August 23, 2023
Exploring Grand Forks: high tech tours, autonomous ventures, and collaborative innovation
Commerce's Economic Development & Finance team visited Grand Forks for an exclusive tour of Northrup Grumman's futuristic facility, witnessing advanced drone missions. They also explored autonomous ventures at Northern Plains Test Site and Grand Sky and engaged with innovation at the Hive accelerator. The trip wrapped up with insightful discussions at the Northeast ND EDA Directors meeting, leaving the team eager for more from Grand Forks' offerings.
Learn more about Economic Development & Finance
Sara Otte Coleman elected Chair of National Council of State Travel Directors
The North Dakota Department of Commerce Tourism and Marketing Director Sara Otte Coleman (photo attached) was elected as Chair of the National Council of State Travel Directors at their annual meeting held in conjunction with U.S. Travel Association’s ESTO Conference in Savannah, GA this week. This appointment recognizes her exceptional leadership in tourism and destination development, as well as her dedication to advancing the many benefits of travel.
"I'm honored to lead the National Council of State Travel Directors," Otte Coleman said. "This role is an incredible opportunity to collaborate with my counterparts and shape the future of travel and tourism for our country."
In her new role, Otte Coleman will focus on enhancing cooperation among state travel offices and advocating for policies that promote sustainable tourism growth. She will also be responsible for maintaining transparent and comprehensive data working with U.S. Travel and the National Travel and Tourism Office. Commerce congratulates Sara Otte Coleman on this achievement.
As a dynamic leader in North Dakota's tourism industry, Otte Coleman has consistently promoted North Dakota’s beautiful landscapes, vibrant communities, and authentic experiences to global travelers. Under her guidance, North Dakota's tourism has flourished significantly, welcoming more than 21 million visitors contributing $2.61 billion in visitor spending to the state's economy in 2021.
The National Council of State Tourism Directors (NCSTD) leverages the collective strength of state tourism offices to provide leadership and a forum for information sharing on issues impacting tourism. Learn more at ustravel.org.
Learn more about Tourism/Marketing
State office tackles workforce shortage
Addressing North Dakota's workforce shortage head-on, the state legislature authorized the establishment of the Office of Legal Immigration. Commerce Workforce Deputy Director Janna Pastir envisions the new office as a key hub for workforce development.
“North Dakota’s economic growth is stymied by our lack of available workforce,” said Pastir. “We know there is immense talent beyond our borders, persons who want to work and build a life in North Dakota. Our aim is to work with numerous partner agencies and our business community in the recruitment and retention of foreign labor, as well as supporting work-authorized immigrants already here.”
North Dakota has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation, yet Job Service North Dakota estimates up to 40,000 job vacancies in the state. The Office of Legal Immigration, part of the North Dakota Department of Commerce, is legislatively mandated to develop and implement a statewide strategy to support recruitment and retention of foreign labor, including immigrants already in the U.S. In addition, the Office will:
- Advise and make recommendations to the governor, legislative assembly and state agencies regarding immigrant integration and foreign labor issues
- Develop a pilot program that supports businesses pursuing or employing work-authorized immigrants and supporting communities to develop integration plans and activities
- Partner with other state agencies to develop and administer programs or services related to immigration integration.
The Office will serve as a liaison between agencies and partners that facilitate global talent and immigration activities, the governor’s office, and the legislative body.
Empowering North Dakota's Military Excellence: Base Retention Grant funds now available
The North Dakota Commerce is pleased to announce the launch of the 2023 Base Retention Grants, a crucial initiative aimed at supporting organizations committed to strengthening and retaining the missions of the Air Force and Air National Guard in Minot, Grand Forks, and Fargo.
The Base Retention Grant program allocates:
- $850,000 for eligible organizations in Minot
- $250,000 for eligible organizations in Grand Forks
- $250,000 for eligible organizations in Fargo
Commerce remains committed to fostering strong alliances with organizations dedicated to propelling the growth and triumph of our state's military bases. The Base Retention Grants stand as a testament to our unwavering support for the Air Force and Air National Guard missions in Minot, Grand Forks, and Fargo.
North Dakota and Netherlands strengthen economic collaboration
Commerce COO and Deputy Commissioner, Shawn Kessel, and Consul General Bart Twaalfhoven convened for a productive conversation centered around North Dakota's economy, the pivotal role of the Commerce department within the state, and the prospects for bolstering collaborative efforts between North Dakota and the Netherlands. The dialogue highlighted potential areas of synergy for economic cooperation and growth.
Learn more about the Global Engagement Office
Workforce director makes history
Katie Ralston Howe, Workforce Division Director at the North Dakota Department of Commerce, has been elected to the National Association for State Liaisons for Workforce Development Partnerships executive committee, marking the first time that North Dakota has had representation at this level.
The National Association of State Liaisons for Workforce Development Partnerships is an affiliate of the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices. It provides a national forum for those implementing workforce development programs to exchange information, ideas, and best practices to maintain and improve workforce development initiatives. More information can be found at www.nga.org.
Reflecting on the NGA Summer Workforce Symposium
As we reflect on the success of the National Governors Association (NGA) Summer Workforce Symposium in Fargo, we want to highlight all the North Dakotans who participated in delivering meaningful content and represented our state so well in the process.
Mike Hanson, director of the North Valley Career and Technology Center (NVCTC) in Grafton participated in a panel on youth employment and career preparation. Hanson discussed how NVCTC provides work-based learning opportunities for all students and added one of the most valuable lessons to come from these experiences is helping students discover what they want or don’t want to do after graduation. Job shadows and internships help students make informed decisions about their career paths. Symposium attendees were impressed by the level of participation from employers who are eager to provide work-based learning opportunities for students.
Jenny Olson, site leader of Microsoft Fargo gave an energetic welcome when symposium attendees arrived at Microsoft for their second day of programming. She shared the story of how Microsoft-Fargo started, and the impact that location has on Microsoft as an organization. Also representing Microsoft was Taya Spelhaug, TechSpark Manager and a member of the ND Workforce Development Council. Spelhaug participated on a panel about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the future of work. She discussed efficiencies that can be created through AI and the importance of adapting and learning how to utilize this tool, while stressing digital equity and the importance for all workers to develop the computer science and cybersecurity skills necessary to participate in the workforce across industry. Spelhaug reminded the audience that today, every job is a tech job.
Cardinal IG opened its doors to all attendees for a tour and an excellent panel discussion on supporting New American workers. Plant Manager, Mike Arntson, and several team members highlighted an inclusive work environment and explained that leaders and team members alike support one another while advancing Cardinal IG’s mission.
Members of the National Associations for Liaisons for Workforce Development Partnerships and State Workforce Board Chairs have expressed interest in developing tools for creating stronger partnerships with tribal communities, and we were proud to see several North Dakotans featured in a panel of best practices in this area. Melana Howe, grant project manager at Lake Region State College; Anthony Bauer, economic and workforce development specialist for the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission; and Robert Harber, Rockies Area VP for Halliburton highlighted the Tribal College Apprenticeship Program (TCAP) that is bringing together tribal colleges, private sector businesses, state education and workforce leaders to develop new apprenticeship programs. Bauer also brought in valuable perspectives on engaging and partnering with tribal communities more broadly, and attendees walked away with tangible resources on starting or advancing similar work in their states. This panel was moderated by North Dakota workforce director, Katie Ralston Howe, who serves on the TCAP advisory committee.
Finally, Dave Farnsworth, Chair of the North Dakota Workforce Development Council completed his term as vice chair of the National Association of State Workforce Board Chairs. His colleagues expressed their thanks for his leadership throughout the last several years with the association. As one chapter closed, another opened with Commerce workforce director, Katie Ralston Howe’s election as vice chair of the National Association of Liaisons for Workforce Development Partnerships.
Overall, North Dakota was well-represented by a variety of workforce leaders from our state, and we received rave reviews from attendees who felt welcomed by everyone from hotel staff, coffee shop baristas, and everyone in between.
~ Katie Ralston Howe
Elevate your community: enter the 2023 Governor's Main Street Awards!
Step into the spotlight and showcase your community's exceptional spirit by nominating for the 2023 Governor's Main Street Awards. It's your chance to shine, regardless of your community's size or location. Nominate before September 15, 2023, and highlight your community's Main Street Initiative achievements from the past year. The grand celebration awaits – picture your community winning at the prestigious 2023 Main Street ND Summit. Explore categories like Healthy, Vibrant Community and Smart, Efficient Infrastructure. Dare to be outstanding – nominate now and let your community's excellence resonate!
Nominate, register and learn more
Regional Workforce Impact Program: application period opening soon
Commerce introduces the Regional Workforce Impact Program (RWIP) to tackle workforce challenges via region-specific initiatives. RWIP provides grants to local entities for innovative solutions, fostering economic stability and prosperity. With funding allocations based on regional populations, this program aims to enhance talent attraction, retention, infrastructure, and capital investments while promoting collaboration for sustainable workforce development. Explore the grant guidance and be part of shaping the future of North Dakota's workforce landscape.
Epic Trails backpacks through North Dakota
North Dakota will be featured in a new episode of Epic Trails set to premiere in September.
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August 10, 2023
Team Commerce convenes for strategic planning in Bismarck
The Department of Commerce is grateful for the opportunity to advance the state forward in multiple ways. I may be biased, but I believe that we have the most exciting mission that we get to own: to increase the overall wealth of the state through the attraction and retention of capital and talent. That is a simple statement at the surface, but a wildly complex and fascinating mission to tackle on behalf of our 780,000 shareholders who make up our great state.
Commerce executes on this mission through four operational divisions: economic development, workforce development, community development, and tourism development. We also have several enabling horizontals that support these divisions, such as the state’s marketing, a finance portfolio, statewide foreign direct investment, the office of legal immigration, and office of energy and economic collaboration.
In the past, critics of Commerce have said that we exist as four separate divisions, not one cohesive department. One of my primary goals as Commissioner is to change that. We know that economic development drives workforce development. We know that for workforce development efforts to be successful, we need healthy vibrant communities for people to live in. Part of healthy vibrant communities is having robust recreational opportunities for families to enjoy. All these things function in a circular manner that drive one another. We cannot have one of these cogs in the wheel missing or falling short, or the whole ecosystem is compromised and doesn’t function properly.
I am incredibly proud of the members of Team Commerce as I believe we are truly firing on all cylinders, working together as one, and comprehensively helping to drive the state forward via a collaborative approach as one department functioning in full harmony as our strategies converge into one. We have seen tremendous progress in workforce development in comparison to other states, we have record levels of deal flow looking to invest in the state, more Main Street communities than ever before, and a booming interest from entities looking to invest in value-added tourism opportunities.
Four divisions, working together as one, to further each other’s missions and to drive a comprehensive approach as a full department. We know we can’t do all of this alone. We must engage with a variety of other state and federal agencies, community leadership, and private sector businesses to reach our goals and improve the lives of every citizen in North Dakota.
– Commerce Commissioner Josh Teigen
NGA’s 2023 Summer Workforce Symposium held in Fargo
The National Governors Association (NGA) has been hosting its Summer Workforce Symposium of the National Association of State Liaisons for Workforce Development Partnerships and the National Association of State Workforce Board Chairs. The convening started on Tuesday, August 8. The Symposium brings together state workforce development leaders who carry out their Governor’s vision for workforce development policy, strategic investment, and the administration and oversight of federal and state workforce programs.
Symposium programming is offering these leaders opportunities to share challenges and best practices with one another and engage in solutions-oriented dialogue with subject matter experts, business and nonprofit partners, and policymakers across all levels of government.
On Wednesday, August 9, Symposium attendees went to Microsoft where Gov. Burgum joined for a fireside chat with Timothy Blute, Director of NGA Center for Best Practices. Gov. Burgum credited the Workforce Development Council’s leadership of our state workforce system and highlighted innovative ways North Dakota is addressing our workforce challenges, including the Regional Workforce Impact Program, the recent $66M child care package that passed during the legislative session, and the expansion of area career and technology centers. Burgum also discussed how advancements in AI are impacting the workforce and the economy.
North Dakota was one of six states selected in 2021 for the second phase of NGA’s Workforce Innovation Network, in which states worked to deploy cross-agency teams to identify and implement strategies that advance digital skill development and more equitable economic participation.
Learn more about Workforce Development
Nominate your community for the 2023 Governor's Main Street Awards!
The Governor's Main Street Awards recognize North Dakota communities that have demonstrated excellence in the principles of the Main Street Initiative.
This year's awards are open to all communities, regardless of size or location.
Nominations are due by Sept. 15, 2023. To be eligible, your community must have implemented at least one Main Street Initiative project in the past year. Award categories are as follows:
- Healthy, Vibrant Community
- Smart, Efficient Infrastructure
- 21st Century Workforce
- Main Street Excellence
- Economic Diversification
- Future Leaders Empowerment
Winners will be announced at the 2023 Main Street ND Summit in Watford City this October.
Nominate, Register and Learn More
North Dakota celebrates first-ever National Sunflower Day
On Saturday, Aug. 5, North Dakota Tourism, along with National Day Calendar and the National Sunflower Association, celebrated the first-ever National Sunflower Day! This event aimed to spread awareness and knowledge about sunflowers and showcase the North Dakota Sunflower Map.
Socially, the event generated 23,518 impressions, 961 engagements and reached nearly 20,000 people on North Dakota Tourism's social platforms. In addition, the sunflower public relations campaign efforts garnered more than 350 media instances reaching over 267 million.
Thank you to our incredible partners for joining in the celebration!
Learn more about Tourism/Marketing
Multi-State Placemaking Best Practices Exchange Workshop well attended
More than 70 attendees from diverse professional backgrounds across the state gathered on Aug. 4 at Minot State University's Student Center. As part of the workshop experience, a downtown walking tour to enhance attendee's ideas was offered. Also, some of the guests participated in community tours on Aug. 3, which included an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour at the Discovery Center and a captivating historic and restaurant tour featuring a Taste of Minot.
During the workshop itself, four esteemed guest speakers shared a wealth of ideas and best practices with community members/attendees. These insights are designed to be taken back to their respective communities, fostering growth and positive change. The topics covered included Urban and Winter Placemaking strategies, Rural Community Engagement approaches, fostering collaboration with local entities, and innovative ways to engage and empower the youth in placemaking.
The workshop was a fantastic opportunity for attendees to gain fresh perspectives, network with peers from various fields, and gather actionable strategies to enhance the vibrancy and livability of their own communities. Commerce is grateful to everyone who contributed to the success of this event and look forward to the continued impact of these shared ideas and practices across our state.
Effertz meets with top officials in Washington, D.C.
New State Energy Office Directors and Senior Staff from 12 states and territories convened in Washington, D.C. for NASEO’s New Director Orientation. Over the four-day event, the directors and senior staff met with key personnel from the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Congress and the White House, as well as energy NGOs and trade associations.
Learn more about Community Services
Travels with Darley “Chasing Sunflowers” in North Dakota
Emmy Award-nominated host Darley Newman of Travels with Darley is traveling through the state capturing content that will be featured in season 11 of her PBS series. In each episode, Darley travels with locals in beautiful and awe-inspiring locations to experience authentic adventures and reveal a greater sense of place. Viewers experience diverse cultures and traditions and what makes each location truly unique.
Watch for North Dakota’s amazing sunflowers and Darley's legendary travel experiences on PBS and Create TV in 2024! See her KVRR interview here.
Let the amazing sunflower put a smile on your face
Building Commerce from White Butte
White Butte is North Dakota’s highest natural point at 3,506 feet. As the number of visitors to White Butte rises every year, the question of how to draw those visitors in to enjoy the surrounding communities was asked. Bowman County Development Corporation launched an initiative in June to help draw visitors to the county and support local commerce.
On top of White Butte sits a metal sign with information on how to redeem a local coupon book and get a discount on a White Butte t-shirt. Visitors are encouraged to sign the paper guestbook and submit their photos to the digital guestbook available only through the secret website page accessed while atop of White Butte.
All of this comes at an exciting time as the Maah Daah Hey Trail Association is updating the trail up White Butte to make it an easier, more gradual ascent. They have already added a bench to the top and will be adding more features at the base of the butte.