Top 10 | December 2024 | Grand Forks EDC

1. Grand Forks Companies Receive $217,000 in APUC Awards

Congratulations to two Grand Forks companies that received APUC Awards totaling $217,000! Dakota Don’s Artisan Waffles was awarded funding to develop high-protein and gluten-free waffle mixes. BI Biorefindery was awarded funding to assist with restoring operations on the ethanol processing facility. APUC is the Agricultural Products Utilization Commission ND Department of Ag program that administers grants for research and development of new and expanded uses for ag products in North Dakota.

2. ND Department of Commerce Leaders Visit Two GF Companies

On Friday, December 6th, the North Dakota Department of Commerce, along with local leaders, visited two local Grand Forks companies that were awarded Automate ND Grant funding: PS Industries and YMI Industries. During the visit, attendees were able to learn about each company’s automation project, tour the facility, and participate in a discussion about the broader benefits of automation.

3. B-1B Bombers Begin Touching Down at Grand Forks Air Force Base To Prepare for Maintenance Operations

Throughout December, the Grand Forks Air Force Base welcomed two B-1B Lancer bombers, marking the beginning of a 10-month temporary deployment as Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota undergoes runway renovations. The remainder of the B-1B bombers are expected to arrive at the base in January and February. This relocation will bring approximately 800 airmen from the 28th Bomb Wing to Grand Forks. The deployment also offers unique training opportunities for the Air Force, leveraging Grand Forks’ strategic location and facilities. This initiative showcases the Grand Forks region’s capacity to support critical national defense operations.

4. UND Tackles Workforce Graduating Air Traffic Controllers Directly Into Workforce

The University of North Dakota (UND) is now one of just four schools in the nation where students can graduate as fully trained air traffic controllers, thanks to the FAA’s Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative. This partnership eliminates the need for UND graduates to attend the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, streamlining their path to workforce entry and addressing the nationwide air traffic controller shortage. Senator John Hoeven, who championed the initiative, highlighted the program’s potential to set a national benchmark in aviation education. By placing graduates into roles within weeks of completing their degrees, this program positions UND as a leader in aviation training, meeting regional and national demand for skilled air traffic controllers.

5. Ryan Adams Named Interim Dean of UND CEM; Lund Assists With New Dean Search

Ryan Adams, a professor and associate dean for national security at UND, will step in as interim dean of the College of Engineering and Mines starting January 2nd, following the departure of former Dean Brian Tande. Adams brings extensive experience in research, national security initiatives, and collaboration with stakeholders, positioning the college for continued growth during the search for a permanent dean. Under his leadership, the college aims to expand its research centers, academic programs, and initiatives such as the new STEM building and artificial intelligence applications.

6. EDC Collaborates With Local and Statewide Orgs To Pursue Policies That Promote Growth

Throughout December, EDC President & CEO Keith Lund attended multiple engagements with local and state legislators in preparation for the upcoming legislative session. Events included UND’s gathering for state legislators on December 2nd, the North Dakota National Guard Reception and tour of the aviation facility in Bismarck on December 3rd, Grand Forks Public School District dinner that allowed for the city, county, and park board, and the school district to outline 2025 legislative priorities on December 5th, and the Team Grand Forks Legislative Luncheon hosted by The Chamber on December 10th. Team Grand Forks is comprised of the city, county, school district, EDC, Chamber, and UND to discuss local or regional legislative priorities. Investing time in these relationships throughout the last quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025 is key to having a successful legislative session.

7. Hatcher Attends MAEDC, Connects With Site Selectors

Business Development Manager Kevin Hatcher attended the Mid-America Economic Development Competitiveness Conference from December 4th to 6th in Columbus, Ohio. This is a Midwest regional conference the EDC attends to connect with other economic development leaders and site selectors. This year’s conference provided opportunities to network with site selectors and presentations regarding the growth in data center development, mega site attraction, and identifying projects relevant to venture capital.

8. Cruger Contributes to Governor’s Workforce Development Council Targeted Recommendations

In December, the ND Workforce Development Council released a Report of Recommendations. EDC Director of Workforce Development Becca Cruger is a member of the council and provided feedback on the report. The recommendations aim to enhance career exploration, bridge technical skills gaps, remove employment barriers, improve occupational licensure reform, and strengthen worker recruitment and retention in North Dakota.

9. Lund Meets With New ND Commerce Commissioner Chris Schilken

On December 18th, EDC President & CEO Keith Lund met with Chris Schilken, the newly appointed North Dakota Department of Commerce Commissioner. Schilken has a familiarity with the region having previously served as the CEO of Forward Devils Lake. The meeting underscores the importance of maintaining robust partnerships to drive economic development initiatives. Lund expressed optimism about working with Commissioner Schilken to advance shared goals for growth and prosperity in the Grand Forks region and state.

10. Hatcher Meets With Local Lenders, Shares About Local Econ Dev Programming

Throughout November and December, EDC Business Development Manager Kevin Hatcher has been visiting the Grand Forks region’s lending institutions to share about state and local economic development programmatic opportunities available for primary sector businesses. To learn more about the programs available, contact Kevin at kevinh@grandforks.org.

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Summer 2025 InternGF Funding Applications Open

Priority applications are due on February 1st!

Employers: do you want to offset the cost of a Summer 2025 internship by $3,500? Apply for InternGF internship funding program for your new and innovative internship by the deadline of March 1st!