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 Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest
Commissioner James Leiman and members of Commerce and the North Dakota Trade Office met with the leaders of the Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest to discuss ideas to strengthen the economic ties between North Dakota and Israel, with an emphasis on unmanned aircraft systems, artificial intelligence, and green energy technologies.
 Commerce visits coal and energy country
The Commerce ED&F team went east of the Missouri River to tour North Dakota's coal and energy country. The team visited the Coal Creek Station, Falkirk Coal Mine, and the Garrison Dam to learn more about the communities and its leading industries.
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 North Dakota Tourism released a new travel guide inviting visitors to see why North Dakota is a must-see destination.
The new guide features beautiful imagery and easy-to-find information to inspire and motivate visitors to experience North Dakota’s outdoor adventures, history, culture, and warm welcoming communities while promoting attractions events and places to stay.
“Our 2022 guide features refreshed itineraries making it easier for travelers to follow their curiosity toward new activities and community offerings,” Commerce Tourism and Marketing Sara Otte Coleman said. “We have also added a new section of fun facts which will peak interests and dispel some myths.”
Other highlights include:
- Refreshed accommodation listings in an easy-to-read grid format
- Outdoor enthusiast will have easy access to hunting and fishing information
- Golf courses are itemized and alphabetized by city
- Engaging “fun facts” about North Dakota
- North Dakota Road Trip itineraries and music playlist
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Register today for the Travel Industry Conference
Early bird registration for North Dakota's premier conference for tourism marketers, travel-sector businesses, attractions, events and groups ends April 1, 2022! The conference takes place April 25-27 and features networking opportunities, general and breakout sessions, and Governor's Awards Luncheon. Key speakers include Lieutenant Governor Brent Sanford, CEO of U.S. Travel Association Roger Dow, Olympic Gold Medalists twins Monique and Jocelyne Lamoureux, Tourism & Marketing Division Director Sara Otte Coleman and more!
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Nominate a deserving tourism person or organization today for a prestigious 2022 Governor's Award for Travel and Tourism.The Awards are annually given to recognize the passion and dedication of North Dakotans who have contributed to growing travel and tourism, our state’s third-largest industry. These awards honor the people, organizations and communities that create valued destinations across North Dakota. The nomination can be made by anyone and are open to all North Dakotans. Now is the time to get your nominations in, the deadline is April 5! Awards will be presented at the Travel Industry Conference.
Results from the Stakeholder Survey now available
The North Dakota Tourism & Marketing Stakeholder Survey was introduced during the annual Travel Industry Marketing Summit on Oct. 26. A link to the survey went out to 5,579 partners in our database and was promoted in the Tourism & Marketing Division newsletter, Department of Commerce newsletter, through partner newsletters and emails, and Travel Industry Chats. The survey closed on Dec. 3, with a total of 177 completions. Survey findings focused on Tourism & Marketing Division's mission and how it aligned with the state's needs and Tourism & Marketing Division's five areas of strategic focus.
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 Sports tourism key to recovery in North Dakota
Sports tourism refers to travel which involves either observing or participating in a sporting event while staying apart from the tourists' usual environment. Sport tourism is a fast-growing sector of the travel industry and is steadily increasing each year. It has also taken a spot among the top reasons for traveling and vacationing. Sports tourism is vital to local economies and businesses are benefiting from increased sales. For example, visitors coming to local communities for youth and high school sporting events spend anywhere from $70-$110 per person per day during their stay. A recent news story on KFYR TV focused on sports tourism recovery in Minot.
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 Canadian travelers border crossing update
The Canadian Border patrol will now accept rapid antigen test results (taken the day prior to their arrival at the land border port of entry) to cross into Canada. North Dakota Tourism is encouraging our partners to work with the state of North Dakota to become rapid antigen testing sites or work with local agencies to do so. In an effort to make weekend travel for Canadians easier and more appealing, it is also important to offer testing or have testing sites in your area open on Saturdays. More information and current North Dakota testing sites can be found at www.health.nd.gov/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/testing-care.
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Commerce Renews Renaissance Zone for Mayville
Commerce announced today it has renewed the Renaissance Zone Program for the city of Mayville for five additional years.
Mayville started utilizing the Renaissance Zone Program in 2007 and has had 20 approved projects. Recently approved major projects include residential and commercial rehabilitations for the community.
“Mayville has used the Renaissance Zone Program to encourage reinvestment and redevelopment in its downtown area to enhance business and improve housing,” Commerce Deputy Director of Community Services Rikki Roehrich said. “The program is often used in smaller rural communities to attract businesses that provide vital services to their populations.”
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Meet our community development lead: Tracey Miller
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Bismarck Magazine recently featured Commerce Community Services Community Development Lead Tracey Miller in their Next Generation of Leaders issue. Learn about Tracey's role in North Dakota communities and also some fun facts about her personality and life. |
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53 North Dakota companies to receive funding for Operation Intern
Congratulations to the 53 companies that were approved to receive funding for Operation Intern. A total of $792,000 was awarded for a projected 198 internships.
Participation in the program will support North Dakota's workforce recruitment and retention efforts.
Industry breakdown of internships:
- Advanced manufacturing – 6
- Energy – 3
- Health care – 4
- Tech-based – 21
- Tourism – 3
- Value-added agriculture – 7
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In-demand occupations – 14
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