ED&F
Company chooses Grand Forks as site for 'historic' agribusiness project
The ‘Largest private capital investment in the region’s history’ is expected to break ground this spring due to a large effort from Commerce's Manager of Agriculture and BioEngergy Development Kevin Sonsalla.
Kevin began working on this project nearly 1.5 years ago when he received an inquiry from a site selector. After dozens of meeting with Commerce, the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation, and several other state agencies, Fuefeng Group Limited signed a deal for a facility that will bring hundreds of new jobs, opportunities for the region’s ag producers and infrastructure improvements that will benefit other potential businesses in years to come.
Workforce
 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.
National Apprenticeship Week begins Nov. 15
In honor of National Apprenticeship Week (Nov. 15-21), Commerce would like to promote apprenticeship in North Dakota.
Apprenticeship is an industry-driven career pathway that gives employers the ability to develop and prepare their future workforce.
More than 90% of apprentices retain employment where they received their apprenticeship. Apprenticeship programs are considered full-time work, and the apprentice gets paid. This “Earn While You Learn” model increases both their skills and salary as they gain experience.
North Dakota registers anywhere from 250 to 400 new apprentices each year, with approximately the same number graduating and gaining full-time employment.
The state is working to grow apprenticeship by leveraging federal grants through the U.S. Department of Labor received by Commerce and the North Dakota Department of Career and Technical Education.
The National Governors Association announced that North Dakota and five other states were selected for the second phase of NGA’s Workforce Innovation Network (NGA WIN), in which states will deploy cross-agency teams to identify and implement strategies that advance digital skill development and more equitable economic participation.
In response to the impacts of accelerated trends in automation and digital transformation on work, workers and workplaces, NGA WIN will award Hawaii, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island up to $100,000 each, and provide technical assistance to help state teams ensure all individuals have the digital skills needed to participate in work, education or training. The NGA Center will collaborate with NGA WIN advisors to deliver technical assistance and best practice resources to participating states through June 2022.
 Sign up today for an AmeriCorps Funding Workshop
Commerce in partnership with the State Commission on National and Community Service is hosting a series of workshops for the upcoming 2022-23 AmeriCorps program.
There is no fee for this workshop, but pre-registration is encouraged by contacting AmeriCorps Program Officer Ryan Volk at rdvolk@nd.gov or (701) 328-6048.
The workshop will focus on the requirements and application process to receive funding for AmeriCorps to allow organizations to recruit, train, and supervise AmeriCorps Members.
Eligible applicants include national or local nonprofit, school, government agency, faith-based or community organizations.
Community Services
More than $2 million of CDBG funds awarded to three communities
Commerce announced today that their Community Services Division awarded $2,112,000 of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to three North Dakota communities.
The CDBG Program provides financial assistance to eligible units of local governments in the form of grants and loans for public facilities, housing rehabilitation and economic development projects. Commerce is responsible to administer the funds.
Federal funds were available for eligible public facilities infrastructure projects that could include the construction or installation of streets, curbs, and water and sewer lines.
CDBG award recipients include:
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City of Dazey was awarded $185,345 to rehabilitate deteriorating portions of the sanitary sewer system that were installed pre-1970.
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City of Elgin was awarded $680,950 to replace the water main and sanitary sewer main with a full reconstruct of both, and new pavement for designated truck route streets.
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City of Northwood was awarded $1,245,705 to rehabilitate the city-owned sanitary sewer system.
Commerce Renews Renaissance Zone for Minot and Wishek
The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced today it has renewed the Renaissance Zone Program for Minot and Wishek for five additional years.
The Renaissance Zone Program is a tool for community redevelopment and economic investment that incorporates tax incentives to business and residential properties.
Wishek started utilizing the Renaissance Zone Program in 2006 and has had 11 approved projects. Recently approved major projects include Fandrich Properties LLC and Central Iron Repair and Manufacturing, both of which are in-progress.
Minot started utilizing the Renaissance Zone Program in 2001 and has had 97 approved projects. The current extension is the second five-year extension granted to the community. Recent major projects include Creedence Properties III LLC completed in 2021 and Aksal Group LLC completed in 2020.
The Renaissance Zone Program currently includes 58 cities across North Dakota. Since the program’s inception in 1999, more than 1,850 projects have been approved and more than 1,450 have been completed.
Tourism and Marketing
 North Dakota is ready to welcome Manitoba tourists, shoppers with open arms
With the land border between Canada and the United States reopening to non-essential travellers on Monday, North Dakota businesses are getting ready to welcome Manitoba tourists and shoppers with open arms — for the first time in almost two years.
 Commerce Tourism Marketing and Research Manager Heather LeMoine told Global News there’s been a notable increase in interest from north of the border leading up to Monday’s reopening.
“We know that there are testing requirements and restrictions and guidance, so we’re continuing to learn and adapt as we get more questions,” she said.
“In the last few weeks, we’ve had a 250 percent increase in website traffic from Canada. We’ve had a lot of calls and emails, so we know there’s interest, which is super exciting. The largest concern is around the return requirements.”
November is Native American Heritage Month
Discover and celebrate the beauty of Native American heritage and culture by inviting visitors to explore tribal lands, historic sites and museums, and to support Native American-owned businesses and casinos and resorts. National Native American Heritage Month is a great time to pay tribute to the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans in North Dakota.
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