1. ‘Cooler’ Awarded International Acclaim
Greater Grand Forks: Way Cooler Than You Think!’s website took home the highest award for Special Purposes websites at the international 2022 Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC)!
Thanks to the City of Grand Forks ND, Grand Forks County, Chamber of Grand Forks/East Grand Forks, Visit Greater Grand Forks, Altru Health System, and the University of North Dakota for investing alongside the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation to launch Cooler 5 years ago. And to the hundreds of EDC member companies who stepped up to the plate to sustain it.
Thanks to the team at AE2S Communications who build world-class economic development websites.
2. UND Awarded $1 Million Grant for UAS
UND was awarded a $1 Million Economic Development Administration grant! The funding will be used to conduct an economic impact study and commercialization strategy for ND’s uncrewed aerial systems network. The Northern Plains UAS Test Site, The State of North Dakota, and Thales Group will assist with implementation.
3. Board Member Receives Young Alumni Achievement Award
Board Member Meghan Compton received the Young Alumni Award at the 2022 Sioux Awards for Distinguished Achievement and Leadership Banquet on September 29! Her contributions to the EDC and our region are meritorious.
4. Local Companies Receive Funding
TruWeather Solutions’ Accelerate Grand Forks loan request was approved by the JDA on September 12. The business is looking to establish a weather drone operations center in the Grand Forks region and is partnering with Grand Sky to provide weather modeling, forecasting, and guidance to Grand Sky and its tenants. Red River Potatoes’ request for a PACE loan to cover the costs of commercial equipment was approved at the September 6 JDA meeting. This approval leverages the Bank of North Dakota’s granted amount. The company has recently established a business in Grand Forks, utilizing local cull potatoes by dehydrating and grinding the product then using it as a pet food ingredient.
5. Tech Accelerator is now The Hive
The Tech Accelerator has a new name, The Hive. The new name is symbolic of the focus of the Hive, which is intended to encourage the development of UAS technology companies. Numerous uncrewed aircraft operating at one time are referred to as a swarm. Taking the branding exercise one step further, a swarm of bees live in a hive and are supported by one another. The name change also represents what we collectively expect will be a buzz of entrepreneurial technology activity at The Hive once it opens for business. Substantial completion of the renovations at The Hive is expected in mid-November.
6. Welcome Bill Adams
Bill Adams has joined the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation (EDC) as its Unmanned and Autonomous (UAS) Development Officer. Adams will execute strategies to support primary sector business recruitment and expansion in the Grand Forks, N.D. region in the aerospace sector, primarily focused on unmanned and autonomous systems and associated technology development. He will lead EDC initiatives to foster collaboration among industry partners and provide resources and expertise to engage with stakeholders and capitalize on new opportunities for industry development.
7. Altru ‘Tops Off’ Construction of New Hospital
On September 7, Altru Hospital hosted a ‘Topping Off Ceremony‘ where the last steel beam was installed in the construction of the new Altru Hospital. The ceremony was attended by Altru leadership community leaders and the general public.
8. EDC Staff Attend IEDC Conference in Oklahoma
EDC staff members Becca Cruger, Kevin Hatcher, and Mark Maliskey attended the 2022 Annual International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Conference in Oklahoma City, OK. The team was able to learn more about industry trends, benchmark programs, and network with economic developers from around the world.
9. Wake Up to UND
Our team enjoyed learning about the success and great work of the University of North Dakota while attending the 2022 Wake Up to UND event on September 27 as an Academic Level Sponsor.
10. UND Nistler Hall Ribbon Cutting
The University of North Dakota celebrated the opening of the new Nistler College of Business & Public Administration on September 30. The $70 million, 108,000-square-foot building will be located at the heart of campus and prominently on the quad (NW corner) along University Avenue. The NCoBPA grand opening ceremony featured words from Werner & Colleen Nistler, President Andrew Armacost, Dean Amy Henley, Mayor Brandon Bochenski, and DeAnna Carlson Zink.