1. HRVIP Day Event Helps Local Companies Tap Into Workforce
The Grand Forks Region EDC, Grand Forks Human Resources Association, Job Service North Dakota, and UND Pancratz Career Development Center teamed up to host an HR VIP Day. The event was held on November 9 and was attended by 72 CEOs, CFOs, and members of HR or recruiting teams. The event was designed for companies to help understand how to tap into local workforce pipeline programs and take advantage of state and regional workforce incentive programs. Along with networking opportunities, the day featured panelists talking about untapped labor markets, workforce funding programs, how to build a career pipeline, and how to use the Grand Forks region as part of a recruitment pitch.
2. Thread To Receive More Than $15 Million In Series A Funding
Thread, formerly Airtonomy, announced the first installment of what will be more than $15 million in Series A funding. Initial funding support was provided by the Microsoft TechSpark program, giving rise to Thread with a first-of-its-kind investment. The Series A funding round is led by Badlands Capital and Partner Blaine Crissman, who commented, “We are tremendously excited to lead one of the largest Series A funding rounds in North Dakota history. Thread is poised for continued explosive growth and we look forward to contributing to their success.” Thread’s software enables customers to inspect critical infrastructure and deliver accurate analytics rapidly through a robust data and asset management platform.
3. True North Equipment Wins Employer of the Year Award
ND Health and Human Services and State Rehabilitation Council selected True North Equipment of Grand Forks as the 2022 North Dakota State VR Employer of the Year award recipient. True North Equipment was selected from among 12 nominees and was recognized for efforts to support and inspire individuals with disabilities to achieve employment goals and reach their full potential in their community. Congratulations!
4. UAS Flight Demonstration Comes to Grand Forks In Search of Cooler Weather
EDC staff attended Airial Robotics flight demonstrations of their GT20 GYROTRAK drone aircraft at the Gorman Field small UAS airport. The flight demonstrations showcased the aircraft’s ability to work in extreme climates and conditions. Airial Robotics is a US/EU-based Unmanned Aerial Systems company that developed a Gyrocopter platform suitable for transport, extended surveillance, mapping, and infrastructure inspection. To support their manufacturing of key airframes in Grand Forks, they applied and were approved for a LIFT loan from the State of North Dakota and Accelerate loan from the Grand Forks Growth Fund in June.
5. Emerado Corn Feed On Display for Feature Video
The Emerado Corn Feed video is the first of several videos featuring rural communities in Grand Forks County. The video projects are funded by the Regional Workforce Impact Program grant. EDC utilized Liquid Images Studios to complete the filming. A coalition of Emerado residents were consulted during script development and are featured in the video.
6. InternGF 2023 Applications Open
Applications are open for cycle #1 of 2023 for InternGF! The deadline is December 15.
The program, now in its sixth year, is brought to you by the University of North Dakota’s Center for Innovation and the Grand Forks Region EDC. InternGF is designed to increase the number of local internship offerings, aiding employers’ workforce recruitment and retention efforts by introducing UND students to career and entrepreneurial opportunities in the greater Grand Forks region.
InternGF offers up to $3,500 to offset an intern’s salary. Eligible employers can apply for up to two internships per year. To apply for funding for your internship, fill out the form located on the InternGF page.
7. Business Leaders Work to Launch Manufacturing Collaborative Sessions
The EDC and UND College of Engineering and Mines are working together to launch periodic manufacturing collaborative sessions. The purpose of the group is to share best practices, identify common challenges and work together to identify solutions to support our region’s manufacturing sector while networking with other manufacturing professionals in the region. UND CE&M director of corporate engagement, Chad Frost, and EDC business development officer, Kevin Hatcher will launch the collaborative sessions in January.
8. EDC Represented at National Guard Reception in DC
EDC president & CEO Keith Lund had the opportunity to attend the North Dakota Military and Congressional Reception in Washington, DC on November 16. Mayor Bochenski, City Administrator Todd Feland, Grand Forks County director of administrative services Tom Ford, and BRIC coordinator Gracie Lian also attended from Grand Forks. The annual reception is organized by the North Dakota National Guard. The event was emceed by Adjutant General Alan Dohrmann with official remarks made by Senators Hoeven and Cramer, Congressman Armstrong, Mayor Bochenski, Minot Mayor Tom Ross, and Greater Fargo-Moorhead Chamber President Shannon Full. The reception provided a tremendous opportunity to meet with our congressional delegation and strengthen relationships with military advocates from Fargo and Minot.
9. Regional Workforce Impact Program Update
The State of North Dakota has approved the Region 4 (Walsh, Nelson, Pembina, and Grand Forks counties) Regional Workforce Innovation Program initiatives. $1.7 million was awarded to Region 4 and the following Grand Forks projects are pending contracts and are expected to be awarded funding:
- El Way Childcare – $375,000 to purchase and renovate a facility in downtown Grand Forks that will open 92 childcare slots
- Academy of Kids – $61,276 to renovate a kitchen, add bathrooms, and add security features, which will allow them to expand childcare slots
- United Day Nursery – $21,453 to add capacity to nursery suites
- Grand Forks Career Impact Academy – $296,000 to purchase equipment
- Greater Grand Forks: Way Cooler than You Think – $30,000 to complete a video series featuring rural communities accompanied by an advertising campaign
10. Busy Bees Continue Work on The Hive GF
Primary construction activity is wrapping up at The Hive GF, with substantial completion expected in early December. The city has hired a Managing director, Johnny Ryan, who reports strong interest in The Hive from small- to medium-sized technology companies.