Commerce News | Jan. 25
Gov. Burgum dropped major news during the State of the State address – the launch of the Office of Community Development & Rural Prosperity! Community Development & Rural Prosperity’s mission is to empower North Dakota communities through efficient development, economic growth, and an enhanced quality of life. The Office aims to foster collaboration to address unique rural challenges, promote innovation, and leverage resources to build resilient, thriving communities.
Commerce staff played a prominent role at the Energy Progress & Innovation Conference (EPIC), where key insights into the future of North Dakota's energy industry were shared. Tom Oakland and Tracey Miller discussed the future of North Dakota's energy industry, Katie Ralston Howe shared insights on the state's workforce landscape, and Rich Garman focused on preparations for the Critical Minerals Industry.
The 2024 Vibrancy Grant applications are now open until March 1. Get creative with your community projects – whether it's funky art, cool hangout spots, or awesome events. Community Services Director Maria Effertz says this grant is your ticket to boost local life and pride. Nonprofits and local governments, it's your time to shine!
The deadline is approaching for primary sector businesses interested in the Automation Tax Credit. Applications, along with supporting documentation, must be submitted by Jan. 31 of the year following the equipment purchase. This program offers a tax credit of up to 15% to cover the cost of equipment intended for automating manual processes. To qualify, businesses must be certified as a primary sector business and have taken ownership of the automation equipment during the 2023 calendar year.
Commerce Global Marketing Manager Fred Walker along with Charley Johnson from the Fargo-Moorhead Convention & Visitors Bureau and Hanna Johansson from GAW Nordics recently toured across the Nordic markets of Norway, Sweden & Denmark. They presented at the Explore the World travel show in Oslo, Norway, focusing on traveling to North Dakota. Afterward, they visited Fort Swanson in Osby, Sweden, the country’s largest operator, and met with Swanson Travel leaders. The team also hosted a training dinner for 13 representatives from the Danish Travel Industry. North Dakota Tourism is dedicated to building a positive image for the state, region, and country, making it an ideal destination for enjoyable, safe, educational, and adventurous holidays.
Join multi-Emmy nominated Darley Newman for Season 11 of "Travels with Darley", premiering on Sunday, Jan. 28th at 3:30 p.m. on Prairie Public Broadcasting. The first episode, "North Dakota Chasing Sunflowers," showcases vibrant sunflower fields, quirky roadside attractions, and thriving businesses. The first episode highlights Bismarck to New Salem with art alleys, museums, a river cruise, cute and quirky cafes, breweries, and cuisine.
Big shout out to Rory Hoffmann from our Commerce team! Hoffmann has been selected to join the Building Performance Institute (BPI) Energy Auditor Committee, where he'll be contributing to the review of the BPI Energy Auditor and Quality Control Inspector exam.
Commerce Visitor Sales and Services Manager Deanne Cunningham recently attended and represented on North Dakota tourism during the American Bus Association Marketplace in Nashville. Among the attendees were 1,100 tour, motorcoach, and receptive operators, participating who participated in an average of 355 appointments over the three-day Marketplace. State, city, and regional destination marketing organizations, along with various sellers in attractions, hotels, and entertainment, averaged 54 appointments with Deanne securing 58 on the Marketplace day.
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