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Commerce Year in Review 2023 |
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 As 2023 draws to a close, Commerce celebrates a historic year, marked by unparalleled success across all functions. Looking back, I'm overwhelmed by immense gratitude. The team at Commerce remains our greatest asset, and there isn’t a team on earth I would take over the one we have today. We're entrusted with perhaps the most exciting mission in state government: creating wealth and prosperity for North Dakota. This excitement is fueled by the fact that we have a Governor who is committed to innovation, creativity, and a better future for all North Dakota citizens. We're fortunate to have a vision-aligned legislature and a state that is blessed with unrivaled economic prosperity, enabling us to fund initiatives that advance our mission.
Overall, North Dakota is a safe haven for economic headwinds that face our world. Unlike other states facing extremes, North Dakota finds calm through deliberate strategy, focused execution, and collaborative governance. It happens not by chance, but on the dedication of thousands who wake up every day with a fire in their hearts to improve the lives of every North Dakotan. I am blessed to play a small role in the greater vision, leading an agency graced with tremendous talent, and a mission to go out and create a prosperous future for the state that we all love.
~ Commerce Commissioner, Josh Teigen
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 Economic Development and Infrastructure
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Renaissance Zone Revitalization:
Implemented the most comprehensive changes since 1999, empowering intelligent growth by incentivizing resourceful use of existing infrastructure in community development endeavors.
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Soybean Powerhouse:
Firmly cemented North Dakota as a soybean powerhouse, unlocking new market possibilities for local farmers and fostering soybean processing operations.
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North Dakota Emerges as Prime Hub for Low-Carbon Industrial Facilities:
Gas to liquids (Cerilon GTL), ore processing (Talon Metals), fertilizer production and many more industries are taking advantage of North Dakota’s unique state geology coupled with the development of new innovative technologies, primacy and policy.
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 Tourism and Community Development
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Destination Development Grant Program:
Launched with $25 million and awarded to 14 entities, supporting transformative tourism experiences and bolstering economic prosperity and diversification.
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Sustainable Food Delivery Program:
Pioneered a groundbreaking pilot grant initiative targeting rural grocery store sustainability, ensuring vital nourishment for underserved communities.
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Main Street Community Milestone:
Celebrated the 100th Main Street Community, with a total of 107 communities engaged in supporting community development and rural prosperity.
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 Technology and Innovation
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Microsoft Dynamics D365 Implementation:
Empowered grantees and simplified grant management with seven portals, receiving over 300 applications and enhancing the process for everyone involved.
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Digital Transformation:
Digitized all fiscal files, ensuring instant access to information for faster decision-making and improved financial agility.
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 Workforce Development
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Establishment of the Office of Legal Immigration:
Fostered effective collaboration globally, enriching our workforce and economic landscape through the movement and integration of international talent.
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Regional Workforce Impact Program:
Supported over 60 projects addressing childcare, housing, training, and talent attraction, bringing industry-grade training to 600+ high schoolers and creating 1,600 new childcare slots.
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 Marketing and Influencer Engagement
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Influencer Program Success:
Hosted A-list influencers, generating 398,151 engagements and 1.7 million impressions, weaving fresh stories that capture the state's charm.
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Find the Good Life in North Dakota Campaign:
Reestablished an active talent attraction initiative, delivering strong marketing results with 26.7 million impressions, 140,000 clicks, and 15,000 conversions. Thanks to new tracking capabilities in the Relocation Help Desk, we know that 12 communities have welcomed new workers and their families.
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The HELLO Campaign:
This new campaign colorfully showcased North Dakota’s landscape, attractions, amenities and welcoming people. The multimedia campaign for attracted over 2.4 million new users to NDtourism.com, generating 130 million impressions and achieving a remarkable 0.45% click-through-rate and 94% video completion rate. This digital success contributed to a record-breaking year for North Dakota, with a 6.8% increase in hotel occupancy, 11.5% growth in national park visitation, and over $62 million more in hospitality tax revenue compared to 2022 through Q3. Arrivalist reported an 11.3% overall increase in visitation.
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 We extend our gratitude for the support from our partners, travelers, and residents. Your enthusiasm fuels our commitment to making North Dakota a place of innovation, growth, and opportunity.
Wishing you a prosperous 2024!
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