1. Space Development Agency
The U.S. Space Development Agency has opened its Ground Operations and Integration Center at the Grand Forks Air Force Base. The center will operate and control multiple-layer satellite operations for the National Defense Space Architecture (NDSA). This is one of many recent initiatives to benefit UND’s space ecosystem, opening the door to further opportunities for innovation in the Grand Forks Region.
2. Project AirSim
Microsoft has announced Project AirSim, an end-to-end platform for safely developing and testing aerial autonomy through simulation. Prior to AirSim’s launch, EDC Member company Airtonomy had the opportunity to gain early access to the project, using it to simulate various UAS missions and develop solutions for their customers. The missions included wind turbine inspection, wildlife surveying, and oil leak detection.
3. Fufeng USA
The Fufeng Development Agreement has been pushed forward by the Committee of Whole with a vote of 5-1 last week. Next, the agreement will go before the Grand Forks City Council during an upcoming meeting with the potential for final approval.
4. Tailorie
Grand Forks tech company and EDC client Tailorie has launched its mobile app worldwide! The app connects consumers and brands, tailoring the user experience to provide product and company recommendations.
5. Career Impact Academy
Preparation has begun at the future site of the Career Impact Academy. Crews have started demolishing the former Grand Forks Inn and Suites building to make way for the Career Impact Academy, which is set to be open for students in the fall of 2024.
6. Welcome Kevin Hatcher
Please welcome Kevin Hatcher to the EDC team as our Business Development Officer. As a part of our team, he will develop and implement strategies to support primary sector business recruitment, retention, and expansion in Grand Forks County. Hatcher is a Grand Forks native who also currently serves as president of the Greater Grand Forks Young Professional’s board of directors, and president of the East Grand Forks Rotary Club.
7. Regional Workforce Impact Program
Grand Forks Jobs Development Authority has given the approval for the City of Grand Forks to move forward with an application for the Regional Workforce Impact Program (RWIP) grant. $1.7 million of funding is allocated to Region 4 (Walsh, Pembina, Nelson, and Grand Forks Counties). GFREDC has been working alongside other entities to pursue an application that will support three regional workforce priorities: childcare, talent attraction, and career & technical education.
8. Workforce Initiative
The EDC has embarked on a membership drive to add resources to our workforce development efforts. The resources will help in hiring a new Workforce Development Officer, which will allow us to create new programming, pursue external funding, and establish a more robust regional workforce development strategy with our partners. Learn more here.
9. Grand Forks Voted Top 100 Place to Live
Grand Forks had been ranked a Top 100 Place to Live in the US in 2022 by Livability! Over 2,300 cities were examined based on 50+ data points. Grand Forks was recognized for its diverse economy, amenities, education opportunities, and more!
10. Quarterly Advisory Meeting
The Grand Forks Region EDC’s quarterly advisory meeting was held on Thursday, July 21. EDC and Chamber board members were briefed on current legislative priorities for the Chamber-led Team Grand Forks, Governor Burgum’s Workforce Development Council, and Valley Prosperity Partnership.