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The Commerce team recently spent the day in western North Dakota to strengthen relationships and gain insight into key industries and destinations in the region.
In Richardton, the team met with GEVO experts to learn more about the company’s work in renewable fuels and how the facility supports innovation and economic activity in the region.
In Medora, they received updates from local leaders on tourism initiatives and ongoing community development. A visit to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library site provided a look at the cultural and economic opportunities the project will bring.
The day ended at the Southwest Area CTE Center in Dickinson, where staff learned how hands-on training programs are preparing students for high-demand careers across the state.
These visits helped strengthen partnerships and ensure the Commerce team remains connected to the people and industries shaping progress throughout North Dakota.
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The 2026 North Dakota Travel Industry Conference brought together nearly 250 tourism professionals, community leaders and industry partners from across the state to collaborate, share insights and build momentum for North Dakota’s growing visitor economy. Hosted in Grand Forks, the multi-day event featured sessions on marketing innovation, destination development and enhancing the visitor experience, all aimed at strengthening tourism at both the local and statewide level.
Attendees had the opportunity to connect, exchange ideas and explore new strategies to attract visitors and support long-term growth, reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing tourism across North Dakota. The conference also celebrated industry excellence with the presentation of the Governor’s Awards for Travel and Tourism, recognizing individuals and organizations that work above and beyond to elevate North Dakota’s tourism industry.
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North Dakota is playing a key role in a new national effort led by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) to advance rural prosperity across the country. The initiative focuses on supporting the development of state-level “rural prosperity offices” and strengthening collaboration, research and resources to help rural communities grow and compete. North Dakota leaders are actively involved in early planning efforts, including representation on the advisory committee, positioning the state among a select group helping shape the direction of this work. The involvement highlights North Dakota’s continued leadership and commitment to innovative rural development strategies that support long-term economic growth.
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North Dakota’s recent Governor’s Cup recognition highlights more than statewide growth, it reflects meaningful wins happening in communities across the state. From new and expanded corporate projects to continued investment in infrastructure, local economies are seeing real momentum in both rural and urban areas. The state’s per-capita win, driven by 145 qualifying projects, underscores how communities of all sizes are contributing to North Dakota’s economic success and attracting new opportunities. Ongoing collaboration between local leaders, industry and state partners continues to position North Dakota communities for long-term growth and prosperity.
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Commerce continues to accept applications for the Regional Workforce Impact Program (RWIP), with funding available through June 30, 2026. The grant program supports innovative, locally led solutions that address workforce challenges across North Dakota, helping communities attract talent, strengthen partnerships and connect jobseekers to opportunities. By empowering regional approaches, RWIP is designed to create long-term, sustainable impacts for businesses and communities statewide. Eligible organizations are encouraged to apply before the deadline to help shape workforce solutions in their region.
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The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library was recently featured on Good Morning America, showcasing its unique design and connection to North Dakota’s Badlands. The coverage included more than 8 minutes of total airtime across two segments, making the North Dakota features some of the longest in-state pieces aired by the program. With an estimated media value of $2,346,428, the national spotlight highlights the library’s potential to attract visitors and celebrate Theodore Roosevelt’s legacy in a distinctive way.
The Greater North Dakota Chamber is now accepting nominations for its annual Faces of Manufacturing program, which recognizes individuals who play a vital role in North Dakota’s manufacturing industry. From frontline workers to innovators and leaders, the program highlights the people behind one of the state’s key economic drivers.
As a proud sponsor, Commerce encourages businesses and communities to submit nominations and help showcase the talent powering manufacturing across the state.
Deadline for nominations is May 31, 2026.
The Economic Development Association of North Dakota has extended the deadline for SparkED 2026 scholarships, giving first-time attendees additional time to apply.
The training provides hands-on learning and valuable insight for professionals involved in economic and community development.
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Commerce's Group Travel Marketing Manager Deanne Cunningham along with Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and Medora team members recently connected with tour operators at the Midwest Marketplace in La Crosse, WI highlighting North Dakota’s growing appeal as a group travel destination.
Conversations focused on future travel experiences and opportunities to bring more visitors to the state. Strong interest and full schedules signal continued momentum for North Dakota tourism.
Anya Hondel, a member of Rural Leadership North Dakota Class XI and community development coordinator with the North Dakota Department of Commerce, recently traveled to Washington, D.C., with the program to gain insight into how federal policy shapes rural communities.
During the visit, she met with congressional offices, committee staff and agricultural organizations to share perspectives on community development and the evolving needs of North Dakota’s agriculture sector. Conversations emphasized the importance of rural infrastructure, workforce development and long-term sustainability.
The experience provided valuable context to help inform her work and support ongoing efforts to strengthen communities across the state.
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Applications now open
The Fly-In Grant Program provides up to $25,000 in matching funds for communities to host fly‑in events that connect job seekers with employers and showcase local quality of life. The program will help strengthen statewide workforce efforts by helping communities build meaningful connections with prospective workers and by giving candidates a firsthand look at the opportunities North Dakota offers.
Deadline: May 31, 2026
Innovate ND is now accepting applications from North Dakota entrepreneurs with scalable, high-growth business ideas. The program offers hands-on coaching through regional entrepreneur centers, along with up to $50,000 in reimbursable grant funding to help participants refine and validate their business concepts.
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April 28, 2026 | 1 P.M. - 2 P.M.
The Community Services Virtual Office Hours, originally scheduled for April 14, 2026, has been rescheduled for April 28, 2026.
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May 5-7, 2026 | Bismarck, ND
EDND’s SparkED Training provides practical, hands-on learning in core economic development skills, with a focus on rural communities. It’s designed for new and experienced professionals, public officials and community leaders looking to build capacity and support local growth.
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May 11 - 14, 2026 | Detroit, MI
XPONENTIAL is a yearly gathering of global leaders and end users in the uncrewed systems and robotics industry. North Dakota will be represented in the "North Dakota Row" - a grouping of ND based exhibitors on the Xponential expo floor, showcasing the state’s strong ecosystem, leadership in uncrewed systems, defense innovation and advanced manufacturing.
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May 17 - 21, 2026 | Fort Lauderdale, FL
IPW is the leading marketplace for international travel to the U.S., connecting global buyers, media and U.S. suppliers through scheduled appointments and networking to drive real inbound travel business. North Dakota tourism team members and partners will be promoting the state at this year's event.
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North Dakota is emerging as a prime destination for large-scale, next-generation development, driven by reliable energy, a stable cost environment and strong community support. Commerce plays a central role in connecting businesses with the resources and partnerships needed to grow in the state. One example is Applied Digital, a high-performance computing and data infrastructure company that selected North Dakota for its scalable, cost-competitive energy and long-term growth potential.
Working alongside Commerce, local leaders and utility providers, the company has helped demonstrate how collaborative planning can support infrastructure needs while addressing community priorities. Projects like this not only strengthen digital infrastructure and attract future-focused industries, but also generate stable tax revenue and long-term economic benefits for communities across the state.
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Tourism plays a vital role in North Dakota’s economy, supporting local businesses, strengthening communities and bringing new energy to destinations across the state. In 2024, North Dakota welcomed 26.3 million visitors who generated $3.4 billion in direct spending. In 2025, visitors contributed more than $310 million in local and state taxes, resulting in an estimated $935 in household tax savings for North Dakotans.
Tourism is also North Dakota’s third-largest industry, which reinforces its importance as we approach National Travel and Tourism Week. It is a timely reminder of the positive impact visitors have on the state’s economy and quality of life.
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