Tourism and Marketing
North Dakota Tourism’s expanded marketing programs create statewide impact
Commerce Tourism and Marketing utilized $6.5 million of CARES Act funds to expand marketing, inspire visits and raise awareness of North Dakota.
Rather than a limited run of advertising in early summer, campaigns including television, billboard, transit wraps, print, digital, social, and email started earlier and will run through mid-December. The regional advertising push was also expanded to include niche campaigns in specific markets and with targeted travelers. The CARES Act also allowed funds for expanded influencer cooperative opportunities and a Legendary Road Trips partnership with iHeartMedia that resulted in 7.2 million impressions through on-air and social media. As a result, interest in North Dakota and intent to travel have surged.
$1 million awarded to five projects supporting tourism
A total of $1 million was awarded to five projects through the 2021 Tourism Planning Grant.
The 2021 Tourism Planning Grant appropriated by the legislature, is intended to support professional planning for tourism developers who have a destination project that would have the ability to attract visitors from outside North Dakota and retain them for at least four to six hours and preferably an overnight stay-in or near the community.
“North Dakota has ample opportunities to expand tourism experiences that enhance the quality of life for residents and attract visitors,” Commerce Tourism and Marketing Director Sara Otte Coleman said. “We expect the plans developed, will provide insight for future attractions that will be a driving force in boosting our economy by creating more entertainment and recreation attractions.”
- The Bison World project, located in Jamestown was awarded $400,000 for a comprehensive plan to support design and planning that will allow for construction to begin.
- The Bismarck Riverfront Revitalization Plan received $250,000 for a comprehensive plan that will engage local stakeholder groups and focus on improving the waterfront between highway 1804, near Misty Waters, to the confluence of Apple Creek near the University of Mary through a complete review of the Missouri Riverfront.
- The Center for Exploration project in Grand Forks was awarded $100,000 for a comprehensive plan for the development of a children’s museum which will provide an interactive learning space that focuses on local industry and STEAM activities for all ages.
- The International Peace Garden was awarded $100,000 for a strategic plan to further define the future development of the garden.
- The Medora comprehensive plan received $150,000 to develop a master plan for potential attraction expansions. Grant funds will be used to engage a planning consultant to collaborate with stakeholders from more than eight organizations in and around Medora.
 There's still time to apply for the Technical Skills Training Grant!
Applications are due by Nov. 30, 2021
- New and existing accelerated skills workforce training programs that are underway and began after March 1, 2020.
- Up to $100,000 per program with a 1:1 match.
- This program is not for incumbent worker training or onboarding programs.
Contact Melyssa Diebold at mndiebold@nd.gov or (701) 328-5382 for more information.
In case you missed it: 2021 Main Street ND LiveStreams are available now!
All of the livestreamed sessions from the summit can be viewed at www.mainstreetsummitnd.com!
Deep Dive of 2020 North Dakota Walking and Bicycling Survey
Come join the North Dakota Active Transportation Alliance and the North Dakota Department of Transportation on Nov. 16 from 3-4 p.m. for a virtual detailed review of results from the 2020 Statewide Walking and Bicycling Survey.
Results include insights about barriers and opportunities to grow biking and walking, and preferences for specific facilities.
This is a FREE webinar, everyone is invited to attend!
ED&F
 LIFT Committee awards $3.8 million to four companies
The Innovation Technology Loan Fund (LIFT) Committee awarded $3.8 million to four North Dakota businesses for the month of October.
“To date, the LIFT Committee has awarded $7.3 million of the $15 million appropriated by the 67th Legislative Assembly for the 2021-2023 biennium,” Shayden Akason, head of investments and innovation at the North Dakota Department of Commerce said. “I encourage eligible companies to apply at business.nd.gov/lift/ as the committee will continue meeting monthly to deploy the remaining funds.”
October LIFT recipients include:
First-i LLC, a company that is developing a tethered drone-in-a-box system was awarded $150,000 with a match requirement of $2 non-LIFT match for every $1 of LIFT award. The funding may be released in $50,000 increments as the match requirement is met.
Mobile Recon Systems, a company that is focusing on higher payloads in the unmanned air systems (UAS) industry was awarded $400,000 with a match requirement of $1 non-LIFT match for every $1 of LIFT award. The funding may be released in $50,000 increments as the match requirement is met.
Lincoln Therapeutics, a company that is developing intranasal spray pharmaceutical products to be used for emergency and military applications was awarded $2 million.
SafetySpect, a company that is developing technology that identifies and decontaminates invisible organic residues and biological and viral threats to safeguard soldiers in foreign areas and food processing facilities, was awarded $1.25 million.
Did you know it only takes three simples steps to get approved?
1. Complete the application
2. LIFT Committee reviews the application
3. Applicant presents to the LIFT Committee
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