Commerce News | Aug 23
Commerce Commissioner Josh Teigen presented at the fourth annual Midwest Agricultural Export Summit in Sioux Falls, where the event focused on "Capitalizing on our Competitive Advantage" and the region's role in addressing global agricultural challenges. Held at Sanford Health headquarters, the summit featured high-caliber speakers, former USDA officials, and CEOs from key agricultural export councils. Discussions centered on the intersection of food security and national security, with a strong emphasis on the benefits of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) for local producers.
Shane Feldman, acclaimed by the White House, Prime Minister of Canada, and the United Nations, is a leading expert in community leadership and team culture. Featured by Oprah, Forbes, and A&E, Shane's "Leadership Passport" framework and the global COUNT ME IN movement offers transformative strategies for enhancing engagement and retention. Don’t miss the chance to hear from this influential speaker and learn how to foster thriving communities and workplaces. Register now for the Main Street Summit, taking place August 27-29 in Watford City!
The North Dakota Office of Legal Immigration hosted the Global Talent Summit yesterday, a pivotal event aimed at attracting and retaining international talent to drive the state’s economic growth. Key government officials, including Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller and Congressman Kelly Armstrong, emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming environment for foreign workers. The summit featured discussions on visa pathways, recruitment strategies, and workforce development, with insights from experts like Krista Tacey from the Department of Homeland Security and Betsy Fisher from Talent Beyond Boundaries. Local employers also shared their experiences in hiring international talent, providing attendees with practical strategies to enhance their workforce.
Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller, Commerce's Tourism and Marketing Director Sara Otte Coleman and community leaders celebrated the groundbreaking for Woodland Resort's new event facility, "The Shores Event Center", in Devils Lake. Commerce awarded the resort a $1.75 million Destination Development grant to help build a 400-person event center, contributing to the total project cost of $5.7 million. This will allow the resort to host larger group events and trade shows.
"Woodland Resort is a North Dakota landmark with a variety of activities for residents and visitors alike. Outdoor recreation is woven into the cultural fabric of our state, whether it’s hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, horseback riding, skiing or off-roading,” said Lt. Gov. Miller. “The incredible demand for the Destination Development grant has sent a message that North Dakota communities are eager to create attractions that differentiate and help attract and retain residents. We all see the value and return-on-investment that tourism brings as it diversifies the economy.”
Overlooking the picturesque Creel Bay, this event center will be a significant addition to North Dakota’s thriving tourism industry.
Commerce Economic Development & Finance Director Rich Garman and Deputy Director Shayden Akason engaged with influential leaders at the US Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee Hearing at Grand Farm in Casselton. This provided an opportunity to share insights on North Dakota's leadership in agricultural technology and solidify its position as a hub for innovation.
Ensuring access to safe, affordable, and quality housing is vital for North Dakota’s workforce and communities. Gov. Burgum along with Commerce team members recently visited Fargo, Bismarck, Harvey and Williston to address housing challenges with local leaders. The State, through the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency and Commerce, are developing a five-year 'Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development' to guide investments in housing, economic development, and infrastructure. Your feedback is crucial for shaping this plan and addressing our needs. Please complete the anonymous survey by September 30, 2024, and share it with others.
Commerce’s Marketing and Tourism team recently attended ESTO, the leading annual forum for destination marketing professionals. This dynamic and highly regarded conference offered four days packed with relevant and engaging content, providing our team with valuable insights and strategies to elevate North Dakota’s tourism initiatives. In addition to attending sessions, the team had the opportunity to network with industry peers, exchanging ideas and learning from some of the best in the business. The experience reinforced our commitment to promoting North Dakota as a premier destination, armed with fresh knowledge and innovative approaches.
At Developer Day, community leaders, volunteers, and economic development professionals gained insights into North Dakota's 2025 economic outlook. Commerce staff presented on key incentives, resources, and policy priorities. Valuable networking opportunities fostered collaboration. Developer Day was a resounding success, equipping attendees with the tools to navigate North Dakota's future economic development.
North Dakota employers looking to support working parents can now access a new toolkit from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This online resource provides information and programs to help businesses recruit and retain employees by creating a more family-friendly workplace. The toolkit complements the ongoing ND Child Care Initiative, a state effort to improve childcare availability, affordability, and quality.
The Legacy Investment for Technology Loan Fund (LIFT) committee convened in Medora this week for their annual strategic planning session. Industry leaders from 50 South Capital and O'Leary Ventures provided valuable insights. LIFT is a loan fund dedicated to fostering technology innovation in North Dakota by offering financing for intellectual property commercialization.
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