Commerce News | April 17
 Photography by Dennis Krull
Held April 8-10 in Fargo, the North Dakota Travel Industry Conference (NDTIC) buzzed with energy as hundreds of attendees explored educational content and networking. The conference focused on key areas to strengthen North Dakota tourism. Attendees participated in sessions on crafting engaging events, attracting global talent, and understanding the travel habits of Gen Z. The conference culminated in a celebratory luncheon where the Governor's Awards for Travel and Tourism honored the individuals and organizations shaping North Dakota's tourism landscape. A huge thank you goes out to the hundreds of attendees, sponsors, speakers, and partners who made this year's NDTIC a smash hit! Your dedication and enthusiasm are what propels the North Dakota travel industry forward.
In lieu of the Main Street Initiative and Commerce’s monthly community Chats Webinar, we are hosting a FREE Virtual Rural Data Symposium tomorrow. Please join us for this 3-hour event showcasing the data that is available to all communities across the state of North Dakota to enhance community development efforts and facilitate understanding of how research and data support the futures of rural communities.
The Greater North Dakota Chamber is hosting the GrowND: Workforce Solutions Showcase on April 23. This event is a great opportunity for businesses in North Dakota to learn about solutions to current workforce challenges. Commerce's own Janna Pastir, Deputy Director of Workforce Development, will be presenting on workforce development, a critical issue for businesses today. Attend to gain insights from Pastir and other experts and learn about resources to help your business thrive!
Applications are now open for recent graduates and energy professionals to be considered for the Department of Energy's Clean Energy Innovator Fellowship. Paid Fellows will spend up to two years at critical energy organizations supporting projects that will help decarbonize power systems and bolster energy resilience. Candidates should have a demonstrated interest in clean energy solutions, and those with diverse backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply. Applications are due on May 3.
Commerce's Rich Garman has been appointed to the White House CCUS Permitting Task Force. This task force aims to ensure CCUS projects are permitted efficiently, while considering the needs of local communities and environmental justice. Garman will work with representatives from other states to advocate for a moderate approach to CCUS development, emphasizing the importance of carbon utilization alongside capture and sequestration. His participation ensures North Dakota has a seat at the table on this critical issue.
Commerce's State Data Center Manager, Kevin Iverson, visited Lake Region State College (LRSC) to finalize a $446,000 grant for their Wind Energy Program. This exciting boost will ensure LRSC graduates are GWO certified, meeting the wind industry's rising standards. Plus, wind professionals can now get recertified closer to home at LRSC. The grant strengthens the program in crucial areas like technical skills, safety, and rescue training. LRSC is poised to become a leading wind energy training site, powering careers in North Dakota's clean energy future!
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