Commerce News | March 20
Commerce Commissioner Josh Teigen delivered a keynote address that embodied the spirit of the Minot Area Chamber EDC's 2024 Annual Meeting: "Reflecting on Success, Looking Forward to Continued Minot Area Wins, and Supporting Member Investors." Teigen addressed roughly 200 attendees at the Sleep Inn & Suites, praising the Minot area's leadership and its role in driving the state's economic engine. He emphasized North Dakota's potential on a national and global scale, commending the MACEDC's work in strengthening the local economy.
 The 2024 Cooperative Plan offers vetted media placement options alongside the North Dakota Tourism Division's $3 million advertising campaign. By participating in these co-op programs, your tourism business can leverage the state's marketing efforts to reach a wider audience and generate even more interest. Don't miss out! Matching dollars are still available, but they are limited, and participation must be confirmed by the end of March. Review the program details in the 2024 Cooperative Advertising plan to learn more and secure your spot.
Additionally, we are proud to sponsor the Fly North Dakota Airports Passport Program for residents, further encouraging in-state travel.
A new organization, Buffalo Grande Foundation, celebrated the launch of their website on March 13 in Hettinger. Tourism Outdoor Recreation Manager Mike Jensen joined the festivities for the ribbon cutting ceremony.
The website highlights the history, culture, and significance of buffalo in the region, partnering with tourism entities from tribes that share geography with North and South Dakota. The foundation's mission is to collaborate with Native American tribes to share their stories and perspectives.
Commerce awarded $4.1 million in grants to 18 organizations through the Regional Workforce Impact Program (RWIP). This program helps regional areas address workforce challenges with grants for projects like child care facility construction, marketing campaigns to attract new residents, and initiatives to retain existing talent. The first round of funding included grants for child care center expansion, talent attraction campaigns, and a study on workforce needs in the UAS and manufacturing sectors. Round two of the RWIP is open until April 1st, 2024.
Join us for an inclusive and enriching experience at the North Dakota Travel Industry Conference, happening April 8-10 at the Delta Hotel by Marriott in Fargo!
Expand your horizons:
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Inspiring Speakers: Get insights from industry leaders and discover new trends. (New speakers just added!)
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Actionable Sessions: Learn practical strategies to elevate your tourism offerings.
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Accessibility & Inclusion: Dedicated sessions explore creating welcoming experiences for all and fostering partnerships with Native American communities for authentic cultural tourism.
The Governor’s Main Street Awards reception, held earlier this week at the Governor's Residence, celebrated the 2023 award winners. The City of Baldwin, McKenzie County Tourism, Dickinson Legacy Square, The New Rockford Area Betterment Corporation, The City of Beach, The City of Grand Forks, The City of LaMoure, The City of Minot, Nome Schoolhouse, and Launching Leadership were all recognized for their outstanding achievements in workforce development, economic vitality, infrastructure, community health, and youth leadership.
This fast-paced virtual session will explore the power of storytelling in community development. You'll learn:
- How stories can shift thinking and create impact
- Inspiring examples of successful storytelling projects
- Practical ideas and best practices for using storytelling in your own work
- Leave the session with the tools and knowledge to leverage the power of stories to benefit your community!
Plus, take a moment to complete a short poll from our speaker before the webinar to help tailor the discussion to your needs!
 The North Dakota Development Fund, Inc. is offering grants of up to $500,000 to North Dakota businesses facing a workforce shortage to help them automate their processes. The application period for the Automate ND Grant Program opens tomorrow, March 21st! This program is designed to help businesses increase productivity and expand without additional hiring.
Sara Otte Coleman, Director of Tourism and Marketing, along with Sheri Grossman, CEO of Bismarck Mandan CVB and Charley Johnson, CEO Fargo Moorhead West Fargo CVB, participated in U.S. Travel’s Destination Capitol Hill advocacy event in Washington D.C. this week. The group met with all North Dakota representatives' staffs to encourage the support of policy to support tourism growth.
Key topics included:
- Lower visitor Visa and customs wait times
- Advancing FAA reauthorization
- Adequate funding at federal land management agencies to support tourism and recreation growth and development
- Proper resources at the Canadian border to facilitate travel
Coleman also chaired business meetings for the National Council of State Tourism Directors and the Western State Tourism Policy Council while in Washington.
 Commerce is offering grants to help businesses develop training programs for their employees. There are three funding tracks available:
- Track A for new worker training programs (up to $200,000)
- Track B for upskilling existing employees (up to $50,000 with matching funds)
- Track C for training related to automation (up to $200,000 for training, $100,000 for feasibility study).
The application period is now open. Don't miss out on this opportunity to develop a highly skilled workforce for your business!
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