1. Grand Forks Named A Charming Gem of the Midwest
Filled with small-town charm and big-city amenities, Grand Forks has been named to TravelMag’s list of Midwest’s Most Charming Small Cities! This accolade highlights the city’s unique appeal, capturing the attention of travelers seeking an authentic and pleasant experience. With its blend of friendly communities, diverse cultural offerings, and picturesque landscapes, Grand Forks offers an ideal destination for both visitors and residents alike. This recognition is a testament to the ongoing efforts of our community in fostering economic growth and enhancing the city’s overall appeal. We look forward to continuing to showcase Grand Forks as a remarkable place to live, work, and explore.
2. Altru Receives Coveted Four-Star Rating for Exceptional Healthcare Services
Congratulations to Altru Health System for being awarded a prestigious four-star rating from Medicare and Medicaid, placing the health system in the top 25% of hospitals in the nation. This recognition reflects the high quality of healthcare services provided by Altru to the community.
The four-star rating signifies the organization’s commitment to delivering exceptional patient care and signifies its position among the top healthcare providers in the region. This achievement is a testament to Altru’s dedication to excellence and the positive impact it has on the health and well-being of the Grand Forks community.
3. EDA Regional Rep Explores Grand Forks for Economic Development Initiatives
EDA Regional Representative, Ali DeMersseman, visited Grand Forks and took a tour of The HIVE to discuss economic development in the Grand Forks region. EDA previously granted $1.4 million to convert the former GF Herald Building into a Tech Accelerator for the UAS Industry, attracting new businesses and talent to our area.
While in Grand Forks, DeMersseman also met with UND Center for Innovation and Red River Regional Council in Grafton, fostering crucial collaborations for our success. We appreciate EDA’s significant impact on economic development and look forward to continued growth
4. UND Leadership Tours Cirrus Aircraft's Thriving Grand Forks Facility
EDC President & CEO, Keith Lund, joined UND President Andrew Armacost and other UND leaders for a tour of Cirrus Aircraft’s Grand Forks facility. Pat Waddick, President of innovation & Operations, shared about the company’s tremendous growth, and future operation plans.
5. Northern Tier Seed Approved for PACE
Northern Tier Seed was approved for a PACE Loan through the Grand Forks Growth Fund and Jobs Development Authority! The company has continued to see an increased demand for its services, prompting a large amount of growth and expansion over the last several years. Representatives have reported that this growth and expansion of the company would not have been possible without the PACE program and the support offered through the City of Grand Forks Growth Fund and the Bank of North Dakota.
6. Grand Forks Based 3 Farm Daughters Awarded LIFT
EDC Client 3 Farm Daughters was awarded $500,000 from the North Dakota Department of Commerce Innovation Technology Loan Fund (LIFT)! Three Farm Daughters plan to scale their processing operations and expand further into the retail market.
7. UND EERC Receives $2.5 Million Grant for Advancing CCUS Technology at Marathon Renewable Diesel Facility
Congratulations to the UND EERC for being awarded $2.5 million in funding to advance Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technology at the Marathon Renewable Diesel Facility in Dickinson, ND. The funding aims to support research and innovation in reducing carbon emissions. This investment reinforces the Grand Forks region as leader in carbon capture and storage efforts.
8. Welcome Aboard, Brenna Mathiason! New Workforce Development Specialist Joins the EDC Team
Brenna Mathiason has joined the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation (EDC) as its Workforce Development Specialist. Mathiason will assist and lead the efforts to carry out workforce programs like the Northern Valley Career Expo, InternGF, and Greater Grand Forks: Way Cooler than You Think! recruitment and retention initiative. Mathiason comes to the EDC from the East Grand Forks Parks and Recreation, serving as the Director of the Summer Playground Program and East Grand Forks School District where she served as a paraprofessional and bus driver. Originally from Thief River Falls Minnesota, she has become an active member in the Grand Forks community and has worked closely with the Empire and Firehall Theatre. Currently, she also serves on the board of directors for the Greater Grand Forks Community Theater. With her experience in collaborating with local businesses and community members, she is adept at building partnerships and creating valuable opportunities for the community.
9. EDC Advisory Board Meeting Highlights Immigration-Related Workforce Programs and Innovative Solutions
The EDC hosted an Advisory Board Meeting on July 13th at The HIVE. EDC Director of Workforce Development, Becca Cruger, led a discussion on immigration-related workforce programs aimed at addressing the ongoing workforce shortage and supporting companies’ efforts to attract and retain employees.
UND School of Graduate Studies Dean, Chris Nelson, presented on the Accelerate to Industry (A2i), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) programs, providing hands-on experiences and employment authorization for graduate students. Workforce Hope, a technology-based startup, was introduced by co-founder Dan Hodgson, showcasing their success in automating immigration processes for individuals from countries like Ukraine, Venezuela, and Cuba, benefiting employers in the region. North Dakota State Refugee Coordinator, Holly Triska-Dally, discussed state-level programs and their collaboration with Grand Forks community resources to facilitate integration and access to opportunities for refugees.
10. InternGF Success: 8 Awardees Approved
Congratulations to the 8 InternGF applicants that were approved for the Fall 2023 semester, totaling $15,632.
Awardees include:
Iviry, LLC – to fund an IT analyst internship
Grand Forks Public Schools – to fund a human resources internship
PS Industries – to fund a human resources internship
Grand Forks Regional Airport Authority – to fund an airport management internship
All Embracing Homecare – to fund a marketing & events internship
Construction Engineers – to fund an IT internship
Cirrus Aircraft – to fund a manufacturing engineering internship
Grand Forks Growth & Support Center – to fund a program assistant internship
Applications are continuing to be accepted for Fall 2023 (until August 1) and Spring 2024 internships.
InternGF Open for SPRING Semester Applications
InternGF, a partnership program between UND’s Center for Innovation and the EDC is accepting applications for Spring semester internship awards. Grand Forks area businesses can apply for up to $3,500 in matching funds for newly created internships that will take place during UND’s Fall or Spring semesters.
Full eligibility and application criteria can be found at grandforks.org/interngf
Northern Valley Career Expo Exhibitor Registration
2023 Northern Valley Career Expo
Wednesday, October 25th
Registration deadline: Friday, September 15th
The Northern Valley Career Expo brings more than 1,800 high school students from 14 counties and 50+ school districts in the Northern Valley region (Northwest Minnesota & Northeast North Dakota) to a one-day event where they can explore high-wage, in-demand careers.
Economy at a Glance
The EDC has a new, interactive Economy at a Glance dashboard that compiles key regional economic indicators.