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Commerce News | May 3
I am proud to say that the 2023 legislative session was a monumental success for North Dakota. The record-setting budget will transform our state in many ways, including tax reform, animal agriculture, childcare, workforce, and tourism initiatives.
At a high level, the major news from the session was tax reform in the form of both income and property tax relief for North Dakota citizens. We also made a major cash injection into the pension retirement plan and reformed antiquated corporate farming laws that have stifled animal agriculture growth in the state for decades.
The Department of Commerce received funding to stand up many new initiatives and programs, such as:
- An Office of Legal Immigration for global talent attraction
- $12.5M in workforce grants to local regions in our state
- $12M for a talent attraction program and workforce recruitment marketing
- $25M for destination tourism development
- $100M for the North Dakota Development Fund, Inc. to further economic growth in the state
- $120M in federal spending authority for several community services programs
- $10M for LIFT to continue intellectual property commercialization
These are just a few of the new items that we are taking away from the legislative session and will provide us with great tools to further the quality of life for residents and businesses in our state. Ultimately, Commerce is grateful for the trust placed in us by both the Governor’s office and the legislature to continue to pursue some of the biggest opportunities and challenges facing the state today. This influx in resources equates to an increase in desired outcomes and we are looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.
I am confident that these new initiatives and programs will help North Dakota to continue to grow and thrive in the years to come. Thank you to Gov. Doug Burgum, the legislature, and all our partners for their support.
~ Commerce Commissioner Josh Teigen
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State Energy Program projects support the environment and save money
A few State Energy Program (SEP) projects supported through Commerce are nearing completion, highlighting how lighting improvements help to save money and help the environment as well. Among the lighting replacement and improvement projects are the Minot State Fair, the City of Harvey’s fire hall and other areas, and the Bottineau County Museum and McHenry County Historical Society.
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CDBG overview videos now available
Community Services recently published their first program overview video series on the North Dakota Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).
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Garman keynote speaker at Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corporation
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Economic Development & Finance Director Rich Garman was the keynote address at the Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corporation annual meeting. Garman highlighted recent developments and happenings within Commerce, legislative progress, and projects coming to North Dakota to build wealth. |
Kessel and Garman attend SelectUSA Summit
COO/Deputy Commerce Commissioner Shawn Kessel and Economic Development & Finance Director Rich Garman are attending the Select USA conference this week. The SelectUSA Investment Summit is the top event in the United States for FDI promotion, connecting investors, companies, economic development organizations and industry experts to seize investment opportunities. To find out more about SelectUSA, visit www.selectusasummit.us.
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Economic Development Week
Join in next week, May 8-12, to celebrate Economic Development Week with your community and the International Economic Development Council (IEDC)! This occasion gives economic development professionals a platform to showcase 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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National Travel & Tourism Week celebrates 40 years
May 7-13, 2023, marks the 40th anniversary of National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), a celebration of the contributions of the U.S. travel industry. This year’s theme #TravelForward spotlights the essential role that travel plays in driving economic growth and innovation.
Travel is at the heart of North Dakota, strengthening and diversifying our state’s culture and identity. We encourage 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? 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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The Travel Industry Conference is less than 2 weeks away!
Join us May 15-17 for the 2023 North Dakota Travel Industry Conference. The event kicks off with an opening reception and social on Monday, May 15, from 5:30-8 p.m. at The Craftcade in downtown Bismarck. The conference provides an educational and networking platform for North Dakota travel industry professionals. A special awards luncheon with Governor Doug Burgum will close out the conference, honoring the 2023 Governor’s Awards for Travel and Tourism recipients.
We look forward to seeing you at the conference! Current attendee registrations have been updated to reflect the new dates. Registrations for the new dates are still being accepted. For hotel accommodations call the Radisson Hotel at 701-255-6000 and note the room block code is TOUR23.
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 ND Tourism and state partners showcase North Dakota at IRU
The Summit and International Roundup (IRU) is a one-to-one marketplace for suppliers to meet with international tour operators, inbound operators and overseas representatives and promote travel and tourism in the state. Tourism Global Marketing Manager Fred Walker and statewide partners met with tour operators from throughout Europe and beyond.
Tourism partners included Fargo-Moorhead CVB, Bismarck-Mandan CVB, Devils Lake CVB, ND Native Tourism Alliance, MHA Tourism, and Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation. Thanks to ND Tourism’s Digital Asset Specialist Cassie Theurer for the visually impressive videos of the International Peace Gardens and United Tribes Technical College International Powwow, which were part of the materials shared during this travel showcase.
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 Rest area brochure rack fulfillment underway
Tourism Outdoor Promotions Manager Mike Jensen has been on the road getting new partner brochures and collateral updated in all 15 rest areas across the state.
When traveling, visitors often lack knowledge of local offerings and can be overwhelmed by the excess of information on the internet. The North Dakota Rest Area Brochure Distribution Program works to provide reliable resources about destinations and services to the public.
As one of the primary visitor touchpoints, we appreciate Mike taking time to organize and freshen up these locations.
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The Department of Commerce shares the public’s enthusiasm for the Office of Legal Immigration and looks forward to identifying the best way for our agency to support businesses that are hiring and employing global talent, communities that are welcoming newcomers, and individuals and families who are choosing North Dakota as their new home.
SB 2142 calls for a study to determine the vision, mission and goals of the Office, which is a critical first step before the Office can ‘open for business.’ We look forward to sharing updates on our progress and launching this new, exciting resource for our state. We appreciate everyone’s support as we get started!
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Strengthening Government to Government Partnerships and Relationships - June 21-22, Bismarck
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