Commerce News | Sep 4
The 2024 Main Street ND Summit, held in Watford City, was a resounding success, drawing over 550 attendees from across North Dakota and beyond. The event featured a variety of activities, including inspiring keynote addresses, workshops, networking opportunities, and a vibrant street fair. Attendees had the chance to participate in events such as the Sunrise 5K, a farmer's market, a golf scramble, guided tours, and arts and culture workshops. The summit also showcased the work of local artists and artisans, fostering a sense of community and creativity.
North Dakota is taking a big step forward with its drone network, Vantis. They've approved creating a state-owned company to manage Vantis commercially. This will allow them to partner with businesses and generate revenue from the network. Vantis is a nationwide leader in drone technology, allowing for flights beyond the pilot's line of sight, opening doors for new applications. This move solidifies North Dakota's position at the forefront of drone technology and the future of autonomous systems.
Commerce Commissioner Josh Teigen traveled to Calgary for the Canadian Energy Executive Association annual meeting and Energy Business Forum. Over 430 oil and gas CEOs from across Canada were in attendance along with multiple provincial Premiers, tribal Chairman, and the former Prime Minister. Topics included policy opportunities and challenges both in Canada and the US, and strategic discussion around how fossil fuels remain a critical component to global prosperity and national security.
North Dakota’s Talent attraction effort, Find the Good Life, has seen an increase in interest over the summer months, seeing the highest rate of leads ever, since the program launched in June 2022. This increase in leads means we have seen an increase in requests to be connected to community champions as well as an increase in leads eligible for the candidate marketplace. With over 2,100 individuals now in the candidate marketplace, this remains the best tool for employers to leverage the Find the Good Life pipeline. Employers can directly access these leads and filter by their hiring needs to identify candidates that may be a good fit for their open roles. To gain access to support your organization, please go to: Find the Good Life | Candidate Marketplace Employer Request and fill out your information for approval.
If you have any questions regarding the marketplace, please contact Sara Michael at michaelsara@nd.gov.
North Dakota communities have a chance to address their workforce challenges with grant funding available through the Regional Workforce Impact Program (RWIP). The application period is now open, and applications are due by October 29. This program is designed to support innovative solutions that directly address a region's most pressing workforce needs, ultimately boosting economic stability. Regional collaboration is encouraged to maximize resources and create sustainable solutions. Commerce is committed to fostering economic opportunities across the state through this program.
The North Dakota Economic Development Foundation (NDEDF), a private-sector advisory group, recently convened to discuss strategic initiatives and priorities aimed at boosting the state's competitiveness and economic growth. Created by the same 2001 legislation that formed the Department of Commerce, the NDEDF serves as a resource, advising the Governor and Commerce Department on economic development key strategies.
Interested in learning more about the NDEF and its dedicated members? Visit https://www.commerce.nd.gov/contact-us.
The 2025 Travel Guides and Hunting & Fishing Guides are in production! Be sure to update online listings ASAP – attractions and contact information on https://www.ndtourism.com/ is what powers information in the guides. Interested in advertising? Information and ad rates are available on our website! Or contact Duane Crabbe, advertising manager, (dcrabbe@ndarec.com).
North Dakota healthcare providers struggling with a nursing shortage can learn how to recruit qualified nurses from Australia at a free webinar on Friday, September 27. The Office of Legal Immigration will explain the E3 visa process for Australian Registered Nurses (RNs), outlining the recruitment process and legalities. This is a great opportunity for healthcare providers and, ideally, Nursing Board members to gain valuable insights.
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