1. City Council Approves RFQ for Air Service Consultant
The Mayor’s Air Service Expansion Committee continues forward momentum. On Monday, February 20, the Grand Forks City Council approved the request for qualifications to engage an air service consultant. The consultant will assist in the preparation of a business case for greater air service out of the Grand Forks International Airport. This will be presented to airlines to demonstrate the strength of the Grand Forks market and how they can realize success and grow with Grand Forks. The RFQ will close on Friday, March 15th.
2. Economic Development Association of ND Spring Conference Registration Open, Schedule Announced
The Grand Forks region is hosting the state-wide EDND Spring Conference from April 30th to May 2nd! Registration for the event is NOW OPEN, and the tentative schedule has been released.
Conference highlights include the opportunity to tour Grand Sky facilities, with a UAS panel and reception at The HIVE; site selector panel and social; a case study with O’Leary Venture Group, Bank of North Dakota, and ND SBDC. Conference sponsorships are available.
Thank you to all the community partners and stakeholders assisting in the conference planning and preparation!
3. Thread Awarded $500,000 from ND Development Fund
Congratulations to Thread for being awarded $500,000 for a revolving line of credit from the North Dakota Development Fund! Thread changes the game by completely automating flight together with data collection, transport, and analysis of any drone or robotic vehicle with the push of a button.
4. Career Impact Academy Beam Signed, Gov. Burgum Visits Project
On Thursday, February 29th, a short, informal Beam Signing Ceremony was held to sign the final beam that will be raised into the Career Impact Academy structure, marking another milestone in the construction process.
The construction site was also paid a visit by Governor Doug Burgum who expressed the importance of career and technical education programs for workforce pipeline programming. Thank you, Governor Burgum for your support!
5. EDC Awarded RWIP Dollars: Press Conference 3/7
The Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation has received Regional Workforce Impact Program grant funding dollars! Join us at the Press Conference announcing the major workforce funding efforts at The HIVE on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at 10 am.
6. Hatcher Presents at International Crop Expo
Business Development Manager Kevin Hatcher participated in a panel session regarding the growth of soybean processing companies in North Dakota at the 2024 International Crop Expo. Hatcher spoke on the potential economic growth resulting from Epitome Energy’s establishment in Grand Forks. Hatcher was joined on the panel by NDSU extension’s livestock development specialist and bioenergy specialist to demonstrate the market and opportunities for soybean crushing facilities. State and local programs that may assist value-added agribusinesses were also featured as part of the panel.
7. GF is Cooler Tables at UND Career Fair To Retain UND Students
In an effort to continue retaining UND college students, the Greater Grand Forks: Way Cooler Than You Think! team tabled at the UND Career Fair! The team was able to gain social media followers, newsletter subscribers, and brand exposure. Efforts like these have helped contribute to the increased retention of young professionals in the region over the last decade.
8. Department of Ag Visits Grand Forks
EDC Business Development Manager Kevin Hatcher helped tour North Dakota Department of Agriculture representatives during their recent Grand Forks! During the tour, the group visited six companies to see their space and better understand their operations. The companies toured have applied for the Ag Products Utilization Commission (APUC) or Agricultural Development and Diversification grant programs and presented to the committee on February 28th or 29th. Applicants will be notified of their status the first week of March.
9. DDA Wins Main Street Award for Town Square
Congratulations to the Downtown Development Association and City for receiving the North Dakota Main Street Award for their efforts on Town Square! The specific award recognizes the significant investments made that enhance the health and vibrancy of the community. The awards are part of North Dakota’s Main Street Initiative, which seeks to help community leaders have the tools to capitalize on their community strengths to help North Dakota be competitive globally.
10. Staffing Updates
Farewell Amy Lund
After 8 years, we bid farewell to EDC Finance Coordinator Amy Lund! We wish you the best. Thank you for your years of service.
Bridget West Promoted to Operations Manager
Bridget West has taken on additional the responsibility of the Finance Coordinator role and has been promoted to Operations Manager! West has been with the EDC for 3.5 years and has done an excellent job of creating processes and maintaining the organization. Congrats, Bridget!
Other Economic Development Headlines
EDC Annual Meeting
Economy At a Glance
The EDC has a new, interactive Economy at a Glance dashboard that compiles key regional economic indicators.
Upcoming Events
Mar 7 Board of Directors Meeting
Mar 7 RWIP Program Funding Press Conference
Mar 26 2024 EDC Annual Meeting
Mar 29 Good Friday 2024: EDC Office Closed
Mar 31 BIG Applications Due
Apr 1 RWIP-Childcare Funds, APUC, & ADD Applications Due
Apr 4 Board of Directors Meeting
Apr 30 EDND Conference Begins
May 2 Board of Directors Meeting
May 2 EDND Conference Ends
May 13-15 Site Selector Advisory Forum
May 27 Memorial Day 2024: EDC Office Closed
June 1 Fall 2024 InternGF Apps Open
June 6 Board of Directors Meeting