Top 10 | July 2025 | Grand Forks EDC

1. ND Named Top State for Business Friendliness for 2025 by CNBC

North Dakota has been named the #1 state for Business Friendliness by CNBC for the fourth consecutive year! This ranking reflects the state’s pro-business policies, including no requirement for a general business license and low corporate tax rates (1.14%-4.31%). North Dakota also offers a wide range of tax incentives and is supported by the only state-owned bank in the U.S., the Bank of North Dakota, which provides business loan programs like PACE and FlexPACE.

With access to over 39,000 students from seven local institutions, Grand Forks and the surrounding region benefit from a strong and motivated workforce. These advantages have helped North Dakota achieve a 77% business survival rate. As economic conditions shift in 2025, business friendliness is more important than ever, and North Dakota continues paving the way.

2. Hoeven Announces $100 Million for Project ULTRA

On July 18th, Senator John Hoeven announced $100 million for Project ULTRA at GRAND Sky!

Senator Hoeven shared that the Federal Government will be extending their financial commitment to Project ULTRA (Project UAS Logistics, Traffic, Research and Autonomy) from $18 million to $100 million. This will enable the Department of Defense to develop necessary capabilities more cost-effectively and quickly, including counter-drone technology.

With the funding, Project ULTRA will be able to test UAS flights between Grand Forks Air Force Base and Cavalier Space Force Station to deliver critical supplies. Once fully operational, the flights will become a regular occurrence, happening weekly.

3. Agristo Progress Continues, Hosting August Event

The Agristo potato processing facility continues to make great progress!

The Grand Forks County Commission voted on July 1st to approve the payment in lieu of taxes, PILOT, for Agristo at 20 years, 90%, and the Grand Forks School Board voted to approve it at their meeting on July 14th.

The public hearing and final action were held on July 21st. Agristo’s Ward Claerbout had the opportunity to present the company background during the meeting. Ward also shared that the company is actively working on filing with CFIUS and an option agreement to purchase the land currently owned by Fufeng on the north side of town.

To commemorate their investment and introduce the greater Grand Forks region to the Belgian potato pros, Agristo is presenting a “Taste of Belgium” community event at Grand Forks Town Square on August 25th from 4 – 8 pm!

4. Lund Meets with SkyWest for Air Service Expansion

EDC President & CEO Keith Lund joined a group of representatives from Grand Forks, led by Mayor Brandon Bochenski, to meet with SkyWest Airlines executives at their corporate headquarters in St. George, UT, on July 31. The representatives included leaders from Grand Forks Airport, The Meehan Aviation Group, GrandSky, and Northrop Grumman. The group met to secure SkyWest’s commitment to serve GFK with daily service to Denver should United Airlines agree to implement the new service. The delegation is working to schedule a meeting with United Airlines at their headquarters later this year.

5. GFAFB Changes Command, Hosts Ceremony

On Tuesday, July 1st, the Grand Forks Air Force Base hosted the Change of Command ceremony. Colonel Alfred Rosales, previously Deputy Commander at the 49th Wing at Holloman Air Base in New Mexico, assumed command from Colonel Timothy Monroe, who assumed responsibility of running the A8 Engine Room in Washington, D.C.

To show appreciation for all Colonel Monroe has done for the base, he received the Legion of Merit Award. The base has also donated to the Community Violence Intervention Center in the name of Jenny Monroe and to the Grand Forks Children’s Museum in the name of Michaela Rosales to show appreciation for the wives of the commanders.

Welcome to Grand Forks, Colonel Rosales, and thank you for all you have done for the region, Colonel Monroe!

6. Vertical Malt Receives JDA Approval for GF Expansion

On Monday, July 7th, the Jobs Development Authority provided final approval of an EDA RLF and FlexPACE loans for Vertical Malt. The malting company originated in Crookston, MN, and is looking to expand into Grand Forks due to its increase in demand and its ongoing partnership with the North Dakota Mill. The expansion project involves purchasing equipment related to their core milling system, storage equipment, and packaging equipment for their finished product. Congratulations, Vertical Malt!

7. Altru Sports Complex Progresses, Explores Basketball Court Expansion

The Grand Forks City Council on July 7th moved forward with beginning work on a hard-court expansion of the Altru Sports Complex. This initial work is dedicated to the expansion design and cost estimates. Originally, the expansion wasn’t planned due to cost, but with the project being $20 million under budget, completing the work now could save money in the future. The complex officially broke ground on June 27th.

8. GrandSky Slated to Take Over Management of The HIVE

The City of Grand Forks sought bids for the management of The HIVE, UAS Tech Accelerator, earlier this year. After reviewing the bids, the selection committee recommended that GrandSky take over the management of the space from the Jobs Development Authority (JDA). Both the JDA and City Council approved moving forward with GrandSky, moving into negotiations for a final management contract.

9. First Round Fall 2025 InternGF Awards

The first round of Fall 2025 InternGF applications were reviewed, and a total of 9 internships were awarded to 9 companies with a total dollar amount of $24,632. The InternGF program started in 2018 to increase the number of local internship offerings, aiding employers’ workforce recruitment and retention efforts.

Awardees include:

Burian & Associates: GIS/CAD Intern
Delta Advisory Group: Consulting Intern
SafetySpect: Business Development Intern
Meadowlark Aircraft Company: Telemetry Engineer Intern
Midwest Planning: Civil Engineer Intern
3 Farm Daughters: Social Media Intern
MindMend Biotech LLC: Embedded Systems and Data Acquisitions Intern
Vertical Works LLC: UAS Design and System Integration Intern
Northern Plains UAS Test Site: Marketing Intern

10. InternGF Summer Cohort Experience Showcases Sports & Rec, Arts & Entertainment

The InternGF Summer Cohort Experience continued in July with session three on July 10th and session four on July 24th. This summer event series, now in its second year, allows students to network, explore the cooler culture of our region, connect with young professionals, and imagine a future for themselves in greater Grand Forks.

Session three focused on sports and recreation opportunities in the Grand Forks region. Interns met at Choice Health and Fitness, received an overview of Mental Health Matters, and participated in a Zumba or cycling fitness class. In the afternoon, they participated in a yoga class at Lotus or boot camp in the town square, and a sound bath meditation and tai chi on the greenway. Photos are available here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCmao2

Session four emphasized arts and entertainment. Interns toured the Empire Arts Center and learned choreography from the Frost Fire Theatre’s Fame, and met with local music star Jantzonia at Ojata Records. In the afternoon, they toured Arts for Vets and made an art painting, learned about the Grand Forks Comedy scene and improv, and participated in an art exhibition in Pillsbury Park. Photos are available here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCnKSL

Interns will now participate in an etiquette dinner and graduation ceremony on Thursday, August 7th.

11. EDC Hosts Advisory Board Meeting

On Thursday, July 12th, the EDC Advisory Board gathered for the second meeting of 2025. Johnathan Holth, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, and Matt Bonzer, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer, presented about the 1883 Collective and the name, image, likeness (NIL) opportunities for UND students. The meeting concluded with business and industry updates from advisory board members.

InternGF spring 2026 applications are open! InternGF is a program that connects businesses with talented UND students to provide internships. Receive up to $3,500 to offset the cost of an intern’s wages. The priority deadline is September 1st.