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North Dakota's workforce is constantly evolving, making it more important than ever for employers, educators, community leaders and workforce partners to stay informed on emerging trends, challenges and solutions. Through strategic partnerships, innovative programs and statewide collaboration, Commerce's Workforce Division helps connect organizations with the resources and ideas they need to strengthen North Dakota's workforce and remain competitive in a changing economy.
Those conversations will continue this fall at the Global Talent Summit and the Governor's Workforce Summit, where attendees will explore workforce trends, share best practices and discover innovative strategies to address North Dakota's workforce needs. These events provide valuable opportunities to learn from industry experts, exchange ideas with peers and build partnerships that can help organizations navigate today's workforce challenges and prepare for tomorrow's opportunities. For more information on both summits, see the Upcoming Events section below.
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North Dakota Tourism is working year-round to promote the state, support local communities and strengthen the tourism industry. Through national outreach, strategic partnerships, media engagements and collaborations across North Dakota, the team is helping inspire future visitors and showcase everything the state has to offer.
Curious what the Tourism team has been up to? North Dakota Tourism - Out & About offers a behind-the-scenes look at recent Tourism efforts across North Dakota, including stories from the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, outreach at the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., the International Peace Powwow, World War II Heritage City celebrations and more. Take a look to see how Tourism is collaborating with partners to showcase North Dakota and inspire future visitors.
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North Dakota is helping lead the national conversation on rural prosperity. Community Development Coordinator Anya Hondel recently participated in the inaugural Advisory Council meeting for the International Economic Development Council's (IEDC) Rural Prosperity Initiative, where rural development leaders from across the country are working together to strengthen economic opportunity in rural communities.
As a member of the Advisory Council, Hondel will help guide the development of a national playbook for establishing state offices of rural prosperity, contribute to a national strategic plan and support planning for a convening of state leaders at the 2026 IEDC Annual Conference. The initiative, supported by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, aims to build a national network that helps states share best practices, collaborate on innovative solutions and strengthen rural economies.
North Dakota's participation reflects Commerce's ongoing commitment to supporting vibrant, resilient communities while positioning the state as a national leader in rural economic development.
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Guillermo Fregoso, associate business development manager with the North Dakota Department of Commerce, has been selected as a 2026 recipient of the Michael P. Hickey Foundation Scholarship through the Mid-America Economic Development Council. Named in honor of economic development leader Michael P. Hickey, the scholarship supports emerging professionals by providing opportunities for conference participation, mentorship and continued professional development.
Fregoso was one of just five recipients selected from across the Mid-America region. The scholarship recognizes individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to the economic development profession and supports the next generation of leaders working to strengthen communities and grow regional economies.
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North Dakota Department of Commerce, in partnership with Stark Development Corporation, recently conducted Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) visits with primary-sector employers in Dickinson. These visits provide an opportunity to meet directly with business leaders, discuss current challenges and future growth plans, and identify programs and resources that can help businesses expand and succeed in North Dakota.
One stop included Baker Boy, a Dickinson-based manufacturer that has been producing premium bakery products since 1955. The company's continued growth and investment underscore the importance of supporting North Dakota's existing businesses as key drivers of the state's economy.
The North Dakota Department of Commerce has been awarded a $761,780 State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula Round 4 (SAEF4) Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to expand registered apprenticeship and youth apprenticeship opportunities statewide.
Over the next three years, the funding will help support approximately 150 new apprentices across North Dakota while strengthening workforce partnerships, increasing employer engagement and expanding career pathways in high-demand industries.
 
Commerce team members Rich Garman, Joleen Leier and Tracey Miller joined local and regional partners in Hatton on July 21 to celebrate the ribbon cuttings of Jimbonitas/Jimmy's Pizza and Due North GF Bakery & Goods.
The events recognized the continued growth of two North Dakota food manufacturers and highlighted the partnerships that support business expansion, job creation and economic growth in rural communities.
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The International Economic Development Council's (IEDC) State of the Field Survey is open through July 30. The survey gathers input from economic development professionals to identify industry trends, benchmark current practices and provide insights that help shape the future of the profession.
Economic developers are encouraged to participate and share the survey with their networks.
Community leaders, economic developers, educators, entrepreneurs and engaged citizens are invited to attend ND NEXT: The Future Grows Here, a statewide event focused on shaping the future of North Dakota's communities.
Through interactive sessions and collaborative discussions, attendees will explore innovative ideas, share best practices and build connections that support long-term community growth and resilience.
Commerce Manufacturing Business Development Manager Dave Leman and Associate Venture and Credit Analyst Samantha Hutchinson participated in the ribbon-cutting for GoodBulb on July 20, 2026.
The event celebrated GoodBulb's new production facility at 4211 12 Ave N in Fargo. As the only U.S. factory manufacturing A19 LED bulbs, the plant marks a major milestone by bringing light bulb production back to the United States after major players moved overseas.
The company officially launched its first American-made LEDs on July 4, 2026. This facility strengthens domestic supply chains and drives local industrial growth.
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Now Accepting Applications
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.
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 Global Talent Summit
September 3, 2026 | Bismarck, ND
Bismarck State College | NECE Building
At the Global Talent Summit, attendees will hear from national and international experts on today's evolving U.S. immigration landscape and what it means for employers seeking workforce solutions. Sessions will also explore strategies for recruiting entry-level and skilled trade workers, attracting advanced degree holders and strengthening employee integration and retention.
In addition, attendees can sign up for complimentary one-on-one legal consultations with nationally recognized immigration attorney Jonathan Grode, offering personalized guidance on their organization's workforce and immigration questions (limited spaces available).
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 Governor's Workforce Summit
September 23, 2026 | Bismarck, ND
Join policymakers, employers, educators and community leaders at the 2026 Governor's Workforce Summit to explore the future of North Dakota's workforce. Attendees will hear Gov. Kelly Armstrong's vision for a modernized workforce system, learn the Workforce Development Council's statewide recommendations and gain insights on AI, emerging technologies and the future skills shaping North Dakota's economy. Registration opens Monday, July 27, 2026.
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TBEX Summit America 2026
Sept. 29–Oct. 2 | Fargo
North Dakota will welcome travel creators, destination marketing organizations and tourism professionals from around the world as Fargo hosts TBEX Summit America 2026. The conference offers an opportunity to showcase the state's unique experiences, build industry partnerships and generate valuable media exposure that inspires future travel to North Dakota.
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October 15, 2026 | Medora, ND
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North Dakota's workforce ecosystem brings together employers, educators, workforce partners, community organizations and state agencies to build the skilled workforce that fuels our economy. By aligning education, training and employment opportunities, Commerce's Workforce Division helps individuals prepare for in-demand careers while supporting businesses in finding and developing the talent they need. From apprenticeship and work-based learning to talent attraction, grants and employer resources, these collaborative efforts strengthen North Dakota's workforce today while preparing for the needs of tomorrow.
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DEADLINE TO APPLY: July 28, 2026
We are seeking an experienced full-time Account Budget Specialist IV to support the Department of Commerce's accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, and fiscal management functions. This position plays a key role in administering state and federal grant funding, ensuring financial compliance, supervising fiscal staff, and supporting the agency's overall financial operations.Â
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