Commerce News | May 29
Commerce Department Deputy Commissioner Shawn Kessel recently met with officials from Japan and the Republic of Korea to boost economic ties and promote investment in North Dakota. In meetings with Japanese Consul General Jun Yanagi, All Nippon Airways VP Atsushi Nakao, and JETRO Chicago Special Advisor Ralph Inforzato, Kessel emphasized North Dakota's investment potential in food, fuel, and aviation sectors. JETRO affirmed its commitment to facilitating Japanese business ventures in the state. Kessel also met with Republic of Korea Consulate General officials to discuss mutual investment opportunities, highlighting existing Korean investments like Doosan in Bobcat. These discussions pave the way for an investment mission to Korea led by Governor Burgum in October 2024.
 Commerce is hosting a Main Street Initiative visit in Casselton, June 6! Join representatives from the Main Street Initiative team for a roundtable discussion at the Cass County Community Center from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. This is a great opportunity to connect with community leaders and residents, discuss the unique needs of Casselton, and share ideas for creating a healthy and vibrant community.
 Hear from communities awarded the Statewide Public Space Initiative (SPSI) Placemaking Planning Grant. They'll share their project outcomes, implementation plans, and next steps.
This is a great opportunity to:
- Learn about successful public space initiatives in North Dakota.
- Gain insights into the placemaking planning process.
- Discover new ideas for your own community.
Don't miss out! This webinar is FREE and open to the public.
North Dakota's Office of Legal Immigration (OLI) published a study with recommendations to address the state's workforce shortage. The study suggests attracting more immigrants to fill job openings. A pilot grant program will provide funding to improve job opportunities, community connections, and support for businesses and communities welcoming new immigrants. This initiative aims to integrate immigrants into the workforce and boost the state's economy.
North Dakota's Office of Legal Immigration's (OLI) Global Talent Coordinator Paige Kuntz brought her expertise to the 2024 Global Business Connections Conference in Fargo last week! The panel discussion focused on how our programs help North Dakota businesses tackle workforce challenges. Attendees were buzzing with questions about streamlining the process for integrating global talent into the state's workforce and economy, ultimately boosting North Dakota's business landscape.
Commerce Talent Attraction Specialist Sara Michael joined a panel at Rugby’s Town Hall event during the filming of the docuseries “My Town”, a docuseries hosted by Cory Hepola, focused on breaking down popular misconceptions and negative stereotypes of the rural living lifestyle. Rugby was selected as one of seven communities to be highlighted in the first season of the show. The Town Hall event included a keynote address by the host and a panel focused on "Finding the Good Life in North Dakota". Michael spoke on the Find the Good Life effort and the work it is doing to attract workers to our state as well as the desire to retain talent in communities like Rugby.
Commerce's Lead Development Manager Tracey Miller and Energy and Economic Office Manager Tom Oakland took innovation on the road recently, visiting schools in Wahpeton and Williston for Marketplace for Kids. This unique program isn't your typical career day. Marketplace for Kids provides a unique, one-of-a-kind experience where students explore careers, technology, and the future through hands-on activities that are rooted in entrepreneurship and innovation. The students were highly engaged and having a blast!
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