Gov. Doug Burgum along with North Dakota Department of Commerce Tourism and Marketing Director Sara Otte Coleman and North Dakota Department of Transportation Division Director for Planning and Asset Management Director Scott Zainhofsky unveiled the new tourism and marketing campaign, and the 100th anniversary edition of the North Dakota state highway map on Wednesday, Jan. 25 during North Dakota Tourism Day at the Capitol.
The 2023 campaign was developed from image and advertising effectiveness research that took place in 2022. The campaign, called Hello, builds on feedback showing that North Dakota defies expectations with its vast outdoors, exciting events and cities, friendly people and affordability. The campaign’s messaging conveys a warm welcome to potential visitors and provides a sense of our genuine hospitality, energetic vibe and invitation to take a road trip, explore our great outdoors, visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park and participate in countless activities, from golfing to art museums.
One fun element of the 2023 campaign connects it with the 1-800-HELLO-ND phone number that has long been a staple of North Dakota travel counseling. Two new guides were also unveiled - the 2023 Travel Guide and the Hunting and Fishing Guide.
This is also the 100th anniversary of our North Dakota state highway map. This year’s map features QR codes which direct users to online sources that provide specific travel information for that area.
The North Dakota Development Fund (NDDF) selected the nationally acclaimed generalist venture capital investment platform, O’Leary Ventures (OLV) as a partner to manage a $45 million direct investment program aimed at bolstering economic growth throughout the state.
“North Dakota takes pride in being one of the most business-friendly states in the nation, and we continuously seek new ways to support entrepreneurs, innovators and emerging and expanding businesses,” Gov. Doug Burgum said. “We are excited for this opportunity to partner with O’Leary Ventures to broaden investment opportunities in North Dakota to create jobs, strengthen communities and diversify our economy.”
The program coined as Wonder Fund North Dakota will position the state as a powerhouse for small businesses by providing early-stage investment opportunities for financial and operational growth through the expertise and management at OLV.
“Capital flows through the path of least resistance, and North Dakota offers stable policy and a competitive tax environment for investors and entrepreneurs,” Kevin O’Leary said. “Under Governor Burgum and Commissioner Teigen’s leadership, this U.S. Treasury program provides a powerful springboard for long-term job creation which is the heartbeat of the American economy.”
Funds from the program will be used by OLV to invest in early-stage businesses headquartered in North Dakota with less than 500 employees. Wonder Fund North Dakota will consider companies based outside the state if their product and service have a material impact on North Dakota.
The Main Street Initiative (MSI) officially reached 100 designated MSI communities last week with Sheyenne becoming the newest community.
“We are grateful for everyone across the state who has contributed to these ongoing efforts to create healthy, vibrant communities through the Main Street Initiative,” Gov. Doug Burgum said. “This milestone underscores the dedication and pride North Dakota residents have in building upon their communities’ strengths and unique attributes to attract and retain a skilled workforce.”
The MSI was introduced in 2016 by Burgum as a strategic initiative aimed at building healthy, vibrant communities with smart, efficient infrastructure to attract a 21st century workforce.
Communities that join the MSI receive direct assistance for community planning and development, tailored support from participating state agencies, streamlined access to resources and learning opportunities, and enhanced access to select state resources. To date, the MSI network consists of 81 collaborating partners and more than 4,000 community leaders, volunteers and advocates who work together to offer these incentives.
Additionally, designated MSI communities may receive extra benefits on specified state grants. Currently, the MSI has four active grant programs with revolving application windows. More than $1 million in grant funding has been awarded to communities across North Dakota since the initiative began.
2023 Legislative Session updates
Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) was a recent topic during the legislative session. Here are some key points about the emerging industry.
- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted initial approval to uAvionix, allowing beyond line of sight (BVLOS) UAS flights on North Dakota’s statewide BVLOS network, Vantis.
- Northern Plains UAS Test Site Director of Operations Erin Roesler was selected to be in the inaugural class of Women and Drones Hall of Fame for Women in Emerging Aviation Technologies.
- Lt. Governor Miller oversaw her first Northern Plains Unmanned Systems Authority meeting on Jan. 9.
- 24 former Air Force Global Hawk aircraft have been relocated to Grand Sky where Northrop Grumman will refurbish them to fit a crucial national defense mission known as the Sky Range program.
- Gov. Doug Burgum included more than $37 million for UAS programs in his executive budget proposal.
- 2023 marks the 10-year anniversary of the Northern Plains UAS Test Site (December 2013).
- AUVSI’s Great Plains Chapter, headquartered in Grand Forks, is preparing to host its DroneBiz industry networking event in Bismarck on Feb. 16.
Legislative updates and recordings of testimony can be found at commerce.nd.gov.
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