North Dakota Matters! The latest headlines, news and events.
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter
5/22/2013

nd news
North Dakota in the News

Everyone likes attention and North Dakota is no exception! Here’s a few of our favorite stories from the last month. Hit forward and ship this email to your networks to share the positive news!

Google Invests Nearly $39 million for Wind Farms in North Dakota
Google has invested $38.8 million in two wind farms in North Dakota, already built by NextEra Energy Resources, reports the New York Times. It represents a minority interest in a recent $190 million round of financing for the projects. Google said its investment will fund additional energy projects.

Rick Needham, green business operations manager at Google, said in a company blog that the wind farms generate 169.5 megawatts or enough capacity to power more than 55,000 homes.

Google Invests Nearly $39 million for Wind Farms in North Dakota - EnvironmentalLeader.com

Study Says North Dakota Crude Reservoir Vast
An oil reservoir in western North Dakota holds nearly as much recoverable crude as the rich Bakken shale formation above it, a new state study shows.

Study Says North Dakota Crude Reservoir Vast - Chron.com

A State With Plenty of Jobs but Few Places to Live
The New York Times takes a look at North Dakota's abundant jobs and current housing challenges.

A State With Plenty of Jobs but Few Places to Live - New York Times

Socialism Thrives in North Dakota
Newsweek takes notice of the Bank of North Dakota.

Socialism Thrives in North Dakota - Newsweek

Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Plans $350 Million Expansion in North Dakota Oil Patch
An Oklahoma natural gas gathering and processing company plans more than $350 million in upgrades to its operations in North Dakota.

Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Plans $350 Million Expansion in North Dakota Oil Patch - KFSM.com

LM Glasfiber to Change Its Name to LM Wind Power
Windmill blade maker LM Glasfiber wants to emphasize a different aspect of its business, so the Denmark-based company with Arkansas and North Dakota factories is changing its name to LM Wind Power.

LM Glasfiber to Change Its Name to LM Wind Power - BusinessWeek.com

ambthoughts
Thoughts from an Ambassador

It is simply amazing the things North Dakotans will connect over. Some recent discussions on the Ambassador's Facebook Page have included North Dakota comfort foods, great in-state destinations and even connections between old acquaintances. Some of our favorites are when North Dakotan’s sound off about why they love the state.

Here’s a few that warm our heart as they are from a past resident, longtime resident and a newbie to ND. Enjoy and check out or add your own at the Ambassador's Facebook Page.

“I grew up in ND and have been away for 50 years but go back every year and it is still home to me …”

“I'm from Minot, but Medora is a great place to get away to for a few days …”

“We're transplants who have fallen in love with this beautiful state - and that's after our first 7 months being October to now!!!”

Follow the Thoughts from an Ambassador blog.

Why North Dakota Matters

In March, readers were asked to share why "North Dakota really Matters". Stories of appreciation from near and far were shared about North Dakota. Here's two of the stories shared for you to enjoy.

Amy Taborsky, Bismarck, 
ND
Amy Taborsky, Bismarck, ND
I'm a North Dakotan by Amy Taborsky, Bismarck, ND

North Dakota has become my second home. When I moved here from Florida in 2001 I could not have imagined how much I would grow to love this state. My friends and family thought I wouldn't last more than a couple of years, but here I am, heading into my tenth spring and I can't wait!

I'm in the yard every day with the first growth of spring. Flower gardening is my passion and I've been able to nurture a variety of plants that I'd never seen before moving here. I didn't grow up around snow so winter brings an excitement for me that is usually reserved for ten-year-olds - and I'm 48 - from the giant snow hill in the front yard that I sled down, to making photographs of the incredible winter scenes.

Everyday here is an adventure and every night, when I lay my head down to sleep, I thank God that I'm a North Dakotan.

Looking Forward to a Change in Scenery by Holly Holt, Savannah, GA

My family is from the Midwest and I have been considering relocating to that part of the country soon, I just didn't know "which" part of the Midwest it would be until I visited North Dakota in November.

I spent a week in Fargo, where the retail industry seems to be doing well, and had a great time. I have been in retail sales/management for about 30 years now so I know retail!

I noticed Fargo has a state-of-the-art VA clinic and hospital! I'm a veteran and will need the VA clinic services.

My experience in Fargo reminded me of how things used to be. Slower pace, friendly people, less crime, and a safer feel. I think North Dakota would be just about the "polar opposite" of where I have been living the last 15 years so the "change of scenery" to move up there would be a new endeavor for me. One that I look forward to with four distinct seasons again and getting involved in the retail sector in the Fargo area soon.

giants
ED&F News Corner


Giant Snacks Expanding in Wahpeton

Giant Snacks Inc., a company known for its Giants Sunflower Seeds, recently opened its $4.5 million plant in Wahpeton. Giant Sunflower Seeds are promoted as the biggest sunflower seeds on the market. They are the official seeds of the Minnesota Twins and Colorado Rockies professional baseball teams.

ED&F business development manager, Laura Willard, and Division of Community Services CDBG Program Manager, Bonnie Malo worked closely with Jane Priebe from the City of Wahpeton and Tracey Anderson of Lake Agassiz Regional Council to help Giant Snacks access public finance programs.

Monsanto Breaks Ground on Asgrow® Soybean Seed Facility Expansion in North Dakota
Monsanto Company welcomed guests to the future home of the company’s Asgrow® soybean seed production facility in West Fargo, N.D., to celebrate the groundbreaking for a multi-million dollar facility expansion.

The site had previously been a sunflower seed production facility. With the sale of Monsanto’s sunflower business to Syngenta in August 2009, the site is now being converted and expanded to support Monsanto’s growing soybean business.

John Mittleider, ED&F manager of value-added ag development, assisted West Fargo business development director, Dorinda Anderson, and other local community leaders to identify and access state and local programs to assist with the expansion.

Monsanto Breaks Ground - Monsanto.com

Greater Fargo Moorhead EDC President Accepts New Position

The Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation (GFMEDC) announced today that its president, Brian Walters, has accepted a position with the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission.

Walters will join the Orlando organization as its executive vice president of business development on June 1. He has been president of the GFMEDC, formerly the Fargo Cass County Economic Development Corporation (FCCEDC), since May of 2002.

Greater Fargo Moorhead EDC President Accepts New Position - www.gfmedc.com

lgo
Innovate ND Awards Teams Up with FM Chamber

The Innovate ND awards ceremony and social is set for Tuesday, May 18, at the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel in Fargo. The event, dubbed the "Oscars" for Innovation in North Dakota, will feature the announcement of five winning business ideas that will receive the top cash award of $10,000 each. The event is presented by the North Dakota Department of Commerce and the Fargo Moorhead Chamber.

The top 25 participants in the Innovate ND competition will showcase their new ideas at individual booths during this casual business social and networking event, providing attendees the opportunity to meet the contestants and ask questions about their projects.

The event runs from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., and the awards ceremony begins at 5:45 p.m. Registration is available at FMChamber.com, and tickets may also be purchased at the door. The cost to attend is $20.

The public is also invited to vote for the 2010 Innovate ND People's Choice Award. Vote for your favorite finalist now through May 17.

Innovate ND Awards Teams Up with FM Chamber to Host

tourism conference
Commerce Commissioner, Shane Goettle, addresses the audience at the 2010 Tourism conference.
Tourism Tid-bits

Tourism Leaders Honored with Governor’s Travel and Tourism Awards
Eight Governor’s Travel and Tourism awards, recognizing outstanding leaders in the tourism industry, were presented at the 2010 North Dakota Tourism Conference in Minot. During the conference, North Dakota Lt. Governor Jack Dalrymple and Dept. of Commerce Commissioner Shane Goettle presented the awards.

Awards were presented to:
  • Carla Borlaug, Hazen Convention & Visitors Bureau
  • Pat Kiamis, El Rancho Hotel, Williston
  • Cole Carley, President, Fargo-Moorhead Convention and Visitors Bureau
  • Jim Cote, Park Superintendent, Williston Parks and Recreation
  • Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historic Site, Cooperstown
  • The Sam McQuade Sr./Budweiser Charity Softball Tournament, Bismarck
  • Bismarck-Mandan Convention and Visitors Bureau
  • Becoming an Outdoors-Woman
Tourism's Virtual Contest Celebrates N.D.'s Legendary Adventures and Tourism Week
Travelers, residents and fans of North Dakota who share videos or stories with photos of their Legendary North Dakota adventures May 8-16 can win a week-long North Dakota vacation.

The Travel North Dakota IMRU? contest, sponsored by North Dakota Tourism, is part of North Dakota Tourism Week. The contest is open to anyone that would like to share their Legendary North Dakota adventures by submitting videos or stories with photos on the Tourism web site.

All entries received May 8-16 will be entered for a drawing to win the new North Dakota Trail of Legends tour package.

Share your legendary experiences at RULegendary.com.

For more information about North Dakota Tourism visit NDtourism.com or call 800-435-5663.

Tourism Employee Named Parks and Recreation Director

Gov. John Hoeven named Mark Zimmerman to head the North Dakota Department of Parks and Recreation effective May 1. Current Director Doug Prchal has announced his retirement after 26 years of service in state government.

Prchal, a native of Killdeer, has served as director of the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department since 1994, and is responsible for the administration of the North Dakota State Parks.

Zimmerman, a native of Elgin, has served in a number of roles, both professionally and personally, that prepare him for the job. An active outdoorsman, since 2000, he has served as an Outdoor Recreation Specialist with the Tourism Division of the North Dakota Department of Commerce.

calendar
Mark the Calendar

Innovate ND Awards Ceremony and Social
May 18, 2010
Hilton Garden Inn Hotel, Fargo, ND

Don't miss this red carpet event. Reserve your ticket today!

Presented by the North Dakota Department of Commerce and the Fargo Moorhead Chamber.

New Professionals Day
June 2, 2010
North Dakota Department of Commerce - Icelandic Room

Register for New Professionals Day

Contact Brandi Schoenberg at 701-328-5373 or bschoenberg@nd.gov to register or for more details.

Economic Development Roundtable Discussion
June 3, 2010
North Dakota Department of Commerce

Register for the Economic Development Roundtable Discussion

Contact Brandi Schoenberg at 701-328-5373 or bschoenberg@nd.gov to register or for more details.

EDND Summer Conference
June 22-24
Bottineau, ND

share

Image: Gregory Szarkiewicz / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Share North Dakota Matters

If you found something interesting in this issue of North Dakota Matters, chances are someone else will find it interesting too. Share North Dakota Matters with your family and friends. Here's an easy ways to do it:

Update your status - copy and paste the following message on Facebook, Twitter, or other social networks.

Reading news and views in North Dakota Matters. Check it out! http://bit.ly/8Y80bg




This newsletter is available in plain text and HTML formats. Update Profile/Email Address | Instant Removal