The Department of Commerce is grateful for the opportunity to advance the state forward in multiple ways. I may be biased, but I believe that we have the most exciting mission that we get to own: to increase the overall wealth of the state through the attraction and retention of capital and talent. That is a simple statement at the surface, but a wildly complex and fascinating mission to tackle on behalf of our 780,000 shareholders who make up our great state. Commerce executes on this mission through four operational divisions: economic development, workforce development, community development, and tourism development.
In the past, critics of Commerce have said that we exist as four separate divisions, not one cohesive department. One of my primary goals as Commissioner is to change that. We know that economic development drives workforce development. We know that for workforce development efforts to be successful, we need healthy vibrant communities for people to live in.
~ Commerce Commissioner Josh Tiegen
The National Governors Association (NGA) hosted its Summer Workforce Symposium of the National Association of State Liaisons for Workforce Development Partnerships and the National Association of State Workforce Board Chairs on Tuesday, Aug. 8.
On Aug. 9, Symposium attendees went to Microsoft where Gov. Burgum joined for a fireside chat with Timothy Blute, director of NGA Center for Best Practices. Burgum credited the Workforce Development Council’s leadership of our state workforce system and highlighted innovative ways North Dakota is addressing our workforce challenges and how advancements in AI are impacting the workforce and the economy.
The Governor's Main Street Awards recognize North Dakota communities that have demonstrated excellence in the principles of the Main Street Initiative. This year's awards are open to all communities, regardless of size or location. Nominations are due by Sept. 15, 2023. To be eligible, your community must have implemented at least one Main Street Initiative project in the past year. Winners will be announced at the 2023 Main Street ND Summit. Award categories are as follows:
- Healthy, Vibrant Community
- Smart, Efficient Infrastructure
- 21st Century Workforce
- Main Street Excellence
- Economic Diversification
- Future Leaders Empowerment
On Saturday, Aug. 5, North Dakota Tourism, along with National Day Calendar and the National Sunflower Association, celebrated the first-ever National Sunflower Day! This event aimed to spread awareness and knowledge about sunflowers and showcase the North Dakota Sunflower Map. Socially, the event generated 23,518 impressions, 961 engagements and reached nearly 20,000 people on North Dakota Tourism's social platforms. In addition, the sunflower public relations campaign efforts garnered more than 350 media instances reaching over 267 million. Thank you to our incredible partners for joining in the celebration!
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More than 70 attendees from diverse professional backgrounds across the state gathered on Aug. 4 at Minot State University's Student Center. The workshop included a downtown walking tour and community tours on Aug. 3. Esteemed guest speakers shared insights and best practices, covering Urban and Winter Placemaking, Rural Community Engagement, collaboration with local entities, and empowering youth in placemaking. This event provided a unique chance for attendees to gain fresh perspectives, network, and gather actionable strategies to improve their own communities' vibrancy and livability.
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New State Energy Office Directors and Senior Staff from 12 states and territories convened in Washington, D.C. for NASEO’s New Director Orientation. Over the four-day event, the directors and senior staff met with key personnel from the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Congress and the White House, as well as energy NGOs and trade associations.
Emmy Award-nominated host Darley Newman of Travels with Darley is traveling through the state capturing content that will be featured in season 11 of her PBS series. In each episode, Darley travels with locals in beautiful and awe-inspiring locations to experience authentic adventures and reveal a greater sense of place. Viewers experience diverse cultures and traditions and what makes each location truly unique. Watch for North Dakota’s amazing sunflowers and Darley's legendary travel experiences on PBS and Create TV in 2024!
White Butte is North Dakota’s highest natural point at 3,506 feet and the number of visitors rises every year. Bowman County Development Corporation launched an initiative in June to draw those visitors in to enjoy the surrounding communities and help support local commerce.
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