Commerce News | Oct 17
This week Commerce Commissioner Josh Teigen and Deputy Commissioner Shawn Kessel joined Governor Burgum and representatives from the North Dakota Trade Office, EERC, and North Dakota industry in the Republic of Korea (ROK), also known as South Korea. The delegation met with leaders of Korean industry and government, including President Yoon Suk Yeol, during a busy itinerary of meetings and presentations. Teigen gave a keynote address on North Dakota’s UAS strength and innovation to the Korea Research Association for Unmanned Vehicle (KRAUV), resulting in a memo of understanding (MOU) between KRAUV and the state of North Dakota to expand UAS research and development opportunities between the two entities. Gov. Burgum also signed a MOU with the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER), launching a partnership in energy innovation focused on hydrogen, carbon capture, and clean energy. The trip will conclude with a tour of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea, a visit with Doosan Bobcat CEO and Vice Chairman Scott Park, and a reception with Korean business leaders.
Over 100 people attended the annual Travel Industry Marketing Summit at the ND Heritage Center, where Governor Burgum highlighted the importance of tourism in North Dakota’s economy. The summit, hosted by Commerce's tourism division, presented the 2025 marketing plan and cooperative opportunities for partners, with Mathias Jung, CEO of Rocky Mountain International, as the keynote speaker. Attendees also reviewed a draft plan for a new umbrella organization to support the state’s travel and tourism industry.
If you would like to learn more about the marketing plan and cooperative opportunities available, reach out to our Marketing and Research Manager Heather LeMoine.
We're excited to share that Commerce Workforce Director Katie Ralston Howe was featured in an interview with Bloomberg TV, highlighting one of the nation's most innovative workforce strategies. In this interview, Howe delves into forward-thinking solutions that are making waves in workforce development. The piece aired this week and will be posted soon on Bloomberg TV's Wall Street Week website.
Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller, the Richardton Development Company (RDC), and Commerce Workforce Director Katie Ralston Howe recently broke ground on Richardton's first child care center, made possible through the North Dakota Regional Workforce Impact Program (RWIP). The center will provide care for up to 38 children, addressing a critical need for families and supporting the local workforce. This project is part of RWIP’s ongoing efforts, which have created over 2,200 child care slots across the state through 51 funded projects. Completion is expected in early 2025.
Daycare provider Karissa Zillich from Little Light Childcare LLC shared her excitement:
As we prepare to break ground today, let us remember that we are igniting a spark that will illuminate the path for countless children. Together we are building a brighter future, one little light at a time.
Goldman Sachs is recruiting small business owners in North Dakota for a free, fully funded program starting in February 2025. Participants receive hands-on education in practical business skills like marketing, employee management, and negotiations. Within six months of graduating, 66% of businesses report increased revenue, and 44% have added new jobs. The program also offers access to highly trained professionals and a national peer network of small business owners.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Rural10ksb@icic.org or Karmen.Sorenson@BismarckState.edu.
Commerce has opened the application portal for the Regional Workforce Impact Program (RWIP), giving communities a unique opportunity to create innovative solutions to their workforce challenges. Applications are due by October 29. RWIP, funded by the 68th North Dakota Legislative Assembly, supports projects that address critical workforce needs and encourages collaboration among regional partners.
At the recent National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) annual meeting, Commerce's Community Services Director Maria Effertz moderated an insightful session on equity, policy, and regulatory considerations for advancing carbon dioxide removal and carbon capture and storage projects. The session featured expert presentations that provided valuable insights into innovative approaches to carbon management.
Join the free webinar on October 23 at 1 p.m., "Retaining International STEM Talent," to explore how to effectively recruit and retain highly skilled international students eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Discover insights from the Economic Innovation Group’s latest research, which highlights how organizations across the U.S. are connecting employers with STEM graduates. While West Coast states lead in retaining international students post-graduation, other regions can catch up by tapping into this talent pool. International students, who make up 70% of graduate students in fields like computer science and electrical engineering, could fill critical talent gaps nationwide.
Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to stay competitive in today’s workforce!
North Dakota's smaller counties and cities are benefiting from $1.6 million in energy efficiency grants from the U.S. Department of Energy. These grants support upgrades to public buildings, including weatherization, energy-efficient systems, and smart technology, along with improvements like LED street lighting and EV charging stations. Priority is given to projects in disadvantaged areas, with funding available for initiatives up to $65,000 that include a 20% match.
For more details, contact Kevin Iverson at (701) 328-5385.
ILT Academy is hosting an Innovation Workshop on Friday, October 25 in Bismarck. This 3-hour workshop is geared towards innovators and entrepreneurs. Whether you have an idea you want to dig into, a business you are passionate about, or a problem you are facing, this is the place for you. They will walk you through a series of exercises to start putting the pieces of the puzzle together. If you want a sneak peek, check out this video.
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