Commerce News | Sept. 21
Join us at the Main Street ND Summit, where we prioritize accessibility, offering features such as a Spanish translator and ASL interpreter to accommodate all guests. By attending, you'll gain valuable insights into community building and development. This year's Summit offers a variety of tours focusing on art, culture, development, and energy, providing practical knowledge and memorable experiences. Special rates have been secured at The Roosevelt Hotel (40 rooms at $89/night, room block released on Oct. 10) and at Teddy’s Residential Suites (50 rooms at $97/night, with an additional 20 rooms at $88.20) Be sure to check the agenda for new events recently added!
Innovate ND's application window is now open, offering North Dakota entrepreneurs a chance to propel their businesses forward. The program aims to enhance the state's entrepreneurial ecosystem, educate participants on crucial business aspects, validate products and markets, and nurture innovative businesses with high potential. Entrepreneurs can access up to $22,500 in reimbursable expenses over two phases, with acceptance based on specific criteria, including a pitch presentation to industry experts. Don't miss your opportunity to transform innovative ideas into thriving businesses.
The program aims to strengthen local food systems, improve grocery supply quality, encourage local partnerships, support innovative solutions, foster rural community development, and promote economic collaboration. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, local entities, economic development organizations, and tribal entities. Time is running out, and the deadline to apply for this opportunity is Oct. 13, 2023.
The 2023 North Dakota League of Cities (NDLOC) Annual Conference, held at the Bismarck Event Center from Sept. 20-22, serves as a platform for city leaders to exchange ideas, partake in workshops, and connect with businesses serving municipalities. The conference features key sessions on North Dakota's industries, economic development grants, Renaissance Zone program updates, and resources for arts, tourism, and workforce recruitment.
Commerce appreciates the collaboration with NDLOC and the opportunity to provide information to community champions at the annual conference. This work cannot be done without communities and community members and organizations like NDLOC who serve as a trusted voice and collective partner.
At their recent meeting, the Workforce Development Council (WDC) honored Dave Farnsworth for his outstanding 12-year tenure as Chair of the WDC. They presented him with a commemorative clock in recognition of his dedication to serving North Dakota and devising workforce strategies. Dave, appointed by Governors Hoeven, Dalrymple, and Burgum, has been a steadfast advocate for our state's workforce system. We deeply appreciate his leadership and wish him success in his future endeavors.
Commerce Global Marketing Manager Fred Walker recently moderated a panel at the 2023 Tribal Leaders Summit in Bismarck. The panel, "Experiencing and Educating our Traditional Lands in our Own Ways," highlighted the importance of nurturing the tourism industry from within Native communities. This approach empowers Native people to share their own stories, ensuring they're told authentically from their own lands. Additionally, Fred hosted international media at the United Tribes International Powwow, working to showcase North Dakota's rich Native experiences to a global audience.
North Dakota Development Fund CEO Jessica Tooke has been chosen as one of the 15 professionals and emerging leaders for the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC class of 2024. Her dedication and leadership have earned her this well-deserved recognition, and we're eager to see her continued success. Congratulations, Jessica!
We're excited to share that Community Development Liaison Emma Cook has been selected for the 10th class of Rural Leadership North Dakota. We have no doubt that Emma will excel in this new endeavor and bring valuable insights back to our communities. Congratulations, Emma!
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