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 North Dakota Hosts First Governor’s Workforce Summit
More than 100 workforce leaders from across the state gathered in Bismarck on October 2 for the inaugural Governor’s Workforce Summit, hosted by Gov. Kelly Armstrong and the Department of Commerce.
The event marked a major step in aligning North Dakota’s 80+ workforce programs under a unified strategy. Gov. Armstrong emphasized the need for collaboration and innovation to build a skilled, adaptable workforce that meets the needs of both employers and job seekers.
Highlights included a panel led by Commerce Deputy Commissioner and Workforce Development Director Katie Ralston Howe, roundtable discussions on future-ready skills and in-demand occupations, and a keynote on national workforce trends by Glenn Davidson of Marymount University.
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 EDND Fall Conference Spotlights Collaboration in Minot
The Economic Development Association of North Dakota hosted its Fall Conference October 7–9 in Minot, bringing together leaders from across the state to explore the theme “Stronger Partnerships, Greater Possibilities.”
Held at Minot State University and The Regency, the event featured sessions on workforce, infrastructure, and innovation. Presentations from Commerce team members highlighted the importance of partner collaboration in driving statewide economic growth.
Attendees also toured local sites like the Minot Intermodal Facility and enjoyed networking events downtown. Keynote speaker Dell Gines of the International Economic Development Council shared insights on AI’s role in economic development.
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 Tourism Professionals Gathered in Jamestown for Marketing Summit
More than 100 travel and tourism professionals from across North Dakota attended the 2025 Travel Industry Marketing Summit on Oct. 7 in Jamestown. Hosted by North Dakota Tourism, the event featured data-driven insights, peer presentations and a preview of the 2026 media and co-op plans.
Keynote speaker Fidel Mitchell of Tourism Economics introduced a new interactive data hub and shared strategies for using analytics to improve marketing effectiveness. Afternoon sessions included rapid-fire presentations on AI, influencer marketing and upcoming tourism opportunities.
The 2026 cooperative advertising opportunities are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with matching funds offered for most options. Access the full plan and other tourism industry resources at: https://www.commerce.nd.gov/tourism-marketing/industry-toolkit.
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 'Rural on the Rise' Event Focuses on Rural Innovation and Collaboration
More than 60 people from across the region gathered for Rural on the Rise, an annual event hosted by the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives and the Broadband Association of North Dakota. The event focused on the future of rural living, with sessions on housing, workforce recruitment and access to state resources.
Keynote speaker Ben Winchester shared insights on the vitality of rural communities. Attendees also participated in ignite talks and discussions that highlighted real-world solutions and community-driven strategies.
Commerce Community Services Director Maria Effertz presented on rural insurance and financial planning, offering practical tools to support long-term stability for rural families and communities.
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 Advancing Bioscience in North Dakota
Leaders from across the region gathered for a two-day event focused on growing North Dakota’s bioscience ecosystem through innovation, collaboration and investment.
Commerce Economic Development and Finance Deputy Director and Head of Investments Shayden Akason presented on how Commerce can support bioscience ventures, highlighting tools available to help startups and innovators grow in the state.
Day 1 featured discussions on workforce development, medical device innovation and CRISPR breakthroughs, including the story of Baby KJ, the world’s first personalized CRISPR therapy. Day 2 focused on health care integration, cell-based therapeutics and clinical trial innovation, with panels on tech transfer, agricultural biotech and early-stage partnerships. The event concluded with a tour of Corvent Medical and a strong sense of momentum for bioscience in the state.
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Also Happening at Commerce |
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North Dakota Awards $15 Million in Destination Development Grants to Boost Tourism and Community Growth
Commerce has awarded $15 million in 2025 Destination Development Grants to 23 projects across the state, fueling tourism growth and community revitalization. With 106 applications from 50 communities, this year’s grant cycle showcased bold ideas and local pride, resulting in $153.2 million in proposed investments. From immersive agritourism and cultural centers to outdoor recreation and culinary destinations, the selected projects aim to attract new visitors, extend stays, and enhance quality of life for residents.
For more information on the grant applicants and recipients, visit https://ndgov.link/DestinationDevelopment.
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State Leaders Visit MHA Nation to Strengthen Partnerships
Gov. Kelly Armstrong, Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden and state agency leaders, including Commerce team members, met with leaders from the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation in New Town to discuss shared priorities and strengthen state-tribal relations.
The visit included a tour of the new NG2 Greenhouse and meetings on economic development, public safety and recovery services. MHA Chairman Mark Fox highlighted the tribe’s infrastructure and energy investments, while Strinden emphasized collaboration in education, workforce and health care.
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Trade Office, Commerce Represent North Dakota at Carbon Capture Canada
The North Dakota Trade Office and Commerce recently participated in Carbon Capture Canada in Edmonton. Representing Commerce was Energy and Economic Coordination Office Manager Tom Oakland.
The delegation joined energy leaders from across the U.S. and Canada to exchange ideas and reinforce a shared vision for energy innovation. The visit, organized through the Consulate General of Canada, included site tours and presentations with Alberta partners.
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Nordic Markets Show Optimism for U.S. Travel in 2026
Commerce Global Marketing Manager Fred Walker is in London at Brand USA Travel Week, following meetings in Norway, Finland and Sweden training tour operators, agents and media. The team met with 83 in Norway, 51 in Finland and 77 in Sweden.
While 2025 was expected to be slow, optimism is high for 2026 thanks to major U.S. events like the FIFA World Cup, Route 66 Centennial and America 250. With more airline lift, travel may be cheaper and benefit North Dakota as visitors seek less crowded destinations.
The mission will wrap with 51 appointments at Travel Week in London.
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Grant Opportunity |
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Regional Workforce Impact Program (RWIP)🧭
Deadline: Dec. 9, 2025
Empowers regional workforce entities to develop and implement locally led solutions to workforce challenges.
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Tracks:
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Track A: Sector strategy planning
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Track B: Implementation of sector strategies developed within the past five years
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Eligibility: Economic development orgs, cities, chambers of commerce, job development authorities, tribal entities, and regional councils
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Requirements:
- Must include at least one industry partner
- Must demonstrate a 25% match commitment
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Upcoming Events |
Medora will be the destination for the 2026 International Roundup - April 28 - May 1, 2026. This premier tradeshow is hosted by the tourism offices of Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. In just two days, nearly 80 regional suppliers and 40+ buyers from 10+ countries will connect through pre-scheduled appointments, generating an estimated $112 million in future travel revenue. It’s your chance to build global partnerships without leaving the Great American West!
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Power in Partnerships |
Valley City Mural Brings Color, Connection to Downtown
Across North Dakota, businesses and communities are proving that innovation, collaboration, and hard work can create lasting impact. Here's one powerful example of what happens when vision meets support:
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In 2024, Valley City leaders set out to energize their downtown and foster community pride through public art. With support from the North Dakota Main Street Initiative’s Vibrancy Grant, the Valley City-Barnes County Development Corporation launched a collaborative mural project that invited residents of all ages to help paint a large-scale, paint-by-number design.
The mural, which features wheat, a cowboy hat and books to reflect the city’s identity, was painted during the Summer Vikes on Central event. More than 700 participants, including students, families and local artists, joined in.
“This is a very proud moment,” said Macy Schlaht, marketing coordinator for Valley City Tourism and Valley City Parks and Recreation. “We had this idea, and we got to bring it to life.”
The project was led locally by Trinity Nelson and supported by North Dakota Commerce program administrator Anya Hondel. Grant funds were also used to complete a second mural nearby, continuing the momentum of creative placemaking in the community.
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In The News |
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Did You Know
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Since the start of 2020, North Dakota’s Weatherization Assistance Program has weatherized more than 1,200 homes, helping 623 low-income families with children. These upgrades help families stay warm during our famously harsh winters, lower energy bills, and improve long-term housing stability.
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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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