Commerce News | Nov. 29
Commerce's new Advance ND Program offers "deal-closing" loans for companies in energy, agriculture, and manufacturing. Administered by the North Dakota Development Fund, Inc., it provides interest-only balloon loans converting to fixed-rate term loans, with a maximum of $1 million per $50 million project capital expenditure. Projects need a minimum $50 million total capital expenditure, and funds can be used for various purposes.
Governor Burgum announced that NFI Group will keep its MCI bus assembly plant in Pembina open, reversing plans for closure by June 2025. The decision is driven by increased demand, especially for electric motor coaches. This development is seen as positive for MCI employees, Pembina, and the state's economy. The Governor's Office and Commerce are collaborating with NFI Group to support workforce training and meet growing demand, enhancing job opportunities in the Pembina region.
Commerce Commissioner Josh Teigen presented at two events recently. The first event was a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Xcel Energy, during which he emphasized North Dakota's commitment to innovation over regulation. He highlighted the importance of ongoing investment in expanding various forms of energy generation and transmission.
The second event was a VIP reception for the Midwest Energy Summit. Teigen discussed North Dakota's comprehensive "all of the above" energy strategy, positioning it as a significant competitive advantage to attract businesses and talent to the state.
"Born and raised in Soldotna, Alaska, I originally moved to North Dakota for college almost 4 years ago. Although I can name many differences between the two states, the people I’ve met in North Dakota have helped me feel right at home. I love exploring new places and am grateful to have been able to see many parts of the state already (as well as most our neighbors)! Outside of work, I spend my time attending football games, and exploring my community with my fiancé and our North Dakota girl, Teddy (our 2 yr old Golden Retriever)!"
Anya joins Commerce as the Community Development Coordinator to support the division with maintaining statewide networking relationships with economic and community development professionals, communities, counties, and regional organizations.
North Dakotans from all backgrounds are invited to share ideas to meet the state’s goals of creating vibrant economies and finding innovative ways to reduce carbon emissions into the atmosphere.
Information collected will be used to develop the North Dakota Sustainability Plan. North Dakota received funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program to support this effort.
The plan development process will be a major step toward North Dakota's goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
The North Dakota Travel Industry Conference brings the state's tourism industry together for continuing education, renowned speakers, trainers, best practices and peer-to-peer networking in a three-day conference format. This is the must-attend conference for communities looking to develop their tourism infrastructure and for marketers and tourism professionals in North Dakota's travel and tourism industry.
The 2024 North Dakota Travel Industry Conference will take place April 8-10 at the Delta Hotel by Marriott in Fargo, featuring national keynote speakers, educational content, networking, and the Governor’s Awards for Travel and Tourism.
Tourism Sales and Services Manager Deanne Cunningham attended the 45th National Tour Association (NTA) AKA TREXpress in Shreveport-Bossier LA. The event focused on new ideas, businesses, and personal connections, featuring the National Tour Association Marketplace. During the 20-minute sales mission, Deanne presented North Dakota's offerings to tour operators, contributing to the creation of travel products for 2025 and 2026 in domestic and international markets.
|
