Top 10 | July 2024 | Grand Forks EDC

1. EDC Plays Key Role in Supporting Mayor’s Air Service Expansion Initiative

The Mayor’s Air Service Expansion Committee has made great strides with large milestones in July. One of the main objectives of the committee was to apply for the Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) grant. The funding would guarantee that a new airline coming to the community would not suffer financial losses as they build a clientele for the new service.

The expansion of air service options at GFK is dependent on receiving the SCASDP grant, which is awarded based on application quality. There are three parts to a strong application. First is support from an airline, achieved with a letter from SkyWest expressing the possibility of the new service to Denver. Second is an engaged business community, accomplished through the Mayor’s Air Service Expansion Committee. Third is the 40-50% financial commitment to match the $1,000,000 federal grant request. This was achieved by the City of Grand Forks’ financial contribution and pledges from 34 regional businesses and organizations.

The EDC and the Chamber rallied the business community around the need for financial pledges and letters of support. Letters of support were procured to submit to Delta Air Lines requesting additional flights at GFK and for the SCASDP application. The EDC spearheaded asking for a financial commitment from private sector businesses and civic organizations totaling up to $200,000. During the effort, the Grand Forks City Council approved a $300,000 contribution, accelerating business community pledges. The final amount of collected pledges is $209,000. The EDC Board of Directors approved a contribution of $25,000 to the initiative.

The SCASDP application was officially submitted on July 23rd. Applicants will tentatively be notified of their application status this fall. If Grand Forks is successful in receiving the SCASDP grant award, GFK and TMAG will immediately begin working with SkyWest to develop non-stop service to Denver.

2. Altru Announces Acquisition Intent of Devils Lake Hospital

Altru Health System announced a Letter of Intent with CommonSpirit Health to explore the acquisition of the Devils Lake hospital. Altru continues to grow and support our region and community. If successful in acquisition, the transfer of ownership ensures that the Devils Lake region can maintain adequate access to healthcare. This would also mark the first time in the organization’s history that they would operate two general hospitals.

3. Ideal Aerosmith awarded $14.5 million U.S. Navy contract

EDC client and investor Ideal Aerosmith was awarded a $14.5 million contract from the U.S. Navy! With the funds, Ideal Aerosmith will develop inspection and testing methods for unmanned aerial systems for hardware in the loop (HWIL) and software in the loop (SWIL). The Grand Forks region leads the U.S. in UAS with a robust ecosystem that can support businesses at all stages.

4. Grand Forks City Council Welcomes New Members

On July 1st, the Grand Forks City Council changed leadership after the June 11th municipal election. The council bid farewell to long-time council member and Vice President Bret Weber and Councilman Kyle Kvamme. Thank you to both Weber and Kvamme for your service to the community!

Grand Forks Mayor Bochenski, incumbent City Council Members Danny Weigel and Ken Vein, and new members Tricia Berg and Mike Fridolfs were sworn in at the meeting.

Once the new council convened, they voted to have Dana Sande serve as president and Danny Weigel as vice president.

5. Fenworks Expands Acquiring Minnesota Varsity League

EDC client Fenworks announced they have acquired the Minnesota Varsity League. The league served around 100 schools in Minnesota. Now, Fenworks will be able to serve a combined total of 200 high schools in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming for the upcoming school year. Fenworks specializes in esports and drone racing.

6. Grand Forks UAS Companies iSight & Thread Team Up

iSight Drone Services and Thread, both based in Grand Forks, have teamed up to enhance efficiency in data collection and processing for power lines, solar farms, and more. This partnership underscores Grand Forks’ leadership in the UAS industry, leveraging local talent and cutting-edge technology. Together, they’re driving innovation and creating jobs, solidifying our region’s status as a UAS hub.

iSight will join Senator John Hoeven for a news conference on August 8th at 3:00 pm at The Olive Ann Hotel to share a large update.

7. Sande Joins EDC Board of Directors

The EDC welcomes Grand Forks City Council President Dana Sande to its board of directors! Sande will replace Mayor Brandon Bochenski and serve as a representative for the City of Grand Forks.

Sande served on the board of directors from 2013-2020 when Mayor Bochenski took office. The board is comprised of eleven total members, with three being appointed positions. Each appointed position represents key stakeholders: the Grand Forks Region EDC President & CEO, the City of Grand Forks Mayor or his/her designee, and the Grand Forks County Commission Chairperson or his/her designee.

8. InternGF Summer Cohort Series Tours Industry, Arts

The InternGF Summer Cohort series, funded by the 2024 RWIP grant, hosted two sessions in July.

On July 11th, the interns gained insight into the primary sectors that drive the Grand Forks region economy as they toured LM Wind Power, Cirrus, Simplot, True North Equipment, PS Industries, American Crystal Sugar, and The HIVE.

On July 25th, the participants learned about the rich and diverse arts and entertainment hubs in the Grand Forks region with activities and tours of the North Dakota Museum of Art, Jantzonia at Ojata Records, Empire Arts Center, Fire Hall Theater, Arts for Vets, and Adam Kemp in Pillsbury Park.

The cohort program aims to increase post-graduation retention rates by getting students connected to the community where they live. The program design is to help students network with peers, better understand Grand Forks’s amenities and employment opportunities, and connect them with community leaders.

Two more sessions will be held in August, focused on sports and recreation, and a community graduation celebration at Cloud 9 Lounge.

All the photos from the session are available from Russ Hons Photography.

9. EDC Holds Advisory Board Meeting

The EDC held its Advisory Board meeting on July 11th. FIRST Regional Director Nicole Schossow presented about the FIRST Robotics Competition that is in Grand Forks each spring. She provided an overview of the FIRST Robotics Competition and highlighted benefits to local tech-based workforce development.

EDC Business Development Manager Kevin Hatcher provided an overview of the findings and recommendations of the recent Site Selectors Advisory Forum that the EDC hosted in May.

The meeting concluded with a roundtable where members provided updates on their industry.

10. Lund Attends City to Farm Tour

On July 18th, EDC President & CEO Keith Lund attended the City to Farm Tour event hosted by The Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee. The event centered around the potato industry of the Grand Forks region. Speakers included representatives from the Northland Potato Growers Association, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and a tour of the UASDA Potato Lab. The event further underscores the importance of agribusiness in the region and the opportunity to support regional growth for farmers.

INternGF Priority Applications Due 9/1

Employers: do you want to offset the cost of a spring 2024 internship by $3,500? Apply for InternGF internship funding program for your new and innovative internship by the PRIORITY deadline of September 1st and a regular deadline of October 31st!