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Commerce staff presents at the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) Conference
Lead Development Manager Tracey Miller spoke at the NADO’s Economic Development Conference in Denver, along with Community Development Liaison Emma Cook who spoke on Main Street Initiative and EDA Public Engagement Liaison Melinda Padilla Lynch who spoke on the EDA grant.
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North Dakota Department of Commerce Energy Program Manager Bruce Hagen was awarded the James Gardner Weatherization Award during an awards ceremony luncheon at the Winter Training Conference on Thursday, April 6 in Arlington, VA. The award was given on behalf of the members of the National Association for State Community Services Programs (NASCSP).
The NASCSP Board presents this award annually to recognize leadership achievement at the national, state or local level that makes a positive impact on the Weatherization community through policy, technological or programmatic contributions. Recipients of the award have each played a key role in the planning and design of new initiatives and have demonstrated dedication and commitment to his/her constituency as a leader and advocate for Weatherization.
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Join us for this free online chat and hear from Department of Commerce Commissioner Josh Teigen as he provides a Commerce legislative overview and discusses upcoming business development in North Dakota.
Please submit any questions you would like to have asked prior to the presentation to communitydevelopment@nd.gov.
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Registration is still open for the Launching Leadership Conference hosted by Strengthen ND in partnership with the North Dakota Department of Commerce and Minot State University. The conference is free to eligible students and will take place from May 30-June 3, 2023, on the Minot State University campus. The program is statewide, and travel scholarships are available for eligible for students. This event is part of the Launching Leadership youth leadership program, which organizes various leadership institutes for 9th to 12th grade students across North Dakota.
During the conference, participants will have the chance to learn from industry experts, connect with other professionals, and expand their knowledge in an enjoyable and interactive way. They’ll also get to participate in exciting field trips and hands-on training. Be sure to share this excellent opportunity to develop our youth leadership skills and grow their network.
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Save the date for Economic Development Week
Celebrate Economic Development Week May 8-12 with your community and the International Economic Development Council (IEDC)! Economic Development Week gives economic development professionals a platform to showcase to their community the contributions made to their local economy throughout the year. Utilize IEDC’s toolkit to help support your message and increase your impact.
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North Dakota moves travel forward this National Travel and Tourism Week
National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), the annual celebration of the contributions of the U.S. travel industry, will spotlight the essential role that travel plays in driving economic growth and innovation through the theme #TravelForward. This year, May 7-13, 2023 marks the 40th anniversary of the annual industry celebration.
Travel is at the heart of North Dakota, strengthening and diversifying our state’s culture and identity.
We are encouraging North Dakota businesses and partners to “Go Red” for travel and tourism. Are there areas in your communities that can “light up red” for the week? This lit up museum is an example of what is taking place in other communities.
NTTW is an excellent way for North Dakota’s tourism industry to kick off our state’s summer travel season. Join us May 7-13 to spotlight Moving Travel Forward.
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Join us for the rescheduled North Dakota Travel Industry Conference
As a reminder, the new dates for the 2023 North Dakota Travel Industry Conference are May 15-17, 2023 at the Radisson Hotel in Bismarck.
DMAND, the Bismarck-Mandan Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the North Dakota Dept. of Commerce thank the many partners, sponsors, speakers, hosts and organizers who have quickly mobilized to make changes. Check the Travel Industry Conference website for any programming adjustments.
Current attendee registrations have been updated to reflect the new dates. If you were unable to attend in April, registrations for the new dates are still being accepted! The host hotel is the Radisson Hotel, call 701-255-6000 and note the room block code is TOUR23.
Our industry continues to prove it is the most resilient and hardy! We are looking forward to getting together next month to network, learn and celebrate our industry.
Tourism and Marketing Division Director Sara Otte Coleman new chairperson of WSTPC
The Western States Tourism Policy Council (WSTPC) group is made up of the state tourism directors of 17 states whose mission is to advance understanding and increase support for public policies that enhance the positive impact of travel and tourism on the economies and environments of states and communities in the West.
Pictured here are Sara Otte Coleman, Jim Hagen of South Dakota, Vicki Varela of Utah and Diane Shober of Wyoming.
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The group focuses on enhancing the experience of visitors to the region, supporting the economic and political viability of tourism interests and communities that serve visitors, protecting the natural, cultural and historic resources which serve as the foundation for travel, all while respecting the needs and values of the residents who live in the West.
The group was in Washington DC this week, meeting with federal officials including key staff with the Federal Lands Subcommittee of the House Naturals Resources Committee, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and National Parks leaders at the Department of the Interior.
While in Washington DC, Coleman also participated in the National Council of State Tourism Directors meetings and facilitated open forum discussions with directors and US Travel leaders.
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Upcoming Webinar: The power of Generative AI & ChatGPT and what it means for tourism & hospitality
Hailed as “the most profound” technology by Google CEO Sundar Pichai, generative AI such as ChatGPT has been making waves around the world, but what does it mean for the tourism and hospitality industry? What should you focus on to stay ahead of the curve?
In this must-attend webinar, Phocuswright and Miles Partnership will provide valuable insights on the essential aspects of Generative AI, the most compelling applications for destinations and hospitality businesses, and what you can expect in the future.
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 Destination Analysts reports on Travelers’ enthusiasm and biggest pet peeves
Destination Analysts latest survey of 4,000 American travelers showed that current financial sentiment may keep Americans from spending as freely as they did a year ago.
Despite this, Americans’ excitement for travel remains near record levels. Nearly 85% of American travelers have trips already planned and the typical American traveler says they expect to take 3.5 leisure trips in the next year.
Pet peeves about the travel experience however are abundant, from transit delays to snorers and talkative seatmates.
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The North Dakota Construction Leadership Council (NDCLC) invites High School students (age 16 and up) to Demo Day on Thursday, April 27 at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds in West Fargo, ND.
Demo Day is a great opportunity for high school students to operate heavy equipment under the supervision of trained professionals. If they're considering a career in construction, the NDCLC team can offer guidance on programs geared toward your student's interests. Sign up for either the morning session, 8:00 a.m.-12 p.m., or afternoon session, 12-4:00 p.m. Spaces are limited.
Follow the North Dakota Construction Leadership Council on Facebook for more updates!
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The North Dakota Department of Commerce is celebrating Internship Awareness Month this April. “Internships provide valuable opportunities for both businesses and our future workforce,” Commerce Workforce Division Director Katie Ralston Howe said. “Attracting workers through programs such as Operation Intern are essential tools to help meet our state’s workforce needs.”
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, company hires who have interned with the employer are 32% more likely to be retained than hires with no internship experience. Administered by Commerce, Operation Intern is a grant program designed to expand the number of internships with North Dakota employers. The program focuses on creating new internships within the state’s targeted industries: energy, advanced manufacturing, value-added agriculture, tourism and technology-based businesses. Funding may also be granted for other in-demand occupations on the Workforce Development Council’s In-Demand Occupations Annual List.
Commerce would like to thank our 2023 interns: Jessica Hutchinson, Kennedy Dahme, Syndey Lewellen, Miranda Attanasio, Guillermo Fregoso, and Kaitlyn Harter, for all of their efforts and hard work.
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Strengthening Government to Government Partnerships and Relationships – June 21-22, Bismarck
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