Grand Forks Region EDC News

BRIC members on hand for Heitkamp award presentation

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 08:41:28 -0600

The Association of Defense Communities (ADC) today presented U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp with the 2013 Defense Community Award for her steadfast support of North Dakota’s military installations. Heitkamp was one of three Senators to be honored at the Defense Communities National Summit in Washington, DC.

Grand Forks BRIC representatives attending the ADC conference were part of the presentation.

EDC co-sponsoring job instruction seminar

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 08:31:46 -0600

The Grand Forks Region EDC, Opp Construction, and Job Service ND are working with Dakota MEP, ND Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI), and the ND Petroleum Council to bring a Effective Job Instruction seminar to the Ramada Inn in Grand Forks June 18-19.

Companies using the Effective Job Instruction program for their training have reduced safety incidents and related costs an average of 25 percent, increased sales per employee by 10 percent, and reduced time it takes to learn a job an average of 50 percent.

Groups sign UAS alliance agreement

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 10:55:57 -0600

Representatives of government, academic and private organizations signed a “strategic alliance agreement” Thursday to further promote unmanned aircraft systems in the Grand Forks region.

Grand Forks job growth ranking jumps

Tue, 21 May 2013 07:50:03 -0600

A recent report ranking job growth among small cities puts the Grand Forks region at 37 of 241, a jump from the 114 spot a year ago.

Grand Forks Council hears fertilizer plant plans

Wed, 15 May 2013 07:26:46 -0600

Grand Forks City Council members Tuesday received a preview of the long list of preparations required to make a proposed $1.5 billion fertilizer plant near the city a reality.

$1.5 billion fertilizer plant planned for Grand Forks

Fri, 10 May 2013 08:19:29 -0600

Plans for a $1.5 billion fertilizer plant are underway for theGrand Forksregion and could open as early as Spring 2017, announced officials of the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and Northern Plains Nitrogen (NPN).

Approximately 2,000 people will be employed during the construction phase. Once completed, NPN will employ approximately 135 full time employees in operations, maintenance, engineering, administration, and marketing.

EDC relocates to new office

Wed, 01 May 2013 07:56:08 -0600

The Grand Forks Region EDC office is moving Monday, May 6 to an office suite at 120 N. 4th St., Grand Forks.

Acme planning expansion into business park

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:52:35 -0600

Acme Tools of Grand Forks is planning a 40,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution center in the city’s Industrial Park.

Grand Forks County proposes test range for drone sensors

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 08:33:56 -0600

Grand Forks County wants to develop a test range for drone sensors somewhere in the county to help companies in the growing unmanned aircraft systems industry.

Valley Prosperity Partnership research underway

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 08:47:58 -0600

Early employer survey results indicate higher than average loyalty and work ethic among Red River Valley employees, Bill Fredrick, president of Wadley-Donovan GrowthTech, told the Valley Prosperity Partnership (VPP) steering Committee at its meeting April 8.

EDC clients receive funding support for expansions

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:38:30 -0600

Three EDC clients have recently been awarded funding through the City of Grand Forks Growth Fund, which were approved by the Jobs Development Authority.

“These expansions are exciting for our region,” said EDC President & CEO Klaus Thiessen. “Their commitments to grow here are a testament to the outstanding business environment our region supports.”

Directors re-elected, advisory members recognized

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 08:51:09 -0600

At its annual meeting April 4, EDC members re-elected three directors and recognized three advisory board members who are completing service with the board.

GGFYP hosting leadership event May 10

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 07:59:24 -0600

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, leadership expert John C. Maxwell, productivity expert David Allen. Just a few people being brought to you by the Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals through a May 10 leadercast event.

Seminar to review border crossing procedures

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 07:47:50 -0600

The Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters invite regional businesses to join them April 23 for a Canada-US Border Crossing Seminar at the Victoria Inn in Winnipeg.

EDC annual meeting: Clients prospering, new growth on horizon

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 07:38:10 -0600

Economic development success is the result of effective collaboration that was elevated to higher levels in 2012, Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation (EDC) President & CEO said at the organization’s annual meeting April 4.

BRIC members talk UAS, tankers with delegation

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 07:48:41 -0600

BRIC members met this week with the state's Congressional delegation and Air Force officials about progress and opportunities to enhance the base and its economic impact on the Grand Forks region.

Annual meeting to highlight 2012 results, future opportunities

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 08:08:39 -0600

The Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation (EDC) will recap 2012 economic development progress at its annual meeting at 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 4 at the Alerus Center.

The meeting is free and open to the public. Please call the EDC office at 701-746-2720 by Monday, March 26 to register.

Northrop Grumman expresses commitment to support UAS business park

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 15:18:13 -0600

Northrop Grumman is committed to entering a strategic alliance with key Grand Forks partners and working toward an Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) agreement that would make the global aerospace and defense technology company a tenant in the air base’s new high-tech complex.

Grand Forks UAS programs receive national press

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 10:45:40 -0700

In recent weeks, UAS activity at the University of North Dakota and the Grand Forks region have received national attention in feature stories in the New York Times and on CBS Sunday Morning.

EDC office moving, furniture for sale

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 15:42:07 -0700

Furniture and miscellaneous office items for sale, including modular systems, oak furniture. Make an offer.

Regional business leaders shape plan for Valley's economic future

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 13:04:34 -0700

Spurred by the vision and a $100,000 investment from Forum Communications Company Chairman William C. Marcil, the Valley Prosperity Partnership (VPP) has been formed to identify strategic economic opportunities to bring the Red River Valley region of North Dakota and Minnesota together to focus on workforce, job creation, social infrastructure, and economic needs of the region.

Tech company expanding GF footprint

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 09:41:55 -0700

Following an EDC board recommendation, the City of Grand Forks Growth Fund and Jobs Development Authority approved a funding request yesterday from HB Sound & Light to assist with an expansion project.

Tech company expanding GF footprint

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 09:41:51 -0700

Grand Forks base a finalist for tanker mission

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 15:15:15 -0700

North Dakota's congressional delegation announced today th Grand Forks Air Force Base is one of four named as a finalist to be an activity duty base for the nation's KC-46A aerial refueling tanker mission.

Icard named to 40-Under-40

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 09:46:05 -0700

Prairie Business magazine has named EDC's Eric Icard among its honorees on the annual 40-Under-40 honor roll.

Region thanks senator for tireless support

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 07:25:04 -0700

North Dakota Senator Kent Conrad was lauded Dec. 8 for the impact his work has had on the Grand Forks region. “Grand Forks is forever etched in head and in my heart,” Conrad told more than 100 well-wishers. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished.”

Business boot camp kicks off Saturday in Grand Forks

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 10:17:41 -0700

The first Innovate ND boot camp kicks off Saturday in Grand Forks, open to anyone interested in learning more about how to develop a business concept.

EDC, BRIC co-hosting appreciation brunch for Conrad

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 08:02:16 -0700

As North Dakota Senator Kent Conrad prepares to leave office next month, the Grand Forks community will honor him at a brunch from 10:30 a.m. - noon, Saturday, Dec. 8.

Tickets can be reserved with The Chamber via email or by calling 701-772-7271.

Lund, Wilfahrt among featured speakers sharing statewide impact of oil boom

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 08:50:39 -0700

Grand Forks and North Dakota are thriving and others want to hear how we’re doing it. Keith Lund, Grand Forks Region EDC vice president, and Barry Wilfahrt, The Chamber’s president and CEO, were among featured speakers at a conference in Summit, MS last week to share experiences with a region of the country on the brink of its own oil boom.

Acme Tools expanding into the Bakken

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 10:44:08 -0700

EDC member company Acme Tools has announced plans to build its fifth North Dakota store in Williston, N.D., the heart of the state's Bakken oil region.

Manufacturing jobs, wages climbing

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 08:20:40 -0700

Forty-three companies in the area reported a net gain since 2005 of 971 jobs and an increase of $16,186 in average annual wages, or $11,093 after adjusting for inflation.

McCain impressed by Grand Forks UAS capabilities

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 07:42:32 -0600

The aviation industry is about to make a sharp technological turn to an era of unmanned aircraft systems, and Grand Forks is in position to be a leader the transition, said Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz, when he visited UND's training grounds Thursday, Nov. 1.

State, local groups working toward UAS hub

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 08:09:27 -0600

Sen. John Hoeven was in Grand Forks on Wednesday with executives of an aerospace company he hopes could be a big part of a proposed unmanned aircraft systems campus at the Air Force base.

Lund: Collaboration led to successful first Career Expo

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 12:09:50 -0600

Letter: The first-ever Northern Valley Career Expo was a tremendous collaboration among education, economic development, and workforce organizations in Northeast North Dakota and Northwest Minnesota.

Employers, educators court students in Grand Forks region

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 08:53:53 -0600

The Grand Forks Region EDC was part of a consortium of organizations that planned the Oct. 24 Northern Valley Career Expo, part of a regional workforce retention initiative. More than 1200 high school students were exposed to career opportunities available in the northern Red River Valley.

Steffes hosting open house tomorrow

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 12:36:07 -0600

Steffes Corporation, one of the EDC's newest members, is hosting an open house for the Grand Forks area community from 10:30 to noon Tuesday, Oct. 23 at its plant on Highway 2. A ribbon cutting event at 10 a.m. will precede the open house.

Ecolab announces Grand Forks closure

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 07:26:48 -0600

Ecolab, Inc will close its Grand Forks office by July 2013 as part of a strategic move, the company said, to operate efficiently in fewer facilities. “While we are disappointed in this announcement, we remain focused on moving forward as a region and growing our economy,” said Klaus Thiessen, Grand Forks Region EDC president & CEO.

Expo to showcase Northern Valley career opportunities

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 08:53:23 -0600

Early efforts by the EDC to address regional workforce needs are culminating with the first-ever Northern Valley Career Expo Wednesday, Oct. 24.

Fast growth drives company housing

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 10:13:48 -0600

EDC client Diverse Energy Systems, the fast-growing producer of steel tanks and other products for western North Dakota’s burgeoning oil industry, is converting 10 duplex residential buildings that once served the region’s migrant farmworker community into temporary apartments for new employees.

Companies hosting community open house events

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 12:16:31 -0600

Steffes Corporation and Diverse Energy Systems are hosting community events on Oct. 23 and Oct. 29, respectively.

EDC, Lund to be part of IAMC

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 11:40:11 -0600

Keith Lund, vice president, will represent the Grand Forks Region EDC as a new member to the Industrial Asset Management Council (IAMC).

LM Wind Power announces reduction, EDC works to assist those effected

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 10:33:48 -0600

In advance of lay-offs announced this week by LM Wind Power, the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation has assisted company officials to minimize the impact to its employees and the community.

Visioning project wants your feedback

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 07:50:32 -0600

Share your thoughts about the Grand Forks/East Grand Forks community and be part of helping build and even better community - and get a chance at winning prizes.

Avoidance test a success

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 07:32:24 -0600

Grand Forks' University of North Dakota is one step closer to developing sense and avoid software for unmanned vechicles.

UND and NASA held a demonstration Sept. 19 at the Grand Forks International Airport.

U.S.-Canada border action planning event Oct. 5

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 14:34:53 -0600

Join Canadian and U.S. officials to discuss the Action Plans, implementation work-in-progress, and implications for North Dakota at the Grand Forks Alerus Center on Friday, October 5, from 1:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Employers invited to exhibit at Expo

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 10:08:23 -0600

Exhibitor registrations are still being accepted for the first Northern Valley Career Expo on Oct. 24 at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks. For more information or to register visit the Northern Valley Career Expo website or contact Keith Lund.

Grand Forks named among best for young people

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 15:31:54 -0600

For the sixth time, Grand Forks has been named one of America’s Promise Alliance’s 100 Best Communities for Young People by ING. The competition recognizes communities across the country for their commitment and initiatives to help young people, particularly those that focus on reducing high school dropout rates and providing service and support to their youth.

Thompson school honored with national award

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 10:11:22 -0600

The Thompson (N.D.) Elementary School is one of two North Dakota elementary schools named a 2012 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.

Herald profiles BRIC, UAS initiative

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 09:41:23 -0600

BRIC has received permission to move ahead with a proposal to lease land at the Grand Forks Air Force Base.

Cirrus to increase production, employees

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 11:50:42 -0600

Cirrus Aircraft will be adding at least 60 employees at its Grand Forks plant as it enters into a partnership with ICON Aircraft to produce a significant portion of the composite airframe components for the ICON A5 amphibious Light Sport Aircraft.