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To continue developing strong partnerships across the state, Commerce aims to coordinate quarterly staff meetings and familiarization tours throughout the year. On their way to Northeast North Dakota, Team Commerce visited newly expanded destinations and business partners. This included a stop at Cows & Co. near Carrington, a tour of the RSL #3 Missile Site, and a bird’s-eye view of the future Pembina Gorge State Park. They also experienced events at Frost Fire Park, including a tour of the grounds and its expanded cabins. The Red River Regional Council and other economic development partners presented updates on new developments, strategies for attracting top talent to the region, and potential collaborations with Commerce staff and programs to foster regional growth and development.
The Commerce team also worked on the 2025-27 strategic plan to conclude the meeting in Langdon.
Follow Commerce's progress as it implements new legislation and collaborates with partners to attract, retain, and enhance wealth and talent in North Dakota.
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Representatives from Commerce, alongside partners from the North Dakota Trade Office and Fargo-Moorhead EDC, actively engaged with potential investors and businesses at the recent SelectUSA Investment Summit, the nation's premier event for facilitating business investment.
This high-profile summit convenes over 5,000 attendees, including EDOs, more than 2,500 investors from over 90 global markets, and industry leaders offering key insights on entering the U.S. market.
During the summit, the North Dakota team showcased the state's business advantages and growth opportunities. Notably, they met with Ukrainian tech companies to discuss North Dakota's unique living and working benefits, as well as several key companies actively working on expansions in North Dakota, showcased materials and sites shared by local EDOs, and participated in the State Economic Development Executives Network meeting.
Adding a historical perspective, Theodore Roosevelt reprisor Joe Weigand highlighted how North Dakota's past and future can inspire those looking to invest in the state.
Commerce's participation in the SelectUSA Investment Summit underscores their commitment to economic growth and attracting new investments.
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Commerce has awarded $50,614 to Delight & Co. through Round 6 of the Regional Workforce Impact Program (RWIP)! This exciting investment will help remodel their current facility and expand access to childcare growing from a 30-child group license to a center that can serve up to 300 kids.
“This project represents a meaningful step toward strengthening North Dakota’s workforce,” said Workforce Director Katie Ralston Howe. “By expanding access to childcare, we’re removing a major barrier for working families.”
More access to quality childcare means stronger communities, more opportunity for parents, and a boost to our local economy.
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Commerce Marketing and Tourism Director Sara Otte Coleman and Global Marketing Manager Fred Walker participated in the 29th Annual International Roundup (IRU) in Rapid City, SD, in partnership with the Great American West (GAW). The event brought together 47 international and domestic tour companies, who met with 111 regional suppliers from the four-state area. Over three days, participants engaged in a total of 86 meetings, with the goal of generating approximately $110 million in future travel revenue.
This business-to-business (B2B) event provides a cost-effective platform for suppliers to connect with buyers seeking to expand their regional travel product offerings, fostering the development of valuable global market relationships.
Following the main event, a post-familiarization (FAM) trip hosted four tour operators and a new UK representative, showcasing several North Dakota destinations. The itinerary included the communities of Bowman, Medora, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Tobacco Gardens, the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Minot, Bismarck-Mandan, Jamestown, Fargo-Moorhead, West Fargo, and the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation.
Mark your calendars for IRU 2026, which will be held in Medora, ND, from April 27 to May 1. Stay tuned for further details regarding registration and sponsorship opportunities.
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 📣 Upcoming Webinar: Rural Food Sustainability Grant Program Reopens
Whether you're a local government, nonprofit, food co-op, or rural grocer, this is your chance to learn how to access funding that supports grocery services and food access in rural communities.
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In The News |
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Did You Know
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Each year, IEDC celebrates Economic Development Week to recognize the people, programs, and ideas that help communities thrive. #EconDevWeek has quickly become one of the most recognized events in the field, highlighting the often-unsung work of economic developers through media coverage and thousands of social media impressions.
It’s a perfect time to celebrate that North Dakota was recently ranked the #2 best state to start a business in 2024, thanks to our strong business climate, low startup costs, and robust support systems. That’s economic development in action.
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Partner Grant Opportunities |
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Careers at Commerce
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Ready to Be Legendary? Discover fulfilling career opportunities at Commerce and help shape North Dakota's future.
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