Commerce News | Sep 19
Are you a North Dakota business with a groundbreaking idea? The Legacy Investment for Technology (LIFT) program is back, offering up to $1 million in funding to help bring your innovative projects to life. Eligible industries include advanced computing and data management, agriculture technology, autonomous and unmanned vehicles, energy, healthcare, value-added agriculture, value-added energy, and any area identified by the LIFT committee as contributing to the state's economic diversification. Don't miss this chance to be part of North Dakota's thriving tech scene. Applications close October 18, 2024.
Commerce Tourism and Marketing is inviting all travel and tourism businesses and organizations to attend the 2024 Travel Industry Marketing Summit on October 9, 2024, at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum.
The FREE event will feature presentations on the 2025 Media Plan, research, cooperative programs, a networking lunch and more.
Highlights include:
- Building a Statewide Industry Partnership
- Increasing Length of Stay
- 2025 Media Plan and Co-op Plan
Commerce Commissioner Josh Teigen was a featured speaker at the North Dakota Petroleum Council's Annual Meeting in Watford City this week. The event, which attracted over 400 industry professionals, focused on the latest trends in oil and gas development in the Bakken region. Teigen participated in a panel discussion titled "Adding Value to Bakken Gas," alongside Nico Duursema, President and CEO of Cerilon.
The Bismarck-Mandan Convention & Visitors Bureau (BMCVB) Partner Grant Application is now open for meetings and events happening between January 1 and June 30, 2025. The deadline to apply is November 15, 2024. Funds will be distributed after January 6, 2025. Eligible events must be multi-day, attract out-of-town attendees, and provide overnight stays in the community. Grants can be used for marketing, hospitality, or operations. Complete the application and submit a W-9 form to be considered and include "2025 Partner Grant Application First Round" in the subject line when emailing.
Commerce Deputy Commissioner Shawn Kessel recently attended the Midwest Japan Conference in Columbus, OH, where they discussed Japan's significant foreign direct investment (FDI) in the United States. With over $800 billion invested and supporting over 1 million American jobs, Japan has been the top investor in the country for the past five years. This substantial FDI is a key driver of economic growth, and for North Dakota it opens the door to increased investment opportunities, job creation, and stronger economic ties with Japan, helping to diversify and strengthen our state’s economy.
The North Dakota Department of Commerce is excited to announce a significant milestone in the state's renewable energy sector. Gevo, Inc., a leading developer of net-zero hydrocarbon fuels, has acquired Red Trail Energy's ethanol production plant and carbon capture and sequestration assets in North Dakota. This move supports Gevo's Sustainable Aviation fuel (SAF) production strategy and strengthens North Dakota’s leadership in renewable energy. The integration of Red Trail's facility into Gevo's Net-Zero 1 project promises economic and environmental benefits for the state.
Commerce Tourism and Marketing Director Sara Otte Coleman addressed the Ports-to-Plains Annual Meeting in Dickinson, highlighting the importance of the Theodore Roosevelt Expressway (Hwy 85) in supporting the growth of tourism in western North Dakota. She highlighted visitor data from the counties along the route and discussed future potential with the expansion of attractions like the TR Presidential Library and Dickinson Museum Center as well as the TR Triangle cooperative. Coleman's presentation underscored the importance of safe and efficient roads and highways to assure the region's economic growth.
Commerce is excited to announce that four new attractions are set to open in downtown Minot in 2025. These exciting projects, made possible through collaboration with partners, citizens, and the Destination Development Grant, include:
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Citizens Alley: A pedestrian plaza featuring a fountain, splash pad, and art installations.
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No. 18: A marketplace with a farm-to-table eatery and entertainment.
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Atypical Bier Hall & Igloos: An all-season event space with geodesic igloos and a heated pergola.
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Aurora Nights at Prairie Sky Breads: Cultural culinary experiences inspired by the Aurora Borealis.
These new additions will enhance Minot's downtown experience and attract visitors year-round.
Commerce was proud to sponsor the 2024 Bioscience Summit, hosted by the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation on September 17-18 at the Avalon Events Center in Fargo. The event brought together leaders and innovators from the bioscience industry to explore cutting-edge research, business growth, and opportunities in North Dakota’s thriving bioscience sector.
In conjunction with the Bioscience Summit, the Economic Development & Finance (ED&F) Division held its quarterly meeting. The ED&F team hosts these meetings across the state, arranging learning opportunities through local tours and engagements.
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