Top 13 | August 2023 | Grand Forks EDC

1. $525 Million TRMC Operations Center Announced at Grand Sky

Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer along with Test Resource Management Center (TRMC) Director George Rumford, announced a new TRMC Operations Center will be coming to Grand Sky breaking ground in spring 2024. The new facility will feature almost 600,000 square feet of hanger space, offices, and a parking garage. The total project investment is over $505 million and is estimated to add over 600 new jobs once complete!

2. O'Leary Ventures Visits Grand Forks

O’Leary Ventures has partnered with Wonder Fund North Dakota to manage a $45 million direct investment program aiming to bolster economic growth throughout North Dakota. Both programs are direct investment programs providing equity support directly to small businesses and startups by co-investing alongside private investors. Together, they will provide small businesses with early-stage investment opportunities for financial and operational growth through the expertise and management at OLV.

To better understand the assets of the Grand Forks region, O’Leary Ventures CEO, Paul Palandjian; Principal of Investments, Matt Scalise; and Advisor, David Haukaas visited Grand Forks from Tuesday, August 22 to Wednesday, August 23, 2023. During their visit to Grand Forks, they met with representatives from several companies within the targeted sectors, representatives from the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks Air Force Base, local and state elected officials, and other community partners that are driving innovation in the areas that meet their investment goals.

3. Space Development Agency Expands Mission at GFAFB

The expansion of Space Development Agency operations at Grand Forks Air Force Base (GFAFB) will position North Dakota as a central hub for U.S. military activities, marking a significant stride for the Grand Forks region.

Sen. John Hoeven and SDA Director Derek Tournear highlighted this during an August 7th event at GFAFB where they unveiled the plan to construct a 25,000-square-foot Satellite Test and Checkout Center that will aid the SDA’s low-Earth orbit satellite mission. This Center, set to be completed by 2026, will serve as the core for U.S. military communications. This move aligns with maintaining technological superiority and advancing the U.S. military’s capabilities. The collaboration between GFAFB, local industries, and the University of North Dakota’s aerospace reputation supported the Center’s establishment, highlighting the region’s contributions to tactical users. Grand Forks’ strategic location and support for the military amplify its suitability. The economic benefits are evident, as the project enhances the base’s significance and spurs growth in the region, bolstering its reputation as a pivotal player in defense operations.

4. General Atomics Cuts Ribbon for New Hangar

On August 9th, Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer and Lt. Governor Tammy Miller joined General Atomics CEO Linden Blue for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their second hangar at GrandSky. General Atomics will utilize the hangar to train pilots for its cutting-edge UAVs, such as the MQ9 Reaper and MQ9-B SkyGuardian, designed for high-altitude surveillance. The hangar’s strategic location enables enhanced training capabilities and expands the aircraft’s operational range, underscoring the region’s pivotal role in UAS innovation.

5. EERC Awarded $12.5 million for Prairie Compass DAC Hub

Congratulations to the UND Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) for having received a $12.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for the Prairie Compass Direct Air Capture (DAC) Hub project. This initiative aims to economically scale DAC technology in North Dakota, analyzing its potential for job creation and economic growth.

The project will combine Climeworks’ DAC technology with CO2 storage facilities in North Dakota, aligned with the DOE’s Carbon Negative Shot goal. If successful, the Prairie Compass DAC Hub could capture and store 1 million metric tons of CO2 annually by 2030. The intial feasibility work will focus on one of Minnkota Power Cooperative’s permitted CO2 storage facilities. Collaboration with Climeworks enhances North Dakota’s position as an innovator in low-carbon technology.

6. Grand Forks Companies Awarded Bioscience Innovation Grants

Congratulations to several Grand Forks companies who were awarded bioscience innovation grants:
CamBioGene – $80,000
SafetySpect – $600,000
Singularity Energy Technology – $150,000

7. Core Scientific Leaders Visit Grand Forks

From August 29-30th, Core Scientific leadership visited Grand Forks to provide an update on their regional growth plans. Despite facing challenges, including a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2022 due to the cryptocurrency value decline, the company has maintained its local operations and is progressing well with its reorganization efforts. Core Scientific, which established itself in 2021 with a $100+ million investment for two data centers, is now looking ahead with a positive outlook. They are exploring an expansion project to support technical operations and staff. The visit concluded with a reception where Core Scientific leaders expressed gratitude for the community’s steadfast support.

8. Career Impact Academy Project Makes Forward Progress

The Career Impact Academy project continues to make positive progress! Grand Forks Public Schools has notified selected contractors of successful base bid applications, and they are moving forward with the building phase of the Career Impact Academy. Current construction approvals do not include the career commons and welding add-alternates. The steering committee is gathering to discuss funding options for the additional spaces. Construction is anticipated to begin this fall, with a groundbreaking ceremony in early October.

9. EDC Host Regional Bankers for Lender Learning Session

On August 22nd, EDC Business Development Officer, Kevin Hatcher, organized a Lender Learning session for regional bankers. The session included presentations about the state and local resources available for prospective clients. Hatcher presented on local financing opportunities and was joined by representatives from the North Dakota Department of Commerce, Bank of North Dakota, and the North Dakota Growth Fund. The session was attended by over 30 regional lenders, members of Longwater Capital, Gener8tor, 50 South Capital, North Dakota SBDC, SCORE, and UND Center for Innovation.

10. EDC Assists with Industry Tours for UND Leadership

The Grand Forks Region EDC has partnered with regional businesses and University of North Dakota leadership to facilitate industry tours. UND President Armacost requested tours so UND leaders could gain a higher level of understanding of our regional economy and meet with growing companies in Grand Forks. The EDC team has accompanied UND leaders at most meetings to gain perspective on potential project and partnership opportunities. To date, UND has met with Black Gold Farms, Cirrus Aircraft, Fenworks, JR Simplot Company, LM Wind Power, Nodak Electric Cooperative and True North Equipment. A meeting and tour of Ideal Aerosmith is planned for later in September.

11. Adams Attends Autonomous Nation & EDND Developer Day

EDC UAS Development Officer, Bill Adams represented the EDC at ND Developer Day and Autonomous Nation.

North Dakota Developer Day, hosted by the North Dakota Department of Commerce, was held in Bismarck on Thursday, August 24th. The day provided an opportunity to connect and network with other economic development officials in the state and learn more about the incentives, financial resources, and legislative changes.

Autonomous Nation, hosted by Grand Farm, was in Fargo on Tuesday, August 29th. The conference provided an opportunity to network with other autonomous industry leaders, influential stakeholders, and policymakers and featured several informational sessions and tours.

12. Lund Featured in Greater Grand Forks Community Column

EDC President/CEO Keith Lund was asked to write an opinion column for the Greater Grand Forks Community publication from the Grand Forks Herald.

13. Welcome Fall Cooler Intern Meghan

Welcome to Meghan Ray who was hired to fill the Greater Grand Forks: Way Cooler than you Think! Cooler Communications fall internship. Meghan is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship from the University of North Dakota. Prior to her internship, she was introduced to the Cooler brand through a semester-long project in a UND marketing class to design marketing enhancements for the recruitment and retention initiative.

InternGF Open for SPRING Semester Applications

InternGF, a partnership program between UND’s Center for Innovation and the EDC is accepting applications for Spring semester internship awards. Grand Forks area businesses can apply for up to $3,500 in matching funds for newly created internships that will take place during UND’s Fall or Spring semesters. Apply by October 31st!

Full eligibility and application criteria can be found at grandforks.org/interngf

Last Chance: Exhibitor Registration

Apply by September 15th

2023 Northern Valley Career Expo

Wednesday, October 25th

Registration deadline: Friday, September 15th

The Northern Valley Career Expo brings more than 1,800 high school students from 14 counties and 50+ school districts in the Northern Valley region (Northwest Minnesota & Northeast North Dakota) to a one-day event where they can explore high-wage, in-demand careers.