Commerce Connection

August 21, 2025

Commerce Staff Hits the Road for Quarterly Meeting in Washburn

The Commerce team recently held its quarterly meeting in Washburn, gathering at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center for a day of strategic planning and community connection.

In addition to reviewing policy and division goals, staff had the opportunity to explore local tourism assets and learn more about regional workforce and energy initiatives. The visit included a tour of historic Fort Mandan and an inside look at operations at Rainbow Energy—offering firsthand insight into the industries powering North Dakota’s economy.

Developer Day 2025 Ignites Innovation Across North Dakota

Held on Aug. 6 in Bismarck, Commerce/EDND Developer Day 2025 brought together economic development professionals from across North Dakota for a day of learning, collaboration, and innovation. Highlights included a welcome from Gov. Kelly Armstrong, a legislative update from Commerce division leaders, and hands-on training in LOIS and Lasso platforms.

Attendees also participated in state partner roundtables, workforce discussions, and networking sessions—gaining tools and insights to strengthen local development efforts. The event wrapped with success stories and one-on-one opportunities with Strata Platforms, reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing North Dakota’s communities.

Economic Development & Finance

Global Talent Summit Tackles Workforce Gaps Through Legal Immigration

The 2025 North Dakota Global Talent Summit, hosted by Commerce’s Global Talent Office, brought together over 100 attendees at Bismarck State College to explore legal immigration as a workforce solution. Gov. Kelly Armstrong emphasized the need for bold strategies to attract and retain global talent.

Sessions covered immigration pathways, hiring strategies, and community integration, with insights from national experts like Betsy Fisher and Mike Zimmer. “This summit is about action,” said Katie Ralston Howe, Workforce Director and Deputy Commerce Commissioner. “We’re helping employers compete globally and build stronger communities."

Watch a special message from First Lady Kjersti Armstrong

Learn more about the Global Talent Summit

Workforce Development

Woodland Resort Unveils The Shores Venue with Grand Opening Celebration

Woodland Resort celebrated the grand opening of its newest addition, The Shores venue — a 13,000-square-foot event center overlooking the picturesque Creel Bay on Devils Lake. The public event featured remarks from Gov. Kelly Armstrong and other key contributors, highlighting the venue’s role in enhancing North Dakota’s tourism appeal.

Supported in part by a $1.75 million Destination Development grant, The Shores venue is designed to host weddings, corporate events, and large gatherings, accommodating up to 400 guests with flexible indoor and outdoor spaces, on-site catering, and bar services.

“This project is a complete extension of our business,” said Kyle Blanchfield, third-generation owner of Woodland Resort. “We can now offer once-in-a-lifetime events in one of the most beautiful locations in the region.”

Gov. Armstrong praised the development, noting, “Whether it’s the thrill of catching a 30-inch walleye or the reward of an unforgettable hike, guests create lifelong memories here — and The Shores adds another way to experience this incredible region.” The opening of this venue signals a new chapter in Devils Lake’s growth as a hub for tourism, recreation, and celebration.

Learn more about "The Shores" venue

Tourism and Marketing

Broadway Circle Expands Housing Access in Minot

The City of Minot is celebrating the completion of Broadway Circle, a new development featuring a 6-unit emergency family shelter, 17 affordable housing units, and commercial space. The project received $300,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for land acquisition in 2019 and is now fully complete.

It is supported by the National Disaster Resilience Program and aligns with Commerce’s mission to strengthen communities. Commerce Community Services Program Manager Tonya Forderer attended the ribbon-cutting event, which included facility tours and recognition of key partners.

Pathfinder Services of North Dakota will operate the facility and relocate its full suite of family and housing support services on-site. Applications for housing will open soon, with the facility expected to launch within two months.

Watch the Broadway Circle ribbon cutting

Community Services

Also Happening At Commerce

• Armstrong Meets with Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate to Advance Collaboration, Garman Shares Economic Opportunities: Gov. Kelly Armstrong met with the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate on Aug. 19 to strengthen state-tribal partnerships and discuss shared priorities. He encouraged collaboration to address challenges locally, without waiting on federal action. Rich Garman, Economic Development & Finance Director, led discussions on development opportunities. The visit, hosted at Dakota Magic Casino, included breakout sessions on key issues and marked another step in Armstrong’s commitment to visit all five tribal nations in his first year. See the full release.
• Central Region Fall Planning Roundtable Held in Bismarck, Miller and Faul Join Conversation: The North Dakota Planning Association hosted their Central Region Fall Roundtable in Bismarck on Aug. 20, bringing together local leaders to discuss legislative updates, zoning challenges, and regional development priorities. Commerce’s Economic Development & Finance Deputy Director Tracey Miller and Program Administrator Ben Faul participated in the discussions, which covered topics such as extraterritorial jurisdictions and code enforcement. Additional roundtables are scheduled for Fargo on Sept. 9 and Watford City on Oct. 2. You can register on the NDPA website.
• North Dakota Team Brings Bold Ideas Home from ESTO 2025: North Dakota’s tourism and marketing leaders joined over 1,000 destination professionals at ESTO 2025, the industry’s premier conference for destination marketing. Representing Commerce were Sara Otte Coleman (Tourism & Marketing Director), Deanne Cunningham (Group Travel Marketing Manager), Alicia Jolliffe (Social Media Strategist), Fred Walker (Global Marketing Manager), and Heather LeMoine (Marketing & Research Manager). They were joined by Gwen Hubbard and Taylor Lach of Odney Advertising. The team participated in numerous sessions, including six focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and an interactive AI playground. Fred Walker led the international peer-to-peer session, while Sara Otte Coleman led the NCSTD boot camp and meetings. The event delivered fresh insights, bold ideas, and actionable strategies to elevate North Dakota’s tourism efforts.
• North Dakota Tourism and Local Communities Partner with Travels with Darley: North Dakota Tourism, in collaboration with the cities of Minot, Devils Lake, and Grand Forks, is partnering with the Emmy-nominated travel series Travels with Darley to spotlight the state’s culture, food, history, and outdoor experiences. Host Darley Newman was in state filming a new episode featuring these communities, bringing national attention to what makes North Dakota a must-visit destination. You can catch behind-the-scenes moments and early highlights on Darley’s social media channels—stay tuned for air dates and streaming details!
• Fiber Roundtable Held in Carrington, Sonsalla participates: On Aug. 20, fiber producers and processors gathered at the NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center to explore flax and hemp fiber varieties and discuss opportunities to grow the industry. Attendees shared their roles, goals, and ideas for advancing fiber production in North Dakota. Commerce Value-Added Ag Business Development Manager Kevin Sonsalla participated in the discussions, supporting efforts to strengthen this emerging sector.

Grant Opportunities

Destination Development Grant Approaching Deadline

This grant provides financial support for the development or expansion of tourism experiences and attractions that contribute to North Dakota’s economic growth and diversification.

Who’s eligible: For-profit businesses, non-profit organizations, or tourism-related entities are eligible to apply. This includes those operating in government-owned buildings or on public property, provided the grant funds are used solely to improve assets owned by the business or non-profit — not the public facility itself.

Key Dates: Applications for the Destination Development Grant are due by Sept. 2 at 5 p.m. CDT.

Apply Today!

Rural Grocery Sustainability Grant Deadline Approaching

This grant supports rural North Dakota communities in strengthening local food access and ensuring long-term grocery store sustainability. Up to $150,000 per project is available, with a focus on collaboration and lasting impact.

Who’s eligible: Political subdivisions, tribal entities, and regional councils serving communities of 4,500 or fewer.

Key Dates: Time is running out! Applications for the Rural Grocery Store Sustainability Grant are due by Sept. 3 at 5 p.m. CDT.; Awards announced: Sept. 17

Apply Today!

Upcoming Events

• The North Dakota Travel Industry Marketing Summit will be on Oct. 7 at the Harold Newman Arena on the University of Jamestown Campus in Jamestown. The North Dakota Tourism team will be presenting the 2026 Media Plan, research and insights, cooperative programs and more.  All travel and tourism business, agencies and organizations are invited to attend this free event.
• 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!
• ILT Academy will host two in-person Idea Accelerator Workshops at the end of August to support aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs. The Bismarck session, held in partnership with the Indian Affairs Commission, takes place Monday, Aug. 25, and the Minot session follows on Tuesday, Aug. 26. Commerce’s Value-Added Ag Business Development Manager will participate in the discussions. Both workshops run from 1–4 p.m. CT and are designed to help participants refine business ideas and explore next steps. Register for Bismarck | Register for Minot
• Free English Learning Demo for Employers. Join the Global Talent Office for a live demo of the EnGen Platform—an English learning tool for non-native speakers, offered at no cost to North Dakota employers and workers. The demo takes place Thursday, Aug. 28, 11:00 a.m. – noon CDT, online and is hosted by the Commerce Workforce Development Division. Don’t miss this opportunity to support your workforce. Register Today!

Power In Partnerships

Reopening the Heart of Town

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:

In Crystal, North Dakota (population 111), the closure of Roadside 66 in Dec. 2023 left the town without its vital gathering place. Refusing to let it go, residents raised over $100,000 and, with help from the Pembina County JDA and a Rural Food Sustainability Grant, secured the remaining funds. In May 2024, the store reopened as The Chuck Stop—offering groceries, meals, fuel, and connection. Co-owner Charlotte Saiger credits the community, her family, and state support for the revival. This comeback, led by local leaders and Commerce, is a powerful example of rural resilience and partnership in action.

Read Their Story

See More Partnership Wins

In The News

• Applied Digital to Break Ground on $3 Billion Polaris Forge 2 Campus in September 2025, Expanding North Dakota’s Role as a National AI Infrastructure Leader
• ND Global Talent Summit in Bismarck
• Tribune editorial: Tourism found a great match with Tigirlily
• North Dakota’s Global Talent Office Launches Statewide Effort to Connect Workers with Career-Aligned English Skills via EnGen
• North Dakota Drone Delivery: “Medical Supplies Transported 80 Miles in 35 Minutes”
• New daycare and preschool to benefit Minot community

Did You Know

North Dakota’s tourism industry generates over $3 billion annually and supports more than 42,000 jobs statewide. From national parks to cultural festivals, tourism fuels local economies and showcases the state’s unique charm. Nearly 80% of visitors say they’d recommend North Dakota to others—proof that our landscapes and hospitality leave a lasting impression. Every visitor helps strengthen our communities, preserve heritage, and share our legendary stories with the world.

Learn more about Tourism's impact on North Dakota's economy

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