|
A library of recorded livestreams from this year's Main Street ND Summit is now available for those who were not able to attend or those who did attend and would like a recap on all the amazing topics covered!
Feel free to share the livestreams as you wish to provide education and awareness about the Main Street Initiative and the ways individuals can take a role in enhancing their community.
|
|
The application window for the MSI Vibrancy Grant closes next week on Nov. 22.
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.
For this round only – applicants will receive extra points for projects that include winter placemaking.
|
|
CDBG-CV application extension
Commerce Community Services will be accepting preapplications for the Community Development Block Grant Cares Act funding (CDBG-CV) through Nov. 30.
The Substantial Amendment dated 08/19/2022 to the CDBG-CV clarifies CDBG-CV Funding Levels for eligible activities and eligible project activities.
A total of $6,380,334 is available to help communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19. Of the total amount, a minimum of $2,345,392 will be expended in non-entitlement areas, and up to $4,034,942 can be expended in entitlement areas of the state.
The entire CDBG-CV allocation will be used for public facilities projects, including HVAC upgrades and other facility-based projects that support social distancing or the ability to serve individuals impacted by COVID-19.
All applications must meet the national objective being addressed by the proposed improvements for each community facility as required by CDBG regulations (24 CFR 570.483).
Any questions or requests for additional follow-up can be directed to Community Services Deputy Director/Federal Program Lead Rikki Roehrich at (701) 328-2687 or rroehrich@nd.gov or CDBG/ESG Program Specialist Keylee Engelhard at (701) 328-4559 or kmengelhard@nd.gov.
|
|
Tourism & Marketing welcomes new staff member
 |
|
Welcome to Dillon Allery, who joined Commerce as the new graphic designer on Nov. 7, working as part of the Tourism & Marketing team.
Dillon previously worked as a web graphic designer, web developer, and IT specialist at Turtle Mountain Community College and as a designer the Sky Dancer Casino & Resort before joining Commerce.
In his role, Dillon will be using his creativity and skills to visually aid communication efforts showcasing Commerce initiatives and North Dakota as a great place to work, live, and expand business. You can reach Dillon at diallery@nd.gov, or (701) 328-5374.
|
Main Street Tourism Outdoor Recreation Grant recipient update
 The Main Street Tourism Outdoor Recreation Grant was designed to support new or expanding businesses that provide new outdoor recreation opportunities, improve visitor experiences, and have an emphasis on attracting visitors and visitor dollars to North Dakota communities.
The Paddle Trap, located on the Missouri River in Mandan used their award to expand their winter offerings – and make them a winter destination. The new “Polar Trap”, seasonal rebrand will provide an immersive experience with lighted evergreens, firepits, novelty parkas and outdoor games to go with their excellent food and service.
Reminder to reserve your 2023 co-op advertising
Promoting your travel experiences is vitally important, so reserve your cooperative advertising today. The 2023 Cooperative Plan is designed to provide support to tourism partners that rely on travel and tourism. These vetted paid media placement options are part of the overall North Dakota Tourism marketing plan. There are a couple of Influencer Engagement opportunities available as well.
|
|
North Dakota Legendary Holiday experiences showcased
Nothing quite compares to the holiday season in North Dakota. Even with cooler temps, North Dakota’s charming towns get decked out with boughs of holly, twinkling lights, festive trees and more that will send the warmth of the season all the way down to your toes. You are invited to experience the magical, one-of-a-kind, festive experiences and to share them with your visitors, friends and family.
|
 Don't miss this opportunity to promote your travel destination
Be sure to get your destination materials in the hands of visitors! You can do so through the Rest Area Brochure Distribution Program which places your materials in rest areas along major traffic corridors across the state as well as in two staffed historic site visitor centers. Registration deadline is Jan. 13, 2023. You can access the Rest Area Partnership Agreement form here, or contact Mike Jensen at 701-328-2509 or mjjensen@nd.gov.
|
|
More than $500,000 awarded for the second round of the TSTG, round three is now open
A total of $526,705 of funding from round two of Technical Skills Training Grant (TSTG) was awarded to five recipients.
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 recipients:
- Connect Medical Clinic was awarded $17,710 for registered nurse sonography training.
- Q&A Corporation DBA Computer Express was awarded $2,990 for a CompTIA A+ with ITIL Foundation course to provide internal upskilling for a current employee.
- Great Northwest Education Cooperative was awarded $100,000 to provide hands-on learning opportunities to prepare students for certification under their automation trailer project.
- Bismarck State College was awarded $15,000 for unmanned aerial systems training.
- Northern Valley Career and Technology Center was awarded $100,000 to expand capacity for its current CDL workforce development course.
Round three of the TSTG is open until Dec. 15.
|
|
 Save the dates - the North Dakota Travel Industry Conference takes place Apr. 3-5
The 2023 North Dakota Travel Industry Conference will be held at the Radisson Hotel in Bismarck. The 2023 conference planning is underway, providing educational and motivational content and networking for the state’s destination marketing professionals. Early-bird registration and sponsorship opportunities will be available soon.
|
|
|
|
|
