1. Grand Forks Region EDC Video Wins International Gold Award for Economic Development
The Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation’s (EDC) video titled “UAS: Why Grand Forks North Dakota? | Join the Nations UAS Leaders & Fly the Open Skies” was bestowed the 2023 International Economic Development Council’s (IEDC) Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award in the category of multimedia/video promotion. EDC Marketing & Communications Manager, Mark Maliskey, accepted the award as it was formally announced and presented at the 2023 IEDC Annual Conference in Dallas, Texas.
2. UND Enrollment Grows Defying National Trends
In exciting news for the Grand Forks Region, UND’s enrollment has reached a significant milestone, surpassing 14,000 students for the first time since 2017. The total enrollment of 14,172 students represents a 2.13% increase over last year, defying national trends of declining enrollment in higher education. UND’s focus on the value of its education and student experience has been instrumental in attracting new students, marking the university’s fourth consecutive year of enrollment growth.
Furthermore, UND has experienced substantial growth in the quality of its student body, with an increase in Presidential Scholars and National Merit Finalists and Semi-Finalists. The university’s efforts to support student success have also paid off, as the retention rate for first-time, full-time students has risen to 82.96%. Notably, the enrollment growth is most prominent in the Total Undergraduate Enrollment category, reflecting a positive trajectory for the region’s economic development and the university’s educational impact.
3. UND CFI Awarded $200,000
The UND Center for Innovation has secured a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Growth Accelerator Fund. This fund, which totals over $5 million, is aimed at supporting small businesses with a focus on STEM and research and development (R&D). The grant will further enhance the Center for Innovation’s efforts to foster technology-focused startups in areas such as security, space, autonomy, energy, and bioscience. Partnerships with organizations like Emerging Digital Academy and OneValley will facilitate access to mentors from across the country, while funds will also support student startups through the Runway accelerator program. The Center for Innovation is playing a vital role in advancing innovation and entrepreneurship in Grand Forks.
4. Longest Table Brings Together Over 800 Community Members
The Longest Table event in Grand Forks brought together over 850 residents to discuss promoting a healthy lifestyle in the community. Held at Sertoma Park, the event aimed to foster conversations about health and wellness, including access to low-cost recreation opportunities and healthy eating initiatives. Participants dined on a meal provided by Skies 322 restaurant and engaged in discussions led by table captains on various health-related topics. Information gathered will be used by public officials and local governing bodies to make decisions that positively impact the community. The Longest Table event, which began in 2018, has evolved to address various community development topics.
5. Gilby Awarded City of the Year
Gilby, North Dakota, has been named the 2023 City of the Year by the North Dakota League of Cities (NDLC). The award recognizes the town’s exceptional achievements in various categories, including its goals, community impact, cooperation with other entities, cost-saving measures, and improvement in livability.
Gilby received the honor for its transformation, which includes converting the town’s donated grocery store into a vibrant community center called The Gilby Grind, along with the development of a new city park, skating rink with a warming house, and an outdoor mural. The town’s dedication to enhancing residents’ lives and its vision for community improvement were commended by NDLC. With the influx of younger families and ongoing developments, Gilby looks forward to a promising future marked by growth and increased community involvement.
6. Hatcher Attends Biomed Symposium
Kevin Hatcher, the Business Development Officer, participated in the sixth annual North Dakota Biomedical Engineering Symposium, jointly hosted by NDSU and UND on September 22nd. The symposium aimed to enhance collaboration between faculty members from both universities in the biomedical field, highlight graduate programs, and showcase industry prospects within North Dakota. During the event, Kevin had the opportunity to network with UND faculty leaders, and industry professionals, and reconnect with businesses interested in establishing a presence in Grand Forks. This event underscores the Grand Forks region’s commitment to fostering partnerships, promoting academic programs, and facilitating economic growth in the biomedical sector.
7. Lund & Cruger Presents at EDND in Bowman, ND
President & CEO Keith Lund and Workforce Development Director Becca Cruger had the privilege of presenting at the 2023 Fall Economic Development Association of North Dakota event on September 12th & 13th. Keith’s presentation focused on addressing complex site selection projects, while Becca discussed the crucial alignment of workforce requirements with educational institutions. Their participation underscores the Grand Forks Region EDC’s commitment to sharing expertise and insights, contributing to the economic development efforts in the region.
8. Adams Attends Commercial UAV Expo
Bill Adams, UAS Development Officer, participated in the Commercial UAV Expo in Las Vegas during the week of September 4th. The event attracted over 3,400 attendees from all 50 states and 54 countries, featuring 206 commercial UAS technologies covering airframes, sensors, software, and services. The event facilitated valuable networking opportunities and provided informative talks. The presence of the FAA was a highlight as they announced authorizations for BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations, including the approval of Vantis for the BVLOS infrastructure network. During the exhibition, Bill initiated discussions with several businesses interested in the Grand Forks region’s UAS ecosystem, exploring the benefits of relocating their manufacturing operations.
9. EDC Team Attends Wake Up to UND
The EDC Staff attended the annual “Wake Up to UND” address, presented by UND President Andrew Armacost. President Armacost highlighted the university’s growth in enrollment, surpassing 14,000 students, which he attributed to the support of the community. Further noting the significant impact of UND on the local economy, with an overall economic impact of $1.47 billion, supporting around 10,000 employees. The presentation highlighted various initiatives on campus, including the renovation of Merrifield Hall and the construction of a new STEM facility, as well as experiential learning opportunities, volunteerism among UND students, and the importance of collaboration in creating a beautiful painting together as a community.
10. Board of Directors Tour Olive Ann
The EDC Board of Directors were provided a tour of The Olive Ann, an upcoming boutique hotel in downtown Grand Forks set to open in December. The hotel promises to be a top-notch establishment in the heart of the city. The addition of this high-quality hotel is expected to be a significant asset for introducing visitors to the Grand Forks community, enhancing the area’s appeal for travelers. Excitement is building for the hotel’s opening day. Thank you to Phil Gisi and the team for the opportunity to have an early preview of the space!
