1. Fufeng USA
The City Council approved the development agreement with Fufeng USA, which puts the company on track for breaking ground this summer. For answers on some common questions on this development, please visit our FAQ page.
2. Acme Tools
Due to increased demand and business growth, Acme Tools is investing in e-commerce infrastructure upgrades at its distribution center in the Grand Forks Business Park. The Grand Forks Jobs Development Authority (JDA) approved a FlexPace loan to support the $3 million expansion. Acme Tools has seen a 46% growth in employment within its e-commerce division since 2019.
3. LIFT Funding
Congratulations to Tailorie and Airial Robotics on receiving the North Dakota Department of Commerce’s LIFT funding. Tailorie, a Grand Forks tech company that connects consumers to relevant brands, was awarded $250,000. Airial Robotics, a UAS company based in Germany that is expanding to North Dakota, was awarded $500,000.
4. Evolve Grand Forks
Evolve Grand Forks received a $20,000 grant from the Otto Bremer Trust. They plan to use the funds to support program staffing, purchase electronics to help manage the 701 coworking space, and improve programming diversity and reach.
5. Good Jobs Challenge
The EDC and the City of Grand Forks applied to the Economic Development Agency’s Good Jobs Challenge grant, hoping to secure $10 million to put toward manufacturing workforce development in our region.
6. RoleCall
Katie Ralston, director of North Dakota Department of Commerce’s Workforce Division, presented to the EDC Advisory Board on February 17. She shared details on a statewide workforce recruitment initiative in partnership with talent attraction agency RoleCall.
7. GFK Airport
Congratulations to our member company Grand Forks International Airport (GFK) on being named the 12th busiest airport in the nation in 2021! Ryan Riesinger, executive director of GFK and an EDC ex officio board member, said it’s the highest ranking the airport has achieved.
8. Construction on 4th
Construction has officially begun on North Fourth Street with two exciting developments:
- The Grand Forks Herald building (where our offices are located) is getting remodeled into a technology accelerator. The project is expected to complete in the fall. Our office will remain open throughout the transformation.
- Northridge Construction is making headway on their development of a six-story stack of businesses and apartments. The project, dubbed Franklin on 4th, is located on North Fourth Street between Second Avenue North and University Avenue.
9. The Job Pod
Two EDC employees were guests on North Dakota Job Service’s podcast, The Job Pod. Keith Lund, President & CEO, is featured in the episode “What is a Curvy Career Path?” Becca Cruger, workforce development manager, is featured in the episode “What’s So Great About Internships?”
10. InternGF
Applications are open for 2022 cycle #2 of InternGF! The program offers up to $3,500 to offset an intern’s salary. Apply here.