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 Commerce to host webinars on Site Selection Tools
Commerce will host two webinars to highlight LOIS, Lasso and REsimplifi services for economic development organizations. The sessions will cover tools that market available sites, streamline property data collection and integrate workforce analytics to support site selection.
Webinar dates:
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Feb. 9, 11 a.m.–noon CST - link
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March 5, 1:30–2:30 p.m. CST - link
Register via the provided links to receive meeting details.
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 Apply now for Energy Efficiency Funding
The North Dakota Department of Commerce is offering several programs to help communities, schools, local governments and businesses improve energy efficiency and sustainability.
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State Energy Program (SEP): Grants of $7,500–$75,000 for audits and upgrades. Deadline: March 1, 2026. https://ndgov.link/StateEnergy
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Energy Efficiency Community Block Grant (EECBG): Supports retrofits, streetlight upgrades and EV charging stations. Funds available until expended. https://ndgov.link/EECBG
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Energy Conservation Grant (ECG): Covers up to 50% of LED lighting projects, capped at $100,000. Year-round applications. https://ndgov.link/ECG
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Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund (EERLF): Low-interest loans for energy-saving building improvements. https://lakeagassiz.com
These programs help reduce energy costs and build a sustainable future.
Learn more at Energy Efficiency Programs.
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New travel resources for 2026 adventures
North Dakota Tourism has unveiled its 2026 Travel Guide featuring the International Peace Garden on the cover, a symbol of friendship and hospitality. The guide includes 116 pages of itineraries and details for more than 250 communities, with 200,000 copies distributed statewide. The Hunting and Fishing Guide is also available, offering season details and outfitter listings.
We invite you to start planning your 2026 adventures and explore all that North Dakota has to offer.
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 New year, new priorities: why North Dakota is on the radar in 2026
As 2026 begins, more people are prioritizing safety, affordability, and community alongside career goals—and North Dakota is gaining attention. Recent national rankings place the state among the best for families and education, echoing what residents value most: security, strong communities, and shared values.
A North Dakota News Cooperative poll shows 91% of residents take pride in their state, with safety topping the list. More than 80% report life satisfaction, and two-thirds are optimistic about the year ahead.
“People are looking beyond job changes—they want places where families can thrive,” said Katie Ralston Howe, Department of Commerce Workforce Director. Steady employment and long-term growth add to the appeal, while newcomers cite a welcoming community and quality of life as reasons to stay.
As priorities shift, North Dakota stands out as a destination offering balance, opportunity, and belonging. Click here for the complete story.
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 Drone Replacement Program Solicitation now open
The North Dakota Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has issued an initial solicitation for the Drone Replacement Program, aimed at developing a pre-qualified, NDAA-compliant products list of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) platforms and sensors for state contracts.
Key Details:
- Solicitation Type: Informal RFP
- Issued: Jan. 15, 2026
- Closes: Feb. 17, 2026, at 12:00 PM CST
- Questions Due: Jan. 27, 2026
Vendors can submit responses via email or through the NDBuys system, where evaluations will occur upon submission. This initiative supports the state’s commitment to secure, NDAA compliant drone technology for future operations.
For more information or to view the solicitation, visit NDBuys or contact Procurement Officer Chad Keech at ckeech@nd.gov or 701-328-2767.
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Upcoming Events |
 Join us at the North Dakota Travel Industry Conference!
Connect with tourism professionals, marketers, and community leaders from across North Dakota at this premier event featuring inspiring keynotes, hands-on sessions, and unmatched networking. Whether you’re building tourism infrastructure or promoting ND’s legendary experiences, this is the must-attend event of the year.
Offset your costs: Apply for the ND Travel Industry Conference Registration Grant from the North Dakota Travel Industry Alliance. Grants cover Early Bird registration (or reimburse if already paid) and give priority to entities that haven’t applied in the past three years. Deadline: Friday, Feb. 27, 2026.
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There are four slots remaining for tourism suppliers in market place 2 at IRU 2026, which will be held in Medora, ND, from April 27 to May 1. If you have any questions, contact Global Marketing Manager Fred Walker at fwalker@nd.gov. |
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Power in Partnerships |
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Closing the skills gap: How the Commerce-BSC partnership fuels a new program to build North Dakota's future workforce
A passion for hard work and community led Kristi Weikum to a career as an electrician—a field now critically needed in North Dakota. Electricians rank as the state’s fifth most in-demand occupation, with growth projected at 16%, far outpacing the national average.
To address this shortage, the North Dakota Department of Commerce, through a one-time Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act supplement, funded Bismarck State College (BSC) to launch an Electrician Technician Program. The response was immediate: the program filled in one day and now has a waitlist of over 35 students, with plans for future expansion.
Leading the charge is Kristi herself, now Program Lead at BSC. Her mission? Equip the next generation with skills for diverse opportunities—residential, commercial, industrial, and maintenance—while fast-tracking students into the workforce.
This strategic investment has permanently wired a solution to a statewide challenge, ensuring North Dakota’s energy and infrastructure sectors thrive for years to come.
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In The News |
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Did You Know
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North Dakota’s collaboration with country duo Tigirlily Gold helped power a standout second half of 2025. Posts around their “Call It Home” release were shared more than 400 times and drove over 1 million digital impressions, alongside national accolades for our ad creative.
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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.
Account Budget Specialist
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