|
 2022 Western Planner Conference
Commerce Workforce Deputy Director Janna Pastir and Community Services Main Street Community Development Lead Tracey Miller presented at the 2022 Western Planner Conference in Bismarck. Pastir presented on the partnership between Commerce and the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, and Miller presented on community development and the Main Street Initiative.
 2022 Fusion Conference
Commerce Tourism and Marketing Communications Manager Kim Schmidt presented at the 2022 Fusion Conference in Bowman. During her presentation, Schmidt shared how multiple channels of communication have the potential to influence the roles that leaders play with the strength of their teams and business success.
|
|
 Commerce's Economic Development and Finance team was recently announced as a recipient of the Roaming Bison Award for the 2022 Governor's Awards for Excellence in Public Service.
The ED&F team was recognized for leading the state's efforts to attract, retain and expand economic wealth, assisting businesses and entrepreneurs in entering the North Dakota market and improving opportunities for our workforce, citizens and communities.
 Gov. Doug Burgum and representatives of the Main Street Initiative (MSI) team from the North Dakota Office of the Governor and the North Dakota Department of Commerce visited Belcourt for a Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians Main Street Visit on Sept. 16.
“When we talk about the Main Street Initiative, it’s not only about Main Street — what it really means is talking about how do we make sure we have healthy, vibrant communities with smart, efficient infrastructure that attract capital and talent,” Burgum said. “We need communities that serve our elders while also providing opportunities that attract and retain our youth. We’re grateful to the community of Belcourt for hosting us today to discuss their many challenges and opportunities.”
|
|
 The Main Street ND Summit is coming near!
The 2022 Main Street ND Summit is nearly a month away! During the FREE summit, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from a variety of world-renowned keynote speakers and partake in engaging breakout sessions that will provide the tools and resources to support community volunteers, local champions, business owners, and elected leaders at both the local and state level as they work together to create unique communities to attract a talented workforce.
|
|
Commerce Commissioner Josh Teigen announced today that Rich Garman, who recently served as the ED&F deputy director and energy developer will now serve as the new ED&F director.
"It has been a privilege and an honor to be part of such a great ED&F team as deputy director. I am humbled by the confidence that is being extended to me to take another step forward and lead the entire ED&F team as director. We will continue on the great work that Josh Teigen started as director and venture into many more exciting and revolutionary projects for the great state of North Dakota. I am looking forward to working with the entire leadership team to fully integrate everything we do in ED&F with each of the other divisions. Without all of us working towards a common goal, none of our efforts will be successful. Teamwork really does make the dream work." – ED&F Director Rich Garman
|
|
|
 NDtourism.com recognized as “Outstanding Website” by the Web Marketing Association
The North Dakota Department of Commerce Tourism and Marketing Division announced that the recently enhanced website for North Dakota Tourism was recognized for the redesign as an “Outstanding Website” by the Web Marketing Association WebAward.
Since 1997, the Web Marketing Association's annual WebAward Competition has been setting the standard of excellence for website development. Entries from around the world were adjudicated in 86 industry categories during this year's competition and judged on design, copywriting, innovation, content, interactivity, navigation, and use of technology.
NDtourism.com was chosen for the award by an independent panel of judges that ranked each website on seven criteria, earning a score between 0 and 70 points. The score for the North Dakota Tourism website in this competition was 65 overall, which was well above the industry average of 53.
Enhancements to the website resulted in a traffic increase of 25.6% with a record 2.15 million visits. Website visits are a top signal of intent-to-travel. There were 281,712 referrals (site visitors who linked off for more details) to partner websites.
 2022 Tourism Industry Marketing Summit registration now open
Join us at the 2022 Tourism Industry Marketing Summit on Tuesday, Oct. 11, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck. The North Dakota Tourism and Marketing Division will present the 2023 Media Plan, research and insights, cooperative programs and more. The full agenda will be available soon. All travel and tourism business, agencies and organizations are invited to attend this free event.
Burgum welcomes CBP decision to temporarily expand hours at three ports of entry on northern border
Gov. Doug Burgum has been pushing the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Homeland Security since April to restore pre-pandemic hours of operation at several ports of entry on the U.S.-Canada border where hours were reduced in April 2020. The governor met with CBP Commissioner Chris Magnus in June and reiterated the request to restore crossing hours on the border in a letter sent in July.
Operating hours at the Maida, Northgate and Sherwood ports of entry will be temporarily expanded by two hours, to 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., pending agreement from the Canada Border Services Agency, according to a letter from CBP to U.S. Sen. John Hoeven. The expanded hours will be evaluated after 120 days, CBP stated.
|
|
 The State of the American Traveler: Traveler Segments Edition 2022
This free webinar takes place on Tuesday, Sept. 27 at 2 p.m. CST. Listen in as the Traveler Segments Edition of The State of the American Traveler takes a deep dive into critical segments of U.S. travelers to better understand their outlook, intentions, interests and travel behavior.
Join in to learn more about the latest research on the 2022 traveler segments with U.S. and global examples of innovative destination and tourism marketing to these travelers.
|
 Planning for the 2023 North Dakota Travel Guide is underway
2023! Wow, it will soon be here and now is the time to plan for your business, venue, or event to advertise in the 2023 North Dakota Travel Guide, and back for 2023 is the North Dakota Hunting & Fishing Guide.
You will be receiving the sales promotion information in the next two weeks with all the details. Contact Duane Crabbe, advertising manager for North Dakota Living magazine with any questions or inquiries. Duane can be reached at (701) 667-6436, or via e-mail at dcrabbe@ndarec.com. Ad space is limited in both guides so start planning for 2023 now!
|
|
First round of Technical Skills Training Grant Recipients announced
More than $400,000 was recently awarded for the first round of the Technical Skills Training Grant (TSTG).
Round one recipients:
North Dakota State College of Science was awarded $70,000 for the TrainND CDL Program.
The North Dakota Safety Council was awarded $25,505 for the Upskill Program.
Lincoln Therapeutics was awarded $100,000 for an Advanced Technology Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technician Training Program.
Connect Medical Clinic was awarded $17,710 for a Registered Nurse Sonography Training Program.
Bismarck State College was awarded a total of $195,500 for the following:
- $27,500 for cybersecurity training
- $50,000 for energy/oil and gas/manufacturing training
- $18,000 for certified medical assistant training
- $100,000 for the Oil and Gas Energy Service Bootcamp
All programs must contribute a dollar for dollar match, doubling the investment in workforce training.
The TSTG is designed to support eligible training providers and employers in their efforts to design rapid, non-degree re-skilling and upskilling programs, expand capacity in new or existing programs that began after March 3, 2021, and/or move training to virtual platforms to train workers
Round two of the TSTG is open for applications until Sept. 29. Round three will open immediately after the closing of round two.
|
|
|
|
|
