A recap of last month’s top 10 economic highlights in the Grand Forks region.
1. Video Released: Why Grand Forks for UAS?
The EDC worked with leaders of the UAS Ecosystem to produce a video showcasing ‘Why Grand Forks‘ is the place to be for Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems. In summary, Grand Forks, North Dakota is the perfect place for UAS because of the people, friendly policies, resources, and the strong ecosystem that has been established. Check out the video! Thanks to our interviewees:
- Joshua Riedy – Thread, formerly known as Airtonomy
- Dean Gorder – General Atomics
- Mike Fridolfs – Northrop Grumman
- Don Berchoff – TruWeather Solutions
- Greta (Lund) Silewski – Airspace Link, Inc.
- Matt Dunlevy – SkySkopes
- Frank Matus – Thales
- Douglas McDonald – ISight Drone Services
- William Cromarty – Airial Robotics
2. Largest Attendance Recorded at the 10th Northern Valley Career Expo
The 10th Northern Valley Career Expo was held on Wednesday, October 26 at the Alerus Center! This year’s expo had the largest attendance with over 1,850 students from 50 schools and over 110 booths sponsored by 74 businesses. Students in attendance were able to get hands-on experiences with high-wage, high-demand careers in the Northern Valley. The goal of the event is to assist in retaining our valuable workforce.
3. EDC Attends UAS Summit & Expo: Continues to Support Expanding Businesses
Our team represented the Grand Forks Region while in attendance at the UAS Summit on October 4 & 5 at the Alerus Center. Hosting two booths; one for business and workforce development information and the second for the team to visit with prospective businesses about opportunities in the Grand Forks region. Staff met with several current and prospective businesses at the summit. We’re continuing to meet and provide assistance for expansion in the GF region with several business leaders.
4. EDC Advisory Board Meeting Recap
The EDC Advisory board met on Thursday, October 20 at Minnkota Power Cooperative. A special presentation was given by Mike Fridolfs at Northrop Grumman showcasing the Test Resource Management Center and the work being done with the GlobalHawk Block 30 Aircrafts. Dean Gorder from General Atomics also attended and shared about GA’s role in TRMC’s missile defense project and their work at Grand Sky. After the presentation, those in attendance provided updates about their work and industry.
5. A Century of Milling
The North Dakota Mill turned 100! The only state-owned mill in the United States is located right here in Grand Forks. The mill has a net economic impact of $800 million annually and grinds over 40 million bushels of grain a year. We’re proud to have the mill right here in the Grand Forks region.
6. Director of Workforce Development 5-Year Work Anniversary
Director of Workforce Development Becca Cruger has been busy celebrating her 5 years with the EDC! She spoke at the North Dakota Association of Counties (NDACo) and spoke about the ‘Way Cooler Than You Think‘ initiative at the Chamber Ambassador meeting. Congrats on 5 years, Becca! Thank you for all you do for the Grand Forks region.
7. UAS Officer Attends Droning On Conference
UAS Development Officer, Bill Adams, attended the Droning On Conference at UND on October 14. The FAA Great Lakes Region attended and hosted more than 20 presentations, panels, and demonstrations. Topics included university programs, US Customer & Border Protection’s National Air Security missions, how to use drones, and more. Bill took the opportunity to network with the UAS Ecosystem and ask questions directly to the FAA staff.
8. Northland Community & Technical College: State of The College
Business Development Officer Kevin Hatcher and UAS Development Officer Bill Adams attended the Northland Community & Technical College state of the college event on October 20. The college is working on a strategic plan and creating an advisory group to ensure curriculum and programs remain relevant within the regional economy. An example of this, NCTC’s Warrod, Minnesota location opened a first-of-its-kind Mechatronics Training Program in partnership with Marvin Windows. Around 90% of NCTC students remain in the region after graduation and enter the local workforce.
9. Main Street Summit
EDC President Keith Lund attended the Main Street Summit in Bismarck October 25-26. The Main Street Initiative, a priority of Governor Burgum, is designed to support the smart economic growth of North Dakota cities. During the summit, Governor Burgum announced his $50 million ND Works proposal for the upcoming legislative session. The Governor also announced the 2022 Placemaking Grant recipients including the City of Grand Forks’ $100,000 grant to support the planning of the Center for Exploration, a destination children’s museum that will provide interactive learning activities.
10. Valley Prosperity Partnership
EDC Chairman Jonathan Holth and President Keith Lund joined other Grand Forks Region business leaders at the Valley Prosperity Partnership Steering Committee held on October 10 to develop legislative priorities for the upcoming North Dakota legislative session. Areas of emphasis include:
- Ensure Water Security and Management
- Attract, Develop and Retain Talent
- Expand Research Capacity and Relevancy
- Accelerate Entrepreneurial Activity and Output
- Invest in Critical Infrastructure Development and Capital Improvement Projects.
The EDC is preparing a monthly report on key regional economic indicators. Click here to see September’s Economy at a Glance.
UPCOMING EVENTS
| November 3 | Recovery Reinvented | |
| November 9 | HRVIP Day |