Commerce News | Oct. 18
The U.S. Department of Energy is providing up to $925 million in funding for the Heartland Hydrogen Hub, a collaborative clean energy initiative involving North Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, and Wisconsin. These states signed an MOU in 2022 to develop the project, which aims to produce low-carbon hydrogen, create clean energy jobs, and reduce carbon emissions significantly. Key players include the University of North Dakota, Marathon Petroleum Corp., TC Energy, Xcel Energy, and Sumitomo Corp. The funding is part of a federal program established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, with support from multiple states. Community and stakeholder engagement have been integral to the project's development.
Gov. Doug Burgum welcomes all North Dakotans to this year’s Main Street ND Summit Oct. 24-25 in Watford City, presenting an opportunity to connect, learn, get inspired and gain insight to build and grow communities for the future. As North Dakota's economy undergoes a dynamic transformation, the task of attracting a skilled workforce to our companies and communities has never been more pivotal. This FREE summit will equip you with the knowledge and tools to attract and retain the next generation of North Dakota's workforce. Secure your accommodations before it's too late.
Last week the North Dakota Development Fund (NDDF) convened its board meeting in Wahpeton. The NDDF provides “flexible gap financing” through loans and equity investments not available from most conventional lenders for the purpose of economic development. Commerce took the afternoon to visit a few businesses and NDSCS in Wahpeton. They made sure to make a pit stop to see Wahpper, the World's Largest Catfish.
Lead Development Manager at Commerce Tracey Miller presented at Marketplace for Kids in Mayville on the topic of energy opportunities in North Dakota. The session included a "conductor versus insulator" activity using Energy Sticks and an Arbor Scientific Genecon Hand Crank Generator Experiment set to light up bulbs. These events will continue statewide throughout the 2023-2024 school year.
Global Marketing Manager Fred Walker is currently in London for Brand USA Travel Week, where he is meeting with tour operators, travel agents and media about the many travel experiences available throughout North Dakota. Travel Week provides a professional sales environment as well as engaging in discussions regarding the latest global travel trends, challenges, innovations. This event serves as a platform to explore opportunities to drive future visitation to North Dakota. Walker also provided on-site interviews to media covering the event.
Global Talent Coordinator Paige Kuntz, and Talent Attraction Specialist Sara Michael recently addressed Job Service North Dakota's Business Services team. They discussed their efforts within Commerce's Workforce Development team to combat the workforce shortage in North Dakota. Kuntz talked about the Office of Legal Immigration, its objectives, tasks, and plans to create a statewide strategy for recruiting and retaining new Americans. Michael highlighted the national talent attraction initiative, Find the Good Life, sharing program results since its launch in June 2022 and outlining upcoming marketing and platform improvements for job seekers and employers in North Dakota.
- The Technical Skills Training Grant is now open! The Technical Skills Training grant program aims to offset the cost for program providers and employers in their effort to support the development of highly trained skilled workers to meet the demands of our labor market.
- The Regional Workforce Impact Program (RWIP) application period opens the week of Nov 6. The grant program is designed to encourage regions and communities to develop sustainable, innovative solutions to help businesses find workers, and help workers and jobseekers connect to jobs and communities.
Last week Economic Development & Finance Director Rich Garman delivered the keynote address at the Western Dakota Energy Association Annual meeting. He highlighted recent Commerce efforts in boosting existing infrastructure and renewable energy projects. Additionally, he underscored North Dakota's pioneering role in carbon reduction via capture and sequestration projects, which not only reduce emissions but also improve energy production through enhanced oil recovery techniques, thus promoting a sustainable future and more efficient energy exports.
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