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 Japanese Consulate visits North Dakota
Commerce Commissioner James Leiman joined Gov. Doug Burgum in hosting Japanese Consul General Tajima and his team to discuss collaborative opportunities in energy, technology and agriculture that will benefit many North Dakotans.
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Gov. Doug Burgum today announced the construction of one of the largest data centers in the world near Williston as North Dakota continues to emerge as a hub for high-performance computing, including cryptocurrency mining.
The Atlas Power Data Center being built by FX Solutions Inc. is part of a $1.9 billion, multiyear project that will require more than 100 workers during the two-year construction period and create more than 30 permanent jobs, according to Richard Tabish, president of Missoula, Mont.-based FX Solutions. Atlas Power, an operator of high-density facilities serving cryptocurrency mining and high-performance computing utilizing alternative power generation, will own and operate the data center following its completion.
“This major investment in North Dakota will further cement our state’s growing reputation as a hub for data centers and cryptocurrency mining, thanks to our incredibly reliable, affordable and redundant power supply and a climate that lowers cooling costs for data center operations,” Burgum said. “With our all-of-the-above energy approach and nation-leading efforts in carbon capture, utilization and storage, we are well-positioned to support data centers and other energy-intensive industries with environmental stewardship while attracting high-paying jobs and diversifying our economy.”
The first phase of the project will consist of 16 buildings, each 350 feet long by 30 feet wide, to house tens of thousands of servers that will conduct high-performance computing using 240 megawatts of electricity. Phases 2 and 3 call for expanding to 500 megawatts and then 700 megawatts, adding additional buildings and servers.
Commerce announced the initial opening of Commercial Bee Supply in Hettinger on Jan. 13.
“As the No. 1 honey producer in the nation, North Dakota is a fitting hub for beekeeping supplies and is home to many residents who rely on our state’s ability to remain a competitive leader in the honey market,“ Gov. Doug Burgum said. “Incentivizing primary sector business development such as Commercial Bee Supply in North Dakota is key to bringing jobs and new wealth to the state, as well as opportunities for current and future manufacturers across the state.”
Director of the Adams County Development Corporation and Hettinger Area Chamber of Commerce Jasmin Fosheim contacted Commerce in 2021 when she became involved with the project. In response, Commerce provided a custom report that indicated the available tax incentives and financial programs. Commerce then assembled a team consisting of Adams County Development Corporation, Dacotah Bank, and Lewis and Clark Development Group to bring the opportunity to fruition.
The opening of Commercial Bee Supply in Hettinger is expected to create 12 full-time jobs and bolster the beekeeping and other agriculture sectors that serve a critical role in the community and region.
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 Jamestown Tourism executive director chosen for Above and Beyond Award
The Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce announced its 2021 award winners at their annual awards banquet on Jan. 20. Jamestown Tourism’s executive director Searle Swedlund was awarded the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce 2021 Above and Beyond Award.
“I’m just really grateful for this opportunity to work here, to be a person who does the kind of work that we get to do every day,” Swedlund said. “I’m not from here, I have committed my life here like a lot of folks have.” Read the complete Jamestown Sun article here.
*Photo courtesy of John M. Steiner - The Jamestown Sun
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 North Dakota represented at this year’s ABA conference
The American Bus Association (ABA) conference was held in Grapevine, Texas, Jan. 8-11, and started off with over 1,600 attendees, fireworks and a focus on the future.
North Dakota was represented by first-year attendees, Kaelee Wallace, Marketing Director and Alicia Louters, Group Sales with the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation, and Deanne Cunningham, ND Tourism Group Sales. They met with buyers taking appointments, creating and booking business for 2022-2023 tours, participated in meetings, educational seminars, and networking opportunities. If you have any questions about ABA, please contact Deanne at 701-328-2502 or email: decunningham@nd.gov.
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ND Tourism recently introduced new cooperative opportunities and resources for communities and businesses to attract more visitor revenue
The 2022 cooperative marketing plan identifies the priority markets and audiences to ensure targeted resource allocation. Cooperative programs help businesses and organizations of all budgets expand their presence and maximize investments in marketing, social media, and public and media relations. The plan also highlights trends, fresh tactics, and niche opportunities and can be found at https://belegendary.link/Advertising.
The following new and enhanced resources are now available:
To learn more about North Dakota Tourism opportunities, updates, and upcoming events, go to https://belegendary.link/TourismIndustry.
Hospitality spending is trending up
The Office of the North Dakota Tax Commissioner has reported third quarter taxable sales and purchases, which show North Dakota’s hospitality sector has almost fully recovered to 2019 spending levels. In fact, Q3 of 2021 outperformed the past five years of taxable sales for that quarter. Year-to-date, spending in Arts, Entertainment and Recreation has totaled $98,550,322, which is $2.3 million more than 2019. Sales and purchases in the Accommodations and Food Services sector has totaled $1,382,650,572; which is $8.6 million less than 2019. The release is available here.
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North Dakota Development Fund approves $3.58 million for Q4 2021
Three companies were approved $3.58 million in loan and venture funds through the North Dakota Development Fund (NDDF) during the fourth quarter of 2021.
“Providing incentives for new or expanding businesses makes North Dakota a competitive state in attracting business ventures in both domestic and international markets,” Commerce Director of Economic Development and Finance Josh Teigen said. “Programs such as the development fund, are one of many options that we offer to encourage and create a thriving local economy with a global influence.”
Fourth quarter of 2021 recipients:
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Wee Folk Child Care LLC, a child care center in Bismarck, received $100,000 in working capital to support startup costs for a new center that will accommodate more than 200 children.
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SafetySpect Inc., a Grand Forks-based company developing the Contamination and Sanitization Inspection and Disinfection Plus (CSI-D+) system that detects, disinfects, and documents contaminants without the use of chemicals, was awarded $480,000 to support commercialization of its device.
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Cerilon GTL ND, Inc., received $3 million to support front-end loading studies of the gas-to-liquids complex project in Williams County.
LIFT Committee awards $1.25 million to two companies in January
The Innovation Technology Loan Fund (LIFT) Committee awarded a total of $1.25 million to two companies for the month of January.
“LIFT was established to support the commercialization of intellectual property within North Dakota,” Commerce Head of Investments and Innovation Shayden Akason said. “Several industries are eligible for LIFT, and companies may qualify to receive funds after completing the two-step application process that can be found on Commerce’s website.”
January LIFT recipients include:
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Corvent Medical, located in Fargo was awarded $1 million. The medical device company developed a ventilator capable of being used in various environments and during transport
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TruWeather Solutions, located in Grand Forks, was awarded $250,000. The company is developing a weather platform for the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) industry to offer weather forecasting with more local detail than what is currently accessible.
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Applications for the Automation Tax Credit are due next week
Primary sector businesses wishing to utilize the Automation Tax Credit are required to submit applications by Jan. 31.
The Automation Tax Credit program provides a tax credit of up to 20% to cover the cost of equipment leased or purchased with the intent of automating a manual process.
All eligible primary sector businesses (manufacturers, food processors, etc.) across the state are encouraged to apply for this tax incentive aimed at increasing our state’s manufacturing and processing capacity through automation. This incentive is not just for robots, any automated equipment used to improve job quality or productivity may be a candidate.
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Operation Intern opens next week
Commerce will begin accepting applications for Operation Intern on Feb. 1.
Internships provide a valuable way for students to make connections with businesses while identifying career options in North Dakota. Operation Intern is a grant program, designed to expand the number of internships, work experience and apprenticeship positions with North Dakota employers. The focus of the program is the creation of new internships and apprenticeships within the state’s targeted industries and in-demand occupations.
Information and the application for the 2022 program will soon be available at workforce.nd.gov/workforce/OperationIntern/.
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 Main Street Initiative Vibrancy Grant application window is NOW open
Applications for the Main Street Initiative (MSI) 2022 Vibrancy Grant are currently being accepted thought through March 31.
The Vibrancy Grant Program supports local efforts to increase community vibrancy by providing seed funding for a small project that will build momentum and inspire additional projects.
“Community vibrancy improves quality of life, helps attract and retain workforce, and enhances community pride, Commerce Community Services Director Maria Effertz Hanson said. “This program is designed to meet the needs of every community in North Dakota. Whether your community wants to add public art, activate underutilized space, or promote walking and biking, funding from this grant will inspire others in your community to engage and contribute to the community vibrancy that improves quality of life for both visitors and residents.”
Partners in Planning Grant applications are due next week
The application window for round one of the 2022 MSI Partners in Planning (PiP) Grant closes on Jan. 31.
The MSI PiP Grant program supports nonprofit organizations and local governments with two grant options for completing a comprehensive plan or economic development/diversification strategic plan.
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