officer, Kevin Hatcher, attended Developer Day in Bismarck on Tuesday, August 23. The Economic Development Association of North Dakota (EDND) hosted members of the Department of Commerce to talk about the opportunities and general information in the state on the business climate. Hatcher met with several development managers from across the state.
7. GFK Projects Awarded $9.39 Million
Grand Forks International Airport will use the $9.39 million grant for several updates over the next seven years. A notable project currently underway is the reconstruction of an intersection between two main runways and the lengthening of a secondary runway. Additionally within the project scope is a 20,000-square-foot hangar and the replacement of a Customs and Border Protection facility.
8. DDA Awarded $100,000 for Town Square Enhancements
The Downtown Development Association was awarded $100,000 as part of a Lowe’s Hometown grant. Funding will be used to enhance the Town Square and make it a hangout space the community would use on a daily basis. Plans include giant cornhole sets, musical instruments, fire pits, outdoor workout equipment, and more.
9. Cooler at the Downtown Street Fair
Our team successfully executed a booth for Cooler at the Grand Forks Downtown Street Fair the weekend of August 19-20! The booth helped to build brand awareness by showcasing ‘Cooler’ clothing items, hats, mugs, cups, and our relocation guide.
10. Talent Attraction Video Project Commences
Cooler video crews were on site at the Emerado Corn Feed on Saturday, August 20 to capture footage of the event and the community. The footage will be used to promote the community and the ‘Cooler Living’ opportunities that it offers.
The EDC is preparing a monthly report on key regional economic indicators. Click here to see July’s Economy at a Glance.